used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading DESPERATE MEASURES Never did three young men face a more terrible or more horribly gruesome situation.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading Not only that, but the cave already contained the bodies of six men whose fixed and glassy eyes stared at them as though in mockery and warning, and the already foul air was becoming more stifling every moment.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading Not only that, but the cave already contained the bodies of six men whose fixed and glassy eyes stared at them as though in mockery and warning, and the already foul air was becoming more stifling every moment.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Here they were, locked in a natural dungeon behind a wall of dirt and rock probably four or five feet thick.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Not only that, but the cave already contained the bodies of six men whose fixed and glassy eyes stared at them as though in mockery and warning, and the already foul air was becoming more stifling every moment.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Not only that, but the cave already contained the bodies of six men whose fixed and glassy eyes stared at them as though in mockery and warning, and the already foul air was becoming more stifling every moment.
having undesirable or negative qualities
From this reading "It may not be so bad as it seems," said Lieutenant Mackinson in a voice that seemed unnatural in that vault.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading "It may not be so bad as it seems," said Lieutenant Mackinson in a voice that seemed unnatural in that vault.
according with custom or propriety
From this reading Not only that, but the cave already contained the bodies of six men whose fixed and glassy eyes stared at them as though in mockery and warning, and the already foul air was becoming more stifling every moment.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Here they were, locked in a natural dungeon behind a wall of dirt and rock probably four or five feet thick.
plural of “body” — the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading Not only that, but the cave already contained the bodies of six men whose fixed and glassy eyes stared at them as though in mockery and warning, and the already foul air was becoming more stifling every moment.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Not only that, but the cave already contained the bodies of six men whose fixed and glassy eyes stared at them as though in mockery and warning, and the already foul air was becoming more stifling every moment.
a geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea
From this reading Not only that, but the cave already contained the bodies of six men whose fixed and glassy eyes stared at them as though in mockery and warning, and the already foul air was becoming more stifling every moment.
a natural or artificial enclosed space
From this reading In a dull way they realized that they probably could not survive more than two or three maddening hours in that death chamber.
gotten under control
From this reading Not only that, but the cave already contained the bodies of six men whose fixed and glassy eyes stared at them as though in mockery and warning, and the already foul air was becoming more stifling every moment.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading In a dull way they realized that they probably could not survive more than two or three maddening hours in that death chamber.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading In a dull way they realized that they probably could not survive more than two or three maddening hours in that death chamber.
arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope
From this reading DESPERATE MEASURES Never did three young men face a more terrible or more horribly gruesome situation.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading DESPERATE MEASURES Never did three young men face a more terrible or more horribly gruesome situation.
dirtnounUS /dɜːrt/
the part of the earth's surface consisting of humus and disintegrated rock
From this reading Here they were, locked in a natural dungeon behind a wall of dirt and rock probably four or five feet thick.
lacking in liveliness or animation
From this reading In a dull way they realized that they probably could not survive more than two or three maddening hours in that death chamber.
dungeonnounUS /ˈdʌndʒən/
the main tower within the walls of a medieval castle or fortress
From this reading Here they were, locked in a natural dungeon behind a wall of dirt and rock probably four or five feet thick.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Not only that, but the cave already contained the bodies of six men whose fixed and glassy eyes stared at them as though in mockery and warning, and the already foul air was becoming more stifling every moment.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Not only that, but the cave already contained the bodies of six men whose fixed and glassy eyes stared at them as though in mockery and warning, and the already foul air was becoming more stifling every moment.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading DESPERATE MEASURES Never did three young men face a more terrible or more horribly gruesome situation.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading Here they were, locked in a natural dungeon behind a wall of dirt and rock probably four or five feet thick.
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading Here they were, locked in a natural dungeon behind a wall of dirt and rock probably four or five feet thick.
