used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading _It was only a tiny scout ship from somewhere beyond the stars; only one alien creature occupied it.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog...._ The landing of the Qul-En ship, a tiny craft no more than fifteen feet in diameter, went completely unnoticed, as its operator intended.
alienadjectiveUS /ˈeɪliən/
not contained in or deriving from the essential nature of something
From this reading _It was only a tiny scout ship from somewhere beyond the stars; only one alien creature occupied it.
(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 But the ship's mission spelled life to its fellow creatures and death to all living creatures on Earth.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading But the ship's mission spelled life to its fellow creatures and death to all living creatures on Earth.
any person at all
From this reading If this ship, whose entire crew consisted of one individual, were successful in its mission then a great ship would come, wiping out the entire population of cities before anyone suspected the danger.
(used of persons or the military) characterized by having or bearing arms
From this reading It was armed, of course, but its purpose was not destruction.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog...._ The landing of the Qul-En ship, a tiny craft no more than fifteen feet in diameter, went completely unnoticed, as its operator intended.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading If this ship, whose entire crew consisted of one individual, were successful in its mission then a great ship would come, wiping out the entire population of cities before anyone suspected the danger.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading _It was only a tiny scout ship from somewhere beyond the stars; only one alien creature occupied it.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But the ship's mission spelled life to its fellow creatures and death to all living creatures on Earth.
citiesnounUS /ˈsɪtiz/
plural of “city” — a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading If this ship, whose entire crew consisted of one individual, were successful in its mission then a great ship would come, wiping out the entire population of cities before anyone suspected the danger.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading If this ship, whose entire crew consisted of one individual, were successful in its mission then a great ship would come, wiping out the entire population of cities before anyone suspected the danger.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog...._ The landing of the Qul-En ship, a tiny craft no more than fifteen feet in diameter, went completely unnoticed, as its operator intended.
consistedverbUS /kənˈsɪstəd/
past form of “consist” — originate
From this reading If this ship, whose entire crew consisted of one individual, were successful in its mission then a great ship would come, wiping out the entire population of cities before anyone suspected the danger.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading It was armed, of course, but its purpose was not destruction.
the skilled practice of a practical occupation
From this reading And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog...._ The landing of the Qul-En ship, a tiny craft no more than fifteen feet in diameter, went completely unnoticed, as its operator intended.
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading _It was only a tiny scout ship from somewhere beyond the stars; only one alien creature occupied it.
plural of “creature” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading But the ship's mission spelled life to its fellow creatures and death to all living creatures on Earth.
the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)
From this reading If this ship, whose entire crew consisted of one individual, were successful in its mission then a great ship would come, wiping out the entire population of cities before anyone suspected the danger.
the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading If this ship, whose entire crew consisted of one individual, were successful in its mission then a great ship would come, wiping out the entire population of cities before anyone suspected the danger.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading But the ship's mission spelled life to its fellow creatures and death to all living creatures on Earth.
the termination of something by causing so much damage to it that it cannot be repaired or no longer exists
From this reading It was armed, of course, but its purpose was not destruction.
diameternounUS /daɪˈæmətər/
the length of a straight line passing through the center of a circle and connecting two points on the circumference
From this reading And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog...._ The landing of the Qul-En ship, a tiny craft no more than fifteen feet in diameter, went completely unnoticed, as its operator intended.
a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds
From this reading And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog...._ The landing of the Qul-En ship, a tiny craft no more than fifteen feet in diameter, went completely unnoticed, as its operator intended.
