used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He had one of the elevation plans spread out in front of him on the working bench, and was trying to ascertain the exact position of a window casement, when a moving shadow crossed the sheet of paper.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading The portable sections of the building were all precisely numbered; but they were nevertheless perplexing, and he wanted, above all things, to avoid mistakes.
not being in a specified place
From this reading Usually when in doubt he could apply for an explanation to Kiddie himself, but on this particular day Kiddie was absent on duty with the Pony Express, and Rube had to puzzle out the difficulty unhelped.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading The portable sections of the building were all precisely numbered; but they were nevertheless perplexing, and he wanted, above all things, to avoid mistakes.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Usually when in doubt he could apply for an explanation to Kiddie himself, but on this particular day Kiddie was absent on duty with the Pony Express, and Rube had to puzzle out the difficulty unhelped.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The portable sections of the building were all precisely numbered; but they were nevertheless perplexing, and he wanted, above all things, to avoid mistakes.
applyverbUS /əˈplaɪ/
put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
From this reading Usually when in doubt he could apply for an explanation to Kiddie himself, but on this particular day Kiddie was absent on duty with the Pony Express, and Rube had to puzzle out the difficulty unhelped.
architect'snounUS /ˈɑːrkətekts/
possessive form of “architect” — someone who creates plans to be used in making something (such as buildings)
From this reading Rube Carter was studying the architect's plan of Kiddie's woodland cabin.
ascertainverbUS /ˌæsərˈteɪn/
establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study
From this reading He had one of the elevation plans spread out in front of him on the working bench, and was trying to ascertain the exact position of a window casement, when a moving shadow crossed the sheet of paper.
stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something
From this reading The portable sections of the building were all precisely numbered; but they were nevertheless perplexing, and he wanted, above all things, to avoid mistakes.
a long seat for more than one person
From this reading He had one of the elevation plans spread out in front of him on the working bench, and was trying to ascertain the exact position of a window casement, when a moving shadow crossed the sheet of paper.
a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading The portable sections of the building were all precisely numbered; but they were nevertheless perplexing, and he wanted, above all things, to avoid mistakes.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The portable sections of the building were all precisely numbered; but they were nevertheless perplexing, and he wanted, above all things, to avoid mistakes.
small room on a ship or boat where people sleep
From this reading Rube Carter was studying the architect's plan of Kiddie's woodland cabin.
CarternounUS /ˈkɑːrtər/
Englishman and Egyptologist who in 1922 discovered and excavated the tomb of Tutankhamen (1873-1939)
From this reading Rube Carter was studying the architect's plan of Kiddie's woodland cabin.
CARTER'SnounUS /ˈkɑːrtərz/
possessive form of “carter” — Englishman and Egyptologist who in 1922 discovered and excavated the tomb of Tutankhamen (1873-1939)
From this reading RUBE CARTER'S VISITOR "Hullo!"
casementnoun
a window sash that is hinged (usually on one side)
From this reading He had one of the elevation plans spread out in front of him on the working bench, and was trying to ascertain the exact position of a window casement, when a moving shadow crossed the sheet of paper.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Usually when in doubt he could apply for an explanation to Kiddie himself, but on this particular day Kiddie was absent on duty with the Pony Express, and Rube had to puzzle out the difficulty unhelped.
placed crosswise
From this reading He had one of the elevation plans spread out in front of him on the working bench, and was trying to ascertain the exact position of a window casement, when a moving shadow crossed the sheet of paper.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Usually when in doubt he could apply for an explanation to Kiddie himself, but on this particular day Kiddie was absent on duty with the Pony Express, and Rube had to puzzle out the difficulty unhelped.
an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading Usually when in doubt he could apply for an explanation to Kiddie himself, but on this particular day Kiddie was absent on duty with the Pony Express, and Rube had to puzzle out the difficulty unhelped.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading Usually when in doubt he could apply for an explanation to Kiddie himself, but on this particular day Kiddie was absent on duty with the Pony Express, and Rube had to puzzle out the difficulty unhelped.
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading Usually when in doubt he could apply for an explanation to Kiddie himself, but on this particular day Kiddie was absent on duty with the Pony Express, and Rube had to puzzle out the difficulty unhelped.
elevationnounUS /ˌeləˈveɪʃən/
the event of something being raised upward
From this reading He had one of the elevation plans spread out in front of him on the working bench, and was trying to ascertain the exact position of a window casement, when a moving shadow crossed the sheet of paper.
exactadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzækt/
Strictly particular and correct.
