used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The inflection of light offers a third method by which rays of light may be decomposed and colour produced.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The inflection of light offers a third method by which rays of light may be decomposed and colour produced.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The inflection of light offers a third method by which rays of light may be decomposed and colour produced.
delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration
From this reading The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.
people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The inflection of light offers a third method by which rays of light may be decomposed and colour produced.
plural of “case” — an occurrence of something
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
having or capable of producing colors
From this reading The inflection of light offers a third method by which rays of light may be decomposed and colour produced.
colouredadjectiveUS /ˈkʌlərd/
having color or a certain color; sometimes used in combination
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
past form of “commence” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.
travel across or pass over
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
decomposedverbUS /ˌdiːkəmˈpoʊzd/
past form of “decompose” — separate (substances) into constituent elements or parts
From this reading The inflection of light offers a third method by which rays of light may be decomposed and colour produced.
DIFFRACTIONnounUS /dɪˈfrækʃən/
when light passes sharp edges or goes through narrow slits the rays are deflected and produce fringes of light and dark bands
From this reading THE INFLECTION OR DIFFRACTION OF LIGHT.
diluteverbUS /daɪˈluːt/
lessen the strength or flavor of a solution or mixture
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.
to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect
From this reading The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.
the organ of sight
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.
gaslightnounUS /ˈɡæslaɪt/
light yielded by the combustion of illuminating gas
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
gauzenounUS /ɡɔːz/
(medicine) bleached cotton cloth of plain weave used for bandages and dressings
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.
INFLECTIONnounUS /ˌɪnˈflekʃən/
a change in the form of a word (usually by adding a suffix) to indicate a change in its grammatical function
From this reading THE INFLECTION OR DIFFRACTION OF LIGHT.
inknounUS /ɪŋk/
a liquid used for printing or writing or drawing
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
intricateadjectiveUS /ˈɪntrəkət/
having many complexly arranged elements; elaborate
From this reading The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading THE INFLECTION OR DIFFRACTION OF LIGHT.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading The inflection of light offers a third method by which rays of light may be decomposed and colour produced.
a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)
From this reading The inflection of light offers a third method by which rays of light may be decomposed and colour produced.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
used to form the superlative
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
absolutely essential
From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.
amounting to a large indefinite number
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE INFLECTION OR DIFFRACTION OF LIGHT.
offersnounUS /ˈɔːfərz/
plural of “offer” — the verbal act of offering
From this reading The inflection of light offers a third method by which rays of light may be decomposed and colour produced.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading THE INFLECTION OR DIFFRACTION OF LIGHT.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.
phenomenanounUS /fəˈnɑːmənə/
plural of “phenomenon” — any state or process known through the senses rather than by intuition or reasoning
From this reading The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.
regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public
From this reading The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.
past form of “produce” — bring forth or yield
From this reading The inflection of light offers a third method by which rays of light may be decomposed and colour produced.
protectingadjectiveUS /prəˈtektɪŋ/
shielding (or designed to shield) against harm or discomfort
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
raysnounUS /reɪz/
plural of “ray” — a column of light (as from a beacon)
From this reading The inflection of light offers a third method by which rays of light may be decomposed and colour produced.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.
the context and environment in which something is set
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
required or under orders
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
tanknounUS /tæŋk/
an enclosed armored military vehicle; has a cannon and moves on caterpillar treads
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE INFLECTION OR DIFFRACTION OF LIGHT.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.
a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena
From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.
one of three equal parts of a divisible whole
From this reading The inflection of light offers a third method by which rays of light may be decomposed and colour produced.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.
undulations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
in or at the place that
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.
ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc
From this reading The cases where colour is produced by inflection are more numerous than might at first be supposed; thus, if we look at a gaslight or the setting sun through a wire gauze blind, protecting the eye with a little tank of dilute ink, a most beautiful coloured cross is apparent.
in the company of; together with
From this reading In this part of the subject it is absolutely necessary to return to the theory of undulations with which the present subject was commenced.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading The phenomena are extremely beautiful, although the explanation of them is almost too intricate for a popular work of this kind.