Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Within the circle of mirrors he stood drawn to his full height; his eyes flashing, heavy brows lowered, and a sardonic smile--almost a leer--pulling at his thin lips.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And then Tarrano ordered thrown upon himself the lights and sending mirrors so that his own image might be available to all of the public and Earth officials who cared to look upon it.
almost
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within the circle of mirrors he stood drawn to his full height; his eyes flashing, heavy brows lowered, and a sardonic smile--almost a leer--pulling at his thin lips.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He stood there in the instrument room at the peak of the skeleton tower in Venia and rasped out to the Earth Council his defiance.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Silence followed--silence unbroken save by the hiss and click of the instruments as the message was sent.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He stood there in the instrument room at the peak of the skeleton tower in Venia and rasped out to the Earth Council his defiance.
available
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And then Tarrano ordered thrown upon himself the lights and sending mirrors so that his own image might be available to all of the public and Earth officials who cared to look upon it.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading And then Tarrano ordered thrown upon himself the lights and sending mirrors so that his own image might be available to all of the public and Earth officials who cared to look upon it.
brows
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within the circle of mirrors he stood drawn to his full height; his eyes flashing, heavy brows lowered, and a sardonic smile--almost a leer--pulling at his thin lips.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading _Escape_ That _Tarrano_ should thus defy the Earth, when by every law of rational circumstance the move seemed to spell only his own disaster, was characteristic of the man.
cared
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And then Tarrano ordered thrown upon himself the lights and sending mirrors so that his own image might be available to all of the public and Earth officials who cared to look upon it.
characteristic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Escape_ That _Tarrano_ should thus defy the Earth, when by every law of rational circumstance the move seemed to spell only his own disaster, was characteristic of the man.
circle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within the circle of mirrors he stood drawn to his full height; his eyes flashing, heavy brows lowered, and a sardonic smile--almost a leer--pulling at his thin lips.
circumstance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Escape_ That _Tarrano_ should thus defy the Earth, when by every law of rational circumstance the move seemed to spell only his own disaster, was characteristic of the man.
click
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Silence followed--silence unbroken save by the hiss and click of the instruments as the message was sent.
CouncilnounUS /council/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He stood there in the instrument room at the peak of the skeleton tower in Venia and rasped out to the Earth Council his defiance.
defiance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He stood there in the instrument room at the peak of the skeleton tower in Venia and rasped out to the Earth Council his defiance.
defy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Escape_ That _Tarrano_ should thus defy the Earth, when by every law of rational circumstance the move seemed to spell only his own disaster, was characteristic of the man.
disaster
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Escape_ That _Tarrano_ should thus defy the Earth, when by every law of rational circumstance the move seemed to spell only his own disaster, was characteristic of the man.
drawn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within the circle of mirrors he stood drawn to his full height; his eyes flashing, heavy brows lowered, and a sardonic smile--almost a leer--pulling at his thin lips.
Earth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Escape_ That _Tarrano_ should thus defy the Earth, when by every law of rational circumstance the move seemed to spell only his own disaster, was characteristic of the man.
Escape
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Escape_ That _Tarrano_ should thus defy the Earth, when by every law of rational circumstance the move seemed to spell only his own disaster, was characteristic of the man.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading _Escape_ That _Tarrano_ should thus defy the Earth, when by every law of rational circumstance the move seemed to spell only his own disaster, was characteristic of the man.
eyes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within the circle of mirrors he stood drawn to his full height; his eyes flashing, heavy brows lowered, and a sardonic smile--almost a leer--pulling at his thin lips.
flashing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within the circle of mirrors he stood drawn to his full height; his eyes flashing, heavy brows lowered, and a sardonic smile--almost a leer--pulling at his thin lips.
followed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Silence followed--silence unbroken save by the hiss and click of the instruments as the message was sent.
full
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within the circle of mirrors he stood drawn to his full height; his eyes flashing, heavy brows lowered, and a sardonic smile--almost a leer--pulling at his thin lips.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He stood there in the instrument room at the peak of the skeleton tower in Venia and rasped out to the Earth Council his defiance.
heavy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within the circle of mirrors he stood drawn to his full height; his eyes flashing, heavy brows lowered, and a sardonic smile--almost a leer--pulling at his thin lips.
