used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading So sudden, so unexpected, so astounding was the crash of Seth’s tomahawk through the head of the doomed savage, that, for a moment after, not an Indian moved or spoke.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading So sudden, so unexpected, so astounding was the crash of Seth’s tomahawk through the head of the doomed savage, that, for a moment after, not an Indian moved or spoke.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading So sudden, so unexpected, so astounding was the crash of Seth’s tomahawk through the head of the doomed savage, that, for a moment after, not an Indian moved or spoke.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The head was nearly cleft in twain (for an arm fired by consuming passion had driven it), and the brains were spattered over numbers of those seated around.
a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
From this reading The head was nearly cleft in twain (for an arm fired by consuming passion had driven it), and the brains were spattered over numbers of those seated around.
weapons considered collectively
From this reading Seth himself stood a second, as if to satisfy himself that the work was complete, when he turned, walked to his seat, sat down, coolly folded his arms, and _commenced whistling_!
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading The head was nearly cleft in twain (for an arm fired by consuming passion had driven it), and the brains were spattered over numbers of those seated around.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Seth himself stood a second, as if to satisfy himself that the work was complete, when he turned, walked to his seat, sat down, coolly folded his arms, and _commenced whistling_!
astoundingadjectiveUS /əˈstaʊndɪŋ/
bewildering or striking dumb with wonder
From this reading So sudden, so unexpected, so astounding was the crash of Seth’s tomahawk through the head of the doomed savage, that, for a moment after, not an Indian moved or spoke.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
brainsnounUS /breɪnz/
plural of “brain” — that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull; continuous with the spinal cord
From this reading The head was nearly cleft in twain (for an arm fired by consuming passion had driven it), and the brains were spattered over numbers of those seated around.
the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
the bodily process of inhalation and exhalation; the process of taking in oxygen from inhaled air and releasing carbon dioxide by exhalation
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
browsnounUS /braʊz/
plural of “brow” — the part of the face above the eyes
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Every face but that of the chieftain’s, was livid with fury.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The head was nearly cleft in twain (for an arm fired by consuming passion had driven it), and the brains were spattered over numbers of those seated around.
chieftain'snounUS /ˈtʃiːftənz/
possessive form of “chieftain” — the leader of a group of people
From this reading Every face but that of the chieftain’s, was livid with fury.
cleftnounUS /kleft/
a split or indentation in something (as the palate or chin)
From this reading The head was nearly cleft in twain (for an arm fired by consuming passion had driven it), and the brains were spattered over numbers of those seated around.
past form of “commence” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Seth himself stood a second, as if to satisfy himself that the work was complete, when he turned, walked to his seat, sat down, coolly folded his arms, and _commenced whistling_!
come or bring to a finish or an end
From this reading Seth himself stood a second, as if to satisfy himself that the work was complete, when he turned, walked to his seat, sat down, coolly folded his arms, and _commenced whistling_!
consumingadjectiveUS /kənˈsuːmɪŋ/
very strong; urgently felt
From this reading The head was nearly cleft in twain (for an arm fired by consuming passion had driven it), and the brains were spattered over numbers of those seated around.
coollyadverbUS /ˈkuːli/
in a composed and unconcerned manner
From this reading Seth himself stood a second, as if to satisfy himself that the work was complete, when he turned, walked to his seat, sat down, coolly folded his arms, and _commenced whistling_!
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
crashverbUS /kræʃ/
fall or come down violently
From this reading So sudden, so unexpected, so astounding was the crash of Seth’s tomahawk through the head of the doomed savage, that, for a moment after, not an Indian moved or spoke.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
distortedadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɔːrtəd/
so badly formed or out of shape as to be ugly
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
doomedadjectiveUS /duːmd/
marked for certain death
From this reading So sudden, so unexpected, so astounding was the crash of Seth’s tomahawk through the head of the doomed savage, that, for a moment after, not an Indian moved or spoke.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Seth himself stood a second, as if to satisfy himself that the work was complete, when he turned, walked to his seat, sat down, coolly folded his arms, and _commenced whistling_!
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
compelled forcibly by an outside agency
From this reading The head was nearly cleft in twain (for an arm fired by consuming passion had driven it), and the brains were spattered over numbers of those seated around.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
opinion or judgment
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Every face but that of the chieftain’s, was livid with fury.
experiencing or showing fear
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
firedadjectiveUS /ˈfaɪərd/
having lost your job
From this reading The head was nearly cleft in twain (for an arm fired by consuming passion had driven it), and the brains were spattered over numbers of those seated around.
past form of “fold” — bend or lay so that one part covers the other
From this reading Seth himself stood a second, as if to satisfy himself that the work was complete, when he turned, walked to his seat, sat down, coolly folded his arms, and _commenced whistling_!
