used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading At last he arranged a powerful electro-magnetic device so that one impulse would both open and close the switch, with an open period of one one-thousandth of a second.
(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 Sleep was impossible and eating was difficult, even though all knew that they would have need of the full measure of their strength.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading At last he arranged a powerful electro-magnetic device so that one impulse would both open and close the switch, with an open period of one one-thousandth of a second.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Sleep was impossible and eating was difficult, even though all knew that they would have need of the full measure of their strength.
disposed or placed in a particular kind of order
From this reading At last he arranged a powerful electro-magnetic device so that one impulse would both open and close the switch, with an open period of one one-thousandth of a second.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At last he arranged a powerful electro-magnetic device so that one impulse would both open and close the switch, with an open period of one one-thousandth of a second.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Seaton set up various combinations of switching devices connected to electrical timers, and spent hours trying, with all his marvelous quickness of muscular control, to cut shorter and ever shorter the time between the opening and the closing of the switch.
The red fluid that circulates in the heart and blood vessels.
From this reading First Blood The next twelve hours dragged with terrible slowness.
the two together, not just one
From this reading At last he arranged a powerful electro-magnetic device so that one impulse would both open and close the switch, with an open period of one one-thousandth of a second.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading At last he arranged a powerful electro-magnetic device so that one impulse would both open and close the switch, with an open period of one one-thousandth of a second.
closingnounUS /ˈkloʊzɪŋ/
the act of closing something
From this reading Seaton set up various combinations of switching devices connected to electrical timers, and spent hours trying, with all his marvelous quickness of muscular control, to cut shorter and ever shorter the time between the opening and the closing of the switch.
combinationsnounUS /ˌkɑːmbəˈneɪʃənz/
plural of “combination” — a collection of things that have been combined; an assemblage of separate parts or qualities
From this reading Seaton set up various combinations of switching devices connected to electrical timers, and spent hours trying, with all his marvelous quickness of muscular control, to cut shorter and ever shorter the time between the opening and the closing of the switch.
being joined in close association
From this reading Seaton set up various combinations of switching devices connected to electrical timers, and spent hours trying, with all his marvelous quickness of muscular control, to cut shorter and ever shorter the time between the opening and the closing of the switch.
power to direct or determine
From this reading Seaton set up various combinations of switching devices connected to electrical timers, and spent hours trying, with all his marvelous quickness of muscular control, to cut shorter and ever shorter the time between the opening and the closing of the switch.
separate with or as if with an instrument
From this reading Seaton set up various combinations of switching devices connected to electrical timers, and spent hours trying, with all his marvelous quickness of muscular control, to cut shorter and ever shorter the time between the opening and the closing of the switch.
devicenounUS /dɪˈvaɪs/
an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose
From this reading At last he arranged a powerful electro-magnetic device so that one impulse would both open and close the switch, with an open period of one one-thousandth of a second.
devicesnounUS /dɪˈvaɪsəz/
an inclination or desire; used in the plural in the phrase “left to your own devices”
From this reading Seaton set up various combinations of switching devices connected to electrical timers, and spent hours trying, with all his marvelous quickness of muscular control, to cut shorter and ever shorter the time between the opening and the closing of the switch.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading Sleep was impossible and eating was difficult, even though all knew that they would have need of the full measure of their strength.
inflected form of “drag” — pull, as against a resistance
From this reading First Blood The next twelve hours dragged with terrible slowness.
the act of consuming food
From this reading Sleep was impossible and eating was difficult, even though all knew that they would have need of the full measure of their strength.
electricaladjectiveUS /ɪˈlektrɪkəl/
relating to or concerned with electricity
From this reading Seaton set up various combinations of switching devices connected to electrical timers, and spent hours trying, with all his marvelous quickness of muscular control, to cut shorter and ever shorter the time between the opening and the closing of the switch.
electro-magnetic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last he arranged a powerful electro-magnetic device so that one impulse would both open and close the switch, with an open period of one one-thousandth of a second.
divisible by two
From this reading Sleep was impossible and eating was difficult, even though all knew that they would have need of the full measure of their strength.
at any time
From this reading Seaton set up various combinations of switching devices connected to electrical timers, and spent hours trying, with all his marvelous quickness of muscular control, to cut shorter and ever shorter the time between the opening and the closing of the switch.
FirstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading First Blood The next twelve hours dragged with terrible slowness.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading Sleep was impossible and eating was difficult, even though all knew that they would have need of the full measure of their strength.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Sleep was impossible and eating was difficult, even though all knew that they would have need of the full measure of their strength.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading At last he arranged a powerful electro-magnetic device so that one impulse would both open and close the switch, with an open period of one one-thousandth of a second.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Seaton set up various combinations of switching devices connected to electrical timers, and spent hours trying, with all his marvelous quickness of muscular control, to cut shorter and ever shorter the time between the opening and the closing of the switch.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading First Blood The next twelve hours dragged with terrible slowness.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading Sleep was impossible and eating was difficult, even though all knew that they would have need of the full measure of their strength.
an instinctive motive
From this reading At last he arranged a powerful electro-magnetic device so that one impulse would both open and close the switch, with an open period of one one-thousandth of a second.
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 Sleep was impossible and eating was difficult, even though all knew that they would have need of the full measure of their strength.
immediately past
From this reading At last he arranged a powerful electro-magnetic device so that one impulse would both open and close the switch, with an open period of one one-thousandth of a second.
marvelousadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːrvələs/
extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers
From this reading Seaton set up various combinations of switching devices connected to electrical timers, and spent hours trying, with all his marvelous quickness of muscular control, to cut shorter and ever shorter the time between the opening and the closing of the switch.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading Sleep was impossible and eating was difficult, even though all knew that they would have need of the full measure of their strength.
muscularadjectiveUS /ˈmʌskjələr/
of or relating to or consisting of muscle
From this reading Seaton set up various combinations of switching devices connected to electrical timers, and spent hours trying, with all his marvelous quickness of muscular control, to cut shorter and ever shorter the time between the opening and the closing of the switch.
a condition requiring relief
From this reading Sleep was impossible and eating was difficult, even though all knew that they would have need of the full measure of their strength.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading First Blood The next twelve hours dragged with terrible slowness.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Sleep was impossible and eating was difficult, even though all knew that they would have need of the full measure of their strength.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading At last he arranged a powerful electro-magnetic device so that one impulse would both open and close the switch, with an open period of one one-thousandth of a second.
one-thousandthnoun
one part in a thousand equal parts
From this reading At last he arranged a powerful electro-magnetic device so that one impulse would both open and close the switch, with an open period of one one-thousandth of a second.
and nothing more
From this reading Only then was he satisfied.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading At last he arranged a powerful electro-magnetic device so that one impulse would both open and close the switch, with an open period of one one-thousandth of a second.
an open or empty space in or between things
From this reading Seaton set up various combinations of switching devices connected to electrical timers, and spent hours trying, with all his marvelous quickness of muscular control, to cut shorter and ever shorter the time between the opening and the closing of the switch.
an amount of time
From this reading At last he arranged a powerful electro-magnetic device so that one impulse would both open and close the switch, with an open period of one one-thousandth of a second.
having great power or force or potency or effect
From this reading At last he arranged a powerful electro-magnetic device so that one impulse would both open and close the switch, with an open period of one one-thousandth of a second.
quicknessnounUS /ˈkwɪknəs/
skillful performance or ability without difficulty
From this reading Seaton set up various combinations of switching devices connected to electrical timers, and spent hours trying, with all his marvelous quickness of muscular control, to cut shorter and ever shorter the time between the opening and the closing of the switch.
filled with satisfaction
From this reading Only then was he satisfied.
