143
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Figure 143 illustrates a simple form of instrument embodying this principle.
1878
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
acted upon; influenced
From this reading It has various forms but in most of them one piece of carbon or charcoal is held loosely between two other pieces in such a manner as to be easily affected by the slightest vibrations conveyed to it through the air or any other medium.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading It has various forms but in most of them one piece of carbon or charcoal is held loosely between two other pieces in such a manner as to be easily affected by the slightest vibrations conveyed to it through the air or any other medium.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading It has various forms but in most of them one piece of carbon or charcoal is held loosely between two other pieces in such a manner as to be easily affected by the slightest vibrations conveyed to it through the air or any other medium.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
batterynounUS /ˈbætəri/
group of guns or missile launchers operated together at one place
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It has various forms but in most of them one piece of carbon or charcoal is held loosely between two other pieces in such a manner as to be easily affected by the slightest vibrations conveyed to it through the air or any other medium.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
blocksnounUS /blɑːks/
plural of “block” — a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)
From this reading A small pencil of carbon is supported loosely between two blocks of the same substance glued to a thin wooden sounding-board of pine.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It has various forms but in most of them one piece of carbon or charcoal is held loosely between two other pieces in such a manner as to be easily affected by the slightest vibrations conveyed to it through the air or any other medium.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It has various forms but in most of them one piece of carbon or charcoal is held loosely between two other pieces in such a manner as to be easily affected by the slightest vibrations conveyed to it through the air or any other medium.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Such an instrument is called a _microphone_.
carbonnounUS /ˈkɑːrbən/
an abundant nonmetallic tetravalent element occurring in three allotropic forms: amorphous carbon and graphite and diamond; occurs in all organic compounds
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
changesnounUS /ˈtʃeɪndʒəz/
plural of “change” — an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
charcoalnounUS /ˈtʃɑːrkoʊl/
a carbonaceous material obtained by heating wood or other organic matter in the absence of air
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
circuitnounUS /ˈsɜːrkət/
an electrical device that provides a path for electrical current to flow
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
contactnounUS /ˈkɑːntækt/
close interaction
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
conveyedverbUS /kənˈveɪd/
past form of “convey” — (of information) make known; pass on
From this reading It has various forms but in most of them one piece of carbon or charcoal is held loosely between two other pieces in such a manner as to be easily affected by the slightest vibrations conveyed to it through the air or any other medium.
patron saint of Wales (circa 520-600)
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading It has various forms but in most of them one piece of carbon or charcoal is held loosely between two other pieces in such a manner as to be easily affected by the slightest vibrations conveyed to it through the air or any other medium.
King of England and Ireland in 1936; his marriage to Wallis Warfield Simpson created a constitutional crisis leading to his abdication (1894-1972)
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
electricadjectiveUS /ɪˈlektrɪk/
using or providing or producing or transmitting or operated by electricity
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
embodyingverbUS /ɪmˈbɑːdiɪŋ/
-ing form of “embody” — represent in bodily form
From this reading Figure 143 illustrates a simple form of instrument embodying this principle.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading Figure 143 illustrates a simple form of instrument embodying this principle.
the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading Figure 143 illustrates a simple form of instrument embodying this principle.
having or given a form or shape
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
plural of “form” — the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading It has various forms but in most of them one piece of carbon or charcoal is held loosely between two other pieces in such a manner as to be easily affected by the slightest vibrations conveyed to it through the air or any other medium.
gluedadjectiveUS /ɡluːd/
affixed or as if affixed with glue or paste
From this reading A small pencil of carbon is supported loosely between two blocks of the same substance glued to a thin wooden sounding-board of pine.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It has various forms but in most of them one piece of carbon or charcoal is held loosely between two other pieces in such a manner as to be easily affected by the slightest vibrations conveyed to it through the air or any other medium.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading It has various forms but in most of them one piece of carbon or charcoal is held loosely between two other pieces in such a manner as to be easily affected by the slightest vibrations conveyed to it through the air or any other medium.
HughesnounUS /hjuːz/
English poet (born in 1930)
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
illustratesverbUS /ˈɪləstreɪts/
third-person singular of “illustrate” — clarify by giving an example of
From this reading Figure 143 illustrates a simple form of instrument embodying this principle.
imperfectadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpɜːrfɪkt/
not perfect; defective or inadequate
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
includedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkluːdəd/
enclosed in the same envelope or package
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
instrumentnounUS /ˈɪnstrəmənt/
a device that requires skill for proper use
From this reading Such an instrument is called a _microphone_.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It has various forms but in most of them one piece of carbon or charcoal is held loosely between two other pieces in such a manner as to be easily affected by the slightest vibrations conveyed to it through the air or any other medium.
