used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
ADVENTUROUSadjectiveUS /ædˈventʃərəs/
willing to undertake or seeking out new and daring enterprises
From this reading AN ADVENTUROUS MISSION The endless night was over at last.
alarmingadjectiveUS /əˈlɑːrmɪŋ/
frightening because of an awareness of danger
From this reading She had endured almost seven hours of unbroken, nerve-racking suspense, yet nothing alarming had happened.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading She had endured almost seven hours of unbroken, nerve-racking suspense, yet nothing alarming had happened.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading AN ADVENTUROUS MISSION The endless night was over at last.
marked by assurance; exhibiting confidence
From this reading Yet the cheering whistle of the war's most popular tune, every hour or so, in the park below, assured her that Chet was true to his promise, even if the loud chugging of his motor-cycle had not likewise informed her of his intermittent presence.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading AN ADVENTUROUS MISSION The endless night was over at last.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading Yet the cheering whistle of the war's most popular tune, every hour or so, in the park below, assured her that Chet was true to his promise, even if the loud chugging of his motor-cycle had not likewise informed her of his intermittent presence.
breathlesslyadverbUS /ˈbreθləsli/
in a breathless manner
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
cheeringnounUS /ˈtʃɪrɪŋ/
encouragement in the form of cheers from spectators
From this reading Yet the cheering whistle of the war's most popular tune, every hour or so, in the park below, assured her that Chet was true to his promise, even if the loud chugging of his motor-cycle had not likewise informed her of his intermittent presence.
Chet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet the cheering whistle of the war's most popular tune, every hour or so, in the park below, assured her that Chet was true to his promise, even if the loud chugging of his motor-cycle had not likewise informed her of his intermittent presence.
chuggingverbUS /ˈtʃʌɡɪŋ/
inflected form of “chug” — make a dull, explosive sound
From this reading Yet the cheering whistle of the war's most popular tune, every hour or so, in the park below, assured her that Chet was true to his promise, even if the loud chugging of his motor-cycle had not likewise informed her of his intermittent presence.
creakverbUS /kriːk/
make a high-pitched, screeching noise
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
crouchingverbUS /ˈkraʊtʃɪŋ/
-ing form of “crouch” — bend one's back forward from the waist on down
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
distinctadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɪŋkt/
(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality
From this reading Through her windows, which faced east, Patricia noticed that the sky was faintly streaked with pale light, each moment growing more distinct.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Through her windows, which faced east, Patricia noticed that the sky was faintly streaked with pale light, each moment growing more distinct.
the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
From this reading Through her windows, which faced east, Patricia noticed that the sky was faintly streaked with pale light, each moment growing more distinct.
electricadjectiveUS /ɪˈlektrɪk/
using or providing or producing or transmitting or operated by electricity
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
endlessadjectiveUS /ˈendləs/
tiresomely long; seemingly without end
From this reading AN ADVENTUROUS MISSION The endless night was over at last.
enduredverbUS /enˈdjʊrd/
past form of “endure” — put up with something or somebody unpleasant
From this reading She had endured almost seven hours of unbroken, nerve-racking suspense, yet nothing alarming had happened.
divisible by two
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Yet the cheering whistle of the war's most popular tune, every hour or so, in the park below, assured her that Chet was true to his promise, even if the loud chugging of his motor-cycle had not likewise informed her of his intermittent presence.
having a face or facing especially of a specified kind or number; often used in combination
From this reading Through her windows, which faced east, Patricia noticed that the sky was faintly streaked with pale light, each moment growing more distinct.
faintestadjectiveUS /ˈfeɪntəst/
superlative of “faint” — deficient in magnitude; barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness or loudness etc
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
faintlyadverbUS /ˈfeɪntli/
to a faint degree or weakly perceived
From this reading Through her windows, which faced east, Patricia noticed that the sky was faintly streaked with pale light, each moment growing more distinct.
