used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOOLS Before using a tool be sure you understand the proper handling of it, for there is probably nothing more easily injured than an edge tool in a sharpened condition.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Just imagine the amount of work it makes for him to put the tools in shape after they have been returned in all sorts of conditions.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading An inexperienced person is very apt to dull or nick a tool by striking its edge against nails or by using it for purposes other than what it was made for.
(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 Just imagine the amount of work it makes for him to put the tools in shape after they have been returned in all sorts of conditions.
amateurnounUS /ˈæmətɜːr/
someone who pursues a study or sport as a pastime
From this reading For this reason a carpenter is very apt to refuse a boy, or any amateur for that matter, the use of his tools, and he is right in doing so.
a quantity of money
From this reading Just imagine the amount of work it makes for him to put the tools in shape after they have been returned in all sorts of conditions.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOOLS Before using a tool be sure you understand the proper handling of it, for there is probably nothing more easily injured than an edge tool in a sharpened condition.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading For this reason a carpenter is very apt to refuse a boy, or any amateur for that matter, the use of his tools, and he is right in doing so.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading For this reason a carpenter is very apt to refuse a boy, or any amateur for that matter, the use of his tools, and he is right in doing so.
aptadjectiveUS /æpt/
(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward
From this reading An inexperienced person is very apt to dull or nick a tool by striking its edge against nails or by using it for purposes other than what it was made for.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOOLS Before using a tool be sure you understand the proper handling of it, for there is probably nothing more easily injured than an edge tool in a sharpened condition.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Just imagine the amount of work it makes for him to put the tools in shape after they have been returned in all sorts of conditions.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOOLS Before using a tool be sure you understand the proper handling of it, for there is probably nothing more easily injured than an edge tool in a sharpened condition.
a youthful male person
From this reading For this reason a carpenter is very apt to refuse a boy, or any amateur for that matter, the use of his tools, and he is right in doing so.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading A little rubbing on the oil-stone, with an occasional grinding, is all his tools require when he is using them, but to remove nicks made by his young friends wastes too much of his valuable time.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading An inexperienced person is very apt to dull or nick a tool by striking its edge against nails or by using it for purposes other than what it was made for.
carpenternounUS /ˈkɑːrpəntər/
a woodworker who makes or repairs wooden objects
From this reading For this reason a carpenter is very apt to refuse a boy, or any amateur for that matter, the use of his tools, and he is right in doing so.
a state at a particular time
From this reading THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOOLS Before using a tool be sure you understand the proper handling of it, for there is probably nothing more easily injured than an edge tool in a sharpened condition.
the prevailing context that influences the performance or the outcome of a process
From this reading Just imagine the amount of work it makes for him to put the tools in shape after they have been returned in all sorts of conditions.
-ing form of “do” — engage in
From this reading For this reason a carpenter is very apt to refuse a boy, or any amateur for that matter, the use of his tools, and he is right in doing so.
lacking in liveliness or animation
From this reading An inexperienced person is very apt to dull or nick a tool by striking its edge against nails or by using it for purposes other than what it was made for.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOOLS Before using a tool be sure you understand the proper handling of it, for there is probably nothing more easily injured than an edge tool in a sharpened condition.
the boundary of a surface
From this reading THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOOLS Before using a tool be sure you understand the proper handling of it, for there is probably nothing more easily injured than an edge tool in a sharpened condition.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOOLS Before using a tool be sure you understand the proper handling of it, for there is probably nothing more easily injured than an edge tool in a sharpened condition.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading A little rubbing on the oil-stone, with an occasional grinding, is all his tools require when he is using them, but to remove nicks made by his young friends wastes too much of his valuable time.
grindingnounUS /ˈɡraɪndɪŋ/
material resulting from the process of grinding
From this reading A little rubbing on the oil-stone, with an occasional grinding, is all his tools require when he is using them, but to remove nicks made by his young friends wastes too much of his valuable time.
HANDLINGnounUS /ˈhændlɪŋ/
manual (or mechanical) carrying or moving or delivering or working with something
From this reading THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOOLS Before using a tool be sure you understand the proper handling of it, for there is probably nothing more easily injured than an edge tool in a sharpened condition.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Just imagine the amount of work it makes for him to put the tools in shape after they have been returned in all sorts of conditions.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading For this reason a carpenter is very apt to refuse a boy, or any amateur for that matter, the use of his tools, and he is right in doing so.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Just imagine the amount of work it makes for him to put the tools in shape after they have been returned in all sorts of conditions.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading For this reason a carpenter is very apt to refuse a boy, or any amateur for that matter, the use of his tools, and he is right in doing so.
form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case
From this reading Just imagine the amount of work it makes for him to put the tools in shape after they have been returned in all sorts of conditions.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOOLS Before using a tool be sure you understand the proper handling of it, for there is probably nothing more easily injured than an edge tool in a sharpened condition.
inexperiencedadjectiveUS /ɪnɪkˈspɪriənst/
lacking practical experience or training
From this reading An inexperienced person is very apt to dull or nick a tool by striking its edge against nails or by using it for purposes other than what it was made for.
