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.