used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
acutelyadverbUS /əˈkjuːtli/
in a keen or penetrating way
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Rockets were strictly emergency devices, these days, so when they were used there was obviously an emergency.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He had been reading, in the passenger lounge of the _Warlock_--a very small lounge indeed--but as a senior Colonial Survey officer he was well-traveled enough to know when things did not go right.
blastsnounUS /blæsts/
plural of “blast” — a very long fly ball
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
bookscreen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He looked up from the bookscreen, waiting.
Bordman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He had been reading, in the passenger lounge of the _Warlock_--a very small lounge indeed--but as a senior Colonial Survey officer he was well-traveled enough to know when things did not go right.
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
ColonialadjectiveUS /kəˈloʊniəl/
of or relating to or characteristic of or inhabiting a colony
From this reading He had been reading, in the passenger lounge of the _Warlock_--a very small lounge indeed--but as a senior Colonial Survey officer he was well-traveled enough to know when things did not go right.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
couldn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading Rockets were strictly emergency devices, these days, so when they were used there was obviously an emergency.
devicesnounUS /dɪˈvaɪsəz/
an inclination or desire; used in the plural in the phrase “left to your own devices”
From this reading Rockets were strictly emergency devices, these days, so when they were used there was obviously an emergency.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He had been reading, in the passenger lounge of the _Warlock_--a very small lounge indeed--but as a senior Colonial Survey officer he was well-traveled enough to know when things did not go right.
emergencynounUS /ɪˈmɜːrdʒənsi/
a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action
From this reading Rockets were strictly emergency devices, these days, so when they were used there was obviously an emergency.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading He had been reading, in the passenger lounge of the _Warlock_--a very small lounge indeed--but as a senior Colonial Survey officer he was well-traveled enough to know when things did not go right.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He looked up from the bookscreen, waiting.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading He had been reading, in the passenger lounge of the _Warlock_--a very small lounge indeed--but as a senior Colonial Survey officer he was well-traveled enough to know when things did not go right.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He had been reading, in the passenger lounge of the _Warlock_--a very small lounge indeed--but as a senior Colonial Survey officer he was well-traveled enough to know when things did not go right.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He sat still.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading He had been reading, in the passenger lounge of the _Warlock_--a very small lounge indeed--but as a senior Colonial Survey officer he was well-traveled enough to know when things did not go right.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading He had been reading, in the passenger lounge of the _Warlock_--a very small lounge indeed--but as a senior Colonial Survey officer he was well-traveled enough to know when things did not go right.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading He looked up from the bookscreen, waiting.
loungeverbUS /laʊndʒ/
sit or recline comfortably
From this reading He had been reading, in the passenger lounge of the _Warlock_--a very small lounge indeed--but as a senior Colonial Survey officer he was well-traveled enough to know when things did not go right.
neatadjectiveUS /niːt/
clean or organized
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He had been reading, in the passenger lounge of the _Warlock_--a very small lounge indeed--but as a senior Colonial Survey officer he was well-traveled enough to know when things did not go right.
obviouslyadverbUS /ˈɑːbviəsli/
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading Rockets were strictly emergency devices, these days, so when they were used there was obviously an emergency.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading He had been reading, in the passenger lounge of the _Warlock_--a very small lounge indeed--but as a senior Colonial Survey officer he was well-traveled enough to know when things did not go right.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
the local environment
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
passengernounUS /ˈpæsəndʒər/
a traveler riding in a vehicle (a boat or bus or car or plane or train etc) who is not operating it
From this reading He had been reading, in the passenger lounge of the _Warlock_--a very small lounge indeed--but as a senior Colonial Survey officer he was well-traveled enough to know when things did not go right.
problemnounUS /ˈprɑːbləm/
a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message
From this reading He had been reading, in the passenger lounge of the _Warlock_--a very small lounge indeed--but as a senior Colonial Survey officer he was well-traveled enough to know when things did not go right.
repairnounUS /rɪˈper/
the act of putting something in working order again
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
precisely, exactly
From this reading He had been reading, in the passenger lounge of the _Warlock_--a very small lounge indeed--but as a senior Colonial Survey officer he was well-traveled enough to know when things did not go right.
rocketnounUS /ˈrɑːkət/
any vehicle self-propelled by a rocket engine
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
RocketsnounUS /ˈrɑːkəts/
plural of “rocket” — any vehicle self-propelled by a rocket engine
From this reading Rockets were strictly emergency devices, these days, so when they were used there was obviously an emergency.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading He sat still.
senioradjectiveUS /ˈsiːnjər/
older; higher in rank; longer in length of tenure or service
From this reading He had been reading, in the passenger lounge of the _Warlock_--a very small lounge indeed--but as a senior Colonial Survey officer he was well-traveled enough to know when things did not go right.
transport commercially
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading He had been reading, in the passenger lounge of the _Warlock_--a very small lounge indeed--but as a senior Colonial Survey officer he was well-traveled enough to know when things did not go right.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Rockets were strictly emergency devices, these days, so when they were used there was obviously an emergency.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
not in physical motion
From this reading He sat still.
strictlyadverbUS /ˈstrɪktli/
restricted to something
From this reading Rockets were strictly emergency devices, these days, so when they were used there was obviously an emergency.
SurveynounUS /sərˈveɪ/
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading He had been reading, in the passenger lounge of the _Warlock_--a very small lounge indeed--but as a senior Colonial Survey officer he was well-traveled enough to know when things did not go right.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
in or at that place or location
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Rockets were strictly emergency devices, these days, so when they were used there was obviously an emergency.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading He had been reading, in the passenger lounge of the _Warlock_--a very small lounge indeed--but as a senior Colonial Survey officer he was well-traveled enough to know when things did not go right.
throbbingnounUS /ˈθrɑːbɪŋ/
an instance of rapid strong pulsation (of the heart)
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He had been reading, in the passenger lounge of the _Warlock_--a very small lounge indeed--but as a senior Colonial Survey officer he was well-traveled enough to know when things did not go right.
uncomfortableadjectiveUS /ənˈkʌmfərtəbəl/
conducive to or feeling mental discomfort
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading He looked up from the bookscreen, waiting.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading Rockets were strictly emergency devices, these days, so when they were used there was obviously an emergency.
precisely as stated
From this reading He had been reading, in the passenger lounge of the _Warlock_--a very small lounge indeed--but as a senior Colonial Survey officer he was well-traveled enough to know when things did not go right.
vibrationnounUS /vaɪˈbreɪʃən/
the act of vibrating
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading He looked up from the bookscreen, waiting.
WarlocknounUS /ˈwɔːrlɔːk/
a male witch or demon
From this reading He had been reading, in the passenger lounge of the _Warlock_--a very small lounge indeed--but as a senior Colonial Survey officer he was well-traveled enough to know when things did not go right.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
well-traveled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been reading, in the passenger lounge of the _Warlock_--a very small lounge indeed--but as a senior Colonial Survey officer he was well-traveled enough to know when things did not go right.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Rockets were strictly emergency devices, these days, so when they were used there was obviously an emergency.
at the time that
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth
From this reading +--------------------------------------------------------------+ | _The problem was as neat a circle as one could ask for; | | without repair parts, they couldn't bring in the ship that | | carried the repair parts!_ | +--------------------------------------------------------------+ Bordman knew there was something wrong when the throbbing, acutely uncomfortable vibration of rocket blasts shook the ship.
