used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The immense factory was a ruin, and among the débris were seen the iron frames of intricate machinery, whose busy hum had so long gladdened the hearts of seven hundred operatives and their kindred.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Many sad faces gathered about the ruins, and with trembling voices asked: "What will become of our wives and little ones?"
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading George Alden's act of heroism was the theme of general conversation, and prayers for his recovery sprang spontaneously from the hearts of men who had seldom prayed before.
Alden's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading George Alden's act of heroism was the theme of general conversation, and prayers for his recovery sprang spontaneously from the hearts of men who had seldom prayed before.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading The immense factory was a ruin, and among the débris were seen the iron frames of intricate machinery, whose busy hum had so long gladdened the hearts of seven hundred operatives and their kindred.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The day following the fire was gloomy; the smouldering pile of brick, stone and charred timbers marked the work of the destroying element.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading Many sad faces gathered about the ruins, and with trembling voices asked: "What will become of our wives and little ones?"
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading Many sad faces gathered about the ruins, and with trembling voices asked: "What will become of our wives and little ones?"
earlier than; in front of
From this reading George Alden's act of heroism was the theme of general conversation, and prayers for his recovery sprang spontaneously from the hearts of men who had seldom prayed before.
bricknounUS /brɪk/
rectangular block of clay baked by the sun or in a kiln; used as a building or paving material
From this reading The day following the fire was gloomy; the smouldering pile of brick, stone and charred timbers marked the work of the destroying element.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading The immense factory was a ruin, and among the débris were seen the iron frames of intricate machinery, whose busy hum had so long gladdened the hearts of seven hundred operatives and their kindred.
charredverbUS /tʃɑːrd/
inflected form of “char” — burn to charcoal
From this reading The day following the fire was gloomy; the smouldering pile of brick, stone and charred timbers marked the work of the destroying element.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading George Alden's act of heroism was the theme of general conversation, and prayers for his recovery sprang spontaneously from the hearts of men who had seldom prayed before.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading The day following the fire was gloomy; the smouldering pile of brick, stone and charred timbers marked the work of the destroying element.
destroyingverbUS /dɪˈstrɔɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “destroy” — do away with, cause the destruction or undoing of
From this reading The day following the fire was gloomy; the smouldering pile of brick, stone and charred timbers marked the work of the destroying element.
débris
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The immense factory was a ruin, and among the débris were seen the iron frames of intricate machinery, whose busy hum had so long gladdened the hearts of seven hundred operatives and their kindred.
elementnounUS /ˈeləmənt/
an abstract part of something
From this reading The day following the fire was gloomy; the smouldering pile of brick, stone and charred timbers marked the work of the destroying element.
plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Many sad faces gathered about the ruins, and with trembling voices asked: "What will become of our wives and little ones?"
factorynounUS /ˈfæktəri/
a plant consisting of one or more buildings with facilities for manufacturing
From this reading The immense factory was a ruin, and among the débris were seen the iron frames of intricate machinery, whose busy hum had so long gladdened the hearts of seven hundred operatives and their kindred.
start firing a weapon
From this reading The day following the fire was gloomy; the smouldering pile of brick, stone and charred timbers marked the work of the destroying element.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading The day following the fire was gloomy; the smouldering pile of brick, stone and charred timbers marked the work of the destroying element.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading George Alden's act of heroism was the theme of general conversation, and prayers for his recovery sprang spontaneously from the hearts of men who had seldom prayed before.
framesnounUS /freɪmz/
plural of “frame” — the framework for a pair of eyeglasses
From this reading The immense factory was a ruin, and among the débris were seen the iron frames of intricate machinery, whose busy hum had so long gladdened the hearts of seven hundred operatives and their kindred.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading George Alden's act of heroism was the theme of general conversation, and prayers for his recovery sprang spontaneously from the hearts of men who had seldom prayed before.
brought together in one place
From this reading Many sad faces gathered about the ruins, and with trembling voices asked: "What will become of our wives and little ones?"
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading George Alden's act of heroism was the theme of general conversation, and prayers for his recovery sprang spontaneously from the hearts of men who had seldom prayed before.
Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)
From this reading George Alden's act of heroism was the theme of general conversation, and prayers for his recovery sprang spontaneously from the hearts of men who had seldom prayed before.
gladdenedadjective
made joyful
From this reading The immense factory was a ruin, and among the débris were seen the iron frames of intricate machinery, whose busy hum had so long gladdened the hearts of seven hundred operatives and their kindred.
depressingly dark
From this reading The day following the fire was gloomy; the smouldering pile of brick, stone and charred timbers marked the work of the destroying element.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The immense factory was a ruin, and among the débris were seen the iron frames of intricate machinery, whose busy hum had so long gladdened the hearts of seven hundred operatives and their kindred.
a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades
From this reading The immense factory was a ruin, and among the débris were seen the iron frames of intricate machinery, whose busy hum had so long gladdened the hearts of seven hundred operatives and their kindred.
heroismnounUS /ˈheroʊɪzəm/
the qualities of a hero or heroine; exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger (especially in battle)
From this reading George Alden's act of heroism was the theme of general conversation, and prayers for his recovery sprang spontaneously from the hearts of men who had seldom prayed before.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading George Alden's act of heroism was the theme of general conversation, and prayers for his recovery sprang spontaneously from the hearts of men who had seldom prayed before.
humverbUS /hʌm/
sing with closed lips
From this reading The immense factory was a ruin, and among the débris were seen the iron frames of intricate machinery, whose busy hum had so long gladdened the hearts of seven hundred operatives and their kindred.
ten 10s
From this reading The immense factory was a ruin, and among the débris were seen the iron frames of intricate machinery, whose busy hum had so long gladdened the hearts of seven hundred operatives and their kindred.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading The immense factory was a ruin, and among the débris were seen the iron frames of intricate machinery, whose busy hum had so long gladdened the hearts of seven hundred operatives and their kindred.
intricateadjectiveUS /ˈɪntrəkət/
having many complexly arranged elements; elaborate
From this reading The immense factory was a ruin, and among the débris were seen the iron frames of intricate machinery, whose busy hum had so long gladdened the hearts of seven hundred operatives and their kindred.
a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
From this reading The immense factory was a ruin, and among the débris were seen the iron frames of intricate machinery, whose busy hum had so long gladdened the hearts of seven hundred operatives and their kindred.
kindredadjectiveUS /ˈkɪndrɪd/
similar in quality or character
From this reading The immense factory was a ruin, and among the débris were seen the iron frames of intricate machinery, whose busy hum had so long gladdened the hearts of seven hundred operatives and their kindred.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Many sad faces gathered about the ruins, and with trembling voices asked: "What will become of our wives and little ones?"
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading The immense factory was a ruin, and among the débris were seen the iron frames of intricate machinery, whose busy hum had so long gladdened the hearts of seven hundred operatives and their kindred.
machinerynounUS /məˈʃiːnəri/
machines or machine systems collectively
From this reading The immense factory was a ruin, and among the débris were seen the iron frames of intricate machinery, whose busy hum had so long gladdened the hearts of seven hundred operatives and their kindred.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Many sad faces gathered about the ruins, and with trembling voices asked: "What will become of our wives and little ones?"
strongly marked; easily noticeable
From this reading The day following the fire was gloomy; the smouldering pile of brick, stone and charred timbers marked the work of the destroying element.
the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)
From this reading THE SECRET MARRIAGE.
the force of workers available
From this reading George Alden's act of heroism was the theme of general conversation, and prayers for his recovery sprang spontaneously from the hearts of men who had seldom prayed before.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The day following the fire was gloomy; the smouldering pile of brick, stone and charred timbers marked the work of the destroying element.
plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Many sad faces gathered about the ruins, and with trembling voices asked: "What will become of our wives and little ones?"
operativesnounUS /ˈɑːpərətɪvz/
plural of “operative” — a person secretly employed in espionage for a government
From this reading The immense factory was a ruin, and among the débris were seen the iron frames of intricate machinery, whose busy hum had so long gladdened the hearts of seven hundred operatives and their kindred.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Many sad faces gathered about the ruins, and with trembling voices asked: "What will become of our wives and little ones?"
a collection of objects laid on top of each other
From this reading The day following the fire was gloomy; the smouldering pile of brick, stone and charred timbers marked the work of the destroying element.
prayedverbUS /preɪd/
past form of “pray” — address a deity, a prophet, a saint or an object of worship; say a prayer
From this reading George Alden's act of heroism was the theme of general conversation, and prayers for his recovery sprang spontaneously from the hearts of men who had seldom prayed before.
