adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading As Warren approached nearer, he noted the dark, tumbledown building, which looked as though it had been a ruin for centuries, dismal and uninhabited.
ancientadjectiveUS /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading The door, a stout one heavily barred with ornamental straps of ancient and rusty iron, was fitted with strong, modern hinges, and had been closely fitted in anew frame.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading HOT ON THE TRAIL The men had disappeared, and there seemed no further need for caution.
anewadverbUS /əˈnuː/
again but in a new or different way
From this reading The door, a stout one heavily barred with ornamental straps of ancient and rusty iron, was fitted with strong, modern hinges, and had been closely fitted in anew frame.
approachedverbUS /əˈproʊtʃt/
past form of “approach” — move towards
From this reading As Warren approached nearer, he noted the dark, tumbledown building, which looked as though it had been a ruin for centuries, dismal and uninhabited.
AsconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As Warren approached nearer, he noted the dark, tumbledown building, which looked as though it had been a ruin for centuries, dismal and uninhabited.
augernounUS /ˈɔːɡər/
a long flexible steel coil for dislodging stoppages in curved pipes
From this reading Warren's keen eye quickly grasped these details as he sauntered past, and stopped before 'the building, but what he did not see, and could not guess, was the tiny auger hole bored close to one of the iron frets.
barredadjectiveUS /bɑːrd/
preventing entry or exit or a course of action
From this reading The door, a stout one heavily barred with ornamental straps of ancient and rusty iron, was fitted with strong, modern hinges, and had been closely fitted in anew frame.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading As Warren approached nearer, he noted the dark, tumbledown building, which looked as though it had been a ruin for centuries, dismal and uninhabited.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Warren's keen eye quickly grasped these details as he sauntered past, and stopped before 'the building, but what he did not see, and could not guess, was the tiny auger hole bored close to one of the iron frets.
boredadjectiveUS /bɔːrd/
tired of the world
From this reading Warren's keen eye quickly grasped these details as he sauntered past, and stopped before 'the building, but what he did not see, and could not guess, was the tiny auger hole bored close to one of the iron frets.
buildingnounUS /ˈbɪldɪŋ/
a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading As Warren approached nearer, he noted the dark, tumbledown building, which looked as though it had been a ruin for centuries, dismal and uninhabited.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Warren's keen eye quickly grasped these details as he sauntered past, and stopped before 'the building, but what he did not see, and could not guess, was the tiny auger hole bored close to one of the iron frets.
cautionnounUS /ˈkɑːʃən/
the trait of being cautious; being attentive to possible danger
From this reading HOT ON THE TRAIL The men had disappeared, and there seemed no further need for caution.
centuriesnounUS /ˈsentʃəriz/
plural of “century” — a period of 100 years
From this reading As Warren approached nearer, he noted the dark, tumbledown building, which looked as though it had been a ruin for centuries, dismal and uninhabited.
closeadjectiveUS /kloʊs/
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading Warren's keen eye quickly grasped these details as he sauntered past, and stopped before 'the building, but what he did not see, and could not guess, was the tiny auger hole bored close to one of the iron frets.
closelyadverbUS /ˈkloʊsli/
in a close relation or position in time or space
From this reading The door, a stout one heavily barred with ornamental straps of ancient and rusty iron, was fitted with strong, modern hinges, and had been closely fitted in anew frame.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Warren's keen eye quickly grasped these details as he sauntered past, and stopped before 'the building, but what he did not see, and could not guess, was the tiny auger hole bored close to one of the iron frets.
darknounUS /dɑːrk/
absence of light or illumination
From this reading As Warren approached nearer, he noted the dark, tumbledown building, which looked as though it had been a ruin for centuries, dismal and uninhabited.
detailsnounUS /dɪˈteɪlz/
true confidential information
From this reading Warren's keen eye quickly grasped these details as he sauntered past, and stopped before 'the building, but what he did not see, and could not guess, was the tiny auger hole bored close to one of the iron frets.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Warren's keen eye quickly grasped these details as he sauntered past, and stopped before 'the building, but what he did not see, and could not guess, was the tiny auger hole bored close to one of the iron frets.
disappearedverbUS /ˌdɪsəˈpɪrd/
past form of “disappear” — get lost, as without warning or explanation
From this reading HOT ON THE TRAIL The men had disappeared, and there seemed no further need for caution.
dismaladjectiveUS /ˈdɪzməl/
causing dejection
From this reading As Warren approached nearer, he noted the dark, tumbledown building, which looked as though it had been a ruin for centuries, dismal and uninhabited.
doornounUS /dɔːr/
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading The door, a stout one heavily barred with ornamental straps of ancient and rusty iron, was fitted with strong, modern hinges, and had been closely fitted in anew frame.
eyenounUS /aɪ/
the organ of sight
From this reading Warren's keen eye quickly grasped these details as he sauntered past, and stopped before 'the building, but what he did not see, and could not guess, was the tiny auger hole bored close to one of the iron frets.
