used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After unwinding and winding again some yards of fine copper wire, he snapped open the metal-cased spirit lamp and a tiny flame appeared.
anew
From this reading After unwinding and winding again some yards of fine copper wire, he snapped open the metal-cased spirit lamp and a tiny flame appeared.
(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 A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
appliedadjectiveUS /əˈplaɪd/
concerned with concrete problems or data rather than with fundamental principles
From this reading Attaching a balloon to the retort he applied the flame to the body of the retort.
plural of “article” — nonfictional prose forming an independent part of a publication
From this reading Curlie’s fingers, working rapidly yet with trained precision, drew various articles from his belt.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At once the balloon began to expand.
AttachingverbUS /əˈtætʃɪŋ/
-ing form of “attach” — cause to be attached
From this reading Attaching a balloon to the retort he applied the flame to the body of the retort.
balloonnounUS /bəˈluːn/
large tough nonrigid bag filled with gas or heated air
From this reading Attaching a balloon to the retort he applied the flame to the body of the retort.
balloonsnounUS /bəˈluːnz/
plural of “balloon” — large tough nonrigid bag filled with gas or heated air
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading At once the balloon began to expand.
beltnounUS /belt/
endless loop of flexible material between two rotating shafts or pulleys
From this reading Curlie’s fingers, working rapidly yet with trained precision, drew various articles from his belt.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
blanketnounUS /ˈblæŋkət/
bedding that keeps a person warm in bed
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading Attaching a balloon to the retort he applied the flame to the body of the retort.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
coilnounUS /kɔɪl/
a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
coppernounUS /ˈkɑːpər/
a ductile malleable reddish-brown corrosion-resistant diamagnetic metallic element; occurs in various minerals but is the only metal that occurs abundantly in large masses; used as an electrical and thermal conductor
From this reading After unwinding and winding again some yards of fine copper wire, he snapped open the metal-cased spirit lamp and a tiny flame appeared.
cotnounUS /kɑːt/
a sheath worn to protect a finger
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
Curlie's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Curlie’s fingers, working rapidly yet with trained precision, drew various articles from his belt.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading Curlie’s fingers, working rapidly yet with trained precision, drew various articles from his belt.
elasticadjectiveUS /ɪˈlæstɪk/
capable of resuming original shape after stretching or compression; springy
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
expandverbUS /ɪkˈspænd/
extend in one or more directions
From this reading At once the balloon began to expand.
fibernounUS /ˈfaɪbər/
a slender and greatly elongated substance capable of being spun into yarn
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
From this reading Curlie’s fingers, working rapidly yet with trained precision, drew various articles from his belt.
A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.
From this reading After unwinding and winding again some yards of fine copper wire, he snapped open the metal-cased spirit lamp and a tiny flame appeared.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Curlie’s fingers, working rapidly yet with trained precision, drew various articles from his belt.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading After unwinding and winding again some yards of fine copper wire, he snapped open the metal-cased spirit lamp and a tiny flame appeared.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Curlie’s fingers, working rapidly yet with trained precision, drew various articles from his belt.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
an artificial source of visible illumination
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
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 A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
any art that invokes supernatural powers
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
metalnounUS /ˈmetəl/
any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc.
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
metal-cased
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After unwinding and winding again some yards of fine copper wire, he snapped open the metal-cased spirit lamp and a tiny flame appeared.
miniaturenounUS /ˈmɪniətʃʊr/
painting or drawing included in a book (especially in illuminated medieval manuscripts)
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
on one occasion
From this reading At once the balloon began to expand.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading After unwinding and winding again some yards of fine copper wire, he snapped open the metal-cased spirit lamp and a tiny flame appeared.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
precisionnounUS /priˈsɪʒən/
the quality of being reproducible in amount or performance
From this reading Curlie’s fingers, working rapidly yet with trained precision, drew various articles from his belt.
made ready or fit or suitable beforehand
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
with speed
From this reading Curlie’s fingers, working rapidly yet with trained precision, drew various articles from his belt.
retortnounUS /ˈriːtɔːrt/
a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
snappedverbUS /snæpt/
inflected form of “snap” — utter in an angry, sharp, or abrupt tone
From this reading After unwinding and winding again some yards of fine copper wire, he snapped open the metal-cased spirit lamp and a tiny flame appeared.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
speciallyadverbUS /ˈspeʃəli/
in a special manner
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
the vital principle or animating force within living things
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
spools
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
distribute or disperse widely
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
substancenounUS /ˈsʌbstəns/
the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
very small
From this reading After unwinding and winding again some yards of fine copper wire, he snapped open the metal-cased spirit lamp and a tiny flame appeared.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Attaching a balloon to the retort he applied the flame to the body of the retort.
trainedadjectiveUS /treɪnd/
shaped or conditioned or disciplined by training; often used as a combining form
From this reading Curlie’s fingers, working rapidly yet with trained precision, drew various articles from his belt.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
unwindingverbUS /ənˈwaɪndɪŋ/
-ing form of “unwind” — reverse the winding or twisting of
From this reading After unwinding and winding again some yards of fine copper wire, he snapped open the metal-cased spirit lamp and a tiny flame appeared.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading Curlie’s fingers, working rapidly yet with trained precision, drew various articles from his belt.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
windingadjectiveUS /ˈwaɪndɪŋ/
marked by repeated turns and bends
From this reading After unwinding and winding again some yards of fine copper wire, he snapped open the metal-cased spirit lamp and a tiny flame appeared.
ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc
From this reading A coil of fine wire, two long spools made of some black substance, a pocket spirit lamp, a miniature metal retort, three small balloons made of a specially prepared elastic fiber; all these and many more things appeared as if by magic, and were spread out upon a blanket on the cot.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Curlie’s fingers, working rapidly yet with trained precision, drew various articles from his belt.
actively engaged in paid work
From this reading Curlie’s fingers, working rapidly yet with trained precision, drew various articles from his belt.
plural of “yard” — a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride
From this reading After unwinding and winding again some yards of fine copper wire, he snapped open the metal-cased spirit lamp and a tiny flame appeared.
but in spite of that
From this reading Curlie’s fingers, working rapidly yet with trained precision, drew various articles from his belt.
