used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was in vain, however, that they searched for any indication of the presence of a human being.
ACQUISITIONnounUS /ˌækwəˈzɪʃən/
the act of contracting or assuming or acquiring possession of something
From this reading THE BOYS MAKE AN ACQUISITION.
adventurersnounUS /ædˈventʃərərz/
plural of “adventurer” — a person who enjoys taking risks
From this reading Headed by Ben Stubbs with the lantern the young adventurers rushed after Frank into the open, determined to ascertain if possible the meaning of the strange and startling interruption to their peaceful evening.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Headed by Ben Stubbs with the lantern the young adventurers rushed after Frank into the open, determined to ascertain if possible the meaning of the strange and startling interruption to their peaceful evening.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading THE BOYS MAKE AN ACQUISITION.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Headed by Ben Stubbs with the lantern the young adventurers rushed after Frank into the open, determined to ascertain if possible the meaning of the strange and startling interruption to their peaceful evening.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading It was in vain, however, that they searched for any indication of the presence of a human being.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading At daybreak, however, after a restless night, Frank, who had risen as soon as the first gray of dawn made things dimly visible, uttered a cry of surprise from outside the hut.
ascertainverbUS /ˌæsərˈteɪn/
establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study
From this reading Headed by Ben Stubbs with the lantern the young adventurers rushed after Frank into the open, determined to ascertain if possible the meaning of the strange and startling interruption to their peaceful evening.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At daybreak, however, after a restless night, Frank, who had risen as soon as the first gray of dawn made things dimly visible, uttered a cry of surprise from outside the hut.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading It was in vain, however, that they searched for any indication of the presence of a human being.
a mountain or tall hill
From this reading Headed by Ben Stubbs with the lantern the young adventurers rushed after Frank into the open, determined to ascertain if possible the meaning of the strange and startling interruption to their peaceful evening.
blacknessnounUS /ˈblæknəs/
the quality or state of the achromatic color of least lightness (bearing the least resemblance to white)
From this reading In the blackness it was indeed impossible to make more than a cursory examination of the surroundings of the hut.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading THE BOYS MAKE AN ACQUISITION.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Headed by Ben Stubbs with the lantern the young adventurers rushed after Frank into the open, determined to ascertain if possible the meaning of the strange and startling interruption to their peaceful evening.
utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading At daybreak, however, after a restless night, Frank, who had risen as soon as the first gray of dawn made things dimly visible, uttered a cry of surprise from outside the hut.
cursoryadjectiveUS /ˈkɜːrsəri/
hasty and without attention to detail; not thorough
From this reading In the blackness it was indeed impossible to make more than a cursory examination of the surroundings of the hut.
the first light of day
From this reading At daybreak, however, after a restless night, Frank, who had risen as soon as the first gray of dawn made things dimly visible, uttered a cry of surprise from outside the hut.
daybreaknounUS /ˈdeɪbreɪk/
the first light of day
From this reading At daybreak, however, after a restless night, Frank, who had risen as soon as the first gray of dawn made things dimly visible, uttered a cry of surprise from outside the hut.
characterized by great determination
From this reading Headed by Ben Stubbs with the lantern the young adventurers rushed after Frank into the open, determined to ascertain if possible the meaning of the strange and startling interruption to their peaceful evening.
dimlyadverbUS /ˈdɪmli/
in a dim indistinct manner
From this reading At daybreak, however, after a restless night, Frank, who had risen as soon as the first gray of dawn made things dimly visible, uttered a cry of surprise from outside the hut.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading Headed by Ben Stubbs with the lantern the young adventurers rushed after Frank into the open, determined to ascertain if possible the meaning of the strange and startling interruption to their peaceful evening.
examinationnounUS /ɪɡˌzæməˈneɪʃən/
the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)
From this reading In the blackness it was indeed impossible to make more than a cursory examination of the surroundings of the hut.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading At daybreak, however, after a restless night, Frank, who had risen as soon as the first gray of dawn made things dimly visible, uttered a cry of surprise from outside the hut.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was in vain, however, that they searched for any indication of the presence of a human being.
characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion
From this reading Headed by Ben Stubbs with the lantern the young adventurers rushed after Frank into the open, determined to ascertain if possible the meaning of the strange and startling interruption to their peaceful evening.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading At daybreak, however, after a restless night, Frank, who had risen as soon as the first gray of dawn made things dimly visible, uttered a cry of surprise from outside the hut.
a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black
From this reading At daybreak, however, after a restless night, Frank, who had risen as soon as the first gray of dawn made things dimly visible, uttered a cry of surprise from outside the hut.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading At daybreak, however, after a restless night, Frank, who had risen as soon as the first gray of dawn made things dimly visible, uttered a cry of surprise from outside the hut.
HeadedadjectiveUS /ˈhedəd/
having a heading or course in a certain direction
From this reading Headed by Ben Stubbs with the lantern the young adventurers rushed after Frank into the open, determined to ascertain if possible the meaning of the strange and startling interruption to their peaceful evening.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading It was in vain, however, that they searched for any indication of the presence of a human being.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading It was in vain, however, that they searched for any indication of the presence of a human being.
temporary military shelter
From this reading In the blackness it was indeed impossible to make more than a cursory examination of the surroundings of the hut.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Headed by Ben Stubbs with the lantern the young adventurers rushed after Frank into the open, determined to ascertain if possible the meaning of the strange and startling interruption to their peaceful evening.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading In the blackness it was indeed impossible to make more than a cursory examination of the surroundings of the hut.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was in vain, however, that they searched for any indication of the presence of a human being.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading In the blackness it was indeed impossible to make more than a cursory examination of the surroundings of the hut.
indicationnounUS /ˌɪndəˈkeɪʃən/
something that serves to indicate or suggest
From this reading It was in vain, however, that they searched for any indication of the presence of a human being.
interruptionnounUS /ˌɪntərˈʌpʃən/
an act of delaying or interrupting the continuity
From this reading Headed by Ben Stubbs with the lantern the young adventurers rushed after Frank into the open, determined to ascertain if possible the meaning of the strange and startling interruption to their peaceful evening.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Headed by Ben Stubbs with the lantern the young adventurers rushed after Frank into the open, determined to ascertain if possible the meaning of the strange and startling interruption to their peaceful evening.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was in vain, however, that they searched for any indication of the presence of a human being.
lanternnounUS /ˈlæntərn/
light in a transparent protective case
From this reading Headed by Ben Stubbs with the lantern the young adventurers rushed after Frank into the open, determined to ascertain if possible the meaning of the strange and startling interruption to their peaceful evening.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading At daybreak, however, after a restless night, Frank, who had risen as soon as the first gray of dawn made things dimly visible, uttered a cry of surprise from outside the hut.
engage in
From this reading THE BOYS MAKE AN ACQUISITION.
the message that is intended or expressed or signified
From this reading Headed by Ben Stubbs with the lantern the young adventurers rushed after Frank into the open, determined to ascertain if possible the meaning of the strange and startling interruption to their peaceful evening.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading In the blackness it was indeed impossible to make more than a cursory examination of the surroundings of the hut.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading At daybreak, however, after a restless night, Frank, who had risen as soon as the first gray of dawn made things dimly visible, uttered a cry of surprise from outside the hut.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Headed by Ben Stubbs with the lantern the young adventurers rushed after Frank into the open, determined to ascertain if possible the meaning of the strange and startling interruption to their peaceful evening.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading Headed by Ben Stubbs with the lantern the young adventurers rushed after Frank into the open, determined to ascertain if possible the meaning of the strange and startling interruption to their peaceful evening.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading At daybreak, however, after a restless night, Frank, who had risen as soon as the first gray of dawn made things dimly visible, uttered a cry of surprise from outside the hut.
peacefuladjectiveUS /ˈpiːsfəl/
not disturbed by strife or turmoil or war
From this reading Headed by Ben Stubbs with the lantern the young adventurers rushed after Frank into the open, determined to ascertain if possible the meaning of the strange and startling interruption to their peaceful evening.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading Headed by Ben Stubbs with the lantern the young adventurers rushed after Frank into the open, determined to ascertain if possible the meaning of the strange and startling interruption to their peaceful evening.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading It was in vain, however, that they searched for any indication of the presence of a human being.