From this reading He had one of the elevation plans spread out in front of him on the working bench, and was trying to ascertain the exact position of a window casement, when a moving shadow crossed the sheet of paper.
a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading Usually when in doubt he could apply for an explanation to Kiddie himself, but on this particular day Kiddie was absent on duty with the Pony Express, and Rube had to puzzle out the difficulty unhelped.
give expression to
From this reading Usually when in doubt he could apply for an explanation to Kiddie himself, but on this particular day Kiddie was absent on duty with the Pony Express, and Rube had to puzzle out the difficulty unhelped.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Usually when in doubt he could apply for an explanation to Kiddie himself, but on this particular day Kiddie was absent on duty with the Pony Express, and Rube had to puzzle out the difficulty unhelped.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading He had one of the elevation plans spread out in front of him on the working bench, and was trying to ascertain the exact position of a window casement, when a moving shadow crossed the sheet of paper.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Usually when in doubt he could apply for an explanation to Kiddie himself, but on this particular day Kiddie was absent on duty with the Pony Express, and Rube had to puzzle out the difficulty unhelped.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The portable sections of the building were all precisely numbered; but they were nevertheless perplexing, and he wanted, above all things, to avoid mistakes.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He had one of the elevation plans spread out in front of him on the working bench, and was trying to ascertain the exact position of a window casement, when a moving shadow crossed the sheet of paper.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Usually when in doubt he could apply for an explanation to Kiddie himself, but on this particular day Kiddie was absent on duty with the Pony Express, and Rube had to puzzle out the difficulty unhelped.
Hullonoun
an expression of greeting
From this reading RUBE CARTER'S VISITOR "Hullo!"
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Usually when in doubt he could apply for an explanation to Kiddie himself, but on this particular day Kiddie was absent on duty with the Pony Express, and Rube had to puzzle out the difficulty unhelped.
KiddienounUS /ˈkɪdi/
informal term for a young child
From this reading Usually when in doubt he could apply for an explanation to Kiddie himself, but on this particular day Kiddie was absent on duty with the Pony Express, and Rube had to puzzle out the difficulty unhelped.
Kiddie's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Rube Carter was studying the architect's plan of Kiddie's woodland cabin.
mistakesnounUS /mɪˈsteɪks/
plural of “mistake” — a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
From this reading The portable sections of the building were all precisely numbered; but they were nevertheless perplexing, and he wanted, above all things, to avoid mistakes.
in motion
From this reading He had one of the elevation plans spread out in front of him on the working bench, and was trying to ascertain the exact position of a window casement, when a moving shadow crossed the sheet of paper.
in spite of what has just been said
From this reading The portable sections of the building were all precisely numbered; but they were nevertheless perplexing, and he wanted, above all things, to avoid mistakes.
numberedverbUS /ˈnʌmbərd/
past form of “number” — add up in number or quantity
From this reading The portable sections of the building were all precisely numbered; but they were nevertheless perplexing, and he wanted, above all things, to avoid mistakes.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Rube Carter was studying the architect's plan of Kiddie's woodland cabin.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Usually when in doubt he could apply for an explanation to Kiddie himself, but on this particular day Kiddie was absent on duty with the Pony Express, and Rube had to puzzle out the difficulty unhelped.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He had one of the elevation plans spread out in front of him on the working bench, and was trying to ascertain the exact position of a window casement, when a moving shadow crossed the sheet of paper.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Usually when in doubt he could apply for an explanation to Kiddie himself, but on this particular day Kiddie was absent on duty with the Pony Express, and Rube had to puzzle out the difficulty unhelped.
a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses
From this reading He had one of the elevation plans spread out in front of him on the working bench, and was trying to ascertain the exact position of a window casement, when a moving shadow crossed the sheet of paper.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading Usually when in doubt he could apply for an explanation to Kiddie himself, but on this particular day Kiddie was absent on duty with the Pony Express, and Rube had to puzzle out the difficulty unhelped.
perplexingadjectiveUS /pərˈpleksɪŋ/
lacking clarity of meaning; causing confusion or perplexity
From this reading The portable sections of the building were all precisely numbered; but they were nevertheless perplexing, and he wanted, above all things, to avoid mistakes.
have the will and intention to carry out some action
From this reading Rube Carter was studying the architect's plan of Kiddie's woodland cabin.
plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished
From this reading He had one of the elevation plans spread out in front of him on the working bench, and was trying to ascertain the exact position of a window casement, when a moving shadow crossed the sheet of paper.
