used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Casting caution to the winds, Tempest reached forward impulsively, bumping against a table as he did so.
AdvancingadjectiveUS /ədˈvænsɪŋ/
moving forward
From this reading THE SKELETON IN THE SAND Advancing on tiptoes, Tempest stretched out his hand to gain possession of the revolver, and his fingers were almost closing on it when one of the flooring boards creaked.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Casting caution to the winds, Tempest reached forward impulsively, bumping against a table as he did so.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading THE SKELETON IN THE SAND Advancing on tiptoes, Tempest stretched out his hand to gain possession of the revolver, and his fingers were almost closing on it when one of the flooring boards creaked.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading “Don’t move an inch!”
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE SKELETON IN THE SAND Advancing on tiptoes, Tempest stretched out his hand to gain possession of the revolver, and his fingers were almost closing on it when one of the flooring boards creaked.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Casting caution to the winds, Tempest reached forward impulsively, bumping against a table as he did so.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Flagg, who had evidently been slumbering lightly, stirred uneasily.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading With a startled exclamation, Flagg half raised himself in his bunk, but by that time the weapon was in the other man’s hand, and the muzzle was pointing straight between Flagg’s eyes.
boardsnounUS /bɔːrdz/
(used in the plural) the stage of a theater
From this reading THE SKELETON IN THE SAND Advancing on tiptoes, Tempest stretched out his hand to gain possession of the revolver, and his fingers were almost closing on it when one of the flooring boards creaked.
bumpingverbUS /ˈbʌmpɪŋ/
-ing form of “bump” — knock against with force or violence
From this reading Casting caution to the winds, Tempest reached forward impulsively, bumping against a table as he did so.
bunknounUS /bʌŋk/
a long trough for feeding cattle
From this reading With a startled exclamation, Flagg half raised himself in his bunk, but by that time the weapon was in the other man’s hand, and the muzzle was pointing straight between Flagg’s eyes.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading With a startled exclamation, Flagg half raised himself in his bunk, but by that time the weapon was in the other man’s hand, and the muzzle was pointing straight between Flagg’s eyes.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading With a startled exclamation, Flagg half raised himself in his bunk, but by that time the weapon was in the other man’s hand, and the muzzle was pointing straight between Flagg’s eyes.
CastingnounUS /ˈkæstɪŋ/
object formed by a mold
From this reading Casting caution to the winds, Tempest reached forward impulsively, bumping against a table as he did so.
cautionnounUS /ˈkɑːʃən/
the trait of being cautious; being attentive to possible danger
From this reading Casting caution to the winds, Tempest reached forward impulsively, bumping against a table as he did so.
closingnounUS /ˈkloʊzɪŋ/
the act of closing something
From this reading THE SKELETON IN THE SAND Advancing on tiptoes, Tempest stretched out his hand to gain possession of the revolver, and his fingers were almost closing on it when one of the flooring boards creaked.
creakedverbUS /kriːkt/
past form of “creak” — make a high-pitched, screeching noise
From this reading THE SKELETON IN THE SAND Advancing on tiptoes, Tempest stretched out his hand to gain possession of the revolver, and his fingers were almost closing on it when one of the flooring boards creaked.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Casting caution to the winds, Tempest reached forward impulsively, bumping against a table as he did so.
Don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Don’t move an inch!”
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading Flagg, who had evidently been slumbering lightly, stirred uneasily.
exclamationnounUS /ˌekskləˈmeɪʃən/
an abrupt excited utterance
From this reading With a startled exclamation, Flagg half raised himself in his bunk, but by that time the weapon was in the other man’s hand, and the muzzle was pointing straight between Flagg’s eyes.
opinion or judgment
From this reading With a startled exclamation, Flagg half raised himself in his bunk, but by that time the weapon was in the other man’s hand, and the muzzle was pointing straight between Flagg’s eyes.
plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
From this reading THE SKELETON IN THE SAND Advancing on tiptoes, Tempest stretched out his hand to gain possession of the revolver, and his fingers were almost closing on it when one of the flooring boards creaked.
Flagg
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Flagg, who had evidently been slumbering lightly, stirred uneasily.
