used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "Death is the liberator of him whom freedom cannot release, the physician of him whom medicine cannot cure, and the comforter of him whom time cannot console."--_Colton._ And now began a veritable reign of terror for the Jews of Medina.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading At first the keenest edge of Moslem vindictiveness seemed to be directed against the bards or poets, for the power of stirring and pathetic poetry in arousing the passionate Oriental blood to revenge was recognized as an instrument too potent to be overlooked.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading At first the keenest edge of Moslem vindictiveness seemed to be directed against the bards or poets, for the power of stirring and pathetic poetry in arousing the passionate Oriental blood to revenge was recognized as an instrument too potent to be overlooked.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "Death is the liberator of him whom freedom cannot release, the physician of him whom medicine cannot cure, and the comforter of him whom time cannot console."--_Colton._ And now began a veritable reign of terror for the Jews of Medina.
arousingverbUS /ərˈaʊzɪŋ/
-ing form of “arouse” — call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)
From this reading At first the keenest edge of Moslem vindictiveness seemed to be directed against the bards or poets, for the power of stirring and pathetic poetry in arousing the passionate Oriental blood to revenge was recognized as an instrument too potent to be overlooked.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading At first the keenest edge of Moslem vindictiveness seemed to be directed against the bards or poets, for the power of stirring and pathetic poetry in arousing the passionate Oriental blood to revenge was recognized as an instrument too potent to be overlooked.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At first the keenest edge of Moslem vindictiveness seemed to be directed against the bards or poets, for the power of stirring and pathetic poetry in arousing the passionate Oriental blood to revenge was recognized as an instrument too potent to be overlooked.
awaitverbUS /əˈweɪt/
look forward to the probable occurrence of
From this reading Many refused to obey this command, and were consequently dragged off to await the pleasure of the prophet.
bards
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At first the keenest edge of Moslem vindictiveness seemed to be directed against the bards or poets, for the power of stirring and pathetic poetry in arousing the passionate Oriental blood to revenge was recognized as an instrument too potent to be overlooked.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading At first the keenest edge of Moslem vindictiveness seemed to be directed against the bards or poets, for the power of stirring and pathetic poetry in arousing the passionate Oriental blood to revenge was recognized as an instrument too potent to be overlooked.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading "Death is the liberator of him whom freedom cannot release, the physician of him whom medicine cannot cure, and the comforter of him whom time cannot console."--_Colton._ And now began a veritable reign of terror for the Jews of Medina.
The red fluid that circulates in the heart and blood vessels.
From this reading At first the keenest edge of Moslem vindictiveness seemed to be directed against the bards or poets, for the power of stirring and pathetic poetry in arousing the passionate Oriental blood to revenge was recognized as an instrument too potent to be overlooked.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Death is the liberator of him whom freedom cannot release, the physician of him whom medicine cannot cure, and the comforter of him whom time cannot console."--_Colton._ And now began a veritable reign of terror for the Jews of Medina.
closingnounUS /ˈkloʊzɪŋ/
the act of closing something
From this reading The first evidence of the closing of Mohammed's iron hand was shown in his forcing them to make Mecca, rather than Jerusalem, their kebla, or point of prayer.
Colton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Death is the liberator of him whom freedom cannot release, the physician of him whom medicine cannot cure, and the comforter of him whom time cannot console."--_Colton._ And now began a veritable reign of terror for the Jews of Medina.
comforternounUS /ˈkʌmfərtər/
a person who commiserates with someone who has had misfortune
From this reading "Death is the liberator of him whom freedom cannot release, the physician of him whom medicine cannot cure, and the comforter of him whom time cannot console."--_Colton._ And now began a veritable reign of terror for the Jews of Medina.
an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
From this reading Many refused to obey this command, and were consequently dragged off to await the pleasure of the prophet.
consequentlyadverbUS /ˈkɑːnsəkwəntli/
(sentence connectors) because of the reason given
From this reading Many refused to obey this command, and were consequently dragged off to await the pleasure of the prophet.
consoleverbUS /ˈkɑːnsoʊl/
give moral or emotional strength to
From this reading "Death is the liberator of him whom freedom cannot release, the physician of him whom medicine cannot cure, and the comforter of him whom time cannot console."--_Colton._ And now began a veritable reign of terror for the Jews of Medina.
provide a cure for, make healthy again
From this reading "Death is the liberator of him whom freedom cannot release, the physician of him whom medicine cannot cure, and the comforter of him whom time cannot console."--_Colton._ And now began a veritable reign of terror for the Jews of Medina.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading "Death is the liberator of him whom freedom cannot release, the physician of him whom medicine cannot cure, and the comforter of him whom time cannot console."--_Colton._ And now began a veritable reign of terror for the Jews of Medina.
