used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Billy sat like a statue in the machine, facing a reserve force of grim, gray-garbed veterans standing at attention.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading THE biplane had hardly scudded its length on the turnpike, when the colonel leaped from the machine, his sudden appearance greeted by salvos, both of cheers and an extra round of rifle discharge.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE biplane had hardly scudded its length on the turnpike, when the colonel leaped from the machine, his sudden appearance greeted by salvos, both of cheers and an extra round of rifle discharge.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading THE biplane had hardly scudded its length on the turnpike, when the colonel leaped from the machine, his sudden appearance greeted by salvos, both of cheers and an extra round of rifle discharge.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Billy sat like a statue in the machine, facing a reserve force of grim, gray-garbed veterans standing at attention.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading Billy sat like a statue in the machine, facing a reserve force of grim, gray-garbed veterans standing at attention.
a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways
From this reading Billy could not understand what Colonel Muller was saying to the commanding officer of this regiment, but he could see the effects rippling through the serried lines, a stiffening of attitude, a closer grip of rifle stock and squaring of shoulders.
aviatornounUS /ˈeɪvieɪtər/
someone who operates an aircraft
From this reading The front rank soldiers eyed the boy curiously, no doubt wondering that one of his years should be serving in the capacity of a full-fledged military aviator on a mission so supremely perilous.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The front rank soldiers eyed the boy curiously, no doubt wondering that one of his years should be serving in the capacity of a full-fledged military aviator on a mission so supremely perilous.
a short stout club used primarily by policemen
From this reading Billy sat like a statue in the machine, facing a reserve force of grim, gray-garbed veterans standing at attention.
biplanenounUS /ˈbaɪpleɪn/
old fashioned airplane; has two wings one above the other
From this reading THE biplane had hardly scudded its length on the turnpike, when the colonel leaped from the machine, his sudden appearance greeted by salvos, both of cheers and an extra round of rifle discharge.
the two together, not just one
From this reading THE biplane had hardly scudded its length on the turnpike, when the colonel leaped from the machine, his sudden appearance greeted by salvos, both of cheers and an extra round of rifle discharge.
a youthful male person
From this reading The front rank soldiers eyed the boy curiously, no doubt wondering that one of his years should be serving in the capacity of a full-fledged military aviator on a mission so supremely perilous.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Billy could not understand what Colonel Muller was saying to the commanding officer of this regiment, but he could see the effects rippling through the serried lines, a stiffening of attitude, a closer grip of rifle stock and squaring of shoulders.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading THE biplane had hardly scudded its length on the turnpike, when the colonel leaped from the machine, his sudden appearance greeted by salvos, both of cheers and an extra round of rifle discharge.
capacitynounUS /kəˈpæsəti/
capability to perform or produce
From this reading The front rank soldiers eyed the boy curiously, no doubt wondering that one of his years should be serving in the capacity of a full-fledged military aviator on a mission so supremely perilous.
cheersnounUS /tʃɪrz/
plural of “cheer” — a cry or shout of approval
From this reading THE biplane had hardly scudded its length on the turnpike, when the colonel leaped from the machine, his sudden appearance greeted by salvos, both of cheers and an extra round of rifle discharge.
(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance
From this reading Billy could not understand what Colonel Muller was saying to the commanding officer of this regiment, but he could see the effects rippling through the serried lines, a stiffening of attitude, a closer grip of rifle stock and squaring of shoulders.
a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general
From this reading THE biplane had hardly scudded its length on the turnpike, when the colonel leaped from the machine, his sudden appearance greeted by salvos, both of cheers and an extra round of rifle discharge.
commandingadjectiveUS /kəˈmændɪŋ/
used of a height or viewpoint
From this reading Billy could not understand what Colonel Muller was saying to the commanding officer of this regiment, but he could see the effects rippling through the serried lines, a stiffening of attitude, a closer grip of rifle stock and squaring of shoulders.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Billy could not understand what Colonel Muller was saying to the commanding officer of this regiment, but he could see the effects rippling through the serried lines, a stiffening of attitude, a closer grip of rifle stock and squaring of shoulders.
in a manner differing from the usual or expected
From this reading The front rank soldiers eyed the boy curiously, no doubt wondering that one of his years should be serving in the capacity of a full-fledged military aviator on a mission so supremely perilous.
dischargeverbUS /dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒ/
complete or carry out
From this reading THE biplane had hardly scudded its length on the turnpike, when the colonel leaped from the machine, his sudden appearance greeted by salvos, both of cheers and an extra round of rifle discharge.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading The front rank soldiers eyed the boy curiously, no doubt wondering that one of his years should be serving in the capacity of a full-fledged military aviator on a mission so supremely perilous.