looselyadverbUS /ˈluːsli/
in a relaxed manner; not rigid
From this reading It has various forms but in most of them one piece of carbon or charcoal is held loosely between two other pieces in such a manner as to be easily affected by the slightest vibrations conveyed to it through the air or any other medium.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading It has various forms but in most of them one piece of carbon or charcoal is held loosely between two other pieces in such a manner as to be easily affected by the slightest vibrations conveyed to it through the air or any other medium.
mediumnounUS /ˈmiːdiəm/
a means or instrumentality for storing or communicating information
From this reading It has various forms but in most of them one piece of carbon or charcoal is held loosely between two other pieces in such a manner as to be easily affected by the slightest vibrations conveyed to it through the air or any other medium.
microphonenounUS /ˈmaɪkrəfoʊn/
device for converting sound waves into electrical energy
From this reading Such an instrument is called a _microphone_.
used to form the superlative
From this reading It has various forms but in most of them one piece of carbon or charcoal is held loosely between two other pieces in such a manner as to be easily affected by the slightest vibrations conveyed to it through the air or any other medium.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading It has various forms but in most of them one piece of carbon or charcoal is held loosely between two other pieces in such a manner as to be easily affected by the slightest vibrations conveyed to it through the air or any other medium.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading It has various forms but in most of them one piece of carbon or charcoal is held loosely between two other pieces in such a manner as to be easily affected by the slightest vibrations conveyed to it through the air or any other medium.
pencilnounUS /ˈpensəl/
a thin cylindrical pointed writing implement; a rod of marking substance encased in wood
From this reading A small pencil of carbon is supported loosely between two blocks of the same substance glued to a thin wooden sounding-board of pine.
a separate part of a whole
From this reading It has various forms but in most of them one piece of carbon or charcoal is held loosely between two other pieces in such a manner as to be easily affected by the slightest vibrations conveyed to it through the air or any other medium.
plural of “piece” — a separate part of a whole
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
pinenounUS /paɪn/
a coniferous tree
From this reading A small pencil of carbon is supported loosely between two blocks of the same substance glued to a thin wooden sounding-board of pine.
pressurenounUS /ˈpreʃər/
the force applied to a unit area of surface; measured in pascals (SI unit) or in dynes (cgs unit)
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
principlenounUS /ˈprɪnsəpəl/
a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
From this reading Figure 143 illustrates a simple form of instrument embodying this principle.
receivernounUS /rəˈsiːvər/
set that receives radio or tv signals
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
Identical; not different.
From this reading A small pencil of carbon is supported loosely between two blocks of the same substance glued to a thin wooden sounding-board of pine.
sensitiveadjectiveUS /ˈsensətɪv/
responsive to physical stimuli
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
From this reading Figure 143 illustrates a simple form of instrument embodying this principle.
superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A small pencil of carbon is supported loosely between two blocks of the same substance glued to a thin wooden sounding-board of pine.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
sounding-board
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A small pencil of carbon is supported loosely between two blocks of the same substance glued to a thin wooden sounding-board of pine.
plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
substancenounUS /ˈsʌbstəns/
the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
supportedadjectiveUS /səˈpɔːrtɪd/
sustained or maintained by aid (as distinct from physical support)
From this reading A small pencil of carbon is supported loosely between two blocks of the same substance glued to a thin wooden sounding-board of pine.
telephonenounUS /ˈteləfoʊn/
electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading It has various forms but in most of them one piece of carbon or charcoal is held loosely between two other pieces in such a manner as to be easily affected by the slightest vibrations conveyed to it through the air or any other medium.
Having little thickness or extent.
From this reading A small pencil of carbon is supported loosely between two blocks of the same substance glued to a thin wooden sounding-board of pine.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Figure 143 illustrates a simple form of instrument embodying this principle.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading It has various forms but in most of them one piece of carbon or charcoal is held loosely between two other pieces in such a manner as to be easily affected by the slightest vibrations conveyed to it through the air or any other medium.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
transmitverbUS /trænzˈmɪt/
transfer to another
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading It has various forms but in most of them one piece of carbon or charcoal is held loosely between two other pieces in such a manner as to be easily affected by the slightest vibrations conveyed to it through the air or any other medium.
precisely as stated
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
vibrationsnounUS /vaɪˈbreɪʃənz/
plural of “vibration” — the act of vibrating
From this reading It has various forms but in most of them one piece of carbon or charcoal is held loosely between two other pieces in such a manner as to be easily affected by the slightest vibrations conveyed to it through the air or any other medium.
at the time that
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
in the company of; together with
From this reading In 1878, David Edward Hughes discovered that the imperfect contact formed between two pieces of some such substance as carbon or charcoal is very sensitive to the slightest changes in pressure, and when included in an electric circuit with a battery and a telephone receiver, will transmit sounds.
made or consisting of (entirely or in part) or employing wood
From this reading A small pencil of carbon is supported loosely between two blocks of the same substance glued to a thin wooden sounding-board of pine.
