used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A Cylinder Electric Machine The electrophorus described in the last chapter is capable of furnishing sufficient electricity for many interesting experiments, but for the purpose of procuring larger supplies of electricity, a static electric machine is necessary.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading An electric machine is composed of two parts, one for producing the electricity by the friction of two surfaces rubbing against each other, and the other an arrangement for collecting the electricity thus formed.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading An electric machine is composed of two parts, one for producing the electricity by the friction of two surfaces rubbing against each other, and the other an arrangement for collecting the electricity thus formed.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading An electric machine is composed of two parts, one for producing the electricity by the friction of two surfaces rubbing against each other, and the other an arrangement for collecting the electricity thus formed.
arrangementnounUS /ərˈeɪndʒmənt/
the thing arranged or agreed to
From this reading An electric machine is composed of two parts, one for producing the electricity by the friction of two surfaces rubbing against each other, and the other an arrangement for collecting the electricity thus formed.
axisnounUS /ˈæksəs/
a straight line through a body or figure that satisfies certain conditions
From this reading Later a leather cushion was substituted for the hands, and a glass cylinder for the ball of sulphur, so that the frictional electric machine now consists of a cylinder or a disk of glass mounted upon a horizontal axis capable of being turned by a handle.
round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
From this reading The earliest form of electric machine consisted of a ball of sulphur fixed upon a spindle which could be rotated by means of a crank.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The earliest form of electric machine consisted of a ball of sulphur fixed upon a spindle which could be rotated by means of a crank.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Later a leather cushion was substituted for the hands, and a glass cylinder for the ball of sulphur, so that the frictional electric machine now consists of a cylinder or a disk of glass mounted upon a horizontal axis capable of being turned by a handle.
the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading When the dry hands were pressed against the sulphur by a person standing on a cake of resin, which insulated him, sparks could be drawn from his body.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading A Cylinder Electric Machine The electrophorus described in the last chapter is capable of furnishing sufficient electricity for many interesting experiments, but for the purpose of procuring larger supplies of electricity, a static electric machine is necessary.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading An electric machine is composed of two parts, one for producing the electricity by the friction of two surfaces rubbing against each other, and the other an arrangement for collecting the electricity thus formed.
cakenounUS /keɪk/
a block of solid substance (such as soap or wax)
From this reading When the dry hands were pressed against the sulphur by a person standing on a cake of resin, which insulated him, sparks could be drawn from his body.
(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability
From this reading A Cylinder Electric Machine The electrophorus described in the last chapter is capable of furnishing sufficient electricity for many interesting experiments, but for the purpose of procuring larger supplies of electricity, a static electric machine is necessary.
a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled
From this reading A Cylinder Electric Machine The electrophorus described in the last chapter is capable of furnishing sufficient electricity for many interesting experiments, but for the purpose of procuring larger supplies of electricity, a static electric machine is necessary.
collectingnounUS /kəˈlektɪŋ/
the act of gathering something together
From this reading An electric machine is composed of two parts, one for producing the electricity by the friction of two surfaces rubbing against each other, and the other an arrangement for collecting the electricity thus formed.
serenely self-possessed and free from agitation especially in times of stress
From this reading An electric machine is composed of two parts, one for producing the electricity by the friction of two surfaces rubbing against each other, and the other an arrangement for collecting the electricity thus formed.
consistedverbUS /kənˈsɪstəd/
past form of “consist” — originate
From this reading The earliest form of electric machine consisted of a ball of sulphur fixed upon a spindle which could be rotated by means of a crank.
consistsverbUS /kənˈsɪsts/
third-person singular of “consist” — originate
From this reading Later a leather cushion was substituted for the hands, and a glass cylinder for the ball of sulphur, so that the frictional electric machine now consists of a cylinder or a disk of glass mounted upon a horizontal axis capable of being turned by a handle.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The earliest form of electric machine consisted of a ball of sulphur fixed upon a spindle which could be rotated by means of a crank.
crankverbUS /kræŋk/
travel along a zigzag path
From this reading The earliest form of electric machine consisted of a ball of sulphur fixed upon a spindle which could be rotated by means of a crank.
cushionnounUS /ˈkʊʃən/
a mechanical damper; absorbs energy of sudden impulses
From this reading Later a leather cushion was substituted for the hands, and a glass cylinder for the ball of sulphur, so that the frictional electric machine now consists of a cylinder or a disk of glass mounted upon a horizontal axis capable of being turned by a handle.