(often used in combination) having a specified direction
From this reading At first the keenest edge of Moslem vindictiveness seemed to be directed against the bards or poets, for the power of stirring and pathetic poetry in arousing the passionate Oriental blood to revenge was recognized as an instrument too potent to be overlooked.
inflected form of “drag” — pull, as against a resistance
From this reading Many refused to obey this command, and were consequently dragged off to await the pleasure of the prophet.
DUMAH
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE FATE OF DUMAH.
the boundary of a surface
From this reading At first the keenest edge of Moslem vindictiveness seemed to be directed against the bards or poets, for the power of stirring and pathetic poetry in arousing the passionate Oriental blood to revenge was recognized as an instrument too potent to be overlooked.
your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief
From this reading The first evidence of the closing of Mohammed's iron hand was shown in his forcing them to make Mecca, rather than Jerusalem, their kebla, or point of prayer.
an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
From this reading THE FATE OF DUMAH.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading The first evidence of the closing of Mohammed's iron hand was shown in his forcing them to make Mecca, rather than Jerusalem, their kebla, or point of prayer.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading "Death is the liberator of him whom freedom cannot release, the physician of him whom medicine cannot cure, and the comforter of him whom time cannot console."--_Colton._ And now began a veritable reign of terror for the Jews of Medina.
forcingverbUS /ˈfɔːrsɪŋ/
-ing form of “force” — to cause to do through pressure or necessity, by physical, moral or intellectual means
From this reading The first evidence of the closing of Mohammed's iron hand was shown in his forcing them to make Mecca, rather than Jerusalem, their kebla, or point of prayer.
the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints
From this reading "Death is the liberator of him whom freedom cannot release, the physician of him whom medicine cannot cure, and the comforter of him whom time cannot console."--_Colton._ And now began a veritable reign of terror for the Jews of Medina.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading The first evidence of the closing of Mohammed's iron hand was shown in his forcing them to make Mecca, rather than Jerusalem, their kebla, or point of prayer.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "Death is the liberator of him whom freedom cannot release, the physician of him whom medicine cannot cure, and the comforter of him whom time cannot console."--_Colton._ And now began a veritable reign of terror for the Jews of Medina.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The first evidence of the closing of Mohammed's iron hand was shown in his forcing them to make Mecca, rather than Jerusalem, their kebla, or point of prayer.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The first evidence of the closing of Mohammed's iron hand was shown in his forcing them to make Mecca, rather than Jerusalem, their kebla, or point of prayer.
instrumentnounUS /ˈɪnstrəmənt/
a device that requires skill for proper use
From this reading At first the keenest edge of Moslem vindictiveness seemed to be directed against the bards or poets, for the power of stirring and pathetic poetry in arousing the passionate Oriental blood to revenge was recognized as an instrument too potent to be overlooked.
a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
From this reading The first evidence of the closing of Mohammed's iron hand was shown in his forcing them to make Mecca, rather than Jerusalem, their kebla, or point of prayer.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Death is the liberator of him whom freedom cannot release, the physician of him whom medicine cannot cure, and the comforter of him whom time cannot console."--_Colton._ And now began a veritable reign of terror for the Jews of Medina.
JerusalemnounUS /dʒərˈuːsələm/
capital and largest city of the modern state of Israel (although its status as capital is disputed)
From this reading The first evidence of the closing of Mohammed's iron hand was shown in his forcing them to make Mecca, rather than Jerusalem, their kebla, or point of prayer.
JewsnounUS /dʒuːz/
plural of “jew” — a person belonging to the worldwide group claiming descent from Jacob (or converted to it) and connected by cultural or religious ties
From this reading "Death is the liberator of him whom freedom cannot release, the physician of him whom medicine cannot cure, and the comforter of him whom time cannot console."--_Colton._ And now began a veritable reign of terror for the Jews of Medina.
kebla
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first evidence of the closing of Mohammed's iron hand was shown in his forcing them to make Mecca, rather than Jerusalem, their kebla, or point of prayer.
keenestadjectiveUS /ˈkiːnəst/
superlative of “keen” — having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading At first the keenest edge of Moslem vindictiveness seemed to be directed against the bards or poets, for the power of stirring and pathetic poetry in arousing the passionate Oriental blood to revenge was recognized as an instrument too potent to be overlooked.
liberatornounUS /ˈlɪbɜːreɪtər/
someone who releases people from captivity or bondage
From this reading "Death is the liberator of him whom freedom cannot release, the physician of him whom medicine cannot cure, and the comforter of him whom time cannot console."--_Colton._ And now began a veritable reign of terror for the Jews of Medina.
engage in
From this reading The first evidence of the closing of Mohammed's iron hand was shown in his forcing them to make Mecca, rather than Jerusalem, their kebla, or point of prayer.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Many refused to obey this command, and were consequently dragged off to await the pleasure of the prophet.
