used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A STRANGE, FLAT TOWER TARZAN, turning, discovered the man standing behind him on the top level of the ivy-covered east tower of the Palace of Diamonds.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading But almost simultaneously his hand dropped to his side, and he stood contemplating the other, with an expression of incredulity upon his face that but reflected a similar emotion registered upon the countenance of the stranger.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading But almost simultaneously his hand dropped to his side, and he stood contemplating the other, with an expression of incredulity upon his face that but reflected a similar emotion registered upon the countenance of the stranger.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading But almost simultaneously his hand dropped to his side, and he stood contemplating the other, with an expression of incredulity upon his face that but reflected a similar emotion registered upon the countenance of the stranger.
apparitionnounUS /ˌæpərˈɪʃən/
a ghostly appearing figure
From this reading “God!” exclaimed the strange apparition.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading His knife leaped from its sheath at the touch of his quick fingers.
baldadjectiveUS /bɔːld/
with no effort to conceal
From this reading For what Tarzan saw was no Bolgani, nor a Gomangani, but a white man, bald and old and shriveled, with a long, white beard—a white man, naked but for barbaric ornaments of gold spangles and diamonds.
barbaricadjectiveUS /bɑːrˈbærɪk/
without civilizing influences
From this reading For what Tarzan saw was no Bolgani, nor a Gomangani, but a white man, bald and old and shriveled, with a long, white beard—a white man, naked but for barbaric ornaments of gold spangles and diamonds.
the hair growing on the lower part of a man's face
From this reading For what Tarzan saw was no Bolgani, nor a Gomangani, but a white man, bald and old and shriveled, with a long, white beard—a white man, naked but for barbaric ornaments of gold spangles and diamonds.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading A STRANGE, FLAT TOWER TARZAN, turning, discovered the man standing behind him on the top level of the ivy-covered east tower of the Palace of Diamonds.
Bolgani
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For what Tarzan saw was no Bolgani, nor a Gomangani, but a white man, bald and old and shriveled, with a long, white beard—a white man, naked but for barbaric ornaments of gold spangles and diamonds.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But almost simultaneously his hand dropped to his side, and he stood contemplating the other, with an expression of incredulity upon his face that but reflected a similar emotion registered upon the countenance of the stranger.
contemplatingverbUS /ˈkɑːntəmpleɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “contemplate” — look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought
From this reading But almost simultaneously his hand dropped to his side, and he stood contemplating the other, with an expression of incredulity upon his face that but reflected a similar emotion registered upon the countenance of the stranger.
the appearance conveyed by a person's face
From this reading But almost simultaneously his hand dropped to his side, and he stood contemplating the other, with an expression of incredulity upon his face that but reflected a similar emotion registered upon the countenance of the stranger.
DiamondsnounUS /ˈdaɪməndz/
plural of “diamond” — a transparent piece of diamond that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
From this reading A STRANGE, FLAT TOWER TARZAN, turning, discovered the man standing behind him on the top level of the ivy-covered east tower of the Palace of Diamonds.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading A STRANGE, FLAT TOWER TARZAN, turning, discovered the man standing behind him on the top level of the ivy-covered east tower of the Palace of Diamonds.
inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground
From this reading But almost simultaneously his hand dropped to his side, and he stood contemplating the other, with an expression of incredulity upon his face that but reflected a similar emotion registered upon the countenance of the stranger.
the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
From this reading A STRANGE, FLAT TOWER TARZAN, turning, discovered the man standing behind him on the top level of the ivy-covered east tower of the Palace of Diamonds.
any strong feeling
From this reading But almost simultaneously his hand dropped to his side, and he stood contemplating the other, with an expression of incredulity upon his face that but reflected a similar emotion registered upon the countenance of the stranger.
past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy
From this reading “God!” exclaimed the strange apparition.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading But almost simultaneously his hand dropped to his side, and he stood contemplating the other, with an expression of incredulity upon his face that but reflected a similar emotion registered upon the countenance of the stranger.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading But almost simultaneously his hand dropped to his side, and he stood contemplating the other, with an expression of incredulity upon his face that but reflected a similar emotion registered upon the countenance of the stranger.
plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
From this reading His knife leaped from its sheath at the touch of his quick fingers.
having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another
From this reading A STRANGE, FLAT TOWER TARZAN, turning, discovered the man standing behind him on the top level of the ivy-covered east tower of the Palace of Diamonds.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For what Tarzan saw was no Bolgani, nor a Gomangani, but a white man, bald and old and shriveled, with a long, white beard—a white man, naked but for barbaric ornaments of gold spangles and diamonds.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading His knife leaped from its sheath at the touch of his quick fingers.
the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions
From this reading “God!” exclaimed the strange apparition.
coins made of gold
From this reading For what Tarzan saw was no Bolgani, nor a Gomangani, but a white man, bald and old and shriveled, with a long, white beard—a white man, naked but for barbaric ornaments of gold spangles and diamonds.
