Chapter II

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

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

a pass to a receiver downfield from the passer

From this reading Every modern house was crowded with a terrace, partly for the purpose of facilitating aerial embarkations.

later than; following

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

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

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

formal attendance (in court or at a hearing) of a party in an action

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

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

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

plural of “astronomer” — a physicist who studies astronomy

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

for the reason that

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading For several days after its discovery, none but the most powerful equatorials of the observatories could detect its presence.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

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

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

plural of “comet” — (astronomy) a relatively small extraterrestrial body consisting of a frozen mass that travels around the sun in a highly elliptical orbit

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading For several days after its discovery, none but the most powerful equatorials of the observatories could detect its presence.

overfilled or compacted or concentrated

From this reading Every modern house was crowded with a terrace, partly for the purpose of facilitating aerial embarkations.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading For several days after its discovery, none but the most powerful equatorials of the observatories could detect its presence.

(plural) the deepest and most remote part

From this reading The stranger had emerged slowly from the depths of space.

discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading For several days after its discovery, none but the most powerful equatorials of the observatories could detect its presence.

the act of discovering something

From this reading For several days after its discovery, none but the most powerful equatorials of the observatories could detect its presence.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

one or the other of two

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

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

From this reading Every modern house was crowded with a terrace, partly for the purpose of facilitating aerial embarkations.

past form of “emerge” — come out into view, as from concealment

From this reading The stranger had emerged slowly from the depths of space.

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

From this reading For several days after its discovery, none but the most powerful equatorials of the observatories could detect its presence.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Every modern house was crowded with a terrace, partly for the purpose of facilitating aerial embarkations.

consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning

From this reading But the well-informed were not slow to examine it for themselves.

-ing form of “facilitate” — make easier

From this reading Every modern house was crowded with a terrace, partly for the purpose of facilitating aerial embarkations.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

borne up by or suspended in a liquid

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For several days after its discovery, none but the most powerful equatorials of the observatories could detect its presence.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The stranger had emerged slowly from the depths of space.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

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

From this reading The stranger had emerged slowly from the depths of space.

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

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading Every modern house was crowded with a terrace, partly for the purpose of facilitating aerial embarkations.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

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

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But the well-informed were not slow to examine it for themselves.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading For several days after its discovery, none but the most powerful equatorials of the observatories could detect its presence.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages

From this reading Every modern house was crowded with a terrace, partly for the purpose of facilitating aerial embarkations.

the light of the Moon

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

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

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

used to form the superlative

From this reading For several days after its discovery, none but the most powerful equatorials of the observatories could detect its presence.

Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

not one, and not any

From this reading For several days after its discovery, none but the most powerful equatorials of the observatories could detect its presence.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But the well-informed were not slow to examine it for themselves.

plural of “observatory” — a building designed and equipped to observe astronomical phenomena

From this reading For several days after its discovery, none but the most powerful equatorials of the observatories could detect its presence.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The stranger had emerged slowly from the depths of space.

on one occasion

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

and nothing more

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

to some extent; in some degree; not wholly

From this reading Every modern house was crowded with a terrace, partly for the purpose of facilitating aerial embarkations.

the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

periapsis in solar orbit; the point in the orbit of a planet or comet where it is nearest to the sun

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

having great power or force or potency or effect

From this reading For several days after its discovery, none but the most powerful equatorials of the observatories could detect its presence.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading For several days after its discovery, none but the most powerful equatorials of the observatories could detect its presence.

past form of “prevent” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading Every modern house was crowded with a terrace, partly for the purpose of facilitating aerial embarkations.

plural of “region” — the extended spatial location of something

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

similar things placed in order or happening one after another

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

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

From this reading For several days after its discovery, none but the most powerful equatorials of the observatories could detect its presence.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading But the well-informed were not slow to examine it for themselves.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading The stranger had emerged slowly from the depths of space.

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading The stranger had emerged slowly from the depths of space.

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

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

plural of “storm” — a violent weather condition with winds 64-72 knots (11 on the Beaufort scale) and precipitation and thunder and lightning

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading The stranger had emerged slowly from the depths of space.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

crush together or collapse

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence

From this reading Every modern house was crowded with a terrace, partly for the purpose of facilitating aerial embarkations.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

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

From this reading The stranger had emerged slowly from the depths of space.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading But the well-informed were not slow to examine it for themselves.

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

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

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

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

capable of being seen; or open to easy view

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

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

From this reading Every modern house was crowded with a terrace, partly for the purpose of facilitating aerial embarkations.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading Instead of appearing suddenly, as more than once the great comets have been observed to do,—either because coming into view immediately after their perihelion passage, or after a long series of storms or moonlight nights has prevented the search of the sky by the comet-seekers—this floating star-mist had at first remained in regions visible only to the telescope, and had been watched only by astronomers.

possessing sound knowledge

From this reading But the well-informed were not slow to examine it for themselves.

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

From this reading But the well-informed were not slow to examine it for themselves.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Every modern house was crowded with a terrace, partly for the purpose of facilitating aerial embarkations.