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The Boy Mechanic, Volume 1
The Boy Mechanic, Volume 1

Chapter XX · Chapter 20

Chapter 20 of The Boy Mechanic, Volume 1 is here in full — 388 sentences across 78 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Boy Mechanic, Volume 1
Context Illustration Reading 1/77 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
on the outer edges (A, Fig. 2).
The cross-boards (B, B, Fig. 2) are next sawed from a pine board 1 in. thick.
Shape these as shown by A, Fig. 4, 13 in. wide by 26 in. long, and cut away in the center to avoid useless weight.
Fasten them cross-wise to the bottom board as shown in Fig. 1 and 2, with long stout screws, so as to divide the keel into three nearly equal parts.
Then add the stem and stern pieces (C, C, Fig. 2).
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Boy Mechanic, Volume 1

Chapter XX · Chapter 20

Chapter 20 of The Boy Mechanic, Volume 1 is here in full — 388 sentences across 78 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/77 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
on the outer edges (A, Fig. 2).
Line 2
The cross-boards (B, B, Fig. 2) are next sawed from a pine board 1 in. thick.
Line 3
Shape these as shown by A, Fig. 4, 13 in. wide by 26 in. long, and cut away in the center to avoid useless weight.
Line 4
Fasten them cross-wise to the bottom board as shown in Fig. 1 and 2, with long stout screws, so as to divide the keel into three nearly equal parts.
Line 5
Then add the stem and stern pieces (C, C, Fig. 2).

Learner Dictionary

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

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

divide verb US /dɪˈvaɪd/

separate into parts or portions

From this reading “Fasten them cross-wise to the bottom board as shown in Fig. 1 and 2, with long stout screws, so as to divide the keel into three nearly equal parts.”

edges noun US /ˈedʒəz/

plural of “edge” — the boundary of a surface

From this reading “on the outer edges (A, Fig. 2).”

Fasten verb US /ˈfæsən/

cause to be firmly attached

From this reading “Fasten them cross-wise to the bottom board as shown in Fig. 1 and 2, with long stout screws, so as to divide the keel into three nearly equal parts.”

Fig noun US /fɪɡ/

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading “on the outer edges (A, Fig. 2).”

keel noun US /kiːl/

a projection or ridge that suggests a keel

From this reading “Fasten them cross-wise to the bottom board as shown in Fig. 1 and 2, with long stout screws, so as to divide the keel into three nearly equal parts.”

sawed verb US /sɔːd/

past form of “saw” — cut with a saw

From this reading “The cross-boards (B, B, Fig. 2) are next sawed from a pine board 1 in. thick.”

screws noun US /skruːz/

plural of “screw” — someone who guards prisoners

From this reading “Fasten them cross-wise to the bottom board as shown in Fig. 1 and 2, with long stout screws, so as to divide the keel into three nearly equal parts.”

stem noun US /stem/

(linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed

From this reading “Then add the stem and stern pieces (C, C, Fig. 2).”

All words in this reading · 57

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

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

1

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

From this reading The cross-boards (B, B, Fig. 2) are next sawed from a pine board 1 in. thick.

13

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

From this reading Shape these as shown by A, Fig. 4, 13 in. wide by 26 in. long, and cut away in the center to avoid useless weight.

2

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

From this reading on the outer edges (A, Fig. 2).

26

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

From this reading Shape these as shown by A, Fig. 4, 13 in. wide by 26 in. long, and cut away in the center to avoid useless weight.

4

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

From this reading Shape these as shown by A, Fig. 4, 13 in. wide by 26 in. long, and cut away in the center to avoid useless weight.

AdeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading on the outer edges (A, Fig. 2).

addverbUS /æd/

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

From this reading Then add the stem and stern pieces (C, C, Fig. 2).

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Shape these as shown by A, Fig. 4, 13 in. wide by 26 in. long, and cut away in the center to avoid useless weight.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading The cross-boards (B, B, Fig. 2) are next sawed from a pine board 1 in. thick.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Shape these as shown by A, Fig. 4, 13 in. wide by 26 in. long, and cut away in the center to avoid useless weight.

avoidverbUS /əˈvɔɪd/

stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading Shape these as shown by A, Fig. 4, 13 in. wide by 26 in. long, and cut away in the center to avoid useless weight.

awayadverbUS /əˈweɪ/

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

From this reading Shape these as shown by A, Fig. 4, 13 in. wide by 26 in. long, and cut away in the center to avoid useless weight.

