used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The American tried to collect himself, for the charge had struck him like a bolt from the blue.
absurditynounUS /əbˈsɜːrdəti/
a message whose content is at variance with reason
From this reading Preposterous as it was, the very absurdity of it shocked him into quiet coolness.
ACCUSEDnounUS /əˈkjuːzd/
a defendant in a criminal proceeding
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
ACCUSERnounUS /əˈkjuːzər/
someone who imputes guilt or blame
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
a native or inhabitant of the United States
From this reading The American tried to collect himself, for the charge had struck him like a bolt from the blue.
AmericansnounUS /əˈmerəkənz/
plural of “american” — a native or inhabitant of the United States
From this reading He was utterly bored by the place, and showed it plainly: he disliked Americans by instinct and training and Hammer saw that the question of his guilt or innocence was of the utmost indifference to his inquisitor.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading The American tried to collect himself, for the charge had struck him like a bolt from the blue.
boltnounUS /boʊlt/
a discharge of lightning accompanied by thunder
From this reading The American tried to collect himself, for the charge had struck him like a bolt from the blue.
boredadjectiveUS /bɔːrd/
tired of the world
From this reading He was utterly bored by the place, and showed it plainly: he disliked Americans by instinct and training and Hammer saw that the question of his guilt or innocence was of the utmost indifference to his inquisitor.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He was utterly bored by the place, and showed it plainly: he disliked Americans by instinct and training and Hammer saw that the question of his guilt or innocence was of the utmost indifference to his inquisitor.
past form of “care” — feel concern or interest
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle
From this reading "Do you plead innocent or guilty to this charge Mr.--er--Hammer?"
collectverbUS /kəˈlekt/
get or gather together
From this reading The American tried to collect himself, for the charge had struck him like a bolt from the blue.
CommissionernounUS /kəˈmɪʃənər/
a government administrator
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
coolnessnounUS /ˈkuːlnəs/
calm and unruffled self-assurance
From this reading Preposterous as it was, the very absurdity of it shocked him into quiet coolness.
dislikedadjectiveUS /dɪˈslaɪkt/
regarded with aversion
From this reading He was utterly bored by the place, and showed it plainly: he disliked Americans by instinct and training and Hammer saw that the question of his guilt or innocence was of the utmost indifference to his inquisitor.
a region marked off for administrative or other purposes
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading "Do you plead innocent or guilty to this charge Mr.--er--Hammer?"
a trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group; occurs with yttrium
From this reading "Do you plead innocent or guilty to this charge Mr.--er--Hammer?"
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
plural of “god” — the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
guiltnounUS /ɡɪlt/
the state of having committed an offense
From this reading He was utterly bored by the place, and showed it plainly: he disliked Americans by instinct and training and Hammer saw that the question of his guilt or innocence was of the utmost indifference to his inquisitor.
responsible for or chargeable with a reprehensible act
From this reading "Do you plead innocent or guilty to this charge Mr.--er--Hammer?"
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
HammernounUS /ˈhæmər/
the part of a gunlock that strikes the percussion cap when the trigger is pulled
From this reading He was utterly bored by the place, and showed it plainly: he disliked Americans by instinct and training and Hammer saw that the question of his guilt or innocence was of the utmost indifference to his inquisitor.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The American tried to collect himself, for the charge had struck him like a bolt from the blue.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading The American tried to collect himself, for the charge had struck him like a bolt from the blue.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
inasmuch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
indifferencenounUS /ˌɪnˈdɪfərəns/
unbiased impartial unconcern
From this reading He was utterly bored by the place, and showed it plainly: he disliked Americans by instinct and training and Hammer saw that the question of his guilt or innocence was of the utmost indifference to his inquisitor.
innocencenounUS /ˈɪnəsəns/
the quality of innocent naivete
From this reading He was utterly bored by the place, and showed it plainly: he disliked Americans by instinct and training and Hammer saw that the question of his guilt or innocence was of the utmost indifference to his inquisitor.
free from evil or guilt
From this reading "Do you plead innocent or guilty to this charge Mr.--er--Hammer?"
inquisitornounUS /ˌɪnˈkwɪzətər/
a questioner who is excessively harsh
From this reading He was utterly bored by the place, and showed it plainly: he disliked Americans by instinct and training and Hammer saw that the question of his guilt or innocence was of the utmost indifference to his inquisitor.
inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli
From this reading He was utterly bored by the place, and showed it plainly: he disliked Americans by instinct and training and Hammer saw that the question of his guilt or innocence was of the utmost indifference to his inquisitor.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Preposterous as it was, the very absurdity of it shocked him into quiet coolness.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading The American tried to collect himself, for the charge had struck him like a bolt from the blue.
