38
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
acenounUS /eɪs/
the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
aliensnounUS /ˈeɪliənz/
plural of “alien” — a person who comes from a foreign country; someone who does not owe allegiance to your country
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading But what could even a Kram do with two deuces, the joker, a five and an eight-spot, all of different suits?
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading But what could even a Kram do with two deuces, the joker, a five and an eight-spot, all of different suits?
analyzeverbUS /ˈænəlaɪz/
consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning
From this reading There was no sense in trying to analyze Kram's poker, any more than there was any sense in trying to analyze Kram.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading There was no sense in trying to analyze Kram's poker, any more than there was any sense in trying to analyze Kram.
badly-needed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The other three Intelligence officers who were taking a little badly-needed recreation the "old fashioned" way weren't too surprised when Kram raised a thousand credits.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
The red fluid that circulates in the heart and blood vessels.
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
colonistsnounUS /ˈkɑːlənɪsts/
plural of “colonist” — a person who settles in a new colony or moves into new country
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading But what could even a Kram do with two deuces, the joker, a five and an eight-spot, all of different suits?
creditsnounUS /ˈkredɪts/
a list of acknowledgements of those who contributed to the creation of a film (usually run at the end of the film)
From this reading The other three Intelligence officers who were taking a little badly-needed recreation the "old fashioned" way weren't too surprised when Kram raised a thousand credits.
a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
spoiled or ruined or demolished
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
deuces
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But what could even a Kram do with two deuces, the joker, a five and an eight-spot, all of different suits?
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading But what could even a Kram do with two deuces, the joker, a five and an eight-spot, all of different suits?
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
eight-spotnoun
one of four playing cards in a deck with eight pips on the face
From this reading But what could even a Kram do with two deuces, the joker, a five and an eight-spot, all of different suits?
divisible by two
From this reading But what could even a Kram do with two deuces, the joker, a five and an eight-spot, all of different suits?
at any time
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
fashionedadjectiveUS /ˈfæʃənd/
planned and made or fashioned artistically
From this reading The other three Intelligence officers who were taking a little badly-needed recreation the "old fashioned" way weren't too surprised when Kram raised a thousand credits.
fearlessadjectiveUS /ˈfɪrləs/
oblivious of dangers or perils or calmly resolute in facing them
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
FederaladjectiveUS /ˈfedərəl/
national; especially in reference to the government of the United States as distinct from that of its member units
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading But what could even a Kram do with two deuces, the joker, a five and an eight-spot, all of different suits?
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
G-ray
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
Gaylord
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
goodlyadjectiveUS /ˈɡʊdli/
large in amount or extent or degree
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
government'snounUS /ˈɡʌvərmənts/
possessive form of “government” — the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
jokernounUS /ˈdʒoʊkər/
a person who enjoys telling or playing jokes
From this reading But what could even a Kram do with two deuces, the joker, a five and an eight-spot, all of different suits?
Kram
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
Kram's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was no sense in trying to analyze Kram's poker, any more than there was any sense in trying to analyze Kram.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The other three Intelligence officers who were taking a little badly-needed recreation the "old fashioned" way weren't too surprised when Kram raised a thousand credits.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading There was no sense in trying to analyze Kram's poker, any more than there was any sense in trying to analyze Kram.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
not any; not one
From this reading There was no sense in trying to analyze Kram's poker, any more than there was any sense in trying to analyze Kram.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading The other three Intelligence officers who were taking a little badly-needed recreation the "old fashioned" way weren't too surprised when Kram raised a thousand credits.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading The other three Intelligence officers who were taking a little badly-needed recreation the "old fashioned" way weren't too surprised when Kram raised a thousand credits.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading The other three Intelligence officers who were taking a little badly-needed recreation the "old fashioned" way weren't too surprised when Kram raised a thousand credits.
