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The Book of Stars
The Book of Stars

Chapter XII

Chapter 12 of The Book of Stars is here in full — 130 sentences across 26 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/26 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE STARS OF THE ZODIAC =Zodiac!=—It sounds to the untrained ear like the password of a bomb-thrower or a first cousin to a dish of Hungarian goulash.
It is enough, albeit, to scare even a Scout away from the stars, but be not afraid, for it can’t hurt you and you can’t eat it.
On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.
Besides, the signs and constellations of the zodiac will aid you to use the almanac and help you in many other ways.
You have often noticed that the Sun seems to travel through the sky over a path or belt that is always the same from west to east; you must have noticed, too, that the path of the Moon is almost the same as that of the Sun, but you may or may not remember that the planets also travel over the same path as the Sun and Moon.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Book of Stars

Chapter XII

Chapter 12 of The Book of Stars is here in full — 130 sentences across 26 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/26 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE STARS OF THE ZODIAC =Zodiac!=—It sounds to the untrained ear like the password of a bomb-thrower or a first cousin to a dish of Hungarian goulash.
Line 2
It is enough, albeit, to scare even a Scout away from the stars, but be not afraid, for it can’t hurt you and you can’t eat it.
Line 3
On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.
Line 4
Besides, the signs and constellations of the zodiac will aid you to use the almanac and help you in many other ways.
/bɪˈsaɪdz ðə saɪnz ənd ˌkɑːnstəˈleɪʃənz ʌv ðə ˈzoʊdiæk wɪl eɪd juː tuː juːs ðə ˈɑːlmənæk ənd help juː ɪn ˈmeni ˈʌðər weɪz/
Line 5
You have often noticed that the Sun seems to travel through the sky over a path or belt that is always the same from west to east; you must have noticed, too, that the path of the Moon is almost the same as that of the Sun, but you may or may not remember that the planets also travel over the same path as the Sun and Moon.
/juː hæv ˈɔːfən ˈnoʊtəst ðæt ðə sʌn siːmz tuː ˈtrævəl θruː ðə skaɪ ˈoʊvər ə pæθ ɔːr belt ðæt ɪz ˈɔːlweɪz ðə seɪm frʌm west tuː iːst juː mʌst hæv ˈnoʊtəst tuː ðæt ðə pæθ ʌv ðə muːn ɪz ˈɔːlmoʊst ðə seɪm æz ðæt ʌv ðə sʌn bʌt juː meɪ ɔːr meɪ nɑːt rɪˈmɛm.bər ðæt ðə ˈplænəts ˈɔːlsoʊ ˈtrævəl ˈoʊvər ðə seɪm pæθ æz ðə sʌn ənd muːn/

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

almanac noun US /ˈɑːlmənæk/

an annual publication including weather forecasts and other miscellaneous information arranged according to the calendar of a given year

From this reading “Besides, the signs and constellations of the zodiac will aid you to use the almanac and help you in many other ways.”

badge noun US /bædʒ/

an emblem (a small piece of plastic or cloth or metal) that signifies your status (rank or membership or affiliation etc.)

From this reading “On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.”

constellations noun US /ˌkɑːnstəˈleɪʃənz/

plural of “constellation” — an arrangement of parts or elements

From this reading “On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.”

goulash noun US /ˈɡuːlɑːʃ/

a rich meat stew highly seasoned with paprika

From this reading “THE STARS OF THE ZODIAC =Zodiac!=—It sounds to the untrained ear like the password of a bomb-thrower or a first cousin to a dish of Hungarian goulash.”

Hungarian adjective US /həŋˈɡeriən/

relating to or characteristic of Hungary

From this reading “THE STARS OF THE ZODIAC =Zodiac!=—It sounds to the untrained ear like the password of a bomb-thrower or a first cousin to a dish of Hungarian goulash.”

password noun US /ˈpæswɜːrd/

a secret word or phrase known only to a restricted group

From this reading “THE STARS OF THE ZODIAC =Zodiac!=—It sounds to the untrained ear like the password of a bomb-thrower or a first cousin to a dish of Hungarian goulash.”

untrained adjective US /ənˈtreɪnd/

not disciplined or conditioned or made adept by training

From this reading “THE STARS OF THE ZODIAC =Zodiac!=—It sounds to the untrained ear like the password of a bomb-thrower or a first cousin to a dish of Hungarian goulash.”

zodiac noun US /ˈzoʊdiæk/

a belt-shaped region in the heavens on either side to the ecliptic; divided into 12 constellations or signs for astrological purposes