CylindernounUS /ˈsɪləndər/
a solid bounded by a cylindrical surface and two parallel planes (the bases)
From this reading A Cylinder Electric Machine The electrophorus described in the last chapter is capable of furnishing sufficient electricity for many interesting experiments, but for the purpose of procuring larger supplies of electricity, a static electric machine is necessary.
represented in words especially with sharpness and detail
From this reading A Cylinder Electric Machine The electrophorus described in the last chapter is capable of furnishing sufficient electricity for many interesting experiments, but for the purpose of procuring larger supplies of electricity, a static electric machine is necessary.
disknounUS /dɪsk/
something with a round shape resembling a flat circular plate
From this reading Later a leather cushion was substituted for the hands, and a glass cylinder for the ball of sulphur, so that the frictional electric machine now consists of a cylinder or a disk of glass mounted upon a horizontal axis capable of being turned by a handle.
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading When the dry hands were pressed against the sulphur by a person standing on a cake of resin, which insulated him, sparks could be drawn from his body.
free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet
From this reading When the dry hands were pressed against the sulphur by a person standing on a cake of resin, which insulated him, sparks could be drawn from his body.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading An electric machine is composed of two parts, one for producing the electricity by the friction of two surfaces rubbing against each other, and the other an arrangement for collecting the electricity thus formed.
earliestadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrliəst/
(comparative and superlative of “early”) more early than; most early
From this reading The earliest form of electric machine consisted of a ball of sulphur fixed upon a spindle which could be rotated by means of a crank.
ElectricadjectiveUS /ɪˈlektrɪk/
using or providing or producing or transmitting or operated by electricity
From this reading A Cylinder Electric Machine The electrophorus described in the last chapter is capable of furnishing sufficient electricity for many interesting experiments, but for the purpose of procuring larger supplies of electricity, a static electric machine is necessary.
electricitynounUS /ɪˌlekˈtrɪsəti/
a physical phenomenon associated with stationary or moving electrons and protons
From this reading A Cylinder Electric Machine The electrophorus described in the last chapter is capable of furnishing sufficient electricity for many interesting experiments, but for the purpose of procuring larger supplies of electricity, a static electric machine is necessary.
electrophorusnoun
a simple electrostatic generator that generates repeated charges of static electricity
From this reading A Cylinder Electric Machine The electrophorus described in the last chapter is capable of furnishing sufficient electricity for many interesting experiments, but for the purpose of procuring larger supplies of electricity, a static electric machine is necessary.
experimentsnounUS /ɪkˈsperəmənts/
plural of “experiment” — the act of conducting a controlled test or investigation
From this reading A Cylinder Electric Machine The electrophorus described in the last chapter is capable of furnishing sufficient electricity for many interesting experiments, but for the purpose of procuring larger supplies of electricity, a static electric machine is necessary.
(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value
From this reading The earliest form of electric machine consisted of a ball of sulphur fixed upon a spindle which could be rotated by means of a crank.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A Cylinder Electric Machine The electrophorus described in the last chapter is capable of furnishing sufficient electricity for many interesting experiments, but for the purpose of procuring larger supplies of electricity, a static electric machine is necessary.
the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading The earliest form of electric machine consisted of a ball of sulphur fixed upon a spindle which could be rotated by means of a crank.
having or given a form or shape
From this reading An electric machine is composed of two parts, one for producing the electricity by the friction of two surfaces rubbing against each other, and the other an arrangement for collecting the electricity thus formed.
frictionnounUS /ˈfrɪkʃən/
a state of conflict between persons
From this reading An electric machine is composed of two parts, one for producing the electricity by the friction of two surfaces rubbing against each other, and the other an arrangement for collecting the electricity thus formed.