Gomangani
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For what Tarzan saw was no Bolgani, nor a Gomangani, but a white man, bald and old and shriveled, with a long, white beard—a white man, naked but for barbaric ornaments of gold spangles and diamonds.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading But almost simultaneously his hand dropped to his side, and he stood contemplating the other, with an expression of incredulity upon his face that but reflected a similar emotion registered upon the countenance of the stranger.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But almost simultaneously his hand dropped to his side, and he stood contemplating the other, with an expression of incredulity upon his face that but reflected a similar emotion registered upon the countenance of the stranger.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading A STRANGE, FLAT TOWER TARZAN, turning, discovered the man standing behind him on the top level of the ivy-covered east tower of the Palace of Diamonds.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His knife leaped from its sheath at the touch of his quick fingers.
incredulitynounUS /ˌɪnkrəˈduːlɪti/
doubt about the truth of something
From this reading But almost simultaneously his hand dropped to his side, and he stood contemplating the other, with an expression of incredulity upon his face that but reflected a similar emotion registered upon the countenance of the stranger.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading His knife leaped from its sheath at the touch of his quick fingers.
ivy-coveredadjective
overgrown with ivy
From this reading A STRANGE, FLAT TOWER TARZAN, turning, discovered the man standing behind him on the top level of the ivy-covered east tower of the Palace of Diamonds.
edge tool used as a cutting instrument; has a pointed blade with a sharp edge and a handle
From this reading His knife leaped from its sheath at the touch of his quick fingers.
past form of “leap” — move forward by leaps and bounds
From this reading His knife leaped from its sheath at the touch of his quick fingers.
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading A STRANGE, FLAT TOWER TARZAN, turning, discovered the man standing behind him on the top level of the ivy-covered east tower of the Palace of Diamonds.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading For what Tarzan saw was no Bolgani, nor a Gomangani, but a white man, bald and old and shriveled, with a long, white beard—a white man, naked but for barbaric ornaments of gold spangles and diamonds.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading A STRANGE, FLAT TOWER TARZAN, turning, discovered the man standing behind him on the top level of the ivy-covered east tower of the Palace of Diamonds.
nakedadjectiveUS /ˈneɪkəd/
completely unclothed
From this reading For what Tarzan saw was no Bolgani, nor a Gomangani, but a white man, bald and old and shriveled, with a long, white beard—a white man, naked but for barbaric ornaments of gold spangles and diamonds.
not any; not one
From this reading For what Tarzan saw was no Bolgani, nor a Gomangani, but a white man, bald and old and shriveled, with a long, white beard—a white man, naked but for barbaric ornaments of gold spangles and diamonds.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading For what Tarzan saw was no Bolgani, nor a Gomangani, but a white man, bald and old and shriveled, with a long, white beard—a white man, naked but for barbaric ornaments of gold spangles and diamonds.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A STRANGE, FLAT TOWER TARZAN, turning, discovered the man standing behind him on the top level of the ivy-covered east tower of the Palace of Diamonds.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading For what Tarzan saw was no Bolgani, nor a Gomangani, but a white man, bald and old and shriveled, with a long, white beard—a white man, naked but for barbaric ornaments of gold spangles and diamonds.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A STRANGE, FLAT TOWER TARZAN, turning, discovered the man standing behind him on the top level of the ivy-covered east tower of the Palace of Diamonds.
ornamentsnounUS /ˈɔːrnəmənts/
plural of “ornament” — something used to beautify
From this reading For what Tarzan saw was no Bolgani, nor a Gomangani, but a white man, bald and old and shriveled, with a long, white beard—a white man, naked but for barbaric ornaments of gold spangles and diamonds.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading But almost simultaneously his hand dropped to his side, and he stood contemplating the other, with an expression of incredulity upon his face that but reflected a similar emotion registered upon the countenance of the stranger.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading A STRANGE, FLAT TOWER TARZAN, turning, discovered the man standing behind him on the top level of the ivy-covered east tower of the Palace of Diamonds.
accomplished rapidly and without delay
From this reading His knife leaped from its sheath at the touch of his quick fingers.