From this reading “THE STARS OF THE ZODIAC =Zodiac!=—It sounds to the untrained ear like the password of a bomb-thrower or a first cousin to a dish of Hungarian goulash.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

speaking terms noun + noun

In this reading “On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.”

same time adjective + noun

In this reading “On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.”

other ways adjective + noun

In this reading “Besides, the signs and constellations of the zodiac will aid you to use the almanac and help you in many other ways.”

often noticed adverb + adjective

In this reading “You have often noticed that the Sun seems to travel through the sky over a path or belt that is always the same from west to east; you must have noticed, too, that the path of the Moon is almost the same as that of the Sun, but you may or may not remember that the planets also travel over the same path as the Sun and Moon.”

other hand adjective + noun

In this reading “On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.”

travel through verb + particle

In this reading “You have often noticed that the Sun seems to travel through the sky over a path or belt that is always the same from west to east; you must have noticed, too, that the path of the Moon is almost the same as that of the Sun, but you may or may not remember that the planets also travel over the same path as the Sun and Moon.”

All words in this reading · 102

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

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 THE STARS OF THE ZODIAC =Zodiac!=—It sounds to the untrained ear like the password of a bomb-thrower or a first cousin to a dish of Hungarian goulash.

addverbUS /æd/

make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

afraidadjectiveUS /əˈfreɪd/

filled with fear or apprehension

From this reading It is enough, albeit, to scare even a Scout away from the stars, but be not afraid, for it can’t hurt you and you can’t eat it.

aidnounUS /eɪd/

a person or thing that is a resource that helps make something easier or possible to do

From this reading Besides, the signs and constellations of the zodiac will aid you to use the almanac and help you in many other ways.

albeitconjunctionUS /ɔːlˈbiːɪt/

although

From this reading It is enough, albeit, to scare even a Scout away from the stars, but be not afraid, for it can’t hurt you and you can’t eat it.

almanacnounUS /ˈɑːlmənæk/

an annual publication including weather forecasts and other miscellaneous information arranged according to the calendar of a given year

From this reading Besides, the signs and constellations of the zodiac will aid you to use the almanac and help you in many other ways.

almostadverbUS /ˈɔːlmoʊst/

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading You have often noticed that the Sun seems to travel through the sky over a path or belt that is always the same from west to east; you must have noticed, too, that the path of the Moon is almost the same as that of the Sun, but you may or may not remember that the planets also travel over the same path as the Sun and Moon.

alreadyadverbUS /ɔːlˈredi/

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

alsoadverbUS /ˈɔːlsoʊ/

in addition

From this reading You have often noticed that the Sun seems to travel through the sky over a path or belt that is always the same from west to east; you must have noticed, too, that the path of the Moon is almost the same as that of the Sun, but you may or may not remember that the planets also travel over the same path as the Sun and Moon.

alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading You have often noticed that the Sun seems to travel through the sky over a path or belt that is always the same from west to east; you must have noticed, too, that the path of the Moon is almost the same as that of the Sun, but you may or may not remember that the planets also travel over the same path as the Sun and Moon.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading It is enough, albeit, to scare even a Scout away from the stars, but be not afraid, for it can’t hurt you and you can’t eat it.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading You have often noticed that the Sun seems to travel through the sky over a path or belt that is always the same from west to east; you must have noticed, too, that the path of the Moon is almost the same as that of the Sun, but you may or may not remember that the planets also travel over the same path as the Sun and Moon.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

awayadverbUS /əˈweɪ/

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading It is enough, albeit, to scare even a Scout away from the stars, but be not afraid, for it can’t hurt you and you can’t eat it.

badgenounUS /bædʒ/

an emblem (a small piece of plastic or cloth or metal) that signifies your status (rank or membership or affiliation etc.)

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading It is enough, albeit, to scare even a Scout away from the stars, but be not afraid, for it can’t hurt you and you can’t eat it.

beltnounUS /belt/

endless loop of flexible material between two rotating shafts or pulleys

From this reading You have often noticed that the Sun seems to travel through the sky over a path or belt that is always the same from west to east; you must have noticed, too, that the path of the Moon is almost the same as that of the Sun, but you may or may not remember that the planets also travel over the same path as the Sun and Moon.

BesidesprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪdz/

in addition to; as well as

From this reading Besides, the signs and constellations of the zodiac will aid you to use the almanac and help you in many other ways.

bomb-thrower

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE STARS OF THE ZODIAC =Zodiac!=—It sounds to the untrained ear like the password of a bomb-thrower or a first cousin to a dish of Hungarian goulash.