height
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within the circle of mirrors he stood drawn to his full height; his eyes flashing, heavy brows lowered, and a sardonic smile--almost a leer--pulling at his thin lips.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading And then Tarrano ordered thrown upon himself the lights and sending mirrors so that his own image might be available to all of the public and Earth officials who cared to look upon it.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading _Escape_ That _Tarrano_ should thus defy the Earth, when by every law of rational circumstance the move seemed to spell only his own disaster, was characteristic of the man.
hiss
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Silence followed--silence unbroken save by the hiss and click of the instruments as the message was sent.
image
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And then Tarrano ordered thrown upon himself the lights and sending mirrors so that his own image might be available to all of the public and Earth officials who cared to look upon it.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He stood there in the instrument room at the peak of the skeleton tower in Venia and rasped out to the Earth Council his defiance.
instrument
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He stood there in the instrument room at the peak of the skeleton tower in Venia and rasped out to the Earth Council his defiance.
instruments
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Silence followed--silence unbroken save by the hiss and click of the instruments as the message was sent.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading And then Tarrano ordered thrown upon himself the lights and sending mirrors so that his own image might be available to all of the public and Earth officials who cared to look upon it.
law
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Escape_ That _Tarrano_ should thus defy the Earth, when by every law of rational circumstance the move seemed to spell only his own disaster, was characteristic of the man.
leernounUS /lɪr/
an unpleasant look showing unwanted interest or amusement
From this reading Within the circle of mirrors he stood drawn to his full height; his eyes flashing, heavy brows lowered, and a sardonic smile--almost a leer--pulling at his thin lips.
lights
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And then Tarrano ordered thrown upon himself the lights and sending mirrors so that his own image might be available to all of the public and Earth officials who cared to look upon it.
lips
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within the circle of mirrors he stood drawn to his full height; his eyes flashing, heavy brows lowered, and a sardonic smile--almost a leer--pulling at his thin lips.
looknounUS /look/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading And then Tarrano ordered thrown upon himself the lights and sending mirrors so that his own image might be available to all of the public and Earth officials who cared to look upon it.
lowered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within the circle of mirrors he stood drawn to his full height; his eyes flashing, heavy brows lowered, and a sardonic smile--almost a leer--pulling at his thin lips.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Escape_ That _Tarrano_ should thus defy the Earth, when by every law of rational circumstance the move seemed to spell only his own disaster, was characteristic of the man.
message
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Silence followed--silence unbroken save by the hiss and click of the instruments as the message was sent.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading And then Tarrano ordered thrown upon himself the lights and sending mirrors so that his own image might be available to all of the public and Earth officials who cared to look upon it.
mirrors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And then Tarrano ordered thrown upon himself the lights and sending mirrors so that his own image might be available to all of the public and Earth officials who cared to look upon it.
move
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Escape_ That _Tarrano_ should thus defy the Earth, when by every law of rational circumstance the move seemed to spell only his own disaster, was characteristic of the man.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _Escape_ That _Tarrano_ should thus defy the Earth, when by every law of rational circumstance the move seemed to spell only his own disaster, was characteristic of the man.
officials
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And then Tarrano ordered thrown upon himself the lights and sending mirrors so that his own image might be available to all of the public and Earth officials who cared to look upon it.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Escape_ That _Tarrano_ should thus defy the Earth, when by every law of rational circumstance the move seemed to spell only his own disaster, was characteristic of the man.
ordered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And then Tarrano ordered thrown upon himself the lights and sending mirrors so that his own image might be available to all of the public and Earth officials who cared to look upon it.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He stood there in the instrument room at the peak of the skeleton tower in Venia and rasped out to the Earth Council his defiance.
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Escape_ That _Tarrano_ should thus defy the Earth, when by every law of rational circumstance the move seemed to spell only his own disaster, was characteristic of the man.
peak
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He stood there in the instrument room at the peak of the skeleton tower in Venia and rasped out to the Earth Council his defiance.
public
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And then Tarrano ordered thrown upon himself the lights and sending mirrors so that his own image might be available to all of the public and Earth officials who cared to look upon it.
pulling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within the circle of mirrors he stood drawn to his full height; his eyes flashing, heavy brows lowered, and a sardonic smile--almost a leer--pulling at his thin lips.
rasped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He stood there in the instrument room at the peak of the skeleton tower in Venia and rasped out to the Earth Council his defiance.
rationaladjectiveUS /ˈræʃ.ən.əl/
Based on or in accordance with reason or logic rather than turbulent emotions.