PonynounUS /ˈpoʊniː/
a range horse of the western United States
From this reading Usually when in doubt he could apply for an explanation to Kiddie himself, but on this particular day Kiddie was absent on duty with the Pony Express, and Rube had to puzzle out the difficulty unhelped.
portableadjectiveUS /ˈpɔːrtəbəl/
easily or conveniently transported
From this reading The portable sections of the building were all precisely numbered; but they were nevertheless perplexing, and he wanted, above all things, to avoid mistakes.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading He had one of the elevation plans spread out in front of him on the working bench, and was trying to ascertain the exact position of a window casement, when a moving shadow crossed the sheet of paper.
preciselyadverbUS /prɪˈsaɪsli/
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading The portable sections of the building were all precisely numbered; but they were nevertheless perplexing, and he wanted, above all things, to avoid mistakes.
puzzleverbUS /ˈpʌzəl/
be a mystery or bewildering to
From this reading Usually when in doubt he could apply for an explanation to Kiddie himself, but on this particular day Kiddie was absent on duty with the Pony Express, and Rube had to puzzle out the difficulty unhelped.
RUBEnounUS /ruːb/
a person who is not very intelligent or interested in culture
From this reading RUBE CARTER'S VISITOR "Hullo!"
sectionsnounUS /ˈsekʃənz/
plural of “section” — a self-contained part of a larger composition (written or musical)
From this reading The portable sections of the building were all precisely numbered; but they were nevertheless perplexing, and he wanted, above all things, to avoid mistakes.
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading He had one of the elevation plans spread out in front of him on the working bench, and was trying to ascertain the exact position of a window casement, when a moving shadow crossed the sheet of paper.
any broad thin expanse or surface
From this reading He had one of the elevation plans spread out in front of him on the working bench, and was trying to ascertain the exact position of a window casement, when a moving shadow crossed the sheet of paper.
distribute or disperse widely
From this reading He had one of the elevation plans spread out in front of him on the working bench, and was trying to ascertain the exact position of a window casement, when a moving shadow crossed the sheet of paper.
studyingnounUS /ˈstʌdiɪŋ/
reading carefully with intent to remember
From this reading Rube Carter was studying the architect's plan of Kiddie's woodland cabin.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Rube Carter was studying the architect's plan of Kiddie's woodland cabin.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The portable sections of the building were all precisely numbered; but they were nevertheless perplexing, and he wanted, above all things, to avoid mistakes.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading The portable sections of the building were all precisely numbered; but they were nevertheless perplexing, and he wanted, above all things, to avoid mistakes.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Usually when in doubt he could apply for an explanation to Kiddie himself, but on this particular day Kiddie was absent on duty with the Pony Express, and Rube had to puzzle out the difficulty unhelped.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The portable sections of the building were all precisely numbered; but they were nevertheless perplexing, and he wanted, above all things, to avoid mistakes.
hard to endure
From this reading He had one of the elevation plans spread out in front of him on the working bench, and was trying to ascertain the exact position of a window casement, when a moving shadow crossed the sheet of paper.
unhelped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Usually when in doubt he could apply for an explanation to Kiddie himself, but on this particular day Kiddie was absent on duty with the Pony Express, and Rube had to puzzle out the difficulty unhelped.
under normal conditions
From this reading Usually when in doubt he could apply for an explanation to Kiddie himself, but on this particular day Kiddie was absent on duty with the Pony Express, and Rube had to puzzle out the difficulty unhelped.
someone who visits
From this reading RUBE CARTER'S VISITOR "Hullo!"
desired or wished for or sought
From this reading The portable sections of the building were all precisely numbered; but they were nevertheless perplexing, and he wanted, above all things, to avoid mistakes.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Rube Carter was studying the architect's plan of Kiddie's woodland cabin.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The portable sections of the building were all precisely numbered; but they were nevertheless perplexing, and he wanted, above all things, to avoid mistakes.
at the time that
From this reading Usually when in doubt he could apply for an explanation to Kiddie himself, but on this particular day Kiddie was absent on duty with the Pony Express, and Rube had to puzzle out the difficulty unhelped.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading He had one of the elevation plans spread out in front of him on the working bench, and was trying to ascertain the exact position of a window casement, when a moving shadow crossed the sheet of paper.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Usually when in doubt he could apply for an explanation to Kiddie himself, but on this particular day Kiddie was absent on duty with the Pony Express, and Rube had to puzzle out the difficulty unhelped.
woodlandnounUS /ˈwʊdlænd/
land that is covered with trees and shrubs
From this reading Rube Carter was studying the architect's plan of Kiddie's woodland cabin.
actively engaged in paid work
From this reading He had one of the elevation plans spread out in front of him on the working bench, and was trying to ascertain the exact position of a window casement, when a moving shadow crossed the sheet of paper.
