Chapter VII

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading It is now pretty well accepted that the auditory organs of the mosquito are situated in the antennae.

(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

a sensitivity that is keen and highly developed

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

in the past

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

an electrical device that sends or receives radio or television signals

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

plural of “antenna” — an electrical device that sends or receives radio or television signals

From this reading It is now pretty well accepted that the auditory organs of the mosquito are situated in the antennae.

third-person singular of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading It is now pretty well accepted that the auditory organs of the mosquito are situated in the antennae.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

of or relating to the process of hearing

From this reading It is now pretty well accepted that the auditory organs of the mosquito are situated in the antennae.

the largest city in Maryland; a major seaport and industrial center

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

terminate

From this reading The tiny-trumpeting gnat can break our dream When sweetest.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading The tiny-trumpeting gnat can break our dream When sweetest.

a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

the repetition of consonants (or consonant patterns) especially at the ends of words

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

lacking in light; not bright or harsh

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.

From this reading The tiny-trumpeting gnat can break our dream When sweetest.

one or the other of two

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

provided or supplied or equipped with (especially as by inheritance or nature)

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

being the sex (of plant or animal) that produces fertilizable gametes (ova) from which offspring develop

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

any of various small biting flies: midges; biting midges; black flies; sand flies

From this reading The tiny-trumpeting gnat can break our dream When sweetest.

someone employed to conduct others

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

plural of “hair” — a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

a humming noise

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading It is now pretty well accepted that the auditory organs of the mosquito are situated in the antennae.

the amount of energy transmitted (as by acoustic or electromagnetic radiation)

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

the work of inquiring into something thoroughly and systematically

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading It is now pretty well accepted that the auditory organs of the mosquito are situated in the antennae.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is now pretty well accepted that the auditory organs of the mosquito are situated in the antennae.

Confederate general in the American Civil War; led the Confederate troops in the West (1807-1891)

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

determine the result of (a competition)

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

plural of “length” — the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

an animal that produces gametes (spermatozoa) that can fertilize female gametes

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

come together

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

two-winged insect whose female has a long proboscis to pierce the skin and suck the blood of humans and animals

From this reading It is now pretty well accepted that the auditory organs of the mosquito are situated in the antennae.

a change of position that does not entail a change of location

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading It is now pretty well accepted that the auditory organs of the mosquito are situated in the antennae.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It is now pretty well accepted that the auditory organs of the mosquito are situated in the antennae.

being directly across from each other; facing

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

edible viscera of a butchered animal

From this reading It is now pretty well accepted that the auditory organs of the mosquito are situated in the antennae.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading The tiny-trumpeting gnat can break our dream When sweetest.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

the property of sound that varies with variation in the frequency of vibration

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading It is now pretty well accepted that the auditory organs of the mosquito are situated in the antennae.

an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

how much there is or how many there are of something that you can quantify

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

except for; apart from

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

try to get or reach

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

of or relating to or characterized by sexuality

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading It is now pretty well accepted that the auditory organs of the mosquito are situated in the antennae.

being ten more than fifty

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

the place where something begins, where it springs into being

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

not moving or operating freely

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

deliver a sharp blow, as with the hand, fist, or weapon

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

of high or superior quality or performance

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

superlative of “sweet” — having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading The tiny-trumpeting gnat can break our dream When sweetest.

Englishman and Victorian poet (1809-1892)

From this reading (TENNYSON.)

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It is now pretty well accepted that the auditory organs of the mosquito are situated in the antennae.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading The tiny-trumpeting gnat can break our dream When sweetest.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The tiny-trumpeting gnat can break our dream When sweetest.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

the time of day immediately following sunset

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

an organization of employees formed to bargain with the employer

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading It is now pretty well accepted that the auditory organs of the mosquito are situated in the antennae.

at the time that

From this reading The tiny-trumpeting gnat can break our dream When sweetest.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

plural of “whorl” — a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles (as formed by leaves or flower petals)

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.

in the company of; together with

From this reading That the male should be endowed with superior acuteness of the sense of hearing appears from the fact that he must seek the female for sexual union either in the dim twilight or in the dark night, when nothing save her sharp humming noise can serve him as a guide.

a late time of life

From this reading Sixty years ago Johnston of Baltimore was investigating the hearing-apparatus of a gnat, and came to the conclusion that— The animal may judge of the _intensity_ or _distance_ of the source of sound by the _quantity_ of the impression; of the _pitch_, or _quality_, by the consonance of particular whorls of stiff hairs, according to their lengths; and of the _direction_ in which the modulations travel, by the manner in which they strike upon the _antennae_, or may be made to meet either _antenna_, in consequence of an opposite movement of that part.