Flagg's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With a startled exclamation, Flagg half raised himself in his bunk, but by that time the weapon was in the other man’s hand, and the muzzle was pointing straight between Flagg’s eyes.
flooringnounUS /ˈflɔːrɪŋ/
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading THE SKELETON IN THE SAND Advancing on tiptoes, Tempest stretched out his hand to gain possession of the revolver, and his fingers were almost closing on it when one of the flooring boards creaked.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading Casting caution to the winds, Tempest reached forward impulsively, bumping against a table as he did so.
obtain
From this reading THE SKELETON IN THE SAND Advancing on tiptoes, Tempest stretched out his hand to gain possession of the revolver, and his fingers were almost closing on it when one of the flooring boards creaked.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Flagg, who had evidently been slumbering lightly, stirred uneasily.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading With a startled exclamation, Flagg half raised himself in his bunk, but by that time the weapon was in the other man’s hand, and the muzzle was pointing straight between Flagg’s eyes.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading THE SKELETON IN THE SAND Advancing on tiptoes, Tempest stretched out his hand to gain possession of the revolver, and his fingers were almost closing on it when one of the flooring boards creaked.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Casting caution to the winds, Tempest reached forward impulsively, bumping against a table as he did so.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading With a startled exclamation, Flagg half raised himself in his bunk, but by that time the weapon was in the other man’s hand, and the muzzle was pointing straight between Flagg’s eyes.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE SKELETON IN THE SAND Advancing on tiptoes, Tempest stretched out his hand to gain possession of the revolver, and his fingers were almost closing on it when one of the flooring boards creaked.
impulsivelyadverbUS /ˌɪmˈpʌlsɪvli/
in an impulsive or impetuous way; without taking cautions
From this reading Casting caution to the winds, Tempest reached forward impulsively, bumping against a table as he did so.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE SKELETON IN THE SAND Advancing on tiptoes, Tempest stretched out his hand to gain possession of the revolver, and his fingers were almost closing on it when one of the flooring boards creaked.
a unit of length equal to one twelfth of a foot
From this reading “Don’t move an inch!”
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE SKELETON IN THE SAND Advancing on tiptoes, Tempest stretched out his hand to gain possession of the revolver, and his fingers were almost closing on it when one of the flooring boards creaked.
without good reason
From this reading Flagg, who had evidently been slumbering lightly, stirred uneasily.
man'snounUS /mænz/
possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading With a startled exclamation, Flagg half raised himself in his bunk, but by that time the weapon was in the other man’s hand, and the muzzle was pointing straight between Flagg’s eyes.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading “Don’t move an inch!”
muzzlenounUS /ˈmʌzəl/
the open circular discharging end of a gun
From this reading With a startled exclamation, Flagg half raised himself in his bunk, but by that time the weapon was in the other man’s hand, and the muzzle was pointing straight between Flagg’s eyes.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE SKELETON IN THE SAND Advancing on tiptoes, Tempest stretched out his hand to gain possession of the revolver, and his fingers were almost closing on it when one of the flooring boards creaked.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE SKELETON IN THE SAND Advancing on tiptoes, Tempest stretched out his hand to gain possession of the revolver, and his fingers were almost closing on it when one of the flooring boards creaked.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading THE SKELETON IN THE SAND Advancing on tiptoes, Tempest stretched out his hand to gain possession of the revolver, and his fingers were almost closing on it when one of the flooring boards creaked.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading With a startled exclamation, Flagg half raised himself in his bunk, but by that time the weapon was in the other man’s hand, and the muzzle was pointing straight between Flagg’s eyes.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading THE SKELETON IN THE SAND Advancing on tiptoes, Tempest stretched out his hand to gain possession of the revolver, and his fingers were almost closing on it when one of the flooring boards creaked.
-ing form of “point” — indicate a place, direction, person, or thing; either spatially or figuratively
From this reading With a startled exclamation, Flagg half raised himself in his bunk, but by that time the weapon was in the other man’s hand, and the muzzle was pointing straight between Flagg’s eyes.
the act of having and controlling property
From this reading THE SKELETON IN THE SAND Advancing on tiptoes, Tempest stretched out his hand to gain possession of the revolver, and his fingers were almost closing on it when one of the flooring boards creaked.
located or moved above the surround or above the normal position
From this reading With a startled exclamation, Flagg half raised himself in his bunk, but by that time the weapon was in the other man’s hand, and the muzzle was pointing straight between Flagg’s eyes.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading Casting caution to the winds, Tempest reached forward impulsively, bumping against a table as he did so.
revolvernounUS /rɪˈvɑːlvər/
a pistol with a revolving cylinder (usually having six chambers for bullets)
From this reading THE SKELETON IN THE SAND Advancing on tiptoes, Tempest stretched out his hand to gain possession of the revolver, and his fingers were almost closing on it when one of the flooring boards creaked.
a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral
From this reading THE SKELETON IN THE SAND Advancing on tiptoes, Tempest stretched out his hand to gain possession of the revolver, and his fingers were almost closing on it when one of the flooring boards creaked.