BnounUS /biː/

aerobic rod-shaped spore-producing bacterium; often occurring in chainlike formations; found primarily in soil

From this reading The cross-boards (B, B, Fig. 2) are next sawed from a pine board 1 in. thick.

boardnounUS /bɔːrd/

a committee having supervisory powers

From this reading The cross-boards (B, B, Fig. 2) are next sawed from a pine board 1 in. thick.

bottomnounUS /ˈbɑːtəm/

the lower side of anything

From this reading Fasten them cross-wise to the bottom board as shown in Fig. 1 and 2, with long stout screws, so as to divide the keel into three nearly equal parts.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Shape these as shown by A, Fig. 4, 13 in. wide by 26 in. long, and cut away in the center to avoid useless weight.

CnounUS /siː/

a degree on the centigrade scale of temperature

From this reading Then add the stem and stern pieces (C, C, Fig. 2).

centernounUS /ˈsɛn.tər/

The middle point or core of an area.

From this reading Shape these as shown by A, Fig. 4, 13 in. wide by 26 in. long, and cut away in the center to avoid useless weight.

cross-boards

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

From this reading The cross-boards (B, B, Fig. 2) are next sawed from a pine board 1 in. thick.

cross-wise

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

From this reading Fasten them cross-wise to the bottom board as shown in Fig. 1 and 2, with long stout screws, so as to divide the keel into three nearly equal parts.

cutverbUS /kʌt/

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading Shape these as shown by A, Fig. 4, 13 in. wide by 26 in. long, and cut away in the center to avoid useless weight.

divideverbUS /dɪˈvaɪd/

separate into parts or portions

From this reading Fasten them cross-wise to the bottom board as shown in Fig. 1 and 2, with long stout screws, so as to divide the keel into three nearly equal parts.

edgesnounUS /ˈedʒəz/

plural of “edge” — the boundary of a surface

From this reading on the outer edges (A, Fig. 2).

equalverbUS /ˈiːkwəl/

be identical or equivalent to

From this reading Fasten them cross-wise to the bottom board as shown in Fig. 1 and 2, with long stout screws, so as to divide the keel into three nearly equal parts.

FastenverbUS /ˈfæsən/

cause to be firmly attached

From this reading Fasten them cross-wise to the bottom board as shown in Fig. 1 and 2, with long stout screws, so as to divide the keel into three nearly equal parts.

FignounUS /fɪɡ/

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading on the outer edges (A, Fig. 2).

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The cross-boards (B, B, Fig. 2) are next sawed from a pine board 1 in. thick.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading The cross-boards (B, B, Fig. 2) are next sawed from a pine board 1 in. thick.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Fasten them cross-wise to the bottom board as shown in Fig. 1 and 2, with long stout screws, so as to divide the keel into three nearly equal parts.

keelnounUS /kiːl/

a projection or ridge that suggests a keel

From this reading Fasten them cross-wise to the bottom board as shown in Fig. 1 and 2, with long stout screws, so as to divide the keel into three nearly equal parts.

longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Shape these as shown by A, Fig. 4, 13 in. wide by 26 in. long, and cut away in the center to avoid useless weight.

nearlyadverbUS /ˈnɪrli/

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

From this reading Fasten them cross-wise to the bottom board as shown in Fig. 1 and 2, with long stout screws, so as to divide the keel into three nearly equal parts.

nextadjectiveUS /nekst/

immediately following in time or order

From this reading The cross-boards (B, B, Fig. 2) are next sawed from a pine board 1 in. thick.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading on the outer edges (A, Fig. 2).

outeradjectiveUS /ˈaʊtər/

being on the outside or further from a center

From this reading on the outer edges (A, Fig. 2).

partsnounUS /pɑːrts/

the local environment

From this reading Fasten them cross-wise to the bottom board as shown in Fig. 1 and 2, with long stout screws, so as to divide the keel into three nearly equal parts.

piecesnounUS /ˈpiːsəz/

plural of “piece” — a separate part of a whole

From this reading Then add the stem and stern pieces (C, C, Fig. 2).

pinenounUS /paɪn/

a coniferous tree

From this reading The cross-boards (B, B, Fig. 2) are next sawed from a pine board 1 in. thick.

sawedverbUS /sɔːd/

past form of “saw” — cut with a saw

From this reading The cross-boards (B, B, Fig. 2) are next sawed from a pine board 1 in. thick.

screwsnounUS /skruːz/

plural of “screw” — someone who guards prisoners

From this reading Fasten them cross-wise to the bottom board as shown in Fig. 1 and 2, with long stout screws, so as to divide the keel into three nearly equal parts.