frictionaladjective
pertaining to or worked or produced by friction
From this reading Later a leather cushion was substituted for the hands, and a glass cylinder for the ball of sulphur, so that the frictional electric machine now consists of a cylinder or a disk of glass mounted upon a horizontal axis capable of being turned by a handle.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading When the dry hands were pressed against the sulphur by a person standing on a cake of resin, which insulated him, sparks could be drawn from his body.
furnishingnounUS /ˈfɜːrnɪʃɪŋ/
(usually plural) accessory wearing apparel
From this reading A Cylinder Electric Machine The electrophorus described in the last chapter is capable of furnishing sufficient electricity for many interesting experiments, but for the purpose of procuring larger supplies of electricity, a static electric machine is necessary.
a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure
From this reading Later a leather cushion was substituted for the hands, and a glass cylinder for the ball of sulphur, so that the frictional electric machine now consists of a cylinder or a disk of glass mounted upon a horizontal axis capable of being turned by a handle.
be in charge of, act on, or dispose of
From this reading Later a leather cushion was substituted for the hands, and a glass cylinder for the ball of sulphur, so that the frictional electric machine now consists of a cylinder or a disk of glass mounted upon a horizontal axis capable of being turned by a handle.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading When the dry hands were pressed against the sulphur by a person standing on a cake of resin, which insulated him, sparks could be drawn from his body.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading When the dry hands were pressed against the sulphur by a person standing on a cake of resin, which insulated him, sparks could be drawn from his body.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading When the dry hands were pressed against the sulphur by a person standing on a cake of resin, which insulated him, sparks could be drawn from his body.
horizontaladjectiveUS /ˌhɔːrəˈzɑːntəl/
parallel to or in the plane of the horizon or a base line
From this reading Later a leather cushion was substituted for the hands, and a glass cylinder for the ball of sulphur, so that the frictional electric machine now consists of a cylinder or a disk of glass mounted upon a horizontal axis capable of being turned by a handle.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A Cylinder Electric Machine The electrophorus described in the last chapter is capable of furnishing sufficient electricity for many interesting experiments, but for the purpose of procuring larger supplies of electricity, a static electric machine is necessary.
insulatedverbUS /ˈɪnsəleɪtəd/
past form of “insulate” — protect from heat, cold, or noise by surrounding with insulating material
From this reading When the dry hands were pressed against the sulphur by a person standing on a cake of resin, which insulated him, sparks could be drawn from his body.
arousing or holding the attention
From this reading A Cylinder Electric Machine The electrophorus described in the last chapter is capable of furnishing sufficient electricity for many interesting experiments, but for the purpose of procuring larger supplies of electricity, a static electric machine is necessary.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A Cylinder Electric Machine The electrophorus described in the last chapter is capable of furnishing sufficient electricity for many interesting experiments, but for the purpose of procuring larger supplies of electricity, a static electric machine is necessary.
large or big relative to something else
From this reading A Cylinder Electric Machine The electrophorus described in the last chapter is capable of furnishing sufficient electricity for many interesting experiments, but for the purpose of procuring larger supplies of electricity, a static electric machine is necessary.
immediately past
From this reading A Cylinder Electric Machine The electrophorus described in the last chapter is capable of furnishing sufficient electricity for many interesting experiments, but for the purpose of procuring larger supplies of electricity, a static electric machine is necessary.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading Later a leather cushion was substituted for the hands, and a glass cylinder for the ball of sulphur, so that the frictional electric machine now consists of a cylinder or a disk of glass mounted upon a horizontal axis capable of being turned by a handle.
leathernounUS /ˈleðər/
an animal skin made smooth and flexible by removing the hair and then tanning
From this reading Later a leather cushion was substituted for the hands, and a glass cylinder for the ball of sulphur, so that the frictional electric machine now consists of a cylinder or a disk of glass mounted upon a horizontal axis capable of being turned by a handle.
any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks
From this reading A Cylinder Electric Machine The electrophorus described in the last chapter is capable of furnishing sufficient electricity for many interesting experiments, but for the purpose of procuring larger supplies of electricity, a static electric machine is necessary.
