used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A DISCONCERTED COMMISSARY The journey across Paris proceeded without further incident, until they reached the prefecture.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading A DISCONCERTED COMMISSARY The journey across Paris proceeded without further incident, until they reached the prefecture.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After a brief interval he was taken into an inner office.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading After a brief interval he was taken into an inner office.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Behind a green baize-covered table was seated a sharp-looking man, whose face was chiefly composed of eyebrows, pince-nez, a hooked nose, and a furious imperiale.
accomplishment of an objective
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
baize-covered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind a green baize-covered table was seated a sharp-looking man, whose face was chiefly composed of eyebrows, pince-nez, a hooked nose, and a furious imperiale.
BehindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Behind a green baize-covered table was seated a sharp-looking man, whose face was chiefly composed of eyebrows, pince-nez, a hooked nose, and a furious imperiale.
of short duration or distance
From this reading After a brief interval he was taken into an inner office.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
for the most part
From this reading Behind a green baize-covered table was seated a sharp-looking man, whose face was chiefly composed of eyebrows, pince-nez, a hooked nose, and a furious imperiale.
COMMISSARYnounUS /ˈkɑːməseri/
a retail store that sells equipment and provisions (usually to military personnel)
From this reading A DISCONCERTED COMMISSARY The journey across Paris proceeded without further incident, until they reached the prefecture.
serenely self-possessed and free from agitation especially in times of stress
From this reading Behind a green baize-covered table was seated a sharp-looking man, whose face was chiefly composed of eyebrows, pince-nez, a hooked nose, and a furious imperiale.
a state in which you want to learn more about something
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
detectivesnounUS /dɪˈtektɪvz/
plural of “detective” — a police officer who investigates crimes
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
DISCONCERTEDadjective
having self-possession upset; thrown into confusion
From this reading A DISCONCERTED COMMISSARY The journey across Paris proceeded without further incident, until they reached the prefecture.
eyebrowsnounUS /ˈaɪbraʊz/
plural of “eyebrow” — the arch of hair above each eye
From this reading Behind a green baize-covered table was seated a sharp-looking man, whose face was chiefly composed of eyebrows, pince-nez, a hooked nose, and a furious imperiale.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Behind a green baize-covered table was seated a sharp-looking man, whose face was chiefly composed of eyebrows, pince-nez, a hooked nose, and a furious imperiale.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading This individual turned the shade of the lamp so that the light fell in its full radiance on the face and figure of the prisoner.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading This individual turned the shade of the lamp so that the light fell in its full radiance on the face and figure of the prisoner.
start firing a weapon
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading This individual turned the shade of the lamp so that the light fell in its full radiance on the face and figure of the prisoner.
marked by extreme and violent energy
From this reading Behind a green baize-covered table was seated a sharp-looking man, whose face was chiefly composed of eyebrows, pince-nez, a hooked nose, and a furious imperiale.
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading A DISCONCERTED COMMISSARY The journey across Paris proceeded without further incident, until they reached the prefecture.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass
From this reading Behind a green baize-covered table was seated a sharp-looking man, whose face was chiefly composed of eyebrows, pince-nez, a hooked nose, and a furious imperiale.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
hookedadjectiveUS /hʊkt/
curved down like an eagle's beak
From this reading Behind a green baize-covered table was seated a sharp-looking man, whose face was chiefly composed of eyebrows, pince-nez, a hooked nose, and a furious imperiale.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
imperiale
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind a green baize-covered table was seated a sharp-looking man, whose face was chiefly composed of eyebrows, pince-nez, a hooked nose, and a furious imperiale.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading This individual turned the shade of the lamp so that the light fell in its full radiance on the face and figure of the prisoner.
a single distinct event
From this reading A DISCONCERTED COMMISSARY The journey across Paris proceeded without further incident, until they reached the prefecture.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading This individual turned the shade of the lamp so that the light fell in its full radiance on the face and figure of the prisoner.
located inward
From this reading After a brief interval he was taken into an inner office.
intervalnounUS /ˈɪntərvəl/
a definite length of time marked off by two instants
From this reading After a brief interval he was taken into an inner office.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading This individual turned the shade of the lamp so that the light fell in its full radiance on the face and figure of the prisoner.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading A DISCONCERTED COMMISSARY The journey across Paris proceeded without further incident, until they reached the prefecture.