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading So sudden, so unexpected, so astounding was the crash of Seth’s tomahawk through the head of the doomed savage, that, for a moment after, not an Indian moved or spoke.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
a feeling of intense anger
From this reading Every face but that of the chieftain’s, was livid with fury.
glitteringadjectiveUS /ˈɡlɪtərɪŋ/
having brief brilliant points or flashes of light
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The head was nearly cleft in twain (for an arm fired by consuming passion had driven it), and the brains were spattered over numbers of those seated around.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Seth himself stood a second, as if to satisfy himself that the work was complete, when he turned, walked to his seat, sat down, coolly folded his arms, and _commenced whistling_!
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading So sudden, so unexpected, so astounding was the crash of Seth’s tomahawk through the head of the doomed savage, that, for a moment after, not an Indian moved or spoke.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Seth himself stood a second, as if to satisfy himself that the work was complete, when he turned, walked to his seat, sat down, coolly folded his arms, and _commenced whistling_!
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Seth himself stood a second, as if to satisfy himself that the work was complete, when he turned, walked to his seat, sat down, coolly folded his arms, and _commenced whistling_!
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Seth himself stood a second, as if to satisfy himself that the work was complete, when he turned, walked to his seat, sat down, coolly folded his arms, and _commenced whistling_!
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The head was nearly cleft in twain (for an arm fired by consuming passion had driven it), and the brains were spattered over numbers of those seated around.
of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures
From this reading So sudden, so unexpected, so astounding was the crash of Seth’s tomahawk through the head of the doomed savage, that, for a moment after, not an Indian moved or spoke.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The head was nearly cleft in twain (for an arm fired by consuming passion had driven it), and the brains were spattered over numbers of those seated around.
lividadjectiveUS /ˈlɪvɪd/
anemic looking from illness or emotion
From this reading Every face but that of the chieftain’s, was livid with fury.
loadnounUS /loʊd/
weight to be borne or conveyed
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
a particular point in time
From this reading So sudden, so unexpected, so astounding was the crash of Seth’s tomahawk through the head of the doomed savage, that, for a moment after, not an Indian moved or spoke.
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading So sudden, so unexpected, so astounding was the crash of Seth’s tomahawk through the head of the doomed savage, that, for a moment after, not an Indian moved or spoke.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading The head was nearly cleft in twain (for an arm fired by consuming passion had driven it), and the brains were spattered over numbers of those seated around.
neighbornounUS /ˈneɪbər/
a person who lives (or is located) near another
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading So sudden, so unexpected, so astounding was the crash of Seth’s tomahawk through the head of the doomed savage, that, for a moment after, not an Indian moved or spoke.
the fourth book of the Old Testament; contains a record of the number of Israelites who followed Moses out of Egypt
From this reading The head was nearly cleft in twain (for an arm fired by consuming passion had driven it), and the brains were spattered over numbers of those seated around.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading So sudden, so unexpected, so astounding was the crash of Seth’s tomahawk through the head of the doomed savage, that, for a moment after, not an Indian moved or spoke.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading So sudden, so unexpected, so astounding was the crash of Seth’s tomahawk through the head of the doomed savage, that, for a moment after, not an Indian moved or spoke.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The head was nearly cleft in twain (for an arm fired by consuming passion had driven it), and the brains were spattered over numbers of those seated around.
a strong feeling or emotion
From this reading The head was nearly cleft in twain (for an arm fired by consuming passion had driven it), and the brains were spattered over numbers of those seated around.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
separated in relationship by a given degree of descent
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
ridgedadjectiveUS /rɪdʒd/
having a ridge or shaped like a ridge or suggesting the keel of a ship
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading Seth himself stood a second, as if to satisfy himself that the work was complete, when he turned, walked to his seat, sat down, coolly folded his arms, and _commenced whistling_!
satisfyverbUS /ˈsætəsfaɪ/
meet the requirements or expectations of
From this reading Seth himself stood a second, as if to satisfy himself that the work was complete, when he turned, walked to his seat, sat down, coolly folded his arms, and _commenced whistling_!
(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
From this reading So sudden, so unexpected, so astounding was the crash of Seth’s tomahawk through the head of the doomed savage, that, for a moment after, not an Indian moved or spoke.
scowlingadjectiveUS /ˈskaʊlɪŋ/
sullen or unfriendly in appearance
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading Seth himself stood a second, as if to satisfy himself that the work was complete, when he turned, walked to his seat, sat down, coolly folded his arms, and _commenced whistling_!