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading But the ship's mission spelled life to its fellow creatures and death to all living creatures on Earth.
constituting the full quantity or extent; complete
From this reading If this ship, whose entire crew consisted of one individual, were successful in its mission then a great ship would come, wiping out the entire population of cities before anyone suspected the danger.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog...._ The landing of the Qul-En ship, a tiny craft no more than fifteen feet in diameter, went completely unnoticed, as its operator intended.
a boy or man
From this reading But the ship's mission spelled life to its fellow creatures and death to all living creatures on Earth.
the cardinal number that is the sum of fourteen and one
From this reading And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog...._ The landing of the Qul-En ship, a tiny craft no more than fifteen feet in diameter, went completely unnoticed, as its operator intended.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading _It was only a tiny scout ship from somewhere beyond the stars; only one alien creature occupied it.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading If this ship, whose entire crew consisted of one individual, were successful in its mission then a great ship would come, wiping out the entire population of cities before anyone suspected the danger.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog...._ The landing of the Qul-En ship, a tiny craft no more than fifteen feet in diameter, went completely unnoticed, as its operator intended.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If this ship, whose entire crew consisted of one individual, were successful in its mission then a great ship would come, wiping out the entire population of cities before anyone suspected the danger.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog...._ The landing of the Qul-En ship, a tiny craft no more than fifteen feet in diameter, went completely unnoticed, as its operator intended.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading If this ship, whose entire crew consisted of one individual, were successful in its mission then a great ship would come, wiping out the entire population of cities before anyone suspected the danger.
resulting from one's intentions
From this reading And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog...._ The landing of the Qul-En ship, a tiny craft no more than fifteen feet in diameter, went completely unnoticed, as its operator intended.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading _It was only a tiny scout ship from somewhere beyond the stars; only one alien creature occupied it.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading But the ship's mission spelled life to its fellow creatures and death to all living creatures on Earth.
an intermediate platform in a staircase
From this reading And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog...._ The landing of the Qul-En ship, a tiny craft no more than fifteen feet in diameter, went completely unnoticed, as its operator intended.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading But the ship's mission spelled life to its fellow creatures and death to all living creatures on Earth.
the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities
From this reading But the ship's mission spelled life to its fellow creatures and death to all living creatures on Earth.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog...._ The landing of the Qul-En ship, a tiny craft no more than fifteen feet in diameter, went completely unnoticed, as its operator intended.
an organization of missionaries in a foreign land sent to carry on religious work
From this reading But the ship's mission spelled life to its fellow creatures and death to all living creatures on Earth.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog...._ The landing of the Qul-En ship, a tiny craft no more than fifteen feet in diameter, went completely unnoticed, as its operator intended.
not any; not one
From this reading And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog...._ The landing of the Qul-En ship, a tiny craft no more than fifteen feet in diameter, went completely unnoticed, as its operator intended.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It was armed, of course, but its purpose was not destruction.
held or filled or in use
From this reading _It was only a tiny scout ship from somewhere beyond the stars; only one alien creature occupied it.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog...._ The landing of the Qul-En ship, a tiny craft no more than fifteen feet in diameter, went completely unnoticed, as its operator intended.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog...._ The landing of the Qul-En ship, a tiny craft no more than fifteen feet in diameter, went completely unnoticed, as its operator intended.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading But the ship's mission spelled life to its fellow creatures and death to all living creatures on Earth.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading _It was only a tiny scout ship from somewhere beyond the stars; only one alien creature occupied it.
and nothing more
From this reading _It was only a tiny scout ship from somewhere beyond the stars; only one alien creature occupied it.
operatornounUS /ˈɑːpəreɪtər/
(mathematics) a symbol or function representing a mathematical operation
From this reading And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog...._ The landing of the Qul-En ship, a tiny craft no more than fifteen feet in diameter, went completely unnoticed, as its operator intended.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading If this ship, whose entire crew consisted of one individual, were successful in its mission then a great ship would come, wiping out the entire population of cities before anyone suspected the danger.
populationnounUS /ˌpɑːpjəˈleɪʃən/
the people who inhabit a territory or state
From this reading If this ship, whose entire crew consisted of one individual, were successful in its mission then a great ship would come, wiping out the entire population of cities before anyone suspected the danger.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading It was armed, of course, but its purpose was not destruction.