restlessadjectiveUS /ˈrestləs/
worried and uneasy
From this reading At daybreak, however, after a restless night, Frank, who had risen as soon as the first gray of dawn made things dimly visible, uttered a cry of surprise from outside the hut.
risenadjectiveUS /ˈrɪzən/
(of e.g. celestial bodies) above the horizon
From this reading At daybreak, however, after a restless night, Frank, who had risen as soon as the first gray of dawn made things dimly visible, uttered a cry of surprise from outside the hut.
done under pressure
From this reading Headed by Ben Stubbs with the lantern the young adventurers rushed after Frank into the open, determined to ascertain if possible the meaning of the strange and startling interruption to their peaceful evening.
searchedverbUS /sɜːrtʃt/
past form of “search” — try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of
From this reading It was in vain, however, that they searched for any indication of the presence of a human being.
in the near future
From this reading At daybreak, however, after a restless night, Frank, who had risen as soon as the first gray of dawn made things dimly visible, uttered a cry of surprise from outside the hut.
startlingadjectiveUS /ˈstɑːrtlɪŋ/
so remarkably different or sudden as to cause momentary shock or alarm
From this reading Headed by Ben Stubbs with the lantern the young adventurers rushed after Frank into the open, determined to ascertain if possible the meaning of the strange and startling interruption to their peaceful evening.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading Headed by Ben Stubbs with the lantern the young adventurers rushed after Frank into the open, determined to ascertain if possible the meaning of the strange and startling interruption to their peaceful evening.
StubbsnounUS /stʌbz/
English historian noted for his constitutional history of medieval England (1825-1901)
From this reading Headed by Ben Stubbs with the lantern the young adventurers rushed after Frank into the open, determined to ascertain if possible the meaning of the strange and startling interruption to their peaceful evening.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading At daybreak, however, after a restless night, Frank, who had risen as soon as the first gray of dawn made things dimly visible, uttered a cry of surprise from outside the hut.
surroundingsnounUS /sərˈaʊndɪŋz/
the environmental condition
From this reading In the blackness it was indeed impossible to make more than a cursory examination of the surroundings of the hut.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading In the blackness it was indeed impossible to make more than a cursory examination of the surroundings of the hut.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was in vain, however, that they searched for any indication of the presence of a human being.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE BOYS MAKE AN ACQUISITION.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Headed by Ben Stubbs with the lantern the young adventurers rushed after Frank into the open, determined to ascertain if possible the meaning of the strange and startling interruption to their peaceful evening.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was in vain, however, that they searched for any indication of the presence of a human being.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading At daybreak, however, after a restless night, Frank, who had risen as soon as the first gray of dawn made things dimly visible, uttered a cry of surprise from outside the hut.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Headed by Ben Stubbs with the lantern the young adventurers rushed after Frank into the open, determined to ascertain if possible the meaning of the strange and startling interruption to their peaceful evening.
communicated in words
From this reading At daybreak, however, after a restless night, Frank, who had risen as soon as the first gray of dawn made things dimly visible, uttered a cry of surprise from outside the hut.
characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
From this reading It was in vain, however, that they searched for any indication of the presence of a human being.
capable of being seen; or open to easy view
From this reading At daybreak, however, after a restless night, Frank, who had risen as soon as the first gray of dawn made things dimly visible, uttered a cry of surprise from outside the hut.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was in vain, however, that they searched for any indication of the presence of a human being.
which person or people
From this reading At daybreak, however, after a restless night, Frank, who had risen as soon as the first gray of dawn made things dimly visible, uttered a cry of surprise from outside the hut.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Headed by Ben Stubbs with the lantern the young adventurers rushed after Frank into the open, determined to ascertain if possible the meaning of the strange and startling interruption to their peaceful evening.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Headed by Ben Stubbs with the lantern the young adventurers rushed after Frank into the open, determined to ascertain if possible the meaning of the strange and startling interruption to their peaceful evening.