BoynounUS /bɔɪ/

a youthful male person

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It is enough, albeit, to scare even a Scout away from the stars, but be not afraid, for it can’t hurt you and you can’t eat it.

can't

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It is enough, albeit, to scare even a Scout away from the stars, but be not afraid, for it can’t hurt you and you can’t eat it.

constellationsnounUS /ˌkɑːnstəˈleɪʃənz/

plural of “constellation” — an arrangement of parts or elements

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

cousinnounUS /ˈkʌzən/

the child of your aunt or uncle

From this reading THE STARS OF THE ZODIAC =Zodiac!=—It sounds to the untrained ear like the password of a bomb-thrower or a first cousin to a dish of Hungarian goulash.

di-ak

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

dishnounUS /dɪʃ/

a piece of dishware normally used as a container for holding or serving food

From this reading THE STARS OF THE ZODIAC =Zodiac!=—It sounds to the untrained ear like the password of a bomb-thrower or a first cousin to a dish of Hungarian goulash.

earnounUS /iːr/

the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading THE STARS OF THE ZODIAC =Zodiac!=—It sounds to the untrained ear like the password of a bomb-thrower or a first cousin to a dish of Hungarian goulash.

eastnounUS /iːst/

the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees

From this reading You have often noticed that the Sun seems to travel through the sky over a path or belt that is always the same from west to east; you must have noticed, too, that the path of the Moon is almost the same as that of the Sun, but you may or may not remember that the planets also travel over the same path as the Sun and Moon.

eatverbUS /iːt/

take in solid food

From this reading It is enough, albeit, to scare even a Scout away from the stars, but be not afraid, for it can’t hurt you and you can’t eat it.

enoughnounUS /ɪˈnʌf/

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading It is enough, albeit, to scare even a Scout away from the stars, but be not afraid, for it can’t hurt you and you can’t eat it.

evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading It is enough, albeit, to scare even a Scout away from the stars, but be not afraid, for it can’t hurt you and you can’t eat it.

findverbUS /faɪnd/

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading THE STARS OF THE ZODIAC =Zodiac!=—It sounds to the untrained ear like the password of a bomb-thrower or a first cousin to a dish of Hungarian goulash.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It is enough, albeit, to scare even a Scout away from the stars, but be not afraid, for it can’t hurt you and you can’t eat it.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It is enough, albeit, to scare even a Scout away from the stars, but be not afraid, for it can’t hurt you and you can’t eat it.

giveverbUS /ɡɪv/

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

goulashnounUS /ˈɡuːlɑːʃ/

a rich meat stew highly seasoned with paprika

From this reading THE STARS OF THE ZODIAC =Zodiac!=—It sounds to the untrained ear like the password of a bomb-thrower or a first cousin to a dish of Hungarian goulash.

handnounUS /hænd/

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading You have often noticed that the Sun seems to travel through the sky over a path or belt that is always the same from west to east; you must have noticed, too, that the path of the Moon is almost the same as that of the Sun, but you may or may not remember that the planets also travel over the same path as the Sun and Moon.

helpverbUS /help/

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

highadjectiveUS /haɪ/

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

HungarianadjectiveUS /həŋˈɡeriən/

relating to or characteristic of Hungary

From this reading THE STARS OF THE ZODIAC =Zodiac!=—It sounds to the untrained ear like the password of a bomb-thrower or a first cousin to a dish of Hungarian goulash.

hurtverbUS /hɜːrt/

be the source of pain

From this reading It is enough, albeit, to scare even a Scout away from the stars, but be not afraid, for it can’t hurt you and you can’t eat it.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading It is enough, albeit, to scare even a Scout away from the stars, but be not afraid, for it can’t hurt you and you can’t eat it.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE STARS OF THE ZODIAC =Zodiac!=—It sounds to the untrained ear like the password of a bomb-thrower or a first cousin to a dish of Hungarian goulash.

knowverbUS /noʊ/

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

likeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading THE STARS OF THE ZODIAC =Zodiac!=—It sounds to the untrained ear like the password of a bomb-thrower or a first cousin to a dish of Hungarian goulash.

manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Besides, the signs and constellations of the zodiac will aid you to use the almanac and help you in many other ways.

markverbUS /mɑːrk/

attach a tag or label to

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading You have often noticed that the Sun seems to travel through the sky over a path or belt that is always the same from west to east; you must have noticed, too, that the path of the Moon is almost the same as that of the Sun, but you may or may not remember that the planets also travel over the same path as the Sun and Moon.