Seaton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Seaton set up various combinations of switching devices connected to electrical timers, and spent hours trying, with all his marvelous quickness of muscular control, to cut shorter and ever shorter the time between the opening and the closing of the switch.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading At last he arranged a powerful electro-magnetic device so that one impulse would both open and close the switch, with an open period of one one-thousandth of a second.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Seaton set up various combinations of switching devices connected to electrical timers, and spent hours trying, with all his marvelous quickness of muscular control, to cut shorter and ever shorter the time between the opening and the closing of the switch.
shorteradjectiveUS /ˈʃɔːrtər/
comparative of “short” — primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading Seaton set up various combinations of switching devices connected to electrical timers, and spent hours trying, with all his marvelous quickness of muscular control, to cut shorter and ever shorter the time between the opening and the closing of the switch.
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading Sleep was impossible and eating was difficult, even though all knew that they would have need of the full measure of their strength.
slownessnounUS /ˈsloʊnəs/
unskillfulness resulting from a lack of training
From this reading First Blood The next twelve hours dragged with terrible slowness.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading At last he arranged a powerful electro-magnetic device so that one impulse would both open and close the switch, with an open period of one one-thousandth of a second.
depleted of energy, force, or strength
From this reading Seaton set up various combinations of switching devices connected to electrical timers, and spent hours trying, with all his marvelous quickness of muscular control, to cut shorter and ever shorter the time between the opening and the closing of the switch.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading Sleep was impossible and eating was difficult, even though all knew that they would have need of the full measure of their strength.
switchverbUS /swɪtʃ/
change over, change around, as to a new order or sequence
From this reading Seaton set up various combinations of switching devices connected to electrical timers, and spent hours trying, with all his marvelous quickness of muscular control, to cut shorter and ever shorter the time between the opening and the closing of the switch.
switchingnounUS /ˈswɪtʃɪŋ/
the act of changing one thing or position for another
From this reading Seaton set up various combinations of switching devices connected to electrical timers, and spent hours trying, with all his marvelous quickness of muscular control, to cut shorter and ever shorter the time between the opening and the closing of the switch.
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading First Blood The next twelve hours dragged with terrible slowness.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Sleep was impossible and eating was difficult, even though all knew that they would have need of the full measure of their strength.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading First Blood The next twelve hours dragged with terrible slowness.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Sleep was impossible and eating was difficult, even though all knew that they would have need of the full measure of their strength.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Only then was he satisfied.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Sleep was impossible and eating was difficult, even though all knew that they would have need of the full measure of their strength.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Sleep was impossible and eating was difficult, even though all knew that they would have need of the full measure of their strength.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Seaton set up various combinations of switching devices connected to electrical timers, and spent hours trying, with all his marvelous quickness of muscular control, to cut shorter and ever shorter the time between the opening and the closing of the switch.
timersnounUS /ˈtaɪmərz/
plural of “timer” — a timepiece that measures a time interval and signals its end
From this reading Seaton set up various combinations of switching devices connected to electrical timers, and spent hours trying, with all his marvelous quickness of muscular control, to cut shorter and ever shorter the time between the opening and the closing of the switch.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Seaton set up various combinations of switching devices connected to electrical timers, and spent hours trying, with all his marvelous quickness of muscular control, to cut shorter and ever shorter the time between the opening and the closing of the switch.
hard to endure
From this reading Seaton set up various combinations of switching devices connected to electrical timers, and spent hours trying, with all his marvelous quickness of muscular control, to cut shorter and ever shorter the time between the opening and the closing of the switch.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading First Blood The next twelve hours dragged with terrible slowness.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Seaton set up various combinations of switching devices connected to electrical timers, and spent hours trying, with all his marvelous quickness of muscular control, to cut shorter and ever shorter the time between the opening and the closing of the switch.
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading Seaton set up various combinations of switching devices connected to electrical timers, and spent hours trying, with all his marvelous quickness of muscular control, to cut shorter and ever shorter the time between the opening and the closing of the switch.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Sleep was impossible and eating was difficult, even though all knew that they would have need of the full measure of their strength.
in the company of; together with
From this reading First Blood The next twelve hours dragged with terrible slowness.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Sleep was impossible and eating was difficult, even though all knew that they would have need of the full measure of their strength.