fittedadjectiveUS /ˈfɪtəd/
being the right size and shape to fit as desired
From this reading The door, a stout one heavily barred with ornamental straps of ancient and rusty iron, was fitted with strong, modern hinges, and had been closely fitted in anew frame.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading HOT ON THE TRAIL The men had disappeared, and there seemed no further need for caution.
frameverbUS /freɪm/
enclose in or as if in a frame
From this reading The door, a stout one heavily barred with ornamental straps of ancient and rusty iron, was fitted with strong, modern hinges, and had been closely fitted in anew frame.
fretsnounUS /frets/
plural of “fret” — agitation resulting from active worry
From this reading Warren's keen eye quickly grasped these details as he sauntered past, and stopped before 'the building, but what he did not see, and could not guess, was the tiny auger hole bored close to one of the iron frets.
furtheradverbUS /ˈfɜːrðər/
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading HOT ON THE TRAIL The men had disappeared, and there seemed no further need for caution.
graspedverbUS /ɡræspt/
past form of “grasp” — hold firmly
From this reading Warren's keen eye quickly grasped these details as he sauntered past, and stopped before 'the building, but what he did not see, and could not guess, was the tiny auger hole bored close to one of the iron frets.
guessverbUS /ɡes/
expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading Warren's keen eye quickly grasped these details as he sauntered past, and stopped before 'the building, but what he did not see, and could not guess, was the tiny auger hole bored close to one of the iron frets.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading HOT ON THE TRAIL The men had disappeared, and there seemed no further need for caution.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As Warren approached nearer, he noted the dark, tumbledown building, which looked as though it had been a ruin for centuries, dismal and uninhabited.
heavilyadverbUS /ˈhevəli/
to a considerable degree
From this reading The door, a stout one heavily barred with ornamental straps of ancient and rusty iron, was fitted with strong, modern hinges, and had been closely fitted in anew frame.
hingesnounUS /ˈhɪndʒɪz/
plural of “hinge” — a joint that holds two parts together so that one can swing relative to the other
From this reading The door, a stout one heavily barred with ornamental straps of ancient and rusty iron, was fitted with strong, modern hinges, and had been closely fitted in anew frame.
holenounUS /hoʊl/
an opening into or through something
From this reading Warren's keen eye quickly grasped these details as he sauntered past, and stopped before 'the building, but what he did not see, and could not guess, was the tiny auger hole bored close to one of the iron frets.
HOTadjectiveUS /hɑːt/
used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
From this reading HOT ON THE TRAIL The men had disappeared, and there seemed no further need for caution.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The door, a stout one heavily barred with ornamental straps of ancient and rusty iron, was fitted with strong, modern hinges, and had been closely fitted in anew frame.
ironnounUS /ˈaɪərn/
a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
From this reading The door, a stout one heavily barred with ornamental straps of ancient and rusty iron, was fitted with strong, modern hinges, and had been closely fitted in anew frame.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading As Warren approached nearer, he noted the dark, tumbledown building, which looked as though it had been a ruin for centuries, dismal and uninhabited.
keenadjectiveUS /kiːn/
having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading Warren's keen eye quickly grasped these details as he sauntered past, and stopped before 'the building, but what he did not see, and could not guess, was the tiny auger hole bored close to one of the iron frets.
lookedverbUS /lʊkt/
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading As Warren approached nearer, he noted the dark, tumbledown building, which looked as though it had been a ruin for centuries, dismal and uninhabited.
mennounUS /men/
the force of workers available
From this reading HOT ON THE TRAIL The men had disappeared, and there seemed no further need for caution.
modernadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːdərn/
belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages
From this reading The door, a stout one heavily barred with ornamental straps of ancient and rusty iron, was fitted with strong, modern hinges, and had been closely fitted in anew frame.
neareradverbUS /ˈnɪrər/
(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance
From this reading As Warren approached nearer, he noted the dark, tumbledown building, which looked as though it had been a ruin for centuries, dismal and uninhabited.
neednounUS /niːd/
a condition requiring relief
From this reading HOT ON THE TRAIL The men had disappeared, and there seemed no further need for caution.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading HOT ON THE TRAIL The men had disappeared, and there seemed no further need for caution.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Warren's keen eye quickly grasped these details as he sauntered past, and stopped before 'the building, but what he did not see, and could not guess, was the tiny auger hole bored close to one of the iron frets.
notedadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊtəd/
widely known and esteemed
From this reading As Warren approached nearer, he noted the dark, tumbledown building, which looked as though it had been a ruin for centuries, dismal and uninhabited.
noteworthyadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊtwɜːrði/
worthy of attention because interesting, significant, or unusual
From this reading Only one thing was noteworthy.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The door, a stout one heavily barred with ornamental straps of ancient and rusty iron, was fitted with strong, modern hinges, and had been closely fitted in anew frame.
ONprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading HOT ON THE TRAIL The men had disappeared, and there seemed no further need for caution.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Only one thing was noteworthy.
OnlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/
and nothing more
From this reading Only one thing was noteworthy.
ornamentalnounUS /ˌɔːrnəˈmentəl/
any plant grown for its beauty or ornamental value
From this reading The door, a stout one heavily barred with ornamental straps of ancient and rusty iron, was fitted with strong, modern hinges, and had been closely fitted in anew frame.
pastnounUS /pæst/
the time that has elapsed
From this reading Warren's keen eye quickly grasped these details as he sauntered past, and stopped before 'the building, but what he did not see, and could not guess, was the tiny auger hole bored close to one of the iron frets.
quicklyadverbUS /ˈkwɪkli/
with speed
From this reading Warren's keen eye quickly grasped these details as he sauntered past, and stopped before 'the building, but what he did not see, and could not guess, was the tiny auger hole bored close to one of the iron frets.
ruinnounUS /ˈruːən/
an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction
From this reading As Warren approached nearer, he noted the dark, tumbledown building, which looked as though it had been a ruin for centuries, dismal and uninhabited.
rustyadjectiveUS /ˈrʌsti/
covered with or consisting of rust
From this reading The door, a stout one heavily barred with ornamental straps of ancient and rusty iron, was fitted with strong, modern hinges, and had been closely fitted in anew frame.
sauntered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Warren's keen eye quickly grasped these details as he sauntered past, and stopped before 'the building, but what he did not see, and could not guess, was the tiny auger hole bored close to one of the iron frets.
seeverbUS /siː/
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Warren's keen eye quickly grasped these details as he sauntered past, and stopped before 'the building, but what he did not see, and could not guess, was the tiny auger hole bored close to one of the iron frets.
seemedverbUS /siːmd/
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading HOT ON THE TRAIL The men had disappeared, and there seemed no further need for caution.
stoppedadjectiveUS /stɑːpt/
(of a nose) blocked
From this reading Warren's keen eye quickly grasped these details as he sauntered past, and stopped before 'the building, but what he did not see, and could not guess, was the tiny auger hole bored close to one of the iron frets.
stoutadjectiveUS /staʊt/
dependable
From this reading The door, a stout one heavily barred with ornamental straps of ancient and rusty iron, was fitted with strong, modern hinges, and had been closely fitted in anew frame.
strapsnounUS /stræps/
plural of “strap” — an elongated leather strip (or a strip of similar material) for binding things together or holding something in position
From this reading The door, a stout one heavily barred with ornamental straps of ancient and rusty iron, was fitted with strong, modern hinges, and had been closely fitted in anew frame.
strongadjectiveUS /strɔːŋ/
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading The door, a stout one heavily barred with ornamental straps of ancient and rusty iron, was fitted with strong, modern hinges, and had been closely fitted in anew frame.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading HOT ON THE TRAIL The men had disappeared, and there seemed no further need for caution.
thereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading HOT ON THE TRAIL The men had disappeared, and there seemed no further need for caution.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Warren's keen eye quickly grasped these details as he sauntered past, and stopped before 'the building, but what he did not see, and could not guess, was the tiny auger hole bored close to one of the iron frets.
thingnounUS /θɪŋ/
a special situation
From this reading Only one thing was noteworthy.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading As Warren approached nearer, he noted the dark, tumbledown building, which looked as though it had been a ruin for centuries, dismal and uninhabited.
tinyadjectiveUS /ˈtaɪni/
very small
From this reading Warren's keen eye quickly grasped these details as he sauntered past, and stopped before 'the building, but what he did not see, and could not guess, was the tiny auger hole bored close to one of the iron frets.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Warren's keen eye quickly grasped these details as he sauntered past, and stopped before 'the building, but what he did not see, and could not guess, was the tiny auger hole bored close to one of the iron frets.
TRAILnounUS /treɪl/
a track or mark left by something that has passed
From this reading HOT ON THE TRAIL The men had disappeared, and there seemed no further need for caution.
tumbledown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As Warren approached nearer, he noted the dark, tumbledown building, which looked as though it had been a ruin for centuries, dismal and uninhabited.
uninhabitedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnɪnˈhæbətɪd/
not having inhabitants; not lived in
From this reading As Warren approached nearer, he noted the dark, tumbledown building, which looked as though it had been a ruin for centuries, dismal and uninhabited.
WarrennounUS /ˈwɔːrən/
United States writer and poet (1905-1989)
From this reading As Warren approached nearer, he noted the dark, tumbledown building, which looked as though it had been a ruin for centuries, dismal and uninhabited.
Warren'snounUS /ˈwɔːrənz/
possessive form of “warren” — United States writer and poet (1905-1989)
From this reading Warren's keen eye quickly grasped these details as he sauntered past, and stopped before 'the building, but what he did not see, and could not guess, was the tiny auger hole bored close to one of the iron frets.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Only one thing was noteworthy.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Warren's keen eye quickly grasped these details as he sauntered past, and stopped before 'the building, but what he did not see, and could not guess, was the tiny auger hole bored close to one of the iron frets.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading As Warren approached nearer, he noted the dark, tumbledown building, which looked as though it had been a ruin for centuries, dismal and uninhabited.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The door, a stout one heavily barred with ornamental straps of ancient and rusty iron, was fitted with strong, modern hinges, and had been closely fitted in anew frame.