From this reading _Escape_ That _Tarrano_ should thus defy the Earth, when by every law of rational circumstance the move seemed to spell only his own disaster, was characteristic of the man.
room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He stood there in the instrument room at the peak of the skeleton tower in Venia and rasped out to the Earth Council his defiance.
sardonic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within the circle of mirrors he stood drawn to his full height; his eyes flashing, heavy brows lowered, and a sardonic smile--almost a leer--pulling at his thin lips.
saveprepositionUS /seɪv/
except for; apart from
From this reading Silence followed--silence unbroken save by the hiss and click of the instruments as the message was sent.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading _Escape_ That _Tarrano_ should thus defy the Earth, when by every law of rational circumstance the move seemed to spell only his own disaster, was characteristic of the man.
sending
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And then Tarrano ordered thrown upon himself the lights and sending mirrors so that his own image might be available to all of the public and Earth officials who cared to look upon it.
sent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Silence followed--silence unbroken save by the hiss and click of the instruments as the message was sent.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading _Escape_ That _Tarrano_ should thus defy the Earth, when by every law of rational circumstance the move seemed to spell only his own disaster, was characteristic of the man.
SilencenounUS /ˈsaɪ.ləns/
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading Silence followed--silence unbroken save by the hiss and click of the instruments as the message was sent.
skeleton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He stood there in the instrument room at the peak of the skeleton tower in Venia and rasped out to the Earth Council his defiance.
smile
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within the circle of mirrors he stood drawn to his full height; his eyes flashing, heavy brows lowered, and a sardonic smile--almost a leer--pulling at his thin lips.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading And then Tarrano ordered thrown upon himself the lights and sending mirrors so that his own image might be available to all of the public and Earth officials who cared to look upon it.
spell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Escape_ That _Tarrano_ should thus defy the Earth, when by every law of rational circumstance the move seemed to spell only his own disaster, was characteristic of the man.
stoodnounUS /stood/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He stood there in the instrument room at the peak of the skeleton tower in Venia and rasped out to the Earth Council his defiance.
Tarrano
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Escape_ That _Tarrano_ should thus defy the Earth, when by every law of rational circumstance the move seemed to spell only his own disaster, was characteristic of the man.
ThatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading _Escape_ That _Tarrano_ should thus defy the Earth, when by every law of rational circumstance the move seemed to spell only his own disaster, was characteristic of the man.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _Escape_ That _Tarrano_ should thus defy the Earth, when by every law of rational circumstance the move seemed to spell only his own disaster, was characteristic of the man.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And then Tarrano ordered thrown upon himself the lights and sending mirrors so that his own image might be available to all of the public and Earth officials who cared to look upon it.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He stood there in the instrument room at the peak of the skeleton tower in Venia and rasped out to the Earth Council his defiance.
thinadjectiveUS /θɪn/
Having little thickness or extent.
From this reading Within the circle of mirrors he stood drawn to his full height; his eyes flashing, heavy brows lowered, and a sardonic smile--almost a leer--pulling at his thin lips.
thrown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And then Tarrano ordered thrown upon himself the lights and sending mirrors so that his own image might be available to all of the public and Earth officials who cared to look upon it.
thus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Escape_ That _Tarrano_ should thus defy the Earth, when by every law of rational circumstance the move seemed to spell only his own disaster, was characteristic of the man.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading _Escape_ That _Tarrano_ should thus defy the Earth, when by every law of rational circumstance the move seemed to spell only his own disaster, was characteristic of the man.
tower
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He stood there in the instrument room at the peak of the skeleton tower in Venia and rasped out to the Earth Council his defiance.
unbroken
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Silence followed--silence unbroken save by the hiss and click of the instruments as the message was sent.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading And then Tarrano ordered thrown upon himself the lights and sending mirrors so that his own image might be available to all of the public and Earth officials who cared to look upon it.
Venia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He stood there in the instrument room at the peak of the skeleton tower in Venia and rasped out to the Earth Council his defiance.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _Escape_ That _Tarrano_ should thus defy the Earth, when by every law of rational circumstance the move seemed to spell only his own disaster, was characteristic of the man.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading _Escape_ That _Tarrano_ should thus defy the Earth, when by every law of rational circumstance the move seemed to spell only his own disaster, was characteristic of the man.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading And then Tarrano ordered thrown upon himself the lights and sending mirrors so that his own image might be available to all of the public and Earth officials who cared to look upon it.
WithinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Within the circle of mirrors he stood drawn to his full height; his eyes flashing, heavy brows lowered, and a sardonic smile--almost a leer--pulling at his thin lips.