MeccanounUS /ˈmekə/
joint capital (with Riyadh) of Saudi Arabia; located in western Saudi Arabia; as the birthplace of Muhammad it is the holiest city of Islam
From this reading The first evidence of the closing of Mohammed's iron hand was shown in his forcing them to make Mecca, rather than Jerusalem, their kebla, or point of prayer.
medicinenounUS /ˈmedəsən/
the branches of medical science that deal with nonsurgical techniques
From this reading "Death is the liberator of him whom freedom cannot release, the physician of him whom medicine cannot cure, and the comforter of him whom time cannot console."--_Colton._ And now began a veritable reign of terror for the Jews of Medina.
MedinanounUS /məˈdaɪnə/
a city in western Saudi Arabia; site of the tomb of Muhammad; the second most holy city of Islam
From this reading "Death is the liberator of him whom freedom cannot release, the physician of him whom medicine cannot cure, and the comforter of him whom time cannot console."--_Colton._ And now began a veritable reign of terror for the Jews of Medina.
Mohammed's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first evidence of the closing of Mohammed's iron hand was shown in his forcing them to make Mecca, rather than Jerusalem, their kebla, or point of prayer.
MoslemnounUS /ˈmɑːzləm/
a believer in or follower of Islam
From this reading At first the keenest edge of Moslem vindictiveness seemed to be directed against the bards or poets, for the power of stirring and pathetic poetry in arousing the passionate Oriental blood to revenge was recognized as an instrument too potent to be overlooked.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading "Death is the liberator of him whom freedom cannot release, the physician of him whom medicine cannot cure, and the comforter of him whom time cannot console."--_Colton._ And now began a veritable reign of terror for the Jews of Medina.
be obedient to
From this reading Many refused to obey this command, and were consequently dragged off to await the pleasure of the prophet.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE FATE OF DUMAH.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Many refused to obey this command, and were consequently dragged off to await the pleasure of the prophet.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The first evidence of the closing of Mohammed's iron hand was shown in his forcing them to make Mecca, rather than Jerusalem, their kebla, or point of prayer.
OrientaladjectiveUS /ˌɔːriˈentəl/
denoting or characteristic of countries of the Far East
From this reading At first the keenest edge of Moslem vindictiveness seemed to be directed against the bards or poets, for the power of stirring and pathetic poetry in arousing the passionate Oriental blood to revenge was recognized as an instrument too potent to be overlooked.
overlookedadjectiveUS /ˈoʊvərlʊkt/
not taken into account
From this reading At first the keenest edge of Moslem vindictiveness seemed to be directed against the bards or poets, for the power of stirring and pathetic poetry in arousing the passionate Oriental blood to revenge was recognized as an instrument too potent to be overlooked.
having or expressing strong emotions
From this reading At first the keenest edge of Moslem vindictiveness seemed to be directed against the bards or poets, for the power of stirring and pathetic poetry in arousing the passionate Oriental blood to revenge was recognized as an instrument too potent to be overlooked.
patheticadjectiveUS /pəˈθetɪk/
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading At first the keenest edge of Moslem vindictiveness seemed to be directed against the bards or poets, for the power of stirring and pathetic poetry in arousing the passionate Oriental blood to revenge was recognized as an instrument too potent to be overlooked.
a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading "Death is the liberator of him whom freedom cannot release, the physician of him whom medicine cannot cure, and the comforter of him whom time cannot console."--_Colton._ And now began a veritable reign of terror for the Jews of Medina.
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading Many refused to obey this command, and were consequently dragged off to await the pleasure of the prophet.
literature in metrical form
From this reading At first the keenest edge of Moslem vindictiveness seemed to be directed against the bards or poets, for the power of stirring and pathetic poetry in arousing the passionate Oriental blood to revenge was recognized as an instrument too potent to be overlooked.
poetsnounUS /ˈpoʊəts/
plural of “poet” — a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)
From this reading At first the keenest edge of Moslem vindictiveness seemed to be directed against the bards or poets, for the power of stirring and pathetic poetry in arousing the passionate Oriental blood to revenge was recognized as an instrument too potent to be overlooked.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading The first evidence of the closing of Mohammed's iron hand was shown in his forcing them to make Mecca, rather than Jerusalem, their kebla, or point of prayer.
potentadjectiveUS /ˈpoʊtənt/
having great influence
From this reading At first the keenest edge of Moslem vindictiveness seemed to be directed against the bards or poets, for the power of stirring and pathetic poetry in arousing the passionate Oriental blood to revenge was recognized as an instrument too potent to be overlooked.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading At first the keenest edge of Moslem vindictiveness seemed to be directed against the bards or poets, for the power of stirring and pathetic poetry in arousing the passionate Oriental blood to revenge was recognized as an instrument too potent to be overlooked.
