used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading After a while I closed the door safe, and reset the combination lock with trembling fingers.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After a while I closed the door safe, and reset the combination lock with trembling fingers.
(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 Then I searched all round, but could find no traces of any recent intruder.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading AN EXPRESSION OF CONFIDENCE I have no exact recollection of how long I spent in that little room.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading After a while I closed the door safe, and reset the combination lock with trembling fingers.
Angela
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Outside, Ray and Lady Angela were strolling up and down the terrace.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Then I searched all round, but could find no traces of any recent intruder.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Then I searched all round, but could find no traces of any recent intruder.
not open or affording passage or access
From this reading After a while I closed the door safe, and reset the combination lock with trembling fingers.
combinationnounUS /ˌkɑːmbəˈneɪʃən/
a collection of things that have been combined; an assemblage of separate parts or qualities
From this reading After a while I closed the door safe, and reset the combination lock with trembling fingers.
freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
From this reading AN EXPRESSION OF CONFIDENCE I have no exact recollection of how long I spent in that little room.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Then I searched all round, but could find no traces of any recent intruder.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading After a while I closed the door safe, and reset the combination lock with trembling fingers.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Outside, Ray and Lady Angela were strolling up and down the terrace.
exactadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzækt/
Strictly particular and correct.
From this reading AN EXPRESSION OF CONFIDENCE I have no exact recollection of how long I spent in that little room.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading AN EXPRESSION OF CONFIDENCE I have no exact recollection of how long I spent in that little room.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading Then I searched all round, but could find no traces of any recent intruder.
plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
From this reading After a while I closed the door safe, and reset the combination lock with trembling fingers.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading AN EXPRESSION OF CONFIDENCE I have no exact recollection of how long I spent in that little room.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading I undid the heavy shutters, and let in a stream of sunshine.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AN EXPRESSION OF CONFIDENCE I have no exact recollection of how long I spent in that little room.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading AN EXPRESSION OF CONFIDENCE I have no exact recollection of how long I spent in that little room.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading AN EXPRESSION OF CONFIDENCE I have no exact recollection of how long I spent in that little room.
intrudernounUS /ˌɪnˈtruːdər/
someone who intrudes on the privacy or property of another without permission
From this reading Then I searched all round, but could find no traces of any recent intruder.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading Outside, Ray and Lady Angela were strolling up and down the terrace.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading I undid the heavy shutters, and let in a stream of sunshine.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading AN EXPRESSION OF CONFIDENCE I have no exact recollection of how long I spent in that little room.
fasten with a lock
From this reading After a while I closed the door safe, and reset the combination lock with trembling fingers.
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 AN EXPRESSION OF CONFIDENCE I have no exact recollection of how long I spent in that little room.
not any; not one
From this reading AN EXPRESSION OF CONFIDENCE I have no exact recollection of how long I spent in that little room.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading AN EXPRESSION OF CONFIDENCE I have no exact recollection of how long I spent in that little room.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading Outside, Ray and Lady Angela were strolling up and down the terrace.
RaynounUS /reɪ/
a column of light (as from a beacon)
From this reading Outside, Ray and Lady Angela were strolling up and down the terrace.
recentadjectiveUS /ˈriːsənt/
new
From this reading Then I searched all round, but could find no traces of any recent intruder.
recollectionnounUS /ˌrekəˈlekʃən/
the ability to recall past occurrences
From this reading AN EXPRESSION OF CONFIDENCE I have no exact recollection of how long I spent in that little room.
resetverbUS /riˈset/
set anew
From this reading After a while I closed the door safe, and reset the combination lock with trembling fingers.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading AN EXPRESSION OF CONFIDENCE I have no exact recollection of how long I spent in that little room.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading Then I searched all round, but could find no traces of any recent intruder.
free from danger or the risk of harm
From this reading After a while I closed the door safe, and reset the combination lock with trembling fingers.
searchedverbUS /sɜːrtʃt/
past form of “search” — try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of
From this reading Then I searched all round, but could find no traces of any recent intruder.
shuttersnounUS /ˈʃʌtərz/
plural of “shutter” — a mechanical device on a camera that opens and closes to control the time of a photographic exposure
From this reading I undid the heavy shutters, and let in a stream of sunshine.
depleted of energy, force, or strength
From this reading AN EXPRESSION OF CONFIDENCE I have no exact recollection of how long I spent in that little room.
a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
From this reading I undid the heavy shutters, and let in a stream of sunshine.
strollingverbUS /ˈstroʊlɪŋ/
-ing form of “stroll” — walk leisurely and with no apparent aim
From this reading Outside, Ray and Lady Angela were strolling up and down the terrace.
the rays of the sun
From this reading I undid the heavy shutters, and let in a stream of sunshine.
terracenounUS /ˈterəs/
usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence
From this reading Outside, Ray and Lady Angela were strolling up and down the terrace.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading AN EXPRESSION OF CONFIDENCE I have no exact recollection of how long I spent in that little room.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading After a while I closed the door safe, and reset the combination lock with trembling fingers.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Then I searched all round, but could find no traces of any recent intruder.
tracesnounUS /ˈtreɪsəz/
plural of “trace” — a just detectable amount
From this reading Then I searched all round, but could find no traces of any recent intruder.
a shaky motion
From this reading After a while I closed the door safe, and reset the combination lock with trembling fingers.
undidverbUS /ˌʌnˈdɪd/
inflected form of “undo” — cancel, annul, or reverse an action or its effect
From this reading I undid the heavy shutters, and let in a stream of sunshine.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Outside, Ray and Lady Angela were strolling up and down the terrace.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Outside, Ray and Lady Angela were strolling up and down the terrace.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading After a while I closed the door safe, and reset the combination lock with trembling fingers.
in the company of; together with
From this reading After a while I closed the door safe, and reset the combination lock with trembling fingers.