Qul-En
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog...._ The landing of the Qul-En ship, a tiny craft no more than fifteen feet in diameter, went completely unnoticed, as its operator intended.
raidernounUS /ˈreɪdər/
someone who takes spoils or plunder (as in war)
From this reading And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog...._ The landing of the Qul-En ship, a tiny craft no more than fifteen feet in diameter, went completely unnoticed, as its operator intended.
scoutnounUS /skaʊt/
a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
From this reading _It was only a tiny scout ship from somewhere beyond the stars; only one alien creature occupied it.
transport commercially
From this reading _It was only a tiny scout ship from somewhere beyond the stars; only one alien creature occupied it.
ship'snounUS /ʃɪps/
possessive form of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight
From this reading But the ship's mission spelled life to its fellow creatures and death to all living creatures on Earth.
in or at or to some place
From this reading _It was only a tiny scout ship from somewhere beyond the stars; only one alien creature occupied it.
spelledverbUS /speld/
past form of “spell” — orally recite the letters of or give the spelling of
From this reading But the ship's mission spelled life to its fellow creatures and death to all living creatures on Earth.
plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
From this reading _It was only a tiny scout ship from somewhere beyond the stars; only one alien creature occupied it.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog...._ The landing of the Qul-En ship, a tiny craft no more than fifteen feet in diameter, went completely unnoticed, as its operator intended.
having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome
From this reading If this ship, whose entire crew consisted of one individual, were successful in its mission then a great ship would come, wiping out the entire population of cities before anyone suspected the danger.
super-science
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog...._ The landing of the Qul-En ship, a tiny craft no more than fifteen feet in diameter, went completely unnoticed, as its operator intended.
believed likely
From this reading If this ship, whose entire crew consisted of one individual, were successful in its mission then a great ship would come, wiping out the entire population of cities before anyone suspected the danger.
terrifiedadjectiveUS /ˈterəfaɪd/
thrown into a state of intense fear or desperation
From this reading And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog...._ The landing of the Qul-En ship, a tiny craft no more than fifteen feet in diameter, went completely unnoticed, as its operator intended.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog...._ The landing of the Qul-En ship, a tiny craft no more than fifteen feet in diameter, went completely unnoticed, as its operator intended.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _It was only a tiny scout ship from somewhere beyond the stars; only one alien creature occupied it.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading If this ship, whose entire crew consisted of one individual, were successful in its mission then a great ship would come, wiping out the entire population of cities before anyone suspected the danger.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading If this ship, whose entire crew consisted of one individual, were successful in its mission then a great ship would come, wiping out the entire population of cities before anyone suspected the danger.
very small
From this reading _It was only a tiny scout ship from somewhere beyond the stars; only one alien creature occupied it.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading But the ship's mission spelled life to its fellow creatures and death to all living creatures on Earth.
unnoticedadjectiveUS /ənˈnoʊtɪst/
not noticed
From this reading And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog...._ The landing of the Qul-En ship, a tiny craft no more than fifteen feet in diameter, went completely unnoticed, as its operator intended.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _It was only a tiny scout ship from somewhere beyond the stars; only one alien creature occupied it.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog...._ The landing of the Qul-En ship, a tiny craft no more than fifteen feet in diameter, went completely unnoticed, as its operator intended.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading If this ship, whose entire crew consisted of one individual, were successful in its mission then a great ship would come, wiping out the entire population of cities before anyone suspected the danger.
belonging to which person
From this reading If this ship, whose entire crew consisted of one individual, were successful in its mission then a great ship would come, wiping out the entire population of cities before anyone suspected the danger.
wipingverbUS /ˈwaɪpɪŋ/
-ing form of “wipe” — rub with a circular motion
From this reading If this ship, whose entire crew consisted of one individual, were successful in its mission then a great ship would come, wiping out the entire population of cities before anyone suspected the danger.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading If this ship, whose entire crew consisted of one individual, were successful in its mission then a great ship would come, wiping out the entire population of cities before anyone suspected the danger.
