used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He had a kindly, benevolent expression; his otherwise plain face was redeemed by fine, expressive brown eyes.
adustadjective
dried out by heat or excessive exposure to sunlight
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
agriculturaladjectiveUS /ˌæɡrəˈkʌltʃərəl/
relating to or used in or promoting agriculture or farming
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Usually silent and preoccupied, and almost taciturn, yet he possessed a fund of dry humor.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
benevolentadjectiveUS /bəˈnevələnt/
intending or showing kindness
From this reading He had a kindly, benevolent expression; his otherwise plain face was redeemed by fine, expressive brown eyes.
an orange of low brightness and saturation
From this reading He had a kindly, benevolent expression; his otherwise plain face was redeemed by fine, expressive brown eyes.
BucksnounUS /bʌks/
plural of “buck” — a gymnastic horse without pommels and with one end elongated; used lengthwise for vaulting
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
complexionnounUS /kəmˈplekʃən/
the coloring of a person's face
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
unvarying in nature
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
DemocratnounUS /ˈdeməkræt/
a member of the Democratic Party
From this reading An old-fashioned Democrat, his wife was a Republican.
districtsnounUS /ˈdɪstrɪkts/
plural of “district” — a region marked off for administrative or other purposes
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet
From this reading Usually silent and preoccupied, and almost taciturn, yet he possessed a fund of dry humor.
endurancenounUS /ˈendərəns/
the power to withstand hardship or stress
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
energeticadjectiveUS /ˌenərˈdʒetɪk/
possessing or exerting or displaying energy
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
exposurenounUS /ɪkˈspoʊʒər/
vulnerability to the elements; to the action of heat or cold or wind or rain
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading He had a kindly, benevolent expression; his otherwise plain face was redeemed by fine, expressive brown eyes.
expressiveadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspresɪv/
characterized by expression
From this reading He had a kindly, benevolent expression; his otherwise plain face was redeemed by fine, expressive brown eyes.
opinion or judgment
From this reading He had a kindly, benevolent expression; his otherwise plain face was redeemed by fine, expressive brown eyes.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading He had a kindly, benevolent expression; his otherwise plain face was redeemed by fine, expressive brown eyes.
a person who operates a farm
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
having an (over)abundance of flesh
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading He had a kindly, benevolent expression; his otherwise plain face was redeemed by fine, expressive brown eyes.
set up or found
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
fundnounUS /fʌnd/
a reserve of money set aside for some purpose
From this reading Usually silent and preoccupied, and almost taciturn, yet he possessed a fund of dry humor.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He had a kindly, benevolent expression; his otherwise plain face was redeemed by fine, expressive brown eyes.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had a kindly, benevolent expression; his otherwise plain face was redeemed by fine, expressive brown eyes.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He had a kindly, benevolent expression; his otherwise plain face was redeemed by fine, expressive brown eyes.
humornounUS /ˈhjuːmər/
a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
From this reading Usually silent and preoccupied, and almost taciturn, yet he possessed a fund of dry humor.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading JOHN LANDIS.
showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity
From this reading He had a kindly, benevolent expression; his otherwise plain face was redeemed by fine, expressive brown eyes.
LANDIS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JOHN LANDIS.
the force of workers available
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
old-fashionedadjectiveUS /ˌoʊldˈfæʃənd/
out of fashion
From this reading An old-fashioned Democrat, his wife was a Republican.
ordinarilyadverbUS /ˌɔːrdəˈnerəli/
under normal conditions
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
in other respects or ways
From this reading He had a kindly, benevolent expression; his otherwise plain face was redeemed by fine, expressive brown eyes.
ouncenounUS /aʊns/
a unit of apothecary weight equal to 480 grains or one twelfth of a troy pound
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading He had a kindly, benevolent expression; his otherwise plain face was redeemed by fine, expressive brown eyes.
influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
plural of “power” — possession of controlling influence
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
preoccupiedadjectiveUS /priˈɑːkjəpaɪd/
deeply absorbed in thought
From this reading Usually silent and preoccupied, and almost taciturn, yet he possessed a fund of dry humor.
on the contrary
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
redeemedadjectiveUS /rɪˈdiːmd/
saved from the bondage of sin
From this reading He had a kindly, benevolent expression; his otherwise plain face was redeemed by fine, expressive brown eyes.
unusual or striking
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
RepublicannounUS /rɪˈpʌblɪkən/
a member of the Republican Party
From this reading An old-fashioned Democrat, his wife was a Republican.
scholarlyadjectiveUS /ˈskɑːlərli/
characteristic of scholars or scholarship
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading Usually silent and preoccupied, and almost taciturn, yet he possessed a fund of dry humor.
refrain from harming
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
superfluousadjectiveUS /ˈsuːpərflwʌs/
serving no useful purpose; having no excuse for being
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
taciturnadjectiveUS /ˈtæsɪtɜːrn/
habitually reserved and uncommunicative
From this reading Usually silent and preoccupied, and almost taciturn, yet he possessed a fund of dry humor.
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
under normal conditions
From this reading Usually silent and preoccupied, and almost taciturn, yet he possessed a fund of dry humor.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading An old-fashioned Democrat, his wife was a Republican.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading The Bucks County farmer, John Landis, rather more scholarly in appearance than men ordinarily found in agricultural districts, was possessed of an adust complexion, caused by constant exposure to wind and weather; tall and spare, without an ounce of superfluous fat; energetic, and possessed of remarkable powers of endurance.
but in spite of that
From this reading Usually silent and preoccupied, and almost taciturn, yet he possessed a fund of dry humor.