OuteradjectiveUS /ˈaʊtər/
being on the outside or further from a center
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
perplexingadjectiveUS /pərˈpleksɪŋ/
lacking clarity of meaning; causing confusion or perplexity
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
have the will and intention to carry out some action
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
pokernounUS /ˈpoʊkər/
fire iron consisting of a metal rod with a handle; used to stir a fire
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
ponderingadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːndərɪŋ/
deeply or seriously thoughtful
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
located or moved above the surround or above the normal position
From this reading The other three Intelligence officers who were taking a little badly-needed recreation the "old fashioned" way weren't too surprised when Kram raised a thousand credits.
recreationnounUS /ˌrekriˈeɪʃən/
an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates
From this reading The other three Intelligence officers who were taking a little badly-needed recreation the "old fashioned" way weren't too surprised when Kram raised a thousand credits.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading There was no sense in trying to analyze Kram's poker, any more than there was any sense in trying to analyze Kram.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
SiriusnounUS /ˈsɪrɪəs/
the brightest star in the sky; in Canis Major
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
suitsnounUS /suːts/
plural of “suit” — a set of garments (usually including a jacket and trousers or skirt) for outerwear all of the same fabric and color
From this reading But what could even a Kram do with two deuces, the joker, a five and an eight-spot, all of different suits?
taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment
From this reading The other three Intelligence officers who were taking a little badly-needed recreation the "old fashioned" way weren't too surprised when Kram raised a thousand credits.
surrendernounUS /sərˈendər/
acceptance of despair
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
sweatingnounUS /ˈswetɪŋ/
the process of the sweat glands of the skin secreting a salty fluid
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading The other three Intelligence officers who were taking a little badly-needed recreation the "old fashioned" way weren't too surprised when Kram raised a thousand credits.
TerrestrialadjectiveUS /tərˈestriəl/
of or relating to or inhabiting the land as opposed to the sea or air
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading There was no sense in trying to analyze Kram's poker, any more than there was any sense in trying to analyze Kram.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was no sense in trying to analyze Kram's poker, any more than there was any sense in trying to analyze Kram.
the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
From this reading The other three Intelligence officers who were taking a little badly-needed recreation the "old fashioned" way weren't too surprised when Kram raised a thousand credits.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading The other three Intelligence officers who were taking a little badly-needed recreation the "old fashioned" way weren't too surprised when Kram raised a thousand credits.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading The other three Intelligence officers who were taking a little badly-needed recreation the "old fashioned" way weren't too surprised when Kram raised a thousand credits.
totteringadjectiveUS /ˈtɑːtərɪŋ/
unsteady in gait as from infirmity or old age
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
treacherousadjectiveUS /ˈtretʃərəs/
dangerously unstable and unpredictable
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
hard to endure
From this reading There was no sense in trying to analyze Kram's poker, any more than there was any sense in trying to analyze Kram.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading But what could even a Kram do with two deuces, the joker, a five and an eight-spot, all of different suits?
Vice-colonel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There was no sense in trying to analyze Kram's poker, any more than there was any sense in trying to analyze Kram.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The other three Intelligence officers who were taking a little badly-needed recreation the "old fashioned" way weren't too surprised when Kram raised a thousand credits.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The other three Intelligence officers who were taking a little badly-needed recreation the "old fashioned" way weren't too surprised when Kram raised a thousand credits.
weren't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The other three Intelligence officers who were taking a little badly-needed recreation the "old fashioned" way weren't too surprised when Kram raised a thousand credits.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
at the time that
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
which person or people
From this reading The other three Intelligence officers who were taking a little badly-needed recreation the "old fashioned" way weren't too surprised when Kram raised a thousand credits.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading The treacherous aliens from Outer Space gave Earth six months to surrender or be destroyed ... but Vice-colonel Gaylord Kram, fearless ace of Terrestrial Intelligence, had a daring plan: Why not surrender _now_?
in the company of; together with
From this reading But what could even a Kram do with two deuces, the joker, a five and an eight-spot, all of different suits?
witnessedverbUS /ˈwɪtnəst/
past form of “witness” — be a witness to
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
the least favorable outcome
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
a late time of life
From this reading Gaylord Kram, Vice-colonel of Intelligence, Terrestrial Federal government, sat pondering one of the worst poker hands he had ever witnessed, and he had witnessed a goodly number in his 38 years, when he should have been sweating blood over his tottering government's most perplexing problem: what to do about the colonists from Sirius and their G-ray.
