Chapter X · The Flight of the “Revenge.”

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

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

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

From this reading Alan Arnold was the responsible President of Aeria first and a father afterwards.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading Alan Arnold was the responsible President of Aeria first and a father afterwards.

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

From this reading Alan Arnold was the responsible President of Aeria first and a father afterwards.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

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

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

English poet and literary critic (1822-1888)

From this reading Alan Arnold was the responsible President of Aeria first and a father afterwards.

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

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

bewildering or striking dumb with wonder

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading The safety not only of Aeria, but of the world, demanded his first attention, and he gave it.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

a discharge of lightning accompanied by thunder

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The safety not only of Aeria, but of the world, demanded his first attention, and he gave it.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

take exception to

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

gotten under control

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

past form of “convey” — (of information) make known; pass on

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

physically or spiritually devastating; often used in combination

From this reading Crushing the missive in his hand he took two swift strides to a telephone in the wall of the room in which he had received the message from the skies and delivered several rapid orders through it.

past form of “deliver” — deliver (a speech, oration, or idea)

From this reading Crushing the missive in his hand he took two swift strides to a telephone in the wall of the room in which he had received the message from the skies and delivered several rapid orders through it.

past form of “demand” — request urgently and forcefully

From this reading The safety not only of Aeria, but of the world, demanded his first attention, and he gave it.

inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading He lost not a moment in speculating upon the strange fate of his son and first-born.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Alan Arnold was the responsible President of Aeria first and a father afterwards.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Alan Arnold was the responsible President of Aeria first and a father afterwards.

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

From this reading He lost not a moment in speculating upon the strange fate of his son and first-born.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading The safety not only of Aeria, but of the world, demanded his first attention, and he gave it.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading Crushing the missive in his hand he took two swift strides to a telephone in the wall of the room in which he had received the message from the skies and delivered several rapid orders through it.

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

From this reading He lost not a moment in speculating upon the strange fate of his son and first-born.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading He lost not a moment in speculating upon the strange fate of his son and first-born.

the quality of being important and worthy of note

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

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

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

without bounds

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

immediately past

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading He lost not a moment in speculating upon the strange fate of his son and first-born.

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled

From this reading Crushing the missive in his hand he took two swift strides to a telephone in the wall of the room in which he had received the message from the skies and delivered several rapid orders through it.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading Crushing the missive in his hand he took two swift strides to a telephone in the wall of the room in which he had received the message from the skies and delivered several rapid orders through it.

a particular point in time

From this reading He lost not a moment in speculating upon the strange fate of his son and first-born.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He lost not a moment in speculating upon the strange fate of his son and first-born.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

and nothing more

From this reading The safety not only of Aeria, but of the world, demanded his first attention, and he gave it.

plural of “order” — (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading Crushing the missive in his hand he took two swift strides to a telephone in the wall of the room in which he had received the message from the skies and delivered several rapid orders through it.

an executive officer of a firm or corporation

From this reading Alan Arnold was the responsible President of Aeria first and a father afterwards.

done or occurring in a brief period of time

From this reading Crushing the missive in his hand he took two swift strides to a telephone in the wall of the room in which he had received the message from the skies and delivered several rapid orders through it.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading Crushing the missive in his hand he took two swift strides to a telephone in the wall of the room in which he had received the message from the skies and delivered several rapid orders through it.

worthy of or requiring responsibility or trust; or held accountable

From this reading Alan Arnold was the responsible President of Aeria first and a father afterwards.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading Crushing the missive in his hand he took two swift strides to a telephone in the wall of the room in which he had received the message from the skies and delivered several rapid orders through it.

the state of being certain that adverse effects will not be caused by some agent under defined conditions

From this reading The safety not only of Aeria, but of the world, demanded his first attention, and he gave it.

a string of words satisfying the grammatical rules of a language

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading Crushing the missive in his hand he took two swift strides to a telephone in the wall of the room in which he had received the message from the skies and delivered several rapid orders through it.

having a handwritten signature

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

plural of “sky” — the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading Crushing the missive in his hand he took two swift strides to a telephone in the wall of the room in which he had received the message from the skies and delivered several rapid orders through it.

a male human offspring

From this reading He lost not a moment in speculating upon the strange fate of his son and first-born.

-ing form of “speculate” — to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds

From this reading He lost not a moment in speculating upon the strange fate of his son and first-born.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading He lost not a moment in speculating upon the strange fate of his son and first-born.

plural of “stride” — a step in walking or running

From this reading Crushing the missive in his hand he took two swift strides to a telephone in the wall of the room in which he had received the message from the skies and delivered several rapid orders through it.

so surprisingly impressive as to stun or overwhelm

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

moving very fast

From this reading Crushing the missive in his hand he took two swift strides to a telephone in the wall of the room in which he had received the message from the skies and delivered several rapid orders through it.

electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds

From this reading Crushing the missive in his hand he took two swift strides to a telephone in the wall of the room in which he had received the message from the skies and delivered several rapid orders through it.

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

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Crushing the missive in his hand he took two swift strides to a telephone in the wall of the room in which he had received the message from the skies and delivered several rapid orders through it.

information about recent and important events

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

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

From this reading Crushing the missive in his hand he took two swift strides to a telephone in the wall of the room in which he had received the message from the skies and delivered several rapid orders through it.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Crushing the missive in his hand he took two swift strides to a telephone in the wall of the room in which he had received the message from the skies and delivered several rapid orders through it.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Crushing the missive in his hand he took two swift strides to a telephone in the wall of the room in which he had received the message from the skies and delivered several rapid orders through it.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading He lost not a moment in speculating upon the strange fate of his son and first-born.

often used as intensifiers

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading Crushing the missive in his hand he took two swift strides to a telephone in the wall of the room in which he had received the message from the skies and delivered several rapid orders through it.

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

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

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

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

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

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

in the company of; together with

From this reading ASTOUNDING, almost stupefying, as were the tidings conveyed by this letter, which had dropped like a veritable bolt from the blue, the challenge contained in the last sentence and the ominous name with which it was signed were matters of infinitely greater and more instant importance.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading The safety not only of Aeria, but of the world, demanded his first attention, and he gave it.