(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value
From this reading Not only that, but the cave already contained the bodies of six men whose fixed and glassy eyes stared at them as though in mockery and warning, and the already foul air was becoming more stifling every moment.
fouladjectiveUS /faʊl/
highly offensive; arousing aversion or disgust
From this reading Not only that, but the cave already contained the bodies of six men whose fixed and glassy eyes stared at them as though in mockery and warning, and the already foul air was becoming more stifling every moment.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading Here they were, locked in a natural dungeon behind a wall of dirt and rock probably four or five feet thick.
glassyadjectiveUS /ˈɡlæsi/
resembling glass in smoothness and shininess and slickness
From this reading Not only that, but the cave already contained the bodies of six men whose fixed and glassy eyes stared at them as though in mockery and warning, and the already foul air was becoming more stifling every moment.
gruesomeadjectiveUS /ˈɡruːsəm/
shockingly repellent; inspiring horror
From this reading DESPERATE MEASURES Never did three young men face a more terrible or more horribly gruesome situation.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Here they were, locked in a natural dungeon behind a wall of dirt and rock probably four or five feet thick.
horriblyadverbUS /ˈhɔːrəbli/
of a dreadful kind
From this reading DESPERATE MEASURES Never did three young men face a more terrible or more horribly gruesome situation.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading In a dull way they realized that they probably could not survive more than two or three maddening hours in that death chamber.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Here they were, locked in a natural dungeon behind a wall of dirt and rock probably four or five feet thick.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "It may not be so bad as it seems," said Lieutenant Mackinson in a voice that seemed unnatural in that vault.
a commissioned military officer
From this reading "It may not be so bad as it seems," said Lieutenant Mackinson in a voice that seemed unnatural in that vault.
past form of “lock” — fasten with a lock
From this reading Here they were, locked in a natural dungeon behind a wall of dirt and rock probably four or five feet thick.
Mackinson
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It may not be so bad as it seems," said Lieutenant Mackinson in a voice that seemed unnatural in that vault.
maddeningadjectiveUS /ˈmædənɪŋ/
extremely annoying or displeasing
From this reading In a dull way they realized that they probably could not survive more than two or three maddening hours in that death chamber.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading "It may not be so bad as it seems," said Lieutenant Mackinson in a voice that seemed unnatural in that vault.
MEASURESnounUS /ˈmeʒərz/
plural of “measure” — any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading DESPERATE MEASURES Never did three young men face a more terrible or more horribly gruesome situation.
the force of workers available
From this reading DESPERATE MEASURES Never did three young men face a more terrible or more horribly gruesome situation.
mockerynounUS /ˈmɑːkəri/
showing your contempt by derision
From this reading Not only that, but the cave already contained the bodies of six men whose fixed and glassy eyes stared at them as though in mockery and warning, and the already foul air was becoming more stifling every moment.
a particular point in time
From this reading Not only that, but the cave already contained the bodies of six men whose fixed and glassy eyes stared at them as though in mockery and warning, and the already foul air was becoming more stifling every moment.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading DESPERATE MEASURES Never did three young men face a more terrible or more horribly gruesome situation.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading Here they were, locked in a natural dungeon behind a wall of dirt and rock probably four or five feet thick.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading DESPERATE MEASURES Never did three young men face a more terrible or more horribly gruesome situation.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Not only that, but the cave already contained the bodies of six men whose fixed and glassy eyes stared at them as though in mockery and warning, and the already foul air was becoming more stifling every moment.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Here they were, locked in a natural dungeon behind a wall of dirt and rock probably four or five feet thick.
and nothing more
From this reading Not only that, but the cave already contained the bodies of six men whose fixed and glassy eyes stared at them as though in mockery and warning, and the already foul air was becoming more stifling every moment.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading DESPERATE MEASURES Never did three young men face a more terrible or more horribly gruesome situation.
with considerable certainty; without much doubt
From this reading Here they were, locked in a natural dungeon behind a wall of dirt and rock probably four or five feet thick.
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading In a dull way they realized that they probably could not survive more than two or three maddening hours in that death chamber.