meritnounUS /ˈmerət/

any admirable quality or attribute

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

MoonnounUS /muːn/

the natural satellite of the Earth

From this reading You have often noticed that the Sun seems to travel through the sky over a path or belt that is always the same from west to east; you must have noticed, too, that the path of the Moon is almost the same as that of the Sun, but you may or may not remember that the planets also travel over the same path as the Sun and Moon.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading You have often noticed that the Sun seems to travel through the sky over a path or belt that is always the same from west to east; you must have noticed, too, that the path of the Moon is almost the same as that of the Sun, but you may or may not remember that the planets also travel over the same path as the Sun and Moon.

newadjectiveUS /nuː/

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It is enough, albeit, to scare even a Scout away from the stars, but be not afraid, for it can’t hurt you and you can’t eat it.

noticedadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊtəst/

being perceived or observed

From this reading You have often noticed that the Sun seems to travel through the sky over a path or belt that is always the same from west to east; you must have noticed, too, that the path of the Moon is almost the same as that of the Sun, but you may or may not remember that the planets also travel over the same path as the Sun and Moon.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE STARS OF THE ZODIAC =Zodiac!=—It sounds to the untrained ear like the password of a bomb-thrower or a first cousin to a dish of Hungarian goulash.

oftenadverbUS /ˈɔːfən/

many times at short intervals

From this reading You have often noticed that the Sun seems to travel through the sky over a path or belt that is always the same from west to east; you must have noticed, too, that the path of the Moon is almost the same as that of the Sun, but you may or may not remember that the planets also travel over the same path as the Sun and Moon.

OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading THE STARS OF THE ZODIAC =Zodiac!=—It sounds to the untrained ear like the password of a bomb-thrower or a first cousin to a dish of Hungarian goulash.

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading You have often noticed that the Sun seems to travel through the sky over a path or belt that is always the same from west to east; you must have noticed, too, that the path of the Moon is almost the same as that of the Sun, but you may or may not remember that the planets also travel over the same path as the Sun and Moon.

passingnounUS /ˈpæsɪŋ/

(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

passwordnounUS /ˈpæswɜːrd/

a secret word or phrase known only to a restricted group

From this reading THE STARS OF THE ZODIAC =Zodiac!=—It sounds to the untrained ear like the password of a bomb-thrower or a first cousin to a dish of Hungarian goulash.

pathnounUS /pæθ/

a course of conduct

From this reading You have often noticed that the Sun seems to travel through the sky over a path or belt that is always the same from west to east; you must have noticed, too, that the path of the Moon is almost the same as that of the Sun, but you may or may not remember that the planets also travel over the same path as the Sun and Moon.

planetsnounUS /ˈplænəts/

plural of “planet” — (astronomy) any of the nine large celestial bodies in the solar system that revolve around the sun and shine by reflected light

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

pronouncedadjectiveUS /prəˈnaʊnst/

strongly marked; easily noticeable

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

rememberverbUS /rɪˈmɛm.bər/

To recall to mind.

From this reading You have often noticed that the Sun seems to travel through the sky over a path or belt that is always the same from west to east; you must have noticed, too, that the path of the Moon is almost the same as that of the Sun, but you may or may not remember that the planets also travel over the same path as the Sun and Moon.

sameadjectiveUS /seɪm/

Identical; not different.

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

scareverbUS /sker/

cause fear in

From this reading It is enough, albeit, to scare even a Scout away from the stars, but be not afraid, for it can’t hurt you and you can’t eat it.

ScoutnounUS /skaʊt/

a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

From this reading It is enough, albeit, to scare even a Scout away from the stars, but be not afraid, for it can’t hurt you and you can’t eat it.

ScoutsnounUS /skaʊts/

plural of “scout” — a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

seemsverbUS /siːmz/

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading You have often noticed that the Sun seems to travel through the sky over a path or belt that is always the same from west to east; you must have noticed, too, that the path of the Moon is almost the same as that of the Sun, but you may or may not remember that the planets also travel over the same path as the Sun and Moon.

signsnounUS /saɪnz/

plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading Besides, the signs and constellations of the zodiac will aid you to use the almanac and help you in many other ways.

skynounUS /skaɪ/

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading You have often noticed that the Sun seems to travel through the sky over a path or belt that is always the same from west to east; you must have noticed, too, that the path of the Moon is almost the same as that of the Sun, but you may or may not remember that the planets also travel over the same path as the Sun and Moon.

soundsnounUS /saʊndz/

plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading THE STARS OF THE ZODIAC =Zodiac!=—It sounds to the untrained ear like the password of a bomb-thrower or a first cousin to a dish of Hungarian goulash.

speakingnounUS /ˈspiːkɪŋ/

the utterance of intelligible speech

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

STARSnounUS /stɑːrz/

plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior

From this reading THE STARS OF THE ZODIAC =Zodiac!=—It sounds to the untrained ear like the password of a bomb-thrower or a first cousin to a dish of Hungarian goulash.