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading The head was nearly cleft in twain (for an arm fired by consuming passion had driven it), and the brains were spattered over numbers of those seated around.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading Seth himself stood a second, as if to satisfy himself that the work was complete, when he turned, walked to his seat, sat down, coolly folded his arms, and _commenced whistling_!
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
SethnounUS /seθ/
(Old Testament) third son of Adam and Eve; given by God in place of the murdered Abel
From this reading Seth himself stood a second, as if to satisfy himself that the work was complete, when he turned, walked to his seat, sat down, coolly folded his arms, and _commenced whistling_!
Seth'snounUS /seθs/
possessive form of “seth” — (Old Testament) third son of Adam and Eve; given by God in place of the murdered Abel
From this reading So sudden, so unexpected, so astounding was the crash of Seth’s tomahawk through the head of the doomed savage, that, for a moment after, not an Indian moved or spoke.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading So sudden, so unexpected, so astounding was the crash of Seth’s tomahawk through the head of the doomed savage, that, for a moment after, not an Indian moved or spoke.
spatteredadjectiveUS /ˈspætərd/
covered with bright patches (often used in combination)
From this reading The head was nearly cleft in twain (for an arm fired by consuming passion had driven it), and the brains were spattered over numbers of those seated around.
support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim
From this reading So sudden, so unexpected, so astounding was the crash of Seth’s tomahawk through the head of the doomed savage, that, for a moment after, not an Indian moved or spoke.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Seth himself stood a second, as if to satisfy himself that the work was complete, when he turned, walked to his seat, sat down, coolly folded his arms, and _commenced whistling_!
strainedadjectiveUS /streɪnd/
lacking natural ease
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading So sudden, so unexpected, so astounding was the crash of Seth’s tomahawk through the head of the doomed savage, that, for a moment after, not an Indian moved or spoke.
the kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading So sudden, so unexpected, so astounding was the crash of Seth’s tomahawk through the head of the doomed savage, that, for a moment after, not an Indian moved or spoke.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading So sudden, so unexpected, so astounding was the crash of Seth’s tomahawk through the head of the doomed savage, that, for a moment after, not an Indian moved or spoke.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading The head was nearly cleft in twain (for an arm fired by consuming passion had driven it), and the brains were spattered over numbers of those seated around.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading So sudden, so unexpected, so astounding was the crash of Seth’s tomahawk through the head of the doomed savage, that, for a moment after, not an Indian moved or spoke.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Seth himself stood a second, as if to satisfy himself that the work was complete, when he turned, walked to his seat, sat down, coolly folded his arms, and _commenced whistling_!
tomahawkverbUS /ˈtɑːməhɔːk/
cut with a tomahawk
From this reading So sudden, so unexpected, so astounding was the crash of Seth’s tomahawk through the head of the doomed savage, that, for a moment after, not an Indian moved or spoke.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading Seth himself stood a second, as if to satisfy himself that the work was complete, when he turned, walked to his seat, sat down, coolly folded his arms, and _commenced whistling_!
twainnounUS /tweɪn/
two items of the same kind
From this reading The head was nearly cleft in twain (for an arm fired by consuming passion had driven it), and the brains were spattered over numbers of those seated around.
not expected or anticipated
From this reading So sudden, so unexpected, so astounding was the crash of Seth’s tomahawk through the head of the doomed savage, that, for a moment after, not an Indian moved or spoke.
visages
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A second after, nearly every savage drew a deep breath, as if a load had been removed from his heart; then each looked at his neighbor, and in the scowling, ridged brows, the glittering eyes, the distorted visages, the strained breathing through the set teeth, could be read the fearful intention.
past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps
From this reading Seth himself stood a second, as if to satisfy himself that the work was complete, when he turned, walked to his seat, sat down, coolly folded his arms, and _commenced whistling_!
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading So sudden, so unexpected, so astounding was the crash of Seth’s tomahawk through the head of the doomed savage, that, for a moment after, not an Indian moved or spoke.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The head was nearly cleft in twain (for an arm fired by consuming passion had driven it), and the brains were spattered over numbers of those seated around.
at the time that
From this reading Seth himself stood a second, as if to satisfy himself that the work was complete, when he turned, walked to his seat, sat down, coolly folded his arms, and _commenced whistling_!
whistlingnounUS /ˈwɪslɪŋ/
the sound made by something moving rapidly or by steam coming out of a small aperture
From this reading Seth himself stood a second, as if to satisfy himself that the work was complete, when he turned, walked to his seat, sat down, coolly folded his arms, and _commenced whistling_!
in the company of; together with
From this reading Every face but that of the chieftain’s, was livid with fury.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Seth himself stood a second, as if to satisfy himself that the work was complete, when he turned, walked to his seat, sat down, coolly folded his arms, and _commenced whistling_!