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading Here they were, locked in a natural dungeon behind a wall of dirt and rock probably four or five feet thick.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "It may not be so bad as it seems," said Lieutenant Mackinson in a voice that seemed unnatural in that vault.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading "It may not be so bad as it seems," said Lieutenant Mackinson in a voice that seemed unnatural in that vault.
third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading "It may not be so bad as it seems," said Lieutenant Mackinson in a voice that seemed unnatural in that vault.
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading DESPERATE MEASURES Never did three young men face a more terrible or more horribly gruesome situation.
the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
From this reading Not only that, but the cave already contained the bodies of six men whose fixed and glassy eyes stared at them as though in mockery and warning, and the already foul air was becoming more stifling every moment.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading "It may not be so bad as it seems," said Lieutenant Mackinson in a voice that seemed unnatural in that vault.
past form of “stare” — look at with fixed eyes
From this reading Not only that, but the cave already contained the bodies of six men whose fixed and glassy eyes stared at them as though in mockery and warning, and the already foul air was becoming more stifling every moment.
stiflingnounUS /ˈstaɪflɪŋ/
forceful prevention; putting down by power or authority
From this reading Not only that, but the cave already contained the bodies of six men whose fixed and glassy eyes stared at them as though in mockery and warning, and the already foul air was becoming more stifling every moment.
surviveverbUS /sərˈvaɪv/
continue to live and avoid dying
From this reading In a dull way they realized that they probably could not survive more than two or three maddening hours in that death chamber.
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading DESPERATE MEASURES Never did three young men face a more terrible or more horribly gruesome situation.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading In a dull way they realized that they probably could not survive more than two or three maddening hours in that death chamber.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Not only that, but the cave already contained the bodies of six men whose fixed and glassy eyes stared at them as though in mockery and warning, and the already foul air was becoming more stifling every moment.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Not only that, but the cave already contained the bodies of six men whose fixed and glassy eyes stared at them as though in mockery and warning, and the already foul air was becoming more stifling every moment.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Not only that, but the cave already contained the bodies of six men whose fixed and glassy eyes stared at them as though in mockery and warning, and the already foul air was becoming more stifling every moment.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Here they were, locked in a natural dungeon behind a wall of dirt and rock probably four or five feet thick.
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 Here they were, locked in a natural dungeon behind a wall of dirt and rock probably four or five feet thick.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Not only that, but the cave already contained the bodies of six men whose fixed and glassy eyes stared at them as though in mockery and warning, and the already foul air was becoming more stifling every moment.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading DESPERATE MEASURES Never did three young men face a more terrible or more horribly gruesome situation.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading In a dull way they realized that they probably could not survive more than two or three maddening hours in that death chamber.
unnaturaladjectiveUS /ənˈnætʃərəl/
not in accordance with or determined by nature; contrary to nature
From this reading "It may not be so bad as it seems," said Lieutenant Mackinson in a voice that seemed unnatural in that vault.
vaultnounUS /vɒlt/
An arched structure of masonry forming a ceiling, or a secure subterranean storage room.
From this reading "It may not be so bad as it seems," said Lieutenant Mackinson in a voice that seemed unnatural in that vault.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading "It may not be so bad as it seems," said Lieutenant Mackinson in a voice that seemed unnatural in that vault.
an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading Here they were, locked in a natural dungeon behind a wall of dirt and rock probably four or five feet thick.
a message informing of danger
From this reading Not only that, but the cave already contained the bodies of six men whose fixed and glassy eyes stared at them as though in mockery and warning, and the already foul air was becoming more stifling every moment.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Not only that, but the cave already contained the bodies of six men whose fixed and glassy eyes stared at them as though in mockery and warning, and the already foul air was becoming more stifling every moment.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading In a dull way they realized that they probably could not survive more than two or three maddening hours in that death chamber.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Here they were, locked in a natural dungeon behind a wall of dirt and rock probably four or five feet thick.
belonging to which person
From this reading Not only that, but the cave already contained the bodies of six men whose fixed and glassy eyes stared at them as though in mockery and warning, and the already foul air was becoming more stifling every moment.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading DESPERATE MEASURES Never did three young men face a more terrible or more horribly gruesome situation.
