Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading The milk train came suddenly in sight through the tunnel, like a lighted thread going through a needle.

anew

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

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

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading The milk train came suddenly in sight through the tunnel, like a lighted thread going through a needle.

stick of wax with a wick in the middle

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

plural of “can” — airtight sealed metal container for food or drink or paint etc.

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

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

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

the first light of day

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

plural of “duck” — small wild or domesticated web-footed broad-billed swimming bird usually having a depressed body and short legs

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

make void or empty of contents

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

having an (over)abundance of flesh

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

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

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

-ing form of “fling” — throw with force or recklessness

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Pat rolled the loaded truck to the other platform ready for the Lake train at seven, and went in to a much needed rest.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

the act of departing

From this reading The milk train came suddenly in sight through the tunnel, like a lighted thread going through a needle.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

a loud low dull continuous noise

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

a powerful light with reflector; attached to the front of an automobile or locomotive

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

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

From this reading The milk train came suddenly in sight through the tunnel, like a lighted thread going through a needle.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It rumbled up to the station.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land

From this reading Pat rolled the loaded truck to the other platform ready for the Lake train at seven, and went in to a much needed rest.

an intermediate platform in a staircase

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

look suggestively or obliquely; look or gaze with a sly, immodest, or malign expression

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

-ing form of “lift” — raise from a lower to a higher position

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

set afire or burning

From this reading The milk train came suddenly in sight through the tunnel, like a lighted thread going through a needle.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The milk train came suddenly in sight through the tunnel, like a lighted thread going through a needle.

filled with a great quantity

From this reading Pat rolled the loaded truck to the other platform ready for the Lake train at seven, and went in to a much needed rest.

characterized by or producing sound of great volume or intensity

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

a white nutritious liquid secreted by mammals and used as food by human beings

From this reading The milk train came suddenly in sight through the tunnel, like a lighted thread going through a needle.

abusing vocally; expressing contempt or ridicule

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Pat rolled the loaded truck to the other platform ready for the Lake train at seven, and went in to a much needed rest.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading Pat rolled the loaded truck to the other platform ready for the Lake train at seven, and went in to a much needed rest.

the leaf of a conifer

From this reading The milk train came suddenly in sight through the tunnel, like a lighted thread going through a needle.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Pat rolled the loaded truck to the other platform ready for the Lake train at seven, and went in to a much needed rest.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

pat or squeeze fondly or playfully, especially under the chin

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

a raised horizontal surface

From this reading Pat rolled the loaded truck to the other platform ready for the Lake train at seven, and went in to a much needed rest.

gathered for protruding fullness

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

a rapid series of short loud sounds (as might be heard with a stethoscope in some types of respiratory disorders)

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading Pat rolled the loaded truck to the other platform ready for the Lake train at seven, and went in to a much needed rest.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

plural of “retort” — a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

especially of petals or leaves in bud; having margins rolled inward

From this reading Pat rolled the loaded truck to the other platform ready for the Lake train at seven, and went in to a much needed rest.

reflecting optimism

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

past form of “rumble” — make a low noise

From this reading It rumbled up to the station.

the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one

From this reading Pat rolled the loaded truck to the other platform ready for the Lake train at seven, and went in to a much needed rest.

affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading The milk train came suddenly in sight through the tunnel, like a lighted thread going through a needle.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

inflected form of “slam” — close violently

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

indicate contempt by breathing noisily and forcefully through the nose

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose

From this reading It rumbled up to the station.

fastener consisting of a narrow strip of welded metal used to join steel members

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading The milk train came suddenly in sight through the tunnel, like a lighted thread going through a needle.

the posterior part of the body of a vertebrate especially when elongated and extending beyond the trunk or main part of the body

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

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

From this reading The milk train came suddenly in sight through the tunnel, like a lighted thread going through a needle.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course

From this reading The milk train came suddenly in sight through the tunnel, like a lighted thread going through a needle.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The milk train came suddenly in sight through the tunnel, like a lighted thread going through a needle.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading It rumbled up to the station.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

in the direction of

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

create by training and teaching

From this reading The milk train came suddenly in sight through the tunnel, like a lighted thread going through a needle.

an automotive vehicle suitable for hauling

From this reading Pat rolled the loaded truck to the other platform ready for the Lake train at seven, and went in to a much needed rest.

move through by or as by digging

From this reading The milk train came suddenly in sight through the tunnel, like a lighted thread going through a needle.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading It rumbled up to the station.

on a floor above

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

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

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

(of the feet of some animals) having the digits connected by a thin fold of skin

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

suggesting the operation of supernatural influences

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Pat rolled the loaded truck to the other platform ready for the Lake train at seven, and went in to a much needed rest.

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

From this reading There was a rattling of milk cans, empty ones being put on, full cans being put off, grumbling of Pat at the train hands, loud retorts of the train hands, the engine puffed and wheezed like a fat old lady going upstairs and stopping on every landing to rest.

make whistling sounds

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

a reflex that closes and opens the eyes rapidly

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Then slamming of car doors, a whistle, the snort of the engine as it took up its way again out toward the rosy sky, its headlight weird like a sick candle against the dawn, its tail light winking with a leer and mocking at the mountains as it clattered away like a row of gray ducks lifting webbed feet and flinging back space to the station.