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 A Cylinder Electric Machine The electrophorus described in the last chapter is capable of furnishing sufficient electricity for many interesting experiments, but for the purpose of procuring larger supplies of electricity, a static electric machine is necessary.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading The earliest form of electric machine consisted of a ball of sulphur fixed upon a spindle which could be rotated by means of a crank.
assembled for use; especially by being attached to a support
From this reading Later a leather cushion was substituted for the hands, and a glass cylinder for the ball of sulphur, so that the frictional electric machine now consists of a cylinder or a disk of glass mounted upon a horizontal axis capable of being turned by a handle.
absolutely essential
From this reading A Cylinder Electric Machine The electrophorus described in the last chapter is capable of furnishing sufficient electricity for many interesting experiments, but for the purpose of procuring larger supplies of electricity, a static electric machine is necessary.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Later a leather cushion was substituted for the hands, and a glass cylinder for the ball of sulphur, so that the frictional electric machine now consists of a cylinder or a disk of glass mounted upon a horizontal axis capable of being turned by a handle.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A Cylinder Electric Machine The electrophorus described in the last chapter is capable of furnishing sufficient electricity for many interesting experiments, but for the purpose of procuring larger supplies of electricity, a static electric machine is necessary.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading When the dry hands were pressed against the sulphur by a person standing on a cake of resin, which insulated him, sparks could be drawn from his body.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading An electric machine is composed of two parts, one for producing the electricity by the friction of two surfaces rubbing against each other, and the other an arrangement for collecting the electricity thus formed.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Later a leather cushion was substituted for the hands, and a glass cylinder for the ball of sulphur, so that the frictional electric machine now consists of a cylinder or a disk of glass mounted upon a horizontal axis capable of being turned by a handle.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading An electric machine is composed of two parts, one for producing the electricity by the friction of two surfaces rubbing against each other, and the other an arrangement for collecting the electricity thus formed.
the local environment
From this reading An electric machine is composed of two parts, one for producing the electricity by the friction of two surfaces rubbing against each other, and the other an arrangement for collecting the electricity thus formed.
a human being
From this reading When the dry hands were pressed against the sulphur by a person standing on a cake of resin, which insulated him, sparks could be drawn from his body.
compacted by ironing
From this reading When the dry hands were pressed against the sulphur by a person standing on a cake of resin, which insulated him, sparks could be drawn from his body.
procuringverbUS /proʊˈkjʊrɪŋ/
-ing form of “procure” — get by special effort
From this reading A Cylinder Electric Machine The electrophorus described in the last chapter is capable of furnishing sufficient electricity for many interesting experiments, but for the purpose of procuring larger supplies of electricity, a static electric machine is necessary.
producingverbUS /prəˈduːsɪŋ/
-ing form of “produce” — bring forth or yield
From this reading An electric machine is composed of two parts, one for producing the electricity by the friction of two surfaces rubbing against each other, and the other an arrangement for collecting the electricity thus formed.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading A Cylinder Electric Machine The electrophorus described in the last chapter is capable of furnishing sufficient electricity for many interesting experiments, but for the purpose of procuring larger supplies of electricity, a static electric machine is necessary.
resinnounUS /ˈrezən/
any of a class of solid or semisolid viscous substances obtained either as exudations from certain plants or prepared by polymerization of simple molecules
From this reading When the dry hands were pressed against the sulphur by a person standing on a cake of resin, which insulated him, sparks could be drawn from his body.
rotatedadjectiveUS /ˈroʊteɪtɪd/
turned in a circle around an axis
From this reading The earliest form of electric machine consisted of a ball of sulphur fixed upon a spindle which could be rotated by means of a crank.
rubbingnounUS /ˈrʌbɪŋ/
the resistance encountered when one body is moved in contact with another
From this reading An electric machine is composed of two parts, one for producing the electricity by the friction of two surfaces rubbing against each other, and the other an arrangement for collecting the electricity thus formed.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Later a leather cushion was substituted for the hands, and a glass cylinder for the ball of sulphur, so that the frictional electric machine now consists of a cylinder or a disk of glass mounted upon a horizontal axis capable of being turned by a handle.