plural of “prayer” — the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)
From this reading George Alden's act of heroism was the theme of general conversation, and prayers for his recovery sprang spontaneously from the hearts of men who had seldom prayed before.
recoverynounUS /rɪˈkʌvri/
return to an original state
From this reading George Alden's act of heroism was the theme of general conversation, and prayers for his recovery sprang spontaneously from the hearts of men who had seldom prayed before.
an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction
From this reading The immense factory was a ruin, and among the débris were seen the iron frames of intricate machinery, whose busy hum had so long gladdened the hearts of seven hundred operatives and their kindred.
ruinsnounUS /ˈruːənz/
plural of “ruin” — an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction
From this reading Many sad faces gathered about the ruins, and with trembling voices asked: "What will become of our wives and little ones?"
experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness
From this reading Many sad faces gathered about the ruins, and with trembling voices asked: "What will become of our wives and little ones?"
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading THE SECRET MARRIAGE.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading The immense factory was a ruin, and among the débris were seen the iron frames of intricate machinery, whose busy hum had so long gladdened the hearts of seven hundred operatives and their kindred.
not often
From this reading George Alden's act of heroism was the theme of general conversation, and prayers for his recovery sprang spontaneously from the hearts of men who had seldom prayed before.
the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one
From this reading The immense factory was a ruin, and among the débris were seen the iron frames of intricate machinery, whose busy hum had so long gladdened the hearts of seven hundred operatives and their kindred.
smoulderingadjective
showing scarcely suppressed anger
From this reading The day following the fire was gloomy; the smouldering pile of brick, stone and charred timbers marked the work of the destroying element.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The immense factory was a ruin, and among the débris were seen the iron frames of intricate machinery, whose busy hum had so long gladdened the hearts of seven hundred operatives and their kindred.
spontaneouslyadverbUS /spɑːnˈteɪniəsli/
in a spontaneous manner
From this reading George Alden's act of heroism was the theme of general conversation, and prayers for his recovery sprang spontaneously from the hearts of men who had seldom prayed before.
inflected form of “spring” — move forward by leaps and bounds
From this reading George Alden's act of heroism was the theme of general conversation, and prayers for his recovery sprang spontaneously from the hearts of men who had seldom prayed before.
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading The day following the fire was gloomy; the smouldering pile of brick, stone and charred timbers marked the work of the destroying element.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE SECRET MARRIAGE.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The immense factory was a ruin, and among the débris were seen the iron frames of intricate machinery, whose busy hum had so long gladdened the hearts of seven hundred operatives and their kindred.
themenounUS /θiːm/
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading George Alden's act of heroism was the theme of general conversation, and prayers for his recovery sprang spontaneously from the hearts of men who had seldom prayed before.
timbersnounUS /ˈtɪmbərz/
plural of “timber” — the wood of trees cut and prepared for use as building material
From this reading The day following the fire was gloomy; the smouldering pile of brick, stone and charred timbers marked the work of the destroying element.
a shaky motion
From this reading Many sad faces gathered about the ruins, and with trembling voices asked: "What will become of our wives and little ones?"
plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading Many sad faces gathered about the ruins, and with trembling voices asked: "What will become of our wives and little ones?"
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The day following the fire was gloomy; the smouldering pile of brick, stone and charred timbers marked the work of the destroying element.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The immense factory was a ruin, and among the débris were seen the iron frames of intricate machinery, whose busy hum had so long gladdened the hearts of seven hundred operatives and their kindred.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Many sad faces gathered about the ruins, and with trembling voices asked: "What will become of our wives and little ones?"
which person or people
From this reading George Alden's act of heroism was the theme of general conversation, and prayers for his recovery sprang spontaneously from the hearts of men who had seldom prayed before.
belonging to which person
From this reading The immense factory was a ruin, and among the débris were seen the iron frames of intricate machinery, whose busy hum had so long gladdened the hearts of seven hundred operatives and their kindred.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Many sad faces gathered about the ruins, and with trembling voices asked: "What will become of our wives and little ones?"
in the company of; together with
From this reading Many sad faces gathered about the ruins, and with trembling voices asked: "What will become of our wives and little ones?"
wivesnounUS /waɪvz/
plural of “wife” — a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading Many sad faces gathered about the ruins, and with trembling voices asked: "What will become of our wives and little ones?"
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading The day following the fire was gloomy; the smouldering pile of brick, stone and charred timbers marked the work of the destroying element.
