used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading _In which Wallion shows that a great deal can be done in ten minutes_ It seemed as though a black velvet pall had been dropped over them.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading An infernal hubbub broke out: someone turned on an electric torch, which was immediately shattered by a shot; a dozen rifles rang out simultaneously, furniture fell to the ground, and panes of glass jingled.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
any person at all
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading _In which Wallion shows that a great deal can be done in ten minutes_ It seemed as though a black velvet pall had been dropped over them.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A flash pierced the darkness: Ortiz had fired at the journalist, or rather, at the spot where he had last seen him standing.
tried unsuccessfully
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
batedadjectiveUS /ˈbeɪtɪd/
diminished or moderated
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading _In which Wallion shows that a great deal can be done in ten minutes_ It seemed as though a black velvet pall had been dropped over them.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading _In which Wallion shows that a great deal can be done in ten minutes_ It seemed as though a black velvet pall had been dropped over them.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading _In which Wallion shows that a great deal can be done in ten minutes_ It seemed as though a black velvet pall had been dropped over them.
the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
of surpassing excellence
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
lacking funds
From this reading An infernal hubbub broke out: someone turned on an electric torch, which was immediately shattered by a shot; a dozen rifles rang out simultaneously, furniture fell to the ground, and panes of glass jingled.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading An infernal hubbub broke out: someone turned on an electric torch, which was immediately shattered by a shot; a dozen rifles rang out simultaneously, furniture fell to the ground, and panes of glass jingled.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading _In which Wallion shows that a great deal can be done in ten minutes_ It seemed as though a black velvet pall had been dropped over them.
inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading "Get lights!" cried Ortiz, imperiously; "let no one escape: stand by the windows and doors!"
absence of light or illumination
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
From this reading _In which Wallion shows that a great deal can be done in ten minutes_ It seemed as though a black velvet pall had been dropped over them.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading _In which Wallion shows that a great deal can be done in ten minutes_ It seemed as though a black velvet pall had been dropped over them.
plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading "Get lights!" cried Ortiz, imperiously; "let no one escape: stand by the windows and doors!"
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading An infernal hubbub broke out: someone turned on an electric torch, which was immediately shattered by a shot; a dozen rifles rang out simultaneously, furniture fell to the ground, and panes of glass jingled.
inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground
From this reading _In which Wallion shows that a great deal can be done in ten minutes_ It seemed as though a black velvet pall had been dropped over them.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
electricadjectiveUS /ɪˈlektrɪk/
using or providing or producing or transmitting or operated by electricity
From this reading An infernal hubbub broke out: someone turned on an electric torch, which was immediately shattered by a shot; a dozen rifles rang out simultaneously, furniture fell to the ground, and panes of glass jingled.
enemy'snounUS /ˈenəmiz/
possessive form of “enemy” — an opposing military force
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
the act of escaping physically
From this reading "Get lights!" cried Ortiz, imperiously; "let no one escape: stand by the windows and doors!"
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading An infernal hubbub broke out: someone turned on an electric torch, which was immediately shattered by a shot; a dozen rifles rang out simultaneously, furniture fell to the ground, and panes of glass jingled.
the cardinal number that is the sum of fourteen and one
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
firedadjectiveUS /ˈfaɪərd/
having lost your job
From this reading A flash pierced the darkness: Ortiz had fired at the journalist, or rather, at the spot where he had last seen him standing.
gleam or glow intermittently
From this reading A flash pierced the darkness: Ortiz had fired at the journalist, or rather, at the spot where he had last seen him standing.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy
From this reading An infernal hubbub broke out: someone turned on an electric torch, which was immediately shattered by a shot; a dozen rifles rang out simultaneously, furniture fell to the ground, and panes of glass jingled.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading "Get lights!" cried Ortiz, imperiously; "let no one escape: stand by the windows and doors!"