(especially of incident sound or light) bent or sent back
From this reading But almost simultaneously his hand dropped to his side, and he stood contemplating the other, with an expression of incredulity upon his face that but reflected a similar emotion registered upon the countenance of the stranger.
registeredadjectiveUS /ˈredʒɪstərd/
(of animals) officially recorded with or certified by a recognized breed association; especially in a stud book
From this reading But almost simultaneously his hand dropped to his side, and he stood contemplating the other, with an expression of incredulity upon his face that but reflected a similar emotion registered upon the countenance of the stranger.
cut with a saw
From this reading For what Tarzan saw was no Bolgani, nor a Gomangani, but a white man, bald and old and shriveled, with a long, white beard—a white man, naked but for barbaric ornaments of gold spangles and diamonds.
sheathnounUS /ʃiːθ/
a protective covering (as for a knife or sword)
From this reading His knife leaped from its sheath at the touch of his quick fingers.
shriveledadjectiveUS /ˈʃrɪvəld/
(used especially of vegetation) having lost all moisture
From this reading For what Tarzan saw was no Bolgani, nor a Gomangani, but a white man, bald and old and shriveled, with a long, white beard—a white man, naked but for barbaric ornaments of gold spangles and diamonds.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading But almost simultaneously his hand dropped to his side, and he stood contemplating the other, with an expression of incredulity upon his face that but reflected a similar emotion registered upon the countenance of the stranger.
marked by correspondence or resemblance
From this reading But almost simultaneously his hand dropped to his side, and he stood contemplating the other, with an expression of incredulity upon his face that but reflected a similar emotion registered upon the countenance of the stranger.
simultaneouslyadverbUS /ˌsaɪməlˈteɪniəsli/
at the same instant
From this reading But almost simultaneously his hand dropped to his side, and he stood contemplating the other, with an expression of incredulity upon his face that but reflected a similar emotion registered upon the countenance of the stranger.
spangles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For what Tarzan saw was no Bolgani, nor a Gomangani, but a white man, bald and old and shriveled, with a long, white beard—a white man, naked but for barbaric ornaments of gold spangles and diamonds.
having a supporting base
From this reading A STRANGE, FLAT TOWER TARZAN, turning, discovered the man standing behind him on the top level of the ivy-covered east tower of the Palace of Diamonds.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading But almost simultaneously his hand dropped to his side, and he stood contemplating the other, with an expression of incredulity upon his face that but reflected a similar emotion registered upon the countenance of the stranger.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading A STRANGE, FLAT TOWER TARZAN, turning, discovered the man standing behind him on the top level of the ivy-covered east tower of the Palace of Diamonds.
anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading But almost simultaneously his hand dropped to his side, and he stood contemplating the other, with an expression of incredulity upon his face that but reflected a similar emotion registered upon the countenance of the stranger.
TARZANnounUS /ˈtɑːrzæn/
(sometimes used ironically) a man of great strength and agility (after the hero of a series of novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs)
From this reading A STRANGE, FLAT TOWER TARZAN, turning, discovered the man standing behind him on the top level of the ivy-covered east tower of the Palace of Diamonds.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading But almost simultaneously his hand dropped to his side, and he stood contemplating the other, with an expression of incredulity upon his face that but reflected a similar emotion registered upon the countenance of the stranger.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A STRANGE, FLAT TOWER TARZAN, turning, discovered the man standing behind him on the top level of the ivy-covered east tower of the Palace of Diamonds.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading But almost simultaneously his hand dropped to his side, and he stood contemplating the other, with an expression of incredulity upon his face that but reflected a similar emotion registered upon the countenance of the stranger.
the upper part of anything
From this reading A STRANGE, FLAT TOWER TARZAN, turning, discovered the man standing behind him on the top level of the ivy-covered east tower of the Palace of Diamonds.
make physical contact with, come in contact with
From this reading His knife leaped from its sheath at the touch of his quick fingers.
a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building
From this reading A STRANGE, FLAT TOWER TARZAN, turning, discovered the man standing behind him on the top level of the ivy-covered east tower of the Palace of Diamonds.
the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
From this reading A STRANGE, FLAT TOWER TARZAN, turning, discovered the man standing behind him on the top level of the ivy-covered east tower of the Palace of Diamonds.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading But almost simultaneously his hand dropped to his side, and he stood contemplating the other, with an expression of incredulity upon his face that but reflected a similar emotion registered upon the countenance of the stranger.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading For what Tarzan saw was no Bolgani, nor a Gomangani, but a white man, bald and old and shriveled, with a long, white beard—a white man, naked but for barbaric ornaments of gold spangles and diamonds.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading For what Tarzan saw was no Bolgani, nor a Gomangani, but a white man, bald and old and shriveled, with a long, white beard—a white man, naked but for barbaric ornaments of gold spangles and diamonds.
a Caucasian
From this reading For what Tarzan saw was no Bolgani, nor a Gomangani, but a white man, bald and old and shriveled, with a long, white beard—a white man, naked but for barbaric ornaments of gold spangles and diamonds.
in the company of; together with
From this reading But almost simultaneously his hand dropped to his side, and he stood contemplating the other, with an expression of incredulity upon his face that but reflected a similar emotion registered upon the countenance of the stranger.
