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The Coming Race
The Coming Race

Chapter XVI

Cover illustration for The Coming Race
Context Illustration Reading 1/18 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
I have spoken so much of the Vril Staff that my reader may expect me to describe it.
This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.
It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.
It is usually carried in the convenient size of a walking-staff, but it has slides by which it can be lengthened or shortened at will.
When used for special purposes, the upper part rests in the hollow of the palm with the fore and middle fingers protruded.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Coming Race

Chapter XVI

Reading 1/18 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
I have spoken so much of the Vril Staff that my reader may expect me to describe it.
Line 2
This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.
Line 3
It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.
Line 4
It is usually carried in the convenient size of a walking-staff, but it has slides by which it can be lengthened or shortened at will.
Line 5
When used for special purposes, the upper part rests in the hollow of the palm with the fore and middle fingers protruded.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Another noun US /ˈanother/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.”

Expect verb US /ɪkˈspekt/

to think that something will happen

From this reading “I have spoken so much of the Vril Staff that my reader may expect me to describe it.”

Has auxiliary verb US /hæz/

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading “It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “I have spoken so much of the Vril Staff that my reader may expect me to describe it.”

May modal verb US /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “I have spoken so much of the Vril Staff that my reader may expect me to describe it.”

Never noun US /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.”

Over preposition US /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading “It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.”

Part noun US /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “When used for special purposes, the upper part rests in the hollow of the palm with the fore and middle fingers protruded.”

Powers noun US /powers/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.”

Several noun US /ˈseveral/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.”

Terrible noun US /ˈterrible/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.”

All words in this reading · 101

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

accident

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

From this reading This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.

accurately

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

From this reading This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.

affects

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

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

allowed

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

From this reading This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.

altered

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

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.

anothernounUS /ˈanother/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It is usually carried in the convenient size of a walking-staff, but it has slides by which it can be lengthened or shortened at will.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

bodies

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

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It is usually carried in the convenient size of a walking-staff, but it has slides by which it can be lengthened or shortened at will.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.

canmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

cannot

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

From this reading This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.

carried

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

From this reading It is usually carried in the convenient size of a walking-staff, but it has slides by which it can be lengthened or shortened at will.

certain

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

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

convenient

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

From this reading It is usually carried in the convenient size of a walking-staff, but it has slides by which it can be lengthened or shortened at will.

describe

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

From this reading I have spoken so much of the Vril Staff that my reader may expect me to describe it.

destroys

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

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

directed

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

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

disperse

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

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.

doubt

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

From this reading This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.

exercise

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

From this reading This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.

expectverbUS /ɪkˈspekt/

to think that something will happen

From this reading I have spoken so much of the Vril Staff that my reader may expect me to describe it.

fear

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

From this reading This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.

fingers

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

From this reading When used for special purposes, the upper part rests in the hollow of the palm with the fore and middle fingers protruded.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.

force

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

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

fore

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

From this reading When used for special purposes, the upper part rests in the hollow of the palm with the fore and middle fingers protruded.

handle

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

From this reading This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading I have spoken so much of the Vril Staff that my reader may expect me to describe it.

heals

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

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

hollow

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

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading I have spoken so much of the Vril Staff that my reader may expect me to describe it.

ignorance

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

From this reading This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.

influence

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

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading I have spoken so much of the Vril Staff that my reader may expect me to describe it.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.

keys

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

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

lengthened

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

From this reading It is usually carried in the convenient size of a walking-staff, but it has slides by which it can be lengthened or shortened at will.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading I have spoken so much of the Vril Staff that my reader may expect me to describe it.

mepronounUS /miː/

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading I have spoken so much of the Vril Staff that my reader may expect me to describe it.

middle

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

From this reading When used for special purposes, the upper part rests in the hollow of the palm with the fore and middle fingers protruded.

minds

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

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

modified

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

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

much

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

From this reading I have spoken so much of the Vril Staff that my reader may expect me to describe it.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading I have spoken so much of the Vril Staff that my reader may expect me to describe it.

nevernounUS /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.

occasioned

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

From this reading This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading I have spoken so much of the Vril Staff that my reader may expect me to describe it.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

palm

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

From this reading When used for special purposes, the upper part rests in the hollow of the palm with the fore and middle fingers protruded.

partnounUS /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading When used for special purposes, the upper part rests in the hollow of the palm with the fore and middle fingers protruded.

powersnounUS /powers/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.

practice

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

From this reading This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.

process

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

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

protruded

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

From this reading When used for special purposes, the upper part rests in the hollow of the palm with the fore and middle fingers protruded.

purposes

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

From this reading When used for special purposes, the upper part rests in the hollow of the palm with the fore and middle fingers protruded.

reader

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

From this reading I have spoken so much of the Vril Staff that my reader may expect me to describe it.

rend

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

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

requires

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

From this reading This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.

rests

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

From this reading When used for special purposes, the upper part rests in the hollow of the palm with the fore and middle fingers protruded.

rock

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

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

several

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

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

shortened

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

From this reading It is usually carried in the convenient size of a walking-staff, but it has slides by which it can be lengthened or shortened at will.

size

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

From this reading It is usually carried in the convenient size of a walking-staff, but it has slides by which it can be lengthened or shortened at will.

skill

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

From this reading This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.

slides

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

From this reading It is usually carried in the convenient size of a walking-staff, but it has slides by which it can be lengthened or shortened at will.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading I have spoken so much of the Vril Staff that my reader may expect me to describe it.

some

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

From this reading This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.

special

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

From this reading When used for special purposes, the upper part rests in the hollow of the palm with the fore and middle fingers protruded.

spoken

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

From this reading I have spoken so much of the Vril Staff that my reader may expect me to describe it.

springs

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

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

Staff

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

From this reading I have spoken so much of the Vril Staff that my reader may expect me to describe it.

stops

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

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

terriblenounUS /ˈterrible/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I have spoken so much of the Vril Staff that my reader may expect me to describe it.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading I have spoken so much of the Vril Staff that my reader may expect me to describe it.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading I have spoken so much of the Vril Staff that my reader may expect me to describe it.

upper

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

From this reading When used for special purposes, the upper part rests in the hollow of the palm with the fore and middle fingers protruded.

use

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

From this reading This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.

used

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

From this reading When used for special purposes, the upper part rests in the hollow of the palm with the fore and middle fingers protruded.

usually

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

From this reading It is usually carried in the convenient size of a walking-staff, but it has slides by which it can be lengthened or shortened at will.

vapour

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

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

various

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

From this reading This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.

Vril

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

From this reading I have spoken so much of the Vril Staff that my reader may expect me to describe it.

walking-staff

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

From this reading It is usually carried in the convenient size of a walking-staff, but it has slides by which it can be lengthened or shortened at will.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading This I cannot do accurately, for I was never allowed to handle it for fear of some terrible accident occasioned by my ignorance of its use; and I have no doubt that it requires much skill and practice in the exercise of its various powers.

WhenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading When used for special purposes, the upper part rests in the hollow of the palm with the fore and middle fingers protruded.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading It is hollow, and has in the handle several stops, keys, or springs by which its force can be altered, modified, or directed--so that by one process it destroys, by another it heals--by one it can rend the rock, by another disperse the vapour--by one it affects bodies, by another it can exercise a certain influence over minds.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading It is usually carried in the convenient size of a walking-staff, but it has slides by which it can be lengthened or shortened at will.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading When used for special purposes, the upper part rests in the hollow of the palm with the fore and middle fingers protruded.