Chapter VII · Chapter 7

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

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading A moment later he heard the lapping of water against a pier.

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

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

any thing at all

From this reading Rick finally sensed that they were near the water by a feeling of greater space around him rather than by anything he could see.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading Rick finally sensed that they were near the water by a feeling of greater space around him rather than by anything he could see.

completely unclothed

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

the two together, not just one

From this reading There were houses on both sides of the streets, but only now and then did a light show through the impenetrable darkness.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading There were houses on both sides of the streets, but only now and then did a light show through the impenetrable darkness.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Rick finally sensed that they were near the water by a feeling of greater space around him rather than by anything he could see.

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

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Rick finally sensed that they were near the water by a feeling of greater space around him rather than by anything he could see.

a squeaking sound

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading There were houses on both sides of the streets, but only now and then did a light show through the impenetrable darkness.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading There were houses on both sides of the streets, but only now and then did a light show through the impenetrable darkness.

the feeling of lively and cheerful joy

From this reading He was tense with excitement now.

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading Rick finally sensed that they were near the water by a feeling of greater space around him rather than by anything he could see.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay

From this reading Rick finally sensed that they were near the water by a feeling of greater space around him rather than by anything he could see.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading Rick finally sensed that they were near the water by a feeling of greater space around him rather than by anything he could see.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Rick finally sensed that they were near the water by a feeling of greater space around him rather than by anything he could see.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading A moment later he heard the lapping of water against a pier.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Rick finally sensed that they were near the water by a feeling of greater space around him rather than by anything he could see.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading There were houses on both sides of the streets, but only now and then did a light show through the impenetrable darkness.

not admitting of penetration or passage into or through

From this reading There were houses on both sides of the streets, but only now and then did a light show through the impenetrable darkness.

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

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

the remains of something that has been destroyed or broken up

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

covering with a design in which one element covers a part of another (as with tiles or shingles)

From this reading A moment later he heard the lapping of water against a pier.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading A moment later he heard the lapping of water against a pier.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading There were houses on both sides of the streets, but only now and then did a light show through the impenetrable darkness.

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

a particular point in time

From this reading A moment later he heard the lapping of water against a pier.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading Rick finally sensed that they were near the water by a feeling of greater space around him rather than by anything he could see.

not any; not one

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading There were houses on both sides of the streets, but only now and then did a light show through the impenetrable darkness.

occurring from time to time

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

and nothing more

From this reading There were houses on both sides of the streets, but only now and then did a light show through the impenetrable darkness.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

the paved surface of a thoroughfare

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

by chance

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats

From this reading A moment later he heard the lapping of water against a pier.

past form of “pull” — cause to move by pulling

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

a purple color or pigment

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

on the contrary

From this reading Rick finally sensed that they were near the water by a feeling of greater space around him rather than by anything he could see.

a painful muscle spasm especially in the neck or back (“rick” and “wrick” are British)

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

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

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

plural of “sail” — a large piece of fabric (usually canvas fabric) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

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

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Rick finally sensed that they were near the water by a feeling of greater space around him rather than by anything he could see.

detected by instinct or inference rather than by recognized perceptual cues

From this reading Rick finally sensed that they were near the water by a feeling of greater space around him rather than by anything he could see.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading There were houses on both sides of the streets, but only now and then did a light show through the impenetrable darkness.

plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading There were houses on both sides of the streets, but only now and then did a light show through the impenetrable darkness.

inflected form of “slap” — hit with something flat, like a paddle or the open hand

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading Rick finally sensed that they were near the water by a feeling of greater space around him rather than by anything he could see.

plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

a grammatical category of verbs used to express distinctions of time

From this reading He was tense with excitement now.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Rick finally sensed that they were near the water by a feeling of greater space around him rather than by anything he could see.

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

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading There were houses on both sides of the streets, but only now and then did a light show through the impenetrable darkness.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There were houses on both sides of the streets, but only now and then did a light show through the impenetrable darkness.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Rick finally sensed that they were near the water by a feeling of greater space around him rather than by anything he could see.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading He was tense with excitement now.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading Rick finally sensed that they were near the water by a feeling of greater space around him rather than by anything he could see.

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

From this reading There were houses on both sides of the streets, but only now and then did a light show through the impenetrable darkness.

change directions as if revolving on a pivot

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

during the time that

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.

a common mineral occurring in small crystals; chief source of zirconium; used as a refractory when opaque and as a gem when transparent

From this reading The Junk with Purple Sails For perhaps ten minutes Rick, Scotty, and Zircon sat in the rickshaws while the coolies pulled them through dark streets with no more noise than the occasional creaking of a wheel or the slapping of bare feet on the pavement.