ShapenounUS /ʃeɪp/

any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)

From this reading Shape these as shown by A, Fig. 4, 13 in. wide by 26 in. long, and cut away in the center to avoid useless weight.

shownverbUS /ʃoʊn/

inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Shape these as shown by A, Fig. 4, 13 in. wide by 26 in. long, and cut away in the center to avoid useless weight.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Fasten them cross-wise to the bottom board as shown in Fig. 1 and 2, with long stout screws, so as to divide the keel into three nearly equal parts.

stemnounUS /stem/

(linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed

From this reading Then add the stem and stern pieces (C, C, Fig. 2).

sternadjectiveUS /stɜːrn/

of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect

From this reading Then add the stem and stern pieces (C, C, Fig. 2).

stoutadjectiveUS /staʊt/

dependable

From this reading Fasten them cross-wise to the bottom board as shown in Fig. 1 and 2, with long stout screws, so as to divide the keel into three nearly equal parts.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading on the outer edges (A, Fig. 2).

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Fasten them cross-wise to the bottom board as shown in Fig. 1 and 2, with long stout screws, so as to divide the keel into three nearly equal parts.

ThenadverbUS /ðen/

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then add the stem and stern pieces (C, C, Fig. 2).

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Shape these as shown by A, Fig. 4, 13 in. wide by 26 in. long, and cut away in the center to avoid useless weight.

thickadjectiveUS /θɪk/

not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions

From this reading The cross-boards (B, B, Fig. 2) are next sawed from a pine board 1 in. thick.

threenounUS /θriː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Fasten them cross-wise to the bottom board as shown in Fig. 1 and 2, with long stout screws, so as to divide the keel into three nearly equal parts.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Shape these as shown by A, Fig. 4, 13 in. wide by 26 in. long, and cut away in the center to avoid useless weight.

uselessadjectiveUS /ˈjuːsləs/

having no beneficial use or incapable of functioning usefully

From this reading Shape these as shown by A, Fig. 4, 13 in. wide by 26 in. long, and cut away in the center to avoid useless weight.

weightnounUS /weɪt/

the vertical force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity

From this reading Shape these as shown by A, Fig. 4, 13 in. wide by 26 in. long, and cut away in the center to avoid useless weight.

wideadjectiveUS /waɪd/

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading Shape these as shown by A, Fig. 4, 13 in. wide by 26 in. long, and cut away in the center to avoid useless weight.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Fasten them cross-wise to the bottom board as shown in Fig. 1 and 2, with long stout screws, so as to divide the keel into three nearly equal parts.

Chapter 20 of The Boy Mechanic, Volume 1 by H. H. (Henry Haven) [Editor] Windsor holds 388 sentences, grouped into 78 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 20 of The Boy Mechanic, Volume 1 contain?

Chapter 20 holds 388 sentences of The Boy Mechanic, Volume 1, unabridged, divided into 78 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 20 of The Boy Mechanic, Volume 1 by H. H. (Henry Haven) [Editor] Windsor exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 388 sentences, grouped into 78 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 20 of The Boy Mechanic, Volume 1?

Work through the 78 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 78 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 20 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 20 can be played aloud in United States English.

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

Questions about reading The Boy Mechanic, Volume 1

Common questions about reading The Boy Mechanic, Volume 1 by H. H. (Henry Haven) [Editor] Windsor on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Boy Mechanic, Volume 1?

Yes. All 10693 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #12655 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Boy Mechanic, Volume 1 is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #12655, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Boy Mechanic, Volume 1 take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 2139 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Boy Mechanic, Volume 1 section by section

How to work through The Boy Mechanic, Volume 1 section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

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  2. Read one section

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  3. Listen and tap

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

Vocabulary met early in The Boy Mechanic, Volume 1

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Boy Mechanic, Volume 1, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Mechanic
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Boy Mechanic, Volume 1; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Things
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Boy Mechanic, Volume 1; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Illustrations
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Boy Mechanic, Volume 1; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Showing
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Boy Mechanic, Volume 1; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.