effectsnounUS /ɪˈfekts/
property of a personal character that is portable but not used in business
From this reading Billy could not understand what Colonel Muller was saying to the commanding officer of this regiment, but he could see the effects rippling through the serried lines, a stiffening of attitude, a closer grip of rifle stock and squaring of shoulders.
extraadjectiveUS /ˈekstrə/
more than is needed, desired, or required
From this reading THE biplane had hardly scudded its length on the turnpike, when the colonel leaped from the machine, his sudden appearance greeted by salvos, both of cheers and an extra round of rifle discharge.
eyedadjectiveUS /aɪd/
having an eye or eyes or eyelike feature especially as specified; often used in combination
From this reading The front rank soldiers eyed the boy curiously, no doubt wondering that one of his years should be serving in the capacity of a full-fledged military aviator on a mission so supremely perilous.
facingnounUS /ˈfeɪsɪŋ/
a lining applied to the edge of a garment for ornamentation or strengthening
From this reading Billy sat like a statue in the machine, facing a reserve force of grim, gray-garbed veterans standing at attention.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading Billy sat like a statue in the machine, facing a reserve force of grim, gray-garbed veterans standing at attention.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading THE biplane had hardly scudded its length on the turnpike, when the colonel leaped from the machine, his sudden appearance greeted by salvos, both of cheers and an extra round of rifle discharge.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading The front rank soldiers eyed the boy curiously, no doubt wondering that one of his years should be serving in the capacity of a full-fledged military aviator on a mission so supremely perilous.
full-fledgedadjective
(of a bird) having reached full development with fully grown adult plumage; ready to fly
From this reading The front rank soldiers eyed the boy curiously, no doubt wondering that one of his years should be serving in the capacity of a full-fledged military aviator on a mission so supremely perilous.
gray-garbed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Billy sat like a statue in the machine, facing a reserve force of grim, gray-garbed veterans standing at attention.
past form of “greet” — express greetings upon meeting someone
From this reading THE biplane had hardly scudded its length on the turnpike, when the colonel leaped from the machine, his sudden appearance greeted by salvos, both of cheers and an extra round of rifle discharge.
not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
From this reading Billy sat like a statue in the machine, facing a reserve force of grim, gray-garbed veterans standing at attention.
gripnounUS /ɡrɪp/
the act of grasping
From this reading Billy could not understand what Colonel Muller was saying to the commanding officer of this regiment, but he could see the effects rippling through the serried lines, a stiffening of attitude, a closer grip of rifle stock and squaring of shoulders.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE biplane had hardly scudded its length on the turnpike, when the colonel leaped from the machine, his sudden appearance greeted by salvos, both of cheers and an extra round of rifle discharge.
only a very short time before
From this reading THE biplane had hardly scudded its length on the turnpike, when the colonel leaped from the machine, his sudden appearance greeted by salvos, both of cheers and an extra round of rifle discharge.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Billy could not understand what Colonel Muller was saying to the commanding officer of this regiment, but he could see the effects rippling through the serried lines, a stiffening of attitude, a closer grip of rifle stock and squaring of shoulders.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE biplane had hardly scudded its length on the turnpike, when the colonel leaped from the machine, his sudden appearance greeted by salvos, both of cheers and an extra round of rifle discharge.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Billy sat like a statue in the machine, facing a reserve force of grim, gray-garbed veterans standing at attention.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading THE biplane had hardly scudded its length on the turnpike, when the colonel leaped from the machine, his sudden appearance greeted by salvos, both of cheers and an extra round of rifle discharge.
KITEnounUS /kaɪt/
a bank check that has been fraudulently altered to increase its face value
From this reading THE LUMINOUS KITE.
past form of “leap” — move forward by leaps and bounds
From this reading THE biplane had hardly scudded its length on the turnpike, when the colonel leaped from the machine, his sudden appearance greeted by salvos, both of cheers and an extra round of rifle discharge.
the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading THE biplane had hardly scudded its length on the turnpike, when the colonel leaped from the machine, his sudden appearance greeted by salvos, both of cheers and an extra round of rifle discharge.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Billy sat like a statue in the machine, facing a reserve force of grim, gray-garbed veterans standing at attention.
plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading Billy could not understand what Colonel Muller was saying to the commanding officer of this regiment, but he could see the effects rippling through the serried lines, a stiffening of attitude, a closer grip of rifle stock and squaring of shoulders.
LUMINOUSadjectiveUS /ˈluːmənəs/
softly bright or radiant
From this reading THE LUMINOUS KITE.
any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks
From this reading THE biplane had hardly scudded its length on the turnpike, when the colonel leaped from the machine, his sudden appearance greeted by salvos, both of cheers and an extra round of rifle discharge.
of or relating to the study of the principles of warfare
From this reading The front rank soldiers eyed the boy curiously, no doubt wondering that one of his years should be serving in the capacity of a full-fledged military aviator on a mission so supremely perilous.
an organization of missionaries in a foreign land sent to carry on religious work
From this reading The front rank soldiers eyed the boy curiously, no doubt wondering that one of his years should be serving in the capacity of a full-fledged military aviator on a mission so supremely perilous.