sparksnounUS /spɑːrks/
plural of “spark” — a momentary flash of light
From this reading When the dry hands were pressed against the sulphur by a person standing on a cake of resin, which insulated him, sparks could be drawn from his body.
spindlenounUS /ˈspɪndəl/
(biology) tiny fibers that are seen in cell division; the fibers radiate from two poles and meet at the equator in the middle
From this reading The earliest form of electric machine consisted of a ball of sulphur fixed upon a spindle which could be rotated by means of a crank.
having a supporting base
From this reading When the dry hands were pressed against the sulphur by a person standing on a cake of resin, which insulated him, sparks could be drawn from his body.
staticadjectiveUS /ˈstætɪk/
not in physical motion
From this reading A Cylinder Electric Machine The electrophorus described in the last chapter is capable of furnishing sufficient electricity for many interesting experiments, but for the purpose of procuring larger supplies of electricity, a static electric machine is necessary.
substitutedverbUS /ˈsʌbstətuːtɪd/
past form of “substitute” — put in the place of another; switch seemingly equivalent items
From this reading Later a leather cushion was substituted for the hands, and a glass cylinder for the ball of sulphur, so that the frictional electric machine now consists of a cylinder or a disk of glass mounted upon a horizontal axis capable of being turned by a handle.
of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant
From this reading A Cylinder Electric Machine The electrophorus described in the last chapter is capable of furnishing sufficient electricity for many interesting experiments, but for the purpose of procuring larger supplies of electricity, a static electric machine is necessary.
sulphurverbUS /ˈsʌlfər/
treat with sulphur in order to preserve
From this reading The earliest form of electric machine consisted of a ball of sulphur fixed upon a spindle which could be rotated by means of a crank.
suppliesnounUS /səˈplaɪz/
plural of “supply” — an amount of something available for use
From this reading A Cylinder Electric Machine The electrophorus described in the last chapter is capable of furnishing sufficient electricity for many interesting experiments, but for the purpose of procuring larger supplies of electricity, a static electric machine is necessary.
surfacesnounUS /ˈsɜːrfəsəz/
plural of “surface” — the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary
From this reading An electric machine is composed of two parts, one for producing the electricity by the friction of two surfaces rubbing against each other, and the other an arrangement for collecting the electricity thus formed.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Later a leather cushion was substituted for the hands, and a glass cylinder for the ball of sulphur, so that the frictional electric machine now consists of a cylinder or a disk of glass mounted upon a horizontal axis capable of being turned by a handle.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A Cylinder Electric Machine The electrophorus described in the last chapter is capable of furnishing sufficient electricity for many interesting experiments, but for the purpose of procuring larger supplies of electricity, a static electric machine is necessary.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading An electric machine is composed of two parts, one for producing the electricity by the friction of two surfaces rubbing against each other, and the other an arrangement for collecting the electricity thus formed.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading Later a leather cushion was substituted for the hands, and a glass cylinder for the ball of sulphur, so that the frictional electric machine now consists of a cylinder or a disk of glass mounted upon a horizontal axis capable of being turned by a handle.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading An electric machine is composed of two parts, one for producing the electricity by the friction of two surfaces rubbing against each other, and the other an arrangement for collecting the electricity thus formed.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The earliest form of electric machine consisted of a ball of sulphur fixed upon a spindle which could be rotated by means of a crank.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Later a leather cushion was substituted for the hands, and a glass cylinder for the ball of sulphur, so that the frictional electric machine now consists of a cylinder or a disk of glass mounted upon a horizontal axis capable of being turned by a handle.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading When the dry hands were pressed against the sulphur by a person standing on a cake of resin, which insulated him, sparks could be drawn from his body.
at the time that
From this reading When the dry hands were pressed against the sulphur by a person standing on a cake of resin, which insulated him, sparks could be drawn from his body.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The earliest form of electric machine consisted of a ball of sulphur fixed upon a spindle which could be rotated by means of a crank.