an artificial source of visible illumination
From this reading This individual turned the shade of the lamp so that the light fell in its full radiance on the face and figure of the prisoner.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading This individual turned the shade of the lamp so that the light fell in its full radiance on the face and figure of the prisoner.
loungingverbUS /ˈlaʊndʒɪŋ/
-ing form of “lounge” — sit or recline comfortably
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Behind a green baize-covered table was seated a sharp-looking man, whose face was chiefly composed of eyebrows, pince-nez, a hooked nose, and a furious imperiale.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
the organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals
From this reading Behind a green baize-covered table was seated a sharp-looking man, whose face was chiefly composed of eyebrows, pince-nez, a hooked nose, and a furious imperiale.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading This individual turned the shade of the lamp so that the light fell in its full radiance on the face and figure of the prisoner.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
the capital and largest city of France; and international center of culture and commerce
From this reading A DISCONCERTED COMMISSARY The journey across Paris proceeded without further incident, until they reached the prefecture.
pince-neznoun
spectacles clipped to the nose by a spring
From this reading Behind a green baize-covered table was seated a sharp-looking man, whose face was chiefly composed of eyebrows, pince-nez, a hooked nose, and a furious imperiale.
prefecturenounUS /ˈpriːfektʃər/
the district administered by a prefect (as in France or Japan or the Roman Empire)
From this reading A DISCONCERTED COMMISSARY The journey across Paris proceeded without further incident, until they reached the prefecture.
a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
past form of “proceed” — continue talking
From this reading A DISCONCERTED COMMISSARY The journey across Paris proceeded without further incident, until they reached the prefecture.
radiancenounUS /ˈreɪdiːəns/
the amount of electromagnetic radiation leaving or arriving at a point on a surface
From this reading This individual turned the shade of the lamp so that the light fell in its full radiance on the face and figure of the prisoner.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading A DISCONCERTED COMMISSARY The journey across Paris proceeded without further incident, until they reached the prefecture.
reportedadjectiveUS /ˌriːˈpɔːrtɪd/
made known or told about; especially presented in a formal account
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading Behind a green baize-covered table was seated a sharp-looking man, whose face was chiefly composed of eyebrows, pince-nez, a hooked nose, and a furious imperiale.
relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body
From this reading This individual turned the shade of the lamp so that the light fell in its full radiance on the face and figure of the prisoner.
sharp-looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Behind a green baize-covered table was seated a sharp-looking man, whose face was chiefly composed of eyebrows, pince-nez, a hooked nose, and a furious imperiale.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading This individual turned the shade of the lamp so that the light fell in its full radiance on the face and figure of the prisoner.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
subordinatesnounUS /səˈbɔːrdəneɪts/
plural of “subordinate” — an assistant subject to the authority or control of another
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
surveyedverbUS /sərˈveɪd/
past form of “survey” — consider in a comprehensive way
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading Behind a green baize-covered table was seated a sharp-looking man, whose face was chiefly composed of eyebrows, pince-nez, a hooked nose, and a furious imperiale.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading After a brief interval he was taken into an inner office.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading This individual turned the shade of the lamp so that the light fell in its full radiance on the face and figure of the prisoner.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A DISCONCERTED COMMISSARY The journey across Paris proceeded without further incident, until they reached the prefecture.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A DISCONCERTED COMMISSARY The journey across Paris proceeded without further incident, until they reached the prefecture.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This individual turned the shade of the lamp so that the light fell in its full radiance on the face and figure of the prisoner.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading This individual turned the shade of the lamp so that the light fell in its full radiance on the face and figure of the prisoner.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading A DISCONCERTED COMMISSARY The journey across Paris proceeded without further incident, until they reached the prefecture.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
in or at the place that
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
an old and formal word for “while”
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
belonging to which person
From this reading Behind a green baize-covered table was seated a sharp-looking man, whose face was chiefly composed of eyebrows, pince-nez, a hooked nose, and a furious imperiale.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The two detectives hurried their prisoner into a large general office, where he was surveyed with some curiosity by the subordinates lounging near a huge fire, whilst one of their number reported his arrival.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading A DISCONCERTED COMMISSARY The journey across Paris proceeded without further incident, until they reached the prefecture.
