used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading DISAPPOINTMENT La Touche was a good traveller, and usually slept well on a night journey.
alertadjectiveUS /əˈlɜːrt/
engaged in or accustomed to close observation
From this reading To-night, as he sat in the corner of a first-class compartment in the Calais-Paris train, though outwardly a lounging and indolent figure, his mind was keenly alert, and he therefore took the opportunity to consider the business which lay before him.
alibinounUS /ˈæləbaɪ/
(law) a defense by an accused person purporting to show that he or she could not have committed the crime in question
From this reading His first duty obviously was to re-test Boirac’s alibi.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading But not always.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading DISAPPOINTMENT La Touche was a good traveller, and usually slept well on a night journey.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading To-night, as he sat in the corner of a first-class compartment in the Calais-Paris train, though outwardly a lounging and indolent figure, his mind was keenly alert, and he therefore took the opportunity to consider the business which lay before him.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading To-night, as he sat in the corner of a first-class compartment in the Calais-Paris train, though outwardly a lounging and indolent figure, his mind was keenly alert, and he therefore took the opportunity to consider the business which lay before him.
the time when something begins (especially life)
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
Boirac's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His first duty obviously was to re-test Boirac’s alibi.
that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull; continuous with the spinal cord
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading To-night, as he sat in the corner of a first-class compartment in the Calais-Paris train, though outwardly a lounging and indolent figure, his mind was keenly alert, and he therefore took the opportunity to consider the business which lay before him.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But not always.
Calais-Paris
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To-night, as he sat in the corner of a first-class compartment in the Calais-Paris train, though outwardly a lounging and indolent figure, his mind was keenly alert, and he therefore took the opportunity to consider the business which lay before him.
compartmentnounUS /kəmˈpɑːrtmənt/
a space into which an area is subdivided
From this reading To-night, as he sat in the corner of a first-class compartment in the Calais-Paris train, though outwardly a lounging and indolent figure, his mind was keenly alert, and he therefore took the opportunity to consider the business which lay before him.
deem to be
From this reading To-night, as he sat in the corner of a first-class compartment in the Calais-Paris train, though outwardly a lounging and indolent figure, his mind was keenly alert, and he therefore took the opportunity to consider the business which lay before him.
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading To-night, as he sat in the corner of a first-class compartment in the Calais-Paris train, though outwardly a lounging and indolent figure, his mind was keenly alert, and he therefore took the opportunity to consider the business which lay before him.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized
From this reading DISAPPOINTMENT La Touche was a good traveller, and usually slept well on a night journey.
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading His first duty obviously was to re-test Boirac’s alibi.
give expression to
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading To-night, as he sat in the corner of a first-class compartment in the Calais-Paris train, though outwardly a lounging and indolent figure, his mind was keenly alert, and he therefore took the opportunity to consider the business which lay before him.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading His first duty obviously was to re-test Boirac’s alibi.
first-classadjectiveUS /ˌfɜːrstˈklæs/
very good; of the highest quality
From this reading To-night, as he sat in the corner of a first-class compartment in the Calais-Paris train, though outwardly a lounging and indolent figure, his mind was keenly alert, and he therefore took the opportunity to consider the business which lay before him.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading DISAPPOINTMENT La Touche was a good traveller, and usually slept well on a night journey.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading To-night, as he sat in the corner of a first-class compartment in the Calais-Paris train, though outwardly a lounging and indolent figure, his mind was keenly alert, and he therefore took the opportunity to consider the business which lay before him.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading To-night, as he sat in the corner of a first-class compartment in the Calais-Paris train, though outwardly a lounging and indolent figure, his mind was keenly alert, and he therefore took the opportunity to consider the business which lay before him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
illuminatingadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈluːməneɪtɪŋ/
tending to increase knowledge or dissipate ignorance
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
indolentadjectiveUS /ˈɪndələnt/
disinclined to work or exertion
From this reading To-night, as he sat in the corner of a first-class compartment in the Calais-Paris train, though outwardly a lounging and indolent figure, his mind was keenly alert, and he therefore took the opportunity to consider the business which lay before him.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading DISAPPOINTMENT La Touche was a good traveller, and usually slept well on a night journey.
keenlyadverbUS /ˈkiːnli/
in a keen or penetrating way
From this reading To-night, as he sat in the corner of a first-class compartment in the Calais-Paris train, though outwardly a lounging and indolent figure, his mind was keenly alert, and he therefore took the opportunity to consider the business which lay before him.
a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth
From this reading DISAPPOINTMENT La Touche was a good traveller, and usually slept well on a night journey.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading To-night, as he sat in the corner of a first-class compartment in the Calais-Paris train, though outwardly a lounging and indolent figure, his mind was keenly alert, and he therefore took the opportunity to consider the business which lay before him.