the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)
From this reading The first evidence of the closing of Mohammed's iron hand was shown in his forcing them to make Mecca, rather than Jerusalem, their kebla, or point of prayer.
prophetnounUS /ˈprɑːfət/
an authoritative person who divines the future
From this reading Many refused to obey this command, and were consequently dragged off to await the pleasure of the prophet.
on the contrary
From this reading The first evidence of the closing of Mohammed's iron hand was shown in his forcing them to make Mecca, rather than Jerusalem, their kebla, or point of prayer.
generally approved or compelling recognition
From this reading At first the keenest edge of Moslem vindictiveness seemed to be directed against the bards or poets, for the power of stirring and pathetic poetry in arousing the passionate Oriental blood to revenge was recognized as an instrument too potent to be overlooked.
past form of “refuse” — show unwillingness towards
From this reading Many refused to obey this command, and were consequently dragged off to await the pleasure of the prophet.
reignverbUS /reɪn/
have sovereign power
From this reading "Death is the liberator of him whom freedom cannot release, the physician of him whom medicine cannot cure, and the comforter of him whom time cannot console."--_Colton._ And now began a veritable reign of terror for the Jews of Medina.
releaseverbUS /riˈliːs/
release, as from one's grip
From this reading "Death is the liberator of him whom freedom cannot release, the physician of him whom medicine cannot cure, and the comforter of him whom time cannot console."--_Colton._ And now began a veritable reign of terror for the Jews of Medina.
action taken in return for an injury or offense
From this reading At first the keenest edge of Moslem vindictiveness seemed to be directed against the bards or poets, for the power of stirring and pathetic poetry in arousing the passionate Oriental blood to revenge was recognized as an instrument too potent to be overlooked.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading At first the keenest edge of Moslem vindictiveness seemed to be directed against the bards or poets, for the power of stirring and pathetic poetry in arousing the passionate Oriental blood to revenge was recognized as an instrument too potent to be overlooked.
inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading The first evidence of the closing of Mohammed's iron hand was shown in his forcing them to make Mecca, rather than Jerusalem, their kebla, or point of prayer.
stirringnounUS /ˈstɜːrɪŋ/
agitating a liquid with an implement
From this reading At first the keenest edge of Moslem vindictiveness seemed to be directed against the bards or poets, for the power of stirring and pathetic poetry in arousing the passionate Oriental blood to revenge was recognized as an instrument too potent to be overlooked.
an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety
From this reading "Death is the liberator of him whom freedom cannot release, the physician of him whom medicine cannot cure, and the comforter of him whom time cannot console."--_Colton._ And now began a veritable reign of terror for the Jews of Medina.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The first evidence of the closing of Mohammed's iron hand was shown in his forcing them to make Mecca, rather than Jerusalem, their kebla, or point of prayer.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE FATE OF DUMAH.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The first evidence of the closing of Mohammed's iron hand was shown in his forcing them to make Mecca, rather than Jerusalem, their kebla, or point of prayer.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The first evidence of the closing of Mohammed's iron hand was shown in his forcing them to make Mecca, rather than Jerusalem, their kebla, or point of prayer.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Many refused to obey this command, and were consequently dragged off to await the pleasure of the prophet.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading "Death is the liberator of him whom freedom cannot release, the physician of him whom medicine cannot cure, and the comforter of him whom time cannot console."--_Colton._ And now began a veritable reign of terror for the Jews of Medina.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The first evidence of the closing of Mohammed's iron hand was shown in his forcing them to make Mecca, rather than Jerusalem, their kebla, or point of prayer.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading At first the keenest edge of Moslem vindictiveness seemed to be directed against the bards or poets, for the power of stirring and pathetic poetry in arousing the passionate Oriental blood to revenge was recognized as an instrument too potent to be overlooked.
veritableadjectiveUS /ˈverɪtəbəl/
often used as intensifiers
From this reading "Death is the liberator of him whom freedom cannot release, the physician of him whom medicine cannot cure, and the comforter of him whom time cannot console."--_Colton._ And now began a veritable reign of terror for the Jews of Medina.
vindictivenessnounUS /vɪnˈdɪktɪvnəs/
a malevolent desire for revenge
From this reading At first the keenest edge of Moslem vindictiveness seemed to be directed against the bards or poets, for the power of stirring and pathetic poetry in arousing the passionate Oriental blood to revenge was recognized as an instrument too potent to be overlooked.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The first evidence of the closing of Mohammed's iron hand was shown in his forcing them to make Mecca, rather than Jerusalem, their kebla, or point of prayer.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Many refused to obey this command, and were consequently dragged off to await the pleasure of the prophet.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "Death is the liberator of him whom freedom cannot release, the physician of him whom medicine cannot cure, and the comforter of him whom time cannot console."--_Colton._ And now began a veritable reign of terror for the Jews of Medina.