a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure
From this reading An infernal hubbub broke out: someone turned on an electric torch, which was immediately shattered by a shot; a dozen rifles rang out simultaneously, furniture fell to the ground, and panes of glass jingled.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading _In which Wallion shows that a great deal can be done in ten minutes_ It seemed as though a black velvet pall had been dropped over them.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading An infernal hubbub broke out: someone turned on an electric torch, which was immediately shattered by a shot; a dozen rifles rang out simultaneously, furniture fell to the ground, and panes of glass jingled.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading _In which Wallion shows that a great deal can be done in ten minutes_ It seemed as though a black velvet pall had been dropped over them.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A flash pierced the darkness: Ortiz had fired at the journalist, or rather, at the spot where he had last seen him standing.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading A flash pierced the darkness: Ortiz had fired at the journalist, or rather, at the spot where he had last seen him standing.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
hubbubnounUS /ˈhʌbəb/
loud confused noise from many sources
From this reading An infernal hubbub broke out: someone turned on an electric torch, which was immediately shattered by a shot; a dozen rifles rang out simultaneously, furniture fell to the ground, and panes of glass jingled.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading An infernal hubbub broke out: someone turned on an electric torch, which was immediately shattered by a shot; a dozen rifles rang out simultaneously, furniture fell to the ground, and panes of glass jingled.
impenetrableadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpenətrəbəl/
not admitting of penetration or passage into or through
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
imperiouslyadverb
in an imperious manner
From this reading "Get lights!" cried Ortiz, imperiously; "let no one escape: stand by the windows and doors!"
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading _In which Wallion shows that a great deal can be done in ten minutes_ It seemed as though a black velvet pall had been dropped over them.
infernaladjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈfɜːrnəl/
characteristic of or resembling Hell
From this reading An infernal hubbub broke out: someone turned on an electric torch, which was immediately shattered by a shot; a dozen rifles rang out simultaneously, furniture fell to the ground, and panes of glass jingled.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading _In which Wallion shows that a great deal can be done in ten minutes_ It seemed as though a black velvet pall had been dropped over them.
jingled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading An infernal hubbub broke out: someone turned on an electric torch, which was immediately shattered by a shot; a dozen rifles rang out simultaneously, furniture fell to the ground, and panes of glass jingled.
journalistnounUS /ˈdʒɜːrnələst/
a writer for newspapers and magazines
From this reading A flash pierced the darkness: Ortiz had fired at the journalist, or rather, at the spot where he had last seen him standing.
immediately past
From this reading A flash pierced the darkness: Ortiz had fired at the journalist, or rather, at the spot where he had last seen him standing.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading "Get lights!" cried Ortiz, imperiously; "let no one escape: stand by the windows and doors!"
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation
From this reading "Get lights!" cried Ortiz, imperiously; "let no one escape: stand by the windows and doors!"
the act of hearing attentively
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading _In which Wallion shows that a great deal can be done in ten minutes_ It seemed as though a black velvet pall had been dropped over them.
plural of “movement” — a change of position that does not entail a change of location
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
not any; not one
From this reading "Get lights!" cried Ortiz, imperiously; "let no one escape: stand by the windows and doors!"
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading An infernal hubbub broke out: someone turned on an electric torch, which was immediately shattered by a shot; a dozen rifles rang out simultaneously, furniture fell to the ground, and panes of glass jingled.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading An infernal hubbub broke out: someone turned on an electric torch, which was immediately shattered by a shot; a dozen rifles rang out simultaneously, furniture fell to the ground, and panes of glass jingled.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading "Get lights!" cried Ortiz, imperiously; "let no one escape: stand by the windows and doors!"
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
Ortiz
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A flash pierced the darkness: Ortiz had fired at the journalist, or rather, at the spot where he had last seen him standing.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading An infernal hubbub broke out: someone turned on an electric torch, which was immediately shattered by a shot; a dozen rifles rang out simultaneously, furniture fell to the ground, and panes of glass jingled.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading _In which Wallion shows that a great deal can be done in ten minutes_ It seemed as though a black velvet pall had been dropped over them.
causing physical or psychological pain
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
pallverbUS /pɑːl/
become less interesting or attractive
From this reading _In which Wallion shows that a great deal can be done in ten minutes_ It seemed as though a black velvet pall had been dropped over them.
panesnounUS /peɪnz/
plural of “pane” — sheet glass cut in shapes for windows or doors
From this reading An infernal hubbub broke out: someone turned on an electric torch, which was immediately shattered by a shot; a dozen rifles rang out simultaneously, furniture fell to the ground, and panes of glass jingled.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
physicallyadverbUS /ˈfɪzɪkəli/
in accord with physical laws
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
piercedadjectiveUS /pɪrst/
having a hole cut through
From this reading A flash pierced the darkness: Ortiz had fired at the journalist, or rather, at the spot where he had last seen him standing.
