used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading For a long minute the big man did not speak, rocking gently on his heels, hands clasped behind his broad back.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading The dim glow of the atomics in the corridor cast shadowy bars of gold and sable across his cold face, picked glints of steel and silver from his heavy gunbelt and saffron uniform.
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
atomics
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The dim glow of the atomics in the corridor cast shadowy bars of gold and sable across his cold face, picked glints of steel and silver from his heavy gunbelt and saffron uniform.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading For a long minute the big man did not speak, rocking gently on his heels, hands clasped behind his broad back.
barsnounUS /bɑːrz/
gymnastic apparatus consisting of two parallel wooden rods supported on uprights
From this reading The dim glow of the atomics in the corridor cast shadowy bars of gold and sable across his cold face, picked glints of steel and silver from his heavy gunbelt and saffron uniform.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading For a long minute the big man did not speak, rocking gently on his heels, hands clasped behind his broad back.
The red fluid that circulates in the heart and blood vessels.
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
terminate
From this reading It moved him to break his silent regard.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading For a long minute the big man did not speak, rocking gently on his heels, hands clasped behind his broad back.
put or send forth
From this reading The dim glow of the atomics in the corridor cast shadowy bars of gold and sable across his cold face, picked glints of steel and silver from his heavy gunbelt and saffron uniform.
cell-bench
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The only sound was the gentle tinkle of leg-irons as the prisoner lounging on the cell-bench idly swung his crossed leg, returning the heavier man's reptilian stare with a detached, infuriating coolness.
past form of “clasp” — hold firmly and tightly
From this reading For a long minute the big man did not speak, rocking gently on his heels, hands clasped behind his broad back.
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading The dim glow of the atomics in the corridor cast shadowy bars of gold and sable across his cold face, picked glints of steel and silver from his heavy gunbelt and saffron uniform.
coolnessnounUS /ˈkuːlnəs/
calm and unruffled self-assurance
From this reading The only sound was the gentle tinkle of leg-irons as the prisoner lounging on the cell-bench idly swung his crossed leg, returning the heavier man's reptilian stare with a detached, infuriating coolness.
corpsesnounUS /ˈkɔːrpsəz/
plural of “corps” — an army unit usually consisting of two or more divisions and their support
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
corridornounUS /ˈkɔːrədər/
an enclosed passageway; rooms usually open onto it
From this reading The dim glow of the atomics in the corridor cast shadowy bars