injuredadjectiveUS /ˈɪndʒərd/
harmed
From this reading THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOOLS Before using a tool be sure you understand the proper handling of it, for there is probably nothing more easily injured than an edge tool in a sharpened condition.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOOLS Before using a tool be sure you understand the proper handling of it, for there is probably nothing more easily injured than an edge tool in a sharpened condition.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOOLS Before using a tool be sure you understand the proper handling of it, for there is probably nothing more easily injured than an edge tool in a sharpened condition.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading An inexperienced person is very apt to dull or nick a tool by striking its edge against nails or by using it for purposes other than what it was made for.
and nothing more
From this reading Just imagine the amount of work it makes for him to put the tools in shape after they have been returned in all sorts of conditions.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A little rubbing on the oil-stone, with an occasional grinding, is all his tools require when he is using them, but to remove nicks made by his young friends wastes too much of his valuable time.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading An inexperienced person is very apt to dull or nick a tool by striking its edge against nails or by using it for purposes other than what it was made for.
plural of “make” — a recognizable kind
From this reading Just imagine the amount of work it makes for him to put the tools in shape after they have been returned in all sorts of conditions.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading For this reason a carpenter is very apt to refuse a boy, or any amateur for that matter, the use of his tools, and he is right in doing so.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOOLS Before using a tool be sure you understand the proper handling of it, for there is probably nothing more easily injured than an edge tool in a sharpened condition.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading A little rubbing on the oil-stone, with an occasional grinding, is all his tools require when he is using them, but to remove nicks made by his young friends wastes too much of his valuable time.
nailsnounUS /neɪlz/
plural of “nail” — horny plate covering and protecting part of the dorsal surface of the digits
From this reading An inexperienced person is very apt to dull or nick a tool by striking its edge against nails or by using it for purposes other than what it was made for.
nickverbUS /nɪk/
cut slightly, with a razor
From this reading An inexperienced person is very apt to dull or nick a tool by striking its edge against nails or by using it for purposes other than what it was made for.
nicksnounUS /nɪks/
plural of “nick” — an impression in a surface (as made by a blow)
From this reading A little rubbing on the oil-stone, with an occasional grinding, is all his tools require when he is using them, but to remove nicks made by his young friends wastes too much of his valuable time.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOOLS Before using a tool be sure you understand the proper handling of it, for there is probably nothing more easily injured than an edge tool in a sharpened condition.
occasionaladjectiveUS /əˈkeɪʒənəl/
occurring from time to time
From this reading A little rubbing on the oil-stone, with an occasional grinding, is all his tools require when he is using them, but to remove nicks made by his young friends wastes too much of his valuable time.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOOLS Before using a tool be sure you understand the proper handling of it, for there is probably nothing more easily injured than an edge tool in a sharpened condition.
oil-stone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A little rubbing on the oil-stone, with an occasional grinding, is all his tools require when he is using them, but to remove nicks made by his young friends wastes too much of his valuable time.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A little rubbing on the oil-stone, with an occasional grinding, is all his tools require when he is using them, but to remove nicks made by his young friends wastes too much of his valuable time.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading An inexperienced person is very apt to dull or nick a tool by striking its edge against nails or by using it for purposes other than what it was made for.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading An inexperienced person is very apt to dull or nick a tool by striking its edge against nails or by using it for purposes other than what it was made for.
a human being
From this reading An inexperienced person is very apt to dull or nick a tool by striking its edge against nails or by using it for purposes other than what it was made for.
with considerable certainty; without much doubt
From this reading THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOOLS Before using a tool be sure you understand the proper handling of it, for there is probably nothing more easily injured than an edge tool in a sharpened condition.
marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness
From this reading THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOOLS Before using a tool be sure you understand the proper handling of it, for there is probably nothing more easily injured than an edge tool in a sharpened condition.
purposesnounUS /ˈpɜːrpəsəz/
plural of “purpose” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading An inexperienced person is very apt to dull or nick a tool by striking its edge against nails or by using it for purposes other than what it was made for.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Just imagine the amount of work it makes for him to put the tools in shape after they have been returned in all sorts of conditions.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading For this reason a carpenter is very apt to refuse a boy, or any amateur for that matter, the use of his tools, and he is right in doing so.
show unwillingness towards
From this reading For this reason a carpenter is very apt to refuse a boy, or any amateur for that matter, the use of his tools, and he is right in doing so.
removeverbUS /riˈmuːv/
remove something concrete, as by lifting, pushing, or taking off, or remove something abstract
From this reading A little rubbing on the oil-stone, with an occasional grinding, is all his tools require when he is using them, but to remove nicks made by his young friends wastes too much of his valuable time.
require as useful, just, or proper
From this reading A little rubbing on the oil-stone, with an occasional grinding, is all his tools require when he is using them, but to remove nicks made by his young friends wastes too much of his valuable time.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading Just imagine the amount of work it makes for him to put the tools in shape after they have been returned in all sorts of conditions.
precisely, exactly
From this reading For this reason a carpenter is very apt to refuse a boy, or any amateur for that matter, the use of his tools, and he is right in doing so.