inflected form of “ring” — sound loudly and sonorously
From this reading An infernal hubbub broke out: someone turned on an electric torch, which was immediately shattered by a shot; a dozen rifles rang out simultaneously, furniture fell to the ground, and panes of glass jingled.
on the contrary
From this reading A flash pierced the darkness: Ortiz had fired at the journalist, or rather, at the spot where he had last seen him standing.
riflesnounUS /ˈraɪfəlz/
plural of “rifle” — a shoulder firearm with a long barrel and a rifled bore
From this reading An infernal hubbub broke out: someone turned on an electric torch, which was immediately shattered by a shot; a dozen rifles rang out simultaneously, furniture fell to the ground, and panes of glass jingled.
plural of “second” — 1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading _In which Wallion shows that a great deal can be done in ten minutes_ It seemed as though a black velvet pall had been dropped over them.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading A flash pierced the darkness: Ortiz had fired at the journalist, or rather, at the spot where he had last seen him standing.
shatteredadjectiveUS /ˈʃætərd/
ruined or disrupted
From this reading An infernal hubbub broke out: someone turned on an electric torch, which was immediately shattered by a shot; a dozen rifles rang out simultaneously, furniture fell to the ground, and panes of glass jingled.
the act of firing a projectile
From this reading An infernal hubbub broke out: someone turned on an electric torch, which was immediately shattered by a shot; a dozen rifles rang out simultaneously, furniture fell to the ground, and panes of glass jingled.
plural of “show” — the act of publicly exhibiting or entertaining
From this reading _In which Wallion shows that a great deal can be done in ten minutes_ It seemed as though a black velvet pall had been dropped over them.
simultaneouslyadverbUS /ˌsaɪməlˈteɪniəsli/
at the same instant
From this reading An infernal hubbub broke out: someone turned on an electric torch, which was immediately shattered by a shot; a dozen rifles rang out simultaneously, furniture fell to the ground, and panes of glass jingled.
a person, without saying who
From this reading An infernal hubbub broke out: someone turned on an electric torch, which was immediately shattered by a shot; a dozen rifles rang out simultaneously, furniture fell to the ground, and panes of glass jingled.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading A flash pierced the darkness: Ortiz had fired at the journalist, or rather, at the spot where he had last seen him standing.
be standing; be upright
From this reading "Get lights!" cried Ortiz, imperiously; "let no one escape: stand by the windows and doors!"
having a supporting base
From this reading A flash pierced the darkness: Ortiz had fired at the journalist, or rather, at the spot where he had last seen him standing.
move an implement through
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading _In which Wallion shows that a great deal can be done in ten minutes_ It seemed as though a black velvet pall had been dropped over them.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading _In which Wallion shows that a great deal can be done in ten minutes_ It seemed as though a black velvet pall had been dropped over them.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading _In which Wallion shows that a great deal can be done in ten minutes_ It seemed as though a black velvet pall had been dropped over them.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading _In which Wallion shows that a great deal can be done in ten minutes_ It seemed as though a black velvet pall had been dropped over them.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
torchnounUS /tɔːrtʃ/
a light usually carried in the hand; consists of some flammable substance
From this reading An infernal hubbub broke out: someone turned on an electric torch, which was immediately shattered by a shot; a dozen rifles rang out simultaneously, furniture fell to the ground, and panes of glass jingled.
transitionnounUS /trænˈzɪʃən/
the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading An infernal hubbub broke out: someone turned on an electric torch, which was immediately shattered by a shot; a dozen rifles rang out simultaneously, furniture fell to the ground, and panes of glass jingled.
velvetnounUS /ˈvelvət/
a silky densely piled fabric with a plain back
From this reading _In which Wallion shows that a great deal can be done in ten minutes_ It seemed as though a black velvet pall had been dropped over them.
Wallion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _In which Wallion shows that a great deal can be done in ten minutes_ It seemed as though a black velvet pall had been dropped over them.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
in or at the place that
From this reading A flash pierced the darkness: Ortiz had fired at the journalist, or rather, at the spot where he had last seen him standing.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading _In which Wallion shows that a great deal can be done in ten minutes_ It seemed as though a black velvet pall had been dropped over them.
(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface
From this reading "Get lights!" cried Ortiz, imperiously; "let no one escape: stand by the windows and doors!"
in the company of; together with
From this reading The sudden transition from brilliant light to impenetrable darkness, was almost physically painful, and ten or fifteen seconds passed before anyone attempted to stir; each man was listening with bated breath for his enemy's movements.
