used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
at or in the front
From this reading The oil lamp is, then, a step ahead of the candle, for the solid wax is replaced by the fluid oil.
(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 SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading In the case of an oil lamp the oil, which is already a fluid, is drawn up by the wick, where it is changed into gases, and light and heat result as in the candle.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading When you light a candle the heat melts the wax which is then drawn up the wick, the burning gas around the wick produces more gas and the gas keeps the flame going.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In the case of an oil lamp the oil, which is already a fluid, is drawn up by the wick, where it is changed into gases, and light and heat result as in the candle.
the act of burning something
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading In the case of an oil lamp the oil, which is already a fluid, is drawn up by the wick, where it is changed into gases, and light and heat result as in the candle.
stick of wax with a wick in the middle
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
an occurrence of something
From this reading In the case of an oil lamp the oil, which is already a fluid, is drawn up by the wick, where it is changed into gases, and light and heat result as in the candle.
made or become different in nature or form
From this reading In the case of an oil lamp the oil, which is already a fluid, is drawn up by the wick, where it is changed into gases, and light and heat result as in the candle.
chemicalsnounUS /ˈkemɪkəlz/
plural of “chemical” — material produced by or used in a reaction involving changes in atoms or molecules
From this reading When you strike a match the friction makes enough heat to light the chemicals of which the head is formed and the burning gases light the splint which in turn generates more gases from the wood and these give out more light and heat.
cometsnounUS /ˈkɑːməts/
plural of “comet” — (astronomy) a relatively small extraterrestrial body consisting of a frozen mass that travels around the sun in a highly elliptical orbit
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
differentlyadverbUS /ˈdɪfrəntli/
in another and different manner
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading When you light a candle the heat melts the wax which is then drawn up the wick, the burning gas around the wick produces more gas and the gas keeps the flame going.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading When you strike a match the friction makes enough heat to light the chemicals of which the head is formed and the burning gases light the splint which in turn generates more gases from the wood and these give out more light and heat.
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
fluidnounUS /ˈfluːəd/
a substance that is fluid at room temperature and pressure
From this reading In the case of an oil lamp the oil, which is already a fluid, is drawn up by the wick, where it is changed into gases, and light and heat result as in the candle.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The oil lamp is, then, a step ahead of the candle, for the solid wax is replaced by the fluid oil.
having or given a form or shape
From this reading When you strike a match the friction makes enough heat to light the chemicals of which the head is formed and the burning gases light the splint which in turn generates more gases from the wood and these give out more light and heat.
frictionnounUS /ˈfrɪkʃən/
a state of conflict between persons
From this reading When you strike a match the friction makes enough heat to light the chemicals of which the head is formed and the burning gases light the splint which in turn generates more gases from the wood and these give out more light and heat.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading When you strike a match the friction makes enough heat to light the chemicals of which the head is formed and the burning gases light the splint which in turn generates more gases from the wood and these give out more light and heat.
gasnounUS /ɡæs/
the state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states by: relatively low density and viscosity
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
gasesnounUS /ˈɡæsəz/
plural of “gas” — the state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states by: relatively low density and viscosity
From this reading When you strike a match the friction makes enough heat to light the chemicals of which the head is formed and the burning gases light the splint which in turn generates more gases from the wood and these give out more light and heat.
generatesverbUS /ˈdʒenəreɪts/
third-person singular of “generate” — bring into existence
From this reading When you strike a match the friction makes enough heat to light the chemicals of which the head is formed and the burning gases light the splint which in turn generates more gases from the wood and these give out more light and heat.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
the act of departing
From this reading When you light a candle the heat melts the wax which is then drawn up the wick, the burning gas around the wick produces more gas and the gas keeps the flame going.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading When you strike a match the friction makes enough heat to light the chemicals of which the head is formed and the burning gases light the splint which in turn generates more gases from the wood and these give out more light and heat.
a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading In the case of an oil lamp the oil, which is already a fluid, is drawn up by the wick, where it is changed into gases, and light and heat result as in the candle.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When you strike a match the friction makes enough heat to light the chemicals of which the head is formed and the burning gases light the splint which in turn generates more gases from the wood and these give out more light and heat.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In the case of an oil lamp the oil, which is already a fluid, is drawn up by the wick, where it is changed into gases, and light and heat result as in the candle.
plural of “keep” — the financial means whereby one lives
From this reading When you light a candle the heat melts the wax which is then drawn up the wick, the burning gas around the wick produces more gas and the gas keeps the flame going.
an artificial source of visible illumination
From this reading In the case of an oil lamp the oil, which is already a fluid, is drawn up by the wick, where it is changed into gases, and light and heat result as in the candle.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
plural of “make” — a recognizable kind
From this reading When you strike a match the friction makes enough heat to light the chemicals of which the head is formed and the burning gases light the splint which in turn generates more gases from the wood and these give out more light and heat.