SKELETONnounUS /ˈskelətən/
something reduced to its minimal form
From this reading THE SKELETON IN THE SAND Advancing on tiptoes, Tempest stretched out his hand to gain possession of the revolver, and his fingers were almost closing on it when one of the flooring boards creaked.
slumberingverbUS /ˈslʌmbərɪŋ/
-ing form of “slumber” — be asleep
From this reading Flagg, who had evidently been slumbering lightly, stirred uneasily.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Casting caution to the winds, Tempest reached forward impulsively, bumping against a table as he did so.
excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement
From this reading With a startled exclamation, Flagg half raised himself in his bunk, but by that time the weapon was in the other man’s hand, and the muzzle was pointing straight between Flagg’s eyes.
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading Flagg, who had evidently been slumbering lightly, stirred uneasily.
successive (without a break)
From this reading With a startled exclamation, Flagg half raised himself in his bunk, but by that time the weapon was in the other man’s hand, and the muzzle was pointing straight between Flagg’s eyes.
(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching
From this reading THE SKELETON IN THE SAND Advancing on tiptoes, Tempest stretched out his hand to gain possession of the revolver, and his fingers were almost closing on it when one of the flooring boards creaked.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading Casting caution to the winds, Tempest reached forward impulsively, bumping against a table as he did so.
TempestnounUS /ˈtempəst/
a violent commotion or disturbance
From this reading THE SKELETON IN THE SAND Advancing on tiptoes, Tempest stretched out his hand to gain possession of the revolver, and his fingers were almost closing on it when one of the flooring boards creaked.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading With a startled exclamation, Flagg half raised himself in his bunk, but by that time the weapon was in the other man’s hand, and the muzzle was pointing straight between Flagg’s eyes.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE SKELETON IN THE SAND Advancing on tiptoes, Tempest stretched out his hand to gain possession of the revolver, and his fingers were almost closing on it when one of the flooring boards creaked.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading With a startled exclamation, Flagg half raised himself in his bunk, but by that time the weapon was in the other man’s hand, and the muzzle was pointing straight between Flagg’s eyes.
tiptoes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SKELETON IN THE SAND Advancing on tiptoes, Tempest stretched out his hand to gain possession of the revolver, and his fingers were almost closing on it when one of the flooring boards creaked.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE SKELETON IN THE SAND Advancing on tiptoes, Tempest stretched out his hand to gain possession of the revolver, and his fingers were almost closing on it when one of the flooring boards creaked.
uneasilyadverbUS /əˈniːzəli/
with anxiety or apprehension
From this reading Flagg, who had evidently been slumbering lightly, stirred uneasily.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading With a startled exclamation, Flagg half raised himself in his bunk, but by that time the weapon was in the other man’s hand, and the muzzle was pointing straight between Flagg’s eyes.
any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting
From this reading With a startled exclamation, Flagg half raised himself in his bunk, but by that time the weapon was in the other man’s hand, and the muzzle was pointing straight between Flagg’s eyes.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE SKELETON IN THE SAND Advancing on tiptoes, Tempest stretched out his hand to gain possession of the revolver, and his fingers were almost closing on it when one of the flooring boards creaked.
at the time that
From this reading THE SKELETON IN THE SAND Advancing on tiptoes, Tempest stretched out his hand to gain possession of the revolver, and his fingers were almost closing on it when one of the flooring boards creaked.
which person or people
From this reading Flagg, who had evidently been slumbering lightly, stirred uneasily.
plural of “wind” — air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading Casting caution to the winds, Tempest reached forward impulsively, bumping against a table as he did so.
in the company of; together with
From this reading With a startled exclamation, Flagg half raised himself in his bunk, but by that time the weapon was in the other man’s hand, and the muzzle was pointing straight between Flagg’s eyes.