farthestadverbUS /ˈfɑːrðəst/
to the greatest distance in space or time (“farthest” is used more often than “furthest” in this physical sense)
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
flappingnounUS /ˈflæpɪŋ/
the motion made by flapping up and down
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
footfallnounUS /ˈfʊtfɔːl/
the sound of a step of someone walking
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level
From this reading Through her windows, which faced east, Patricia noticed that the sky was faintly streaked with pale light, each moment growing more distinct.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading She had endured almost seven hours of unbroken, nerve-racking suspense, yet nothing alarming had happened.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading She had endured almost seven hours of unbroken, nerve-racking suspense, yet nothing alarming had happened.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Through her windows, which faced east, Patricia noticed that the sky was faintly streaked with pale light, each moment growing more distinct.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Yet the cheering whistle of the war's most popular tune, every hour or so, in the park below, assured her that Chet was true to his promise, even if the loud chugging of his motor-cycle had not likewise informed her of his intermittent presence.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading Yet the cheering whistle of the war's most popular tune, every hour or so, in the park below, assured her that Chet was true to his promise, even if the loud chugging of his motor-cycle had not likewise informed her of his intermittent presence.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading She had endured almost seven hours of unbroken, nerve-racking suspense, yet nothing alarming had happened.
huddledadjectiveUS /ˈhʌdəld/
crowded or massed together
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Yet the cheering whistle of the war's most popular tune, every hour or so, in the park below, assured her that Chet was true to his promise, even if the loud chugging of his motor-cycle had not likewise informed her of his intermittent presence.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
having much knowledge or education
From this reading Yet the cheering whistle of the war's most popular tune, every hour or so, in the park below, assured her that Chet was true to his promise, even if the loud chugging of his motor-cycle had not likewise informed her of his intermittent presence.
intermittentadjectiveUS /ˌɪntərˈmɪtənt/
stopping and starting at irregular intervals
From this reading Yet the cheering whistle of the war's most popular tune, every hour or so, in the park below, assured her that Chet was true to his promise, even if the loud chugging of his motor-cycle had not likewise informed her of his intermittent presence.
immediately past
From this reading AN ADVENTUROUS MISSION The endless night was over at last.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading Through her windows, which faced east, Patricia noticed that the sky was faintly streaked with pale light, each moment growing more distinct.
plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
in like or similar manner
From this reading Yet the cheering whistle of the war's most popular tune, every hour or so, in the park below, assured her that Chet was true to his promise, even if the loud chugging of his motor-cycle had not likewise informed her of his intermittent presence.
the act of hearing attentively
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
living-roomnoun
a room in a private house or establishment where people can sit and talk and relax
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
characterized by or producing sound of great volume or intensity
From this reading Yet the cheering whistle of the war's most popular tune, every hour or so, in the park below, assured her that Chet was true to his promise, even if the loud chugging of his motor-cycle had not likewise informed her of his intermittent presence.
an organization of missionaries in a foreign land sent to carry on religious work
From this reading AN ADVENTUROUS MISSION The endless night was over at last.
a particular point in time
From this reading Through her windows, which faced east, Patricia noticed that the sky was faintly streaked with pale light, each moment growing more distinct.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Through her windows, which faced east, Patricia noticed that the sky was faintly streaked with pale light, each moment growing more distinct.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Yet the cheering whistle of the war's most popular tune, every hour or so, in the park below, assured her that Chet was true to his promise, even if the loud chugging of his motor-cycle had not likewise informed her of his intermittent presence.
motor-cycle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet the cheering whistle of the war's most popular tune, every hour or so, in the park below, assured her that Chet was true to his promise, even if the loud chugging of his motor-cycle had not likewise informed her of his intermittent presence.
nerve-rackingadjectiveUS /ˌnɜːrˈvrækɪŋ/
extremely irritating to the nerves
From this reading She had endured almost seven hours of unbroken, nerve-racking suspense, yet nothing alarming had happened.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading AN ADVENTUROUS MISSION The endless night was over at last.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Yet the cheering whistle of the war's most popular tune, every hour or so, in the park below, assured her that Chet was true to his promise, even if the loud chugging of his motor-cycle had not likewise informed her of his intermittent presence.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading She had endured almost seven hours of unbroken, nerve-racking suspense, yet nothing alarming had happened.
being perceived or observed
From this reading Through her windows, which faced east, Patricia noticed that the sky was faintly streaked with pale light, each moment growing more distinct.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading She had endured almost seven hours of unbroken, nerve-racking suspense, yet nothing alarming had happened.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading AN ADVENTUROUS MISSION The endless night was over at last.
very light colored; highly diluted with white
From this reading Through her windows, which faced east, Patricia noticed that the sky was faintly streaked with pale light, each moment growing more distinct.
a large area of land preserved in its natural state as public property
From this reading Yet the cheering whistle of the war's most popular tune, every hour or so, in the park below, assured her that Chet was true to his promise, even if the loud chugging of his motor-cycle had not likewise informed her of his intermittent presence.