long-distanceadjectiveUS /ˌlɔːŋˈdiːstəns/
of or relating to or being a long-distance telephone call
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
loungingverbUS /ˈlaʊndʒɪŋ/
-ing form of “lounge” — sit or recline comfortably
From this reading To-night, as he sat in the corner of a first-class compartment in the Calais-Paris train, though outwardly a lounging and indolent figure, his mind was keenly alert, and he therefore took the opportunity to consider the business which lay before him.
lulledverbUS /lʌld/
past form of “lull” — calm by deception
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
the deliberate act of deviating from the truth
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading To-night, as he sat in the corner of a first-class compartment in the Calais-Paris train, though outwardly a lounging and indolent figure, his mind was keenly alert, and he therefore took the opportunity to consider the business which lay before him.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading DISAPPOINTMENT La Touche was a good traveller, and usually slept well on a night journey.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading But not always.
obviouslyadverbUS /ˈɑːbviəsli/
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading His first duty obviously was to re-test Boirac’s alibi.
something you have to do
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading DISAPPOINTMENT La Touche was a good traveller, and usually slept well on a night journey.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading To-night, as he sat in the corner of a first-class compartment in the Calais-Paris train, though outwardly a lounging and indolent figure, his mind was keenly alert, and he therefore took the opportunity to consider the business which lay before him.
outwardlyadverbUS /ˈaʊtwərdli/
with respect to the outside
From this reading To-night, as he sat in the corner of a first-class compartment in the Calais-Paris train, though outwardly a lounging and indolent figure, his mind was keenly alert, and he therefore took the opportunity to consider the business which lay before him.
on the contrary
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
re-test
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His first duty obviously was to re-test Boirac’s alibi.
rhythmicadjectiveUS /ˈrɪðmɪk/
recurring with measured regularity
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
move hurridly
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading To-night, as he sat in the corner of a first-class compartment in the Calais-Paris train, though outwardly a lounging and indolent figure, his mind was keenly alert, and he therefore took the opportunity to consider the business which lay before him.
inflected form of “sleep” — be asleep
From this reading DISAPPOINTMENT La Touche was a good traveller, and usually slept well on a night journey.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
stimulatedadjectiveUS /ˈstɪmjəleɪtɪd/
emotionally aroused
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading To-night, as he sat in the corner of a first-class compartment in the Calais-Paris train, though outwardly a lounging and indolent figure, his mind was keenly alert, and he therefore took the opportunity to consider the business which lay before him.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading To-night, as he sat in the corner of a first-class compartment in the Calais-Paris train, though outwardly a lounging and indolent figure, his mind was keenly alert, and he therefore took the opportunity to consider the business which lay before him.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading To-night, as he sat in the corner of a first-class compartment in the Calais-Paris train, though outwardly a lounging and indolent figure, his mind was keenly alert, and he therefore took the opportunity to consider the business which lay before him.
To-night
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To-night, as he sat in the corner of a first-class compartment in the Calais-Paris train, though outwardly a lounging and indolent figure, his mind was keenly alert, and he therefore took the opportunity to consider the business which lay before him.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading To-night, as he sat in the corner of a first-class compartment in the Calais-Paris train, though outwardly a lounging and indolent figure, his mind was keenly alert, and he therefore took the opportunity to consider the business which lay before him.
Touche
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading DISAPPOINTMENT La Touche was a good traveller, and usually slept well on a night journey.
create by training and teaching
From this reading To-night, as he sat in the corner of a first-class compartment in the Calais-Paris train, though outwardly a lounging and indolent figure, his mind was keenly alert, and he therefore took the opportunity to consider the business which lay before him.
travellernounUS /ˈtrævələr/
a person who changes location
From this reading DISAPPOINTMENT La Touche was a good traveller, and usually slept well on a night journey.
under normal conditions
From this reading DISAPPOINTMENT La Touche was a good traveller, and usually slept well on a night journey.
wagon-lits
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It sometimes happened that the rhythmic rush and roar through the darkness stimulated rather than lulled his brain, and on such occasions, lying in the wagon-lits of some long-distance express, more than one illuminating idea had had its birth.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading DISAPPOINTMENT La Touche was a good traveller, and usually slept well on a night journey.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading DISAPPOINTMENT La Touche was a good traveller, and usually slept well on a night journey.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading To-night, as he sat in the corner of a first-class compartment in the Calais-Paris train, though outwardly a lounging and indolent figure, his mind was keenly alert, and he therefore took the opportunity to consider the business which lay before him.