Melindi
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
a form of address for a man
From this reading "Do you plead innocent or guilty to this charge Mr.--er--Hammer?"
NairobinounUS /ˌnaɪˈroʊbi/
the capital and largest city of Kenya; a center for tourist safaris
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading He was utterly bored by the place, and showed it plainly: he disliked Americans by instinct and training and Hammer saw that the question of his guilt or innocence was of the utmost indifference to his inquisitor.
by chance
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading He was utterly bored by the place, and showed it plainly: he disliked Americans by instinct and training and Hammer saw that the question of his guilt or innocence was of the utmost indifference to his inquisitor.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading He was utterly bored by the place, and showed it plainly: he disliked Americans by instinct and training and Hammer saw that the question of his guilt or innocence was of the utmost indifference to his inquisitor.
pleadverbUS /pliːd/
appeal or request earnestly
From this reading "Do you plead innocent or guilty to this charge Mr.--er--Hammer?"
PreposterousadjectiveUS /prɪˈpɑːstərəs/
so unreasonable as to invite derision
From this reading Preposterous as it was, the very absurdity of it shocked him into quiet coolness.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading He was utterly bored by the place, and showed it plainly: he disliked Americans by instinct and training and Hammer saw that the question of his guilt or innocence was of the utmost indifference to his inquisitor.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading Preposterous as it was, the very absurdity of it shocked him into quiet coolness.
recentlyadverbUS /ˈriːsəntli/
in the recent past
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
cut with a saw
From this reading He was utterly bored by the place, and showed it plainly: he disliked Americans by instinct and training and Hammer saw that the question of his guilt or innocence was of the utmost indifference to his inquisitor.
shockedadjectiveUS /ʃɑːkt/
struck with fear, dread, or consternation
From this reading Preposterous as it was, the very absurdity of it shocked him into quiet coolness.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading He was utterly bored by the place, and showed it plainly: he disliked Americans by instinct and training and Hammer saw that the question of his guilt or innocence was of the utmost indifference to his inquisitor.
sinsnounUS /sɪnz/
plural of “sin” — estrangement from god
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
Rhodesian statesman who declared independence of Zimbabwe from Great Britain (born in 1919)
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming
From this reading The American tried to collect himself, for the charge had struck him like a bolt from the blue.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading "Do you plead innocent or guilty to this charge Mr.--er--Hammer?"
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
trainingnounUS /ˈtreɪnɪŋ/
activity leading to skilled behavior
From this reading He was utterly bored by the place, and showed it plainly: he disliked Americans by instinct and training and Hammer saw that the question of his guilt or innocence was of the utmost indifference to his inquisitor.
transferredverbUS /trænˈsfɜːrd/
inflected form of “transfer” — transfer somebody to a different position or location of work
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading The American tried to collect himself, for the charge had struck him like a bolt from the blue.
not favored by fortune; marked or accompanied by or resulting in ill fortune
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity
From this reading He was utterly bored by the place, and showed it plainly: he disliked Americans by instinct and training and Hammer saw that the question of his guilt or innocence was of the utmost indifference to his inquisitor.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading He was utterly bored by the place, and showed it plainly: he disliked Americans by instinct and training and Hammer saw that the question of his guilt or innocence was of the utmost indifference to his inquisitor.
precisely as stated
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading ACCUSED AND ACCUSER It was perhaps unfortunate that District Commissioner Smith had very recently been transferred from Nairobi for his sins, inasmuch as he knew not the gods of Melindi and cared not to know them.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "Do you plead innocent or guilty to this charge Mr.--er--Hammer?"