rubbingnounUS /ˈrʌbɪŋ/
the resistance encountered when one body is moved in contact with another
From this reading A little rubbing on the oil-stone, with an occasional grinding, is all his tools require when he is using them, but to remove nicks made by his young friends wastes too much of his valuable time.
any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
From this reading Just imagine the amount of work it makes for him to put the tools in shape after they have been returned in all sorts of conditions.
sharpenedadjectiveUS /ˈʃɑːrpənd/
having the point made sharp
From this reading THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOOLS Before using a tool be sure you understand the proper handling of it, for there is probably nothing more easily injured than an edge tool in a sharpened condition.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading For this reason a carpenter is very apt to refuse a boy, or any amateur for that matter, the use of his tools, and he is right in doing so.
plural of “sort” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading Just imagine the amount of work it makes for him to put the tools in shape after they have been returned in all sorts of conditions.
sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect
From this reading An inexperienced person is very apt to dull or nick a tool by striking its edge against nails or by using it for purposes other than what it was made for.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOOLS Before using a tool be sure you understand the proper handling of it, for there is probably nothing more easily injured than an edge tool in a sharpened condition.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOOLS Before using a tool be sure you understand the proper handling of it, for there is probably nothing more easily injured than an edge tool in a sharpened condition.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading For this reason a carpenter is very apt to refuse a boy, or any amateur for that matter, the use of his tools, and he is right in doing so.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOOLS Before using a tool be sure you understand the proper handling of it, for there is probably nothing more easily injured than an edge tool in a sharpened condition.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading A little rubbing on the oil-stone, with an occasional grinding, is all his tools require when he is using them, but to remove nicks made by his young friends wastes too much of his valuable time.
in or at that place or location
From this reading THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOOLS Before using a tool be sure you understand the proper handling of it, for there is probably nothing more easily injured than an edge tool in a sharpened condition.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Just imagine the amount of work it makes for him to put the tools in shape after they have been returned in all sorts of conditions.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading For this reason a carpenter is very apt to refuse a boy, or any amateur for that matter, the use of his tools, and he is right in doing so.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading A little rubbing on the oil-stone, with an occasional grinding, is all his tools require when he is using them, but to remove nicks made by his young friends wastes too much of his valuable time.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading An inexperienced person is very apt to dull or nick a tool by striking its edge against nails or by using it for purposes other than what it was made for.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading A little rubbing on the oil-stone, with an occasional grinding, is all his tools require when he is using them, but to remove nicks made by his young friends wastes too much of his valuable time.
toolnounUS /tuːl/
an implement used in the practice of a vocation
From this reading THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOOLS Before using a tool be sure you understand the proper handling of it, for there is probably nothing more easily injured than an edge tool in a sharpened condition.
TOOLSnounUS /tuːlz/
plural of “tool” — an implement used in the practice of a vocation
From this reading THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOOLS Before using a tool be sure you understand the proper handling of it, for there is probably nothing more easily injured than an edge tool in a sharpened condition.
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOOLS Before using a tool be sure you understand the proper handling of it, for there is probably nothing more easily injured than an edge tool in a sharpened condition.
the act of using
From this reading For this reason a carpenter is very apt to refuse a boy, or any amateur for that matter, the use of his tools, and he is right in doing so.
an act that exploits or victimizes someone (treats them unfairly)
From this reading THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOOLS Before using a tool be sure you understand the proper handling of it, for there is probably nothing more easily injured than an edge tool in a sharpened condition.
having great material or monetary value especially for use or exchange
From this reading A little rubbing on the oil-stone, with an occasional grinding, is all his tools require when he is using them, but to remove nicks made by his young friends wastes too much of his valuable time.
precisely as stated
From this reading An inexperienced person is very apt to dull or nick a tool by striking its edge against nails or by using it for purposes other than what it was made for.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading An inexperienced person is very apt to dull or nick a tool by striking its edge against nails or by using it for purposes other than what it was made for.
wastesnounUS /weɪsts/
plural of “waste” — any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted
From this reading A little rubbing on the oil-stone, with an occasional grinding, is all his tools require when he is using them, but to remove nicks made by his young friends wastes too much of his valuable time.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading An inexperienced person is very apt to dull or nick a tool by striking its edge against nails or by using it for purposes other than what it was made for.
at the time that
From this reading A little rubbing on the oil-stone, with an occasional grinding, is all his tools require when he is using them, but to remove nicks made by his young friends wastes too much of his valuable time.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A little rubbing on the oil-stone, with an occasional grinding, is all his tools require when he is using them, but to remove nicks made by his young friends wastes too much of his valuable time.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Just imagine the amount of work it makes for him to put the tools in shape after they have been returned in all sorts of conditions.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOOLS Before using a tool be sure you understand the proper handling of it, for there is probably nothing more easily injured than an edge tool in a sharpened condition.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading A little rubbing on the oil-stone, with an occasional grinding, is all his tools require when he is using them, but to remove nicks made by his young friends wastes too much of his valuable time.
