Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading This etext was produced from Astounding Stories November 1931.

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

From this reading The muffled, helmeted figure of a pilot climbed down the spider ladder, nestled into the foremost scout's cockpit and pressed the starting button.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

Having no one else present.

From this reading [Sidenote: Alone and unaided, Pilot Travers copes with the invisible foes who have struck down America's great engine of war.]

possessive form of “america” — North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776

From this reading [Sidenote: Alone and unaided, Pilot Travers copes with the invisible foes who have struck down America's great engine of war.]

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

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

From this reading [Sidenote: Alone and unaided, Pilot Travers copes with the invisible foes who have struck down America's great engine of war.]

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.

bewildering or striking dumb with wonder

From this reading This etext was produced from Astounding Stories November 1931.

operating with minimal human intervention; independent of external control

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

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

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

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

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

come open suddenly and violently, as if from internal pressure

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

a round fastener sewn to shirts and coats etc to fit through buttonholes

From this reading The muffled, helmeted figure of a pilot climbed down the spider ladder, nestled into the foremost scout's cockpit and pressed the starting button.

fasten or fix with a clamp

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

past form of “climb” — go upward with gradual or continuous progress

From this reading The muffled, helmeted figure of a pilot climbed down the spider ladder, nestled into the foremost scout's cockpit and pressed the starting button.

compartment where the pilot sits while flying the aircraft

From this reading The muffled, helmeted figure of a pilot climbed down the spider ladder, nestled into the foremost scout's cockpit and pressed the starting button.

plural of “cope” — brick that is laid sideways at the top of a wall

From this reading [Sidenote: Alone and unaided, Pilot Travers copes with the invisible foes who have struck down America's great engine of war.]

a document granting exclusive right to publish and sell literary or musical or artistic work

From this reading Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading [Sidenote: Alone and unaided, Pilot Travers copes with the invisible foes who have struck down America's great engine of war.]

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

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work

From this reading [Sidenote: Alone and unaided, Pilot Travers copes with the invisible foes who have struck down America's great engine of war.]

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

From this reading This etext was produced from Astounding Stories November 1931.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.

large in spatial extent or range or scope or quantity

From this reading Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading The muffled, helmeted figure of a pilot climbed down the spider ladder, nestled into the foremost scout's cockpit and pressed the starting button.

the chief one of a related group

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

plural of “foe” — an armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force)

From this reading [Sidenote: Alone and unaided, Pilot Travers copes with the invisible foes who have struck down America's great engine of war.]

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

ranking above all others

From this reading The muffled, helmeted figure of a pilot climbed down the spider ladder, nestled into the foremost scout's cockpit and pressed the starting button.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading This etext was produced from Astounding Stories November 1931.

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

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

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

From this reading [Sidenote: Alone and unaided, Pilot Travers copes with the invisible foes who have struck down America's great engine of war.]

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading [Sidenote: Alone and unaided, Pilot Travers copes with the invisible foes who have struck down America's great engine of war.]

equipped with or wearing a helmet

From this reading The muffled, helmeted figure of a pilot climbed down the spider ladder, nestled into the foremost scout's cockpit and pressed the starting button.

past form of “hover” — be undecided about something; waver between conflicting positions or courses of action

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The muffled, helmeted figure of a pilot climbed down the spider ladder, nestled into the foremost scout's cockpit and pressed the starting button.

impossible or nearly impossible to see; imperceptible by the eye

From this reading [Sidenote: Alone and unaided, Pilot Travers copes with the invisible foes who have struck down America's great engine of war.]

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

steps consisting of two parallel members connected by rungs; for climbing up or down

From this reading The muffled, helmeted figure of a pilot climbed down the spider ladder, nestled into the foremost scout's cockpit and pressed the starting button.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

straightened out

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

plural of “moment” — a particular point in time

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

being or made softer or less loud or clear

From this reading The muffled, helmeted figure of a pilot climbed down the spider ladder, nestled into the foremost scout's cockpit and pressed the starting button.

drawn or pressed close to someone or something for or as if for affection or protection

From this reading The muffled, helmeted figure of a pilot climbed down the spider ladder, nestled into the foremost scout's cockpit and pressed the starting button.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.

the month following October and preceding December

From this reading This etext was produced from Astounding Stories November 1931.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading [Sidenote: Alone and unaided, Pilot Travers copes with the invisible foes who have struck down America's great engine of war.]

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

operate an airplane

From this reading [Sidenote: Alone and unaided, Pilot Travers copes with the invisible foes who have struck down America's great engine of war.]

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

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

compacted by ironing

From this reading The muffled, helmeted figure of a pilot climbed down the spider ladder, nestled into the foremost scout's cockpit and pressed the starting button.

past form of “produce” — bring forth or yield

From this reading This etext was produced from Astounding Stories November 1931.

a copy of a printed work offered for distribution

From this reading Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.

restored to a new condition

From this reading Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.

systematic investigation to establish facts

From this reading Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.

make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.

a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

possessive form of “scout” — a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

From this reading The muffled, helmeted figure of a pilot climbed down the spider ladder, nestled into the foremost scout's cockpit and pressed the starting button.

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

From this reading [Sidenote: Alone and unaided, Pilot Travers copes with the invisible foes who have struck down America's great engine of war.]

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

come down like raindrops

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

predatory arachnid with eight legs, two poison fangs, two feelers, and usually two silk-spinning organs at the back end of the body; they spin silk to make cocoons for eggs or traps for prey

From this reading The muffled, helmeted figure of a pilot climbed down the spider ladder, nestled into the foremost scout's cockpit and pressed the starting button.

(especially of eyes) bulging or protruding as with fear

From this reading The muffled, helmeted figure of a pilot climbed down the spider ladder, nestled into the foremost scout's cockpit and pressed the starting button.

plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading This etext was produced from Astounding Stories November 1931.

past form of “straighten” — straighten up or out; make straight

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading [Sidenote: Alone and unaided, Pilot Travers copes with the invisible foes who have struck down America's great engine of war.]

pulled or drawn tight

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.

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

From this reading Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

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

From this reading This etext was produced from Astounding Stories November 1931.

the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

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

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

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

From this reading [Sidenote: Alone and unaided, Pilot Travers copes with the invisible foes who have struck down America's great engine of war.]

a base containing nitrogen that is found in RNA (but not in DNA) and derived from pyrimidine; pairs with adenine

From this reading Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.

carried out without aid or assistance

From this reading [Sidenote: Alone and unaided, Pilot Travers copes with the invisible foes who have struck down America's great engine of war.]

remove all or part of one's clothes to show one's body

From this reading Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading [Sidenote: Alone and unaided, Pilot Travers copes with the invisible foes who have struck down America's great engine of war.]

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

From this reading This etext was produced from Astounding Stories November 1931.

in or at the place that

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

which person or people

From this reading [Sidenote: Alone and unaided, Pilot Travers copes with the invisible foes who have struck down America's great engine of war.]

a means of flight or ascent

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

a small tuft or lock

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.

in the company of; together with

From this reading [Sidenote: Alone and unaided, Pilot Travers copes with the invisible foes who have struck down America's great engine of war.]

past form of “zoom” — move along very quickly

From this reading The motor spat out a wisp of smoke, then burst into its full-throated roar: the automatic clamp above loosened: the scout dropped plummet-like, bobbed to the flagship below, straightened out and zoomed six thousand feet up into the morning blue, where it hovered for a few moments like an eagle on taut wings.