be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
meltsnounUS /melts/
plural of “melt” — the process whereby heat changes something from a solid to a liquid
From this reading When you light a candle the heat melts the wax which is then drawn up the wick, the burning gas around the wick produces more gas and the gas keeps the flame going.
meteorsnounUS /ˈmiːtiərz/
plural of “meteor” — (astronomy) any of the small solid extraterrestrial bodies that hits the earth's atmosphere
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading When you strike a match the friction makes enough heat to light the chemicals of which the head is formed and the burning gases light the splint which in turn generates more gases from the wood and these give out more light and heat.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading When you strike a match the friction makes enough heat to light the chemicals of which the head is formed and the burning gases light the splint which in turn generates more gases from the wood and these give out more light and heat.
A viscous liquid derived from petroleum or plants, stored in large earthen jars.
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
producesnounUS /prəˈduːsəz/
plural of “produce” — fresh fruits and vegetable grown for the market
From this reading When you light a candle the heat melts the wax which is then drawn up the wick, the burning gas around the wick produces more gas and the gas keeps the flame going.
replacedverbUS /ˌriːˈpleɪst/
past form of “replace” — substitute a person or thing for (another that is broken or inefficient or lost or no longer working or yielding what is expected)
From this reading The oil lamp is, then, a step ahead of the candle, for the solid wax is replaced by the fluid oil.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading In the case of an oil lamp the oil, which is already a fluid, is drawn up by the wick, where it is changed into gases, and light and heat result as in the candle.
Identical; not different.
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
ShineverbUS /ʃaɪn/
be bright by reflecting or casting light
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
solidadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːləd/
characterized by good substantial quality
From this reading The oil lamp is, then, a step ahead of the candle, for the solid wax is replaced by the fluid oil.
splintnounUS /splɪnt/
a thin sliver of wood
From this reading When you strike a match the friction makes enough heat to light the chemicals of which the head is formed and the burning gases light the splint which in turn generates more gases from the wood and these give out more light and heat.
plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading The oil lamp is, then, a step ahead of the candle, for the solid wax is replaced by the fluid oil.
deliver a sharp blow, as with the hand, fist, or weapon
From this reading When you strike a match the friction makes enough heat to light the chemicals of which the head is formed and the burning gases light the splint which in turn generates more gases from the wood and these give out more light and heat.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading When you light a candle the heat melts the wax which is then drawn up the wick, the burning gas around the wick produces more gas and the gas keeps the flame going.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading When you strike a match the friction makes enough heat to light the chemicals of which the head is formed and the burning gases light the splint which in turn generates more gases from the wood and these give out more light and heat.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When you strike a match the friction makes enough heat to light the chemicals of which the head is formed and the burning gases light the splint which in turn generates more gases from the wood and these give out more light and heat.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading When you strike a match the friction makes enough heat to light the chemicals of which the head is formed and the burning gases light the splint which in turn generates more gases from the wood and these give out more light and heat.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading When you light a candle the heat melts the wax which is then drawn up the wick, the burning gas around the wick produces more gas and the gas keeps the flame going.
waxverbUS /wæks/
cover with wax
From this reading When you light a candle the heat melts the wax which is then drawn up the wick, the burning gas around the wick produces more gas and the gas keeps the flame going.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading SEEING THE STARS =How the Stars Shine.=—A burning match, a candle, an oil or gas flame, the Sun, comets and meteors all give out light and heat in exactly the same way, but the heat and light are made differently.
at the time that
From this reading When you strike a match the friction makes enough heat to light the chemicals of which the head is formed and the burning gases light the splint which in turn generates more gases from the wood and these give out more light and heat.
in or at the place that
From this reading In the case of an oil lamp the oil, which is already a fluid, is drawn up by the wick, where it is changed into gases, and light and heat result as in the candle.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading When you strike a match the friction makes enough heat to light the chemicals of which the head is formed and the burning gases light the splint which in turn generates more gases from the wood and these give out more light and heat.
wicknounUS /wɪk/
any piece of cord that conveys liquid by capillary action
From this reading When you light a candle the heat melts the wax which is then drawn up the wick, the burning gas around the wick produces more gas and the gas keeps the flame going.
the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees
From this reading When you strike a match the friction makes enough heat to light the chemicals of which the head is formed and the burning gases light the splint which in turn generates more gases from the wood and these give out more light and heat.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading When you strike a match the friction makes enough heat to light the chemicals of which the head is formed and the burning gases light the splint which in turn generates more gases from the wood and these give out more light and heat.