SunnounUS /sʌn/

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading You have often noticed that the Sun seems to travel through the sky over a path or belt that is always the same from west to east; you must have noticed, too, that the path of the Moon is almost the same as that of the Sun, but you may or may not remember that the planets also travel over the same path as the Sun and Moon.

termsnounUS /tɜːrmz/

status with respect to the relations between people or groups

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading You have often noticed that the Sun seems to travel through the sky over a path or belt that is always the same from west to east; you must have noticed, too, that the path of the Moon is almost the same as that of the Sun, but you may or may not remember that the planets also travel over the same path as the Sun and Moon.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading THE STARS OF THE ZODIAC =Zodiac!=—It sounds to the untrained ear like the password of a bomb-thrower or a first cousin to a dish of Hungarian goulash.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

throughprepositionUS /θruː/

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading You have often noticed that the Sun seems to travel through the sky over a path or belt that is always the same from west to east; you must have noticed, too, that the path of the Moon is almost the same as that of the Sun, but you may or may not remember that the planets also travel over the same path as the Sun and Moon.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading THE STARS OF THE ZODIAC =Zodiac!=—It sounds to the untrained ear like the password of a bomb-thrower or a first cousin to a dish of Hungarian goulash.

tooadverbUS /tuː/

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading You have often noticed that the Sun seems to travel through the sky over a path or belt that is always the same from west to east; you must have noticed, too, that the path of the Moon is almost the same as that of the Sun, but you may or may not remember that the planets also travel over the same path as the Sun and Moon.

travelverbUS /ˈtrævəl/

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading You have often noticed that the Sun seems to travel through the sky over a path or belt that is always the same from west to east; you must have noticed, too, that the path of the Moon is almost the same as that of the Sun, but you may or may not remember that the planets also travel over the same path as the Sun and Moon.

untrainedadjectiveUS /ənˈtreɪnd/

not disciplined or conditioned or made adept by training

From this reading THE STARS OF THE ZODIAC =Zodiac!=—It sounds to the untrained ear like the password of a bomb-thrower or a first cousin to a dish of Hungarian goulash.

usenounUS /juːs/

the act of using

From this reading Besides, the signs and constellations of the zodiac will aid you to use the almanac and help you in many other ways.

wantverbUS /wɑːnt/

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

waysnounUS /weɪz/

structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired

From this reading Besides, the signs and constellations of the zodiac will aid you to use the almanac and help you in many other ways.

westnounUS /west/

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading You have often noticed that the Sun seems to travel through the sky over a path or belt that is always the same from west to east; you must have noticed, too, that the path of the Moon is almost the same as that of the Sun, but you may or may not remember that the planets also travel over the same path as the Sun and Moon.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading It is enough, albeit, to scare even a Scout away from the stars, but be not afraid, for it can’t hurt you and you can’t eat it.

zo

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the other hand, if you are on speaking terms with the zodiac (pronounced zo´-di-ak), it will help you to find the planets and at the same time you will add enough new constellations to those you already know to give you a high passing mark for a merit badge in the Boy Scouts if you want one.

ZODIACnounUS /ˈzoʊdiæk/

a belt-shaped region in the heavens on either side to the ecliptic; divided into 12 constellations or signs for astrological purposes

From this reading THE STARS OF THE ZODIAC =Zodiac!=—It sounds to the untrained ear like the password of a bomb-thrower or a first cousin to a dish of Hungarian goulash.

Chapter 12 of The Book of Stars by A. Frederick (Archie Frederick) Collins holds 130 sentences, grouped into 26 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 12 of The Book of Stars contain?

Chapter 12 holds 130 sentences of The Book of Stars, unabridged, divided into 26 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 12 of The Book of Stars by A. Frederick (Archie Frederick) Collins exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 130 sentences, grouped into 26 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 12 of The Book of Stars?

Work through the 26 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 26 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 12 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 12 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading The Book of Stars

Common questions about reading The Book of Stars by A. Frederick (Archie Frederick) Collins on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Book of Stars?

Yes. All 0 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #? are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Book of Stars is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #?, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Book of Stars take to read?

About 5 minutes of reading across 0 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Book of Stars section by section

How to work through The Book of Stars section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 0 chapters of The Book of Stars to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in The Book of Stars

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Book of Stars, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Chapter 1
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Chapter 2
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Chapter 3
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