MullernounUS /ˈmʌlər/
Swiss chemist who synthesized DDT and discovered its use as an insecticide (1899-1965)
From this reading Billy could not understand what Colonel Muller was saying to the commanding officer of this regiment, but he could see the effects rippling through the serried lines, a stiffening of attitude, a closer grip of rifle stock and squaring of shoulders.
not any; not one
From this reading The front rank soldiers eyed the boy curiously, no doubt wondering that one of his years should be serving in the capacity of a full-fledged military aviator on a mission so supremely perilous.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Billy could not understand what Colonel Muller was saying to the commanding officer of this regiment, but he could see the effects rippling through the serried lines, a stiffening of attitude, a closer grip of rifle stock and squaring of shoulders.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE biplane had hardly scudded its length on the turnpike, when the colonel leaped from the machine, his sudden appearance greeted by salvos, both of cheers and an extra round of rifle discharge.
any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading Billy could not understand what Colonel Muller was saying to the commanding officer of this regiment, but he could see the effects rippling through the serried lines, a stiffening of attitude, a closer grip of rifle stock and squaring of shoulders.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE biplane had hardly scudded its length on the turnpike, when the colonel leaped from the machine, his sudden appearance greeted by salvos, both of cheers and an extra round of rifle discharge.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The front rank soldiers eyed the boy curiously, no doubt wondering that one of his years should be serving in the capacity of a full-fledged military aviator on a mission so supremely perilous.
perilousadjectiveUS /ˈperələs/
fraught with danger
From this reading The front rank soldiers eyed the boy curiously, no doubt wondering that one of his years should be serving in the capacity of a full-fledged military aviator on a mission so supremely perilous.
a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another
From this reading The front rank soldiers eyed the boy curiously, no doubt wondering that one of his years should be serving in the capacity of a full-fledged military aviator on a mission so supremely perilous.
subject to rigid discipline, order, and systematization
From this reading Billy could not understand what Colonel Muller was saying to the commanding officer of this regiment, but he could see the effects rippling through the serried lines, a stiffening of attitude, a closer grip of rifle stock and squaring of shoulders.
reservenounUS /rɪˈzɜːrv/
formality and propriety of manner
From this reading Billy sat like a statue in the machine, facing a reserve force of grim, gray-garbed veterans standing at attention.
steal goods; take as spoils
From this reading THE biplane had hardly scudded its length on the turnpike, when the colonel leaped from the machine, his sudden appearance greeted by salvos, both of cheers and an extra round of rifle discharge.
ripplingnounUS /ˈrɪpəlɪŋ/
a small wave on the surface of a liquid
From this reading Billy could not understand what Colonel Muller was saying to the commanding officer of this regiment, but he could see the effects rippling through the serried lines, a stiffening of attitude, a closer grip of rifle stock and squaring of shoulders.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading THE biplane had hardly scudded its length on the turnpike, when the colonel leaped from the machine, his sudden appearance greeted by salvos, both of cheers and an extra round of rifle discharge.
salvosnounUS /ˈsælvoʊz/
plural of “salvo” — an outburst resembling the discharge of firearms or the release of bombs
From this reading THE biplane had hardly scudded its length on the turnpike, when the colonel leaped from the machine, his sudden appearance greeted by salvos, both of cheers and an extra round of rifle discharge.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading Billy sat like a statue in the machine, facing a reserve force of grim, gray-garbed veterans standing at attention.
a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
From this reading Billy could not understand what Colonel Muller was saying to the commanding officer of this regiment, but he could see the effects rippling through the serried lines, a stiffening of attitude, a closer grip of rifle stock and squaring of shoulders.
scudded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE biplane had hardly scudded its length on the turnpike, when the colonel leaped from the machine, his sudden appearance greeted by salvos, both of cheers and an extra round of rifle discharge.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Billy could not understand what Colonel Muller was saying to the commanding officer of this regiment, but he could see the effects rippling through the serried lines, a stiffening of attitude, a closer grip of rifle stock and squaring of shoulders.
serriedadjective
(especially of rows as of troops or mountains) pressed together
From this reading Billy could not understand what Colonel Muller was saying to the commanding officer of this regiment, but he could see the effects rippling through the serried lines, a stiffening of attitude, a closer grip of rifle stock and squaring of shoulders.
servingnounUS /ˈsɜːrvɪŋ/
an individual quantity of food or drink taken as part of a meal
From this reading The front rank soldiers eyed the boy curiously, no doubt wondering that one of his years should be serving in the capacity of a full-fledged military aviator on a mission so supremely perilous.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading The front rank soldiers eyed the boy curiously, no doubt wondering that one of his years should be serving in the capacity of a full-fledged military aviator on a mission so supremely perilous.
plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm
From this reading Billy could not understand what Colonel Muller was saying to the commanding officer of this regiment, but he could see the effects rippling through the serried lines, a stiffening of attitude, a closer grip of rifle stock and squaring of shoulders.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The front rank soldiers eyed the boy curiously, no doubt wondering that one of his years should be serving in the capacity of a full-fledged military aviator on a mission so supremely perilous.
plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
From this reading The front rank soldiers eyed the boy curiously, no doubt wondering that one of his years should be serving in the capacity of a full-fledged military aviator on a mission so supremely perilous.
squaringverbUS /ˈskwerɪŋ/
-ing form of “square” — make square
From this reading Billy could not understand what Colonel Muller was saying to the commanding officer of this regiment, but he could see the effects rippling through the serried lines, a stiffening of attitude, a closer grip of rifle stock and squaring of shoulders.
having a supporting base
From this reading Billy sat like a statue in the machine, facing a reserve force of grim, gray-garbed veterans standing at attention.
statuenounUS /ˈstætʃuː/
a sculpture representing a human or animal
From this reading Billy sat like a statue in the machine, facing a reserve force of grim, gray-garbed veterans standing at attention.
stiffeningnounUS /ˈstɪfənɪŋ/
the act of becoming stiff
From this reading Billy could not understand what Colonel Muller was saying to the commanding officer of this regiment, but he could see the effects rippling through the serried lines, a stiffening of attitude, a closer grip of rifle stock and squaring of shoulders.
the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest
From this reading Billy could not understand what Colonel Muller was saying to the commanding officer of this regiment, but he could see the effects rippling through the serried lines, a stiffening of attitude, a closer grip of rifle stock and squaring of shoulders.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading THE biplane had hardly scudded its length on the turnpike, when the colonel leaped from the machine, his sudden appearance greeted by salvos, both of cheers and an extra round of rifle discharge.
supremelyadverbUS /suːˈpriːməli/
to the maximum degree
From this reading The front rank soldiers eyed the boy curiously, no doubt wondering that one of his years should be serving in the capacity of a full-fledged military aviator on a mission so supremely perilous.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The front rank soldiers eyed the boy curiously, no doubt wondering that one of his years should be serving in the capacity of a full-fledged military aviator on a mission so supremely perilous.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE LUMINOUS KITE.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Billy could not understand what Colonel Muller was saying to the commanding officer of this regiment, but he could see the effects rippling through the serried lines, a stiffening of attitude, a closer grip of rifle stock and squaring of shoulders.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Billy could not understand what Colonel Muller was saying to the commanding officer of this regiment, but he could see the effects rippling through the serried lines, a stiffening of attitude, a closer grip of rifle stock and squaring of shoulders.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Billy could not understand what Colonel Muller was saying to the commanding officer of this regiment, but he could see the effects rippling through the serried lines, a stiffening of attitude, a closer grip of rifle stock and squaring of shoulders.
turnpikenounUS /ˈtɜːrnpaɪk/
(from 16th to 19th centuries) gates set across a road to prevent passage until a toll had been paid
From this reading THE biplane had hardly scudded its length on the turnpike, when the colonel leaped from the machine, his sudden appearance greeted by salvos, both of cheers and an extra round of rifle discharge.
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading Billy could not understand what Colonel Muller was saying to the commanding officer of this regiment, but he could see the effects rippling through the serried lines, a stiffening of attitude, a closer grip of rifle stock and squaring of shoulders.
veteransnounUS /ˈvetərənz/
plural of “veteran” — a serviceman who has seen considerable active service
From this reading Billy sat like a statue in the machine, facing a reserve force of grim, gray-garbed veterans standing at attention.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Billy could not understand what Colonel Muller was saying to the commanding officer of this regiment, but he could see the effects rippling through the serried lines, a stiffening of attitude, a closer grip of rifle stock and squaring of shoulders.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Billy could not understand what Colonel Muller was saying to the commanding officer of this regiment, but he could see the effects rippling through the serried lines, a stiffening of attitude, a closer grip of rifle stock and squaring of shoulders.
at the time that
From this reading THE biplane had hardly scudded its length on the turnpike, when the colonel leaped from the machine, his sudden appearance greeted by salvos, both of cheers and an extra round of rifle discharge.
showing curiosity
From this reading The front rank soldiers eyed the boy curiously, no doubt wondering that one of his years should be serving in the capacity of a full-fledged military aviator on a mission so supremely perilous.
a late time of life
From this reading The front rank soldiers eyed the boy curiously, no doubt wondering that one of his years should be serving in the capacity of a full-fledged military aviator on a mission so supremely perilous.