Patricia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Through her windows, which faced east, Patricia noticed that the sky was faintly streaked with pale light, each moment growing more distinct.
regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public
From this reading Yet the cheering whistle of the war's most popular tune, every hour or so, in the park below, assured her that Chet was true to his promise, even if the loud chugging of his motor-cycle had not likewise informed her of his intermittent presence.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading Yet the cheering whistle of the war's most popular tune, every hour or so, in the park below, assured her that Chet was true to his promise, even if the loud chugging of his motor-cycle had not likewise informed her of his intermittent presence.
make a promise or commitment
From this reading Yet the cheering whistle of the war's most popular tune, every hour or so, in the park below, assured her that Chet was true to his promise, even if the loud chugging of his motor-cycle had not likewise informed her of his intermittent presence.
rigidadjectiveUS /ˈrɪdʒəd/
incapable of or resistant to bending
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
rustleverbUS /ˈrʌsəl/
make a dry crackling sound
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one
From this reading She had endured almost seven hours of unbroken, nerve-racking suspense, yet nothing alarming had happened.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She had endured almost seven hours of unbroken, nerve-racking suspense, yet nothing alarming had happened.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading Through her windows, which faced east, Patricia noticed that the sky was faintly streaked with pale light, each moment growing more distinct.
superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Yet the cheering whistle of the war's most popular tune, every hour or so, in the park below, assured her that Chet was true to his promise, even if the loud chugging of his motor-cycle had not likewise informed her of his intermittent presence.
(especially of eyes) bulging or protruding as with fear
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
streakedadjectiveUS /striːkt/
marked with or as if with stripes or linear discolorations
From this reading Through her windows, which faced east, Patricia noticed that the sky was faintly streaked with pale light, each moment growing more distinct.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
suspensenounUS /səˈspens/
apprehension about what is going to happen
From this reading She had endured almost seven hours of unbroken, nerve-racking suspense, yet nothing alarming had happened.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
terror-strickenadjective
struck or filled with terror
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Through her windows, which faced east, Patricia noticed that the sky was faintly streaked with pale light, each moment growing more distinct.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading AN ADVENTUROUS MISSION The endless night was over at last.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Through her windows, which faced east, Patricia noticed that the sky was faintly streaked with pale light, each moment growing more distinct.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading Yet the cheering whistle of the war's most popular tune, every hour or so, in the park below, assured her that Chet was true to his promise, even if the loud chugging of his motor-cycle had not likewise informed her of his intermittent presence.
tunenounUS /tuːn/
a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence
From this reading Yet the cheering whistle of the war's most popular tune, every hour or so, in the park below, assured her that Chet was true to his promise, even if the loud chugging of his motor-cycle had not likewise informed her of his intermittent presence.
unbrokenadjectiveUS /ənˈbroʊkən/
marked by continuous or uninterrupted extension in space or time or sequence
From this reading She had endured almost seven hours of unbroken, nerve-racking suspense, yet nothing alarming had happened.
wall-bracket
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
war'snounUS /wɔːrz/
possessive form of “war” — the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
From this reading Yet the cheering whistle of the war's most popular tune, every hour or so, in the park below, assured her that Chet was true to his promise, even if the loud chugging of his motor-cycle had not likewise informed her of his intermittent presence.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading AN ADVENTUROUS MISSION The endless night was over at last.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Through her windows, which faced east, Patricia noticed that the sky was faintly streaked with pale light, each moment growing more distinct.
whistleverbUS /ˈwɪsəl/
make whistling sounds
From this reading Yet the cheering whistle of the war's most popular tune, every hour or so, in the park below, assured her that Chet was true to his promise, even if the loud chugging of his motor-cycle had not likewise informed her of his intermittent presence.
window-shade
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All night she had huddled in a chair by the living-room table, the electric lights full on, even to the farthest wall-bracket, listening breathlessly to the faintest creak or rustle, starting terror-stricken at a sudden flapping of the window-shade, crouching rigid at the slightest footfall outside her door.
(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface
From this reading Through her windows, which faced east, Patricia noticed that the sky was faintly streaked with pale light, each moment growing more distinct.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Through her windows, which faced east, Patricia noticed that the sky was faintly streaked with pale light, each moment growing more distinct.
but in spite of that
From this reading She had endured almost seven hours of unbroken, nerve-racking suspense, yet nothing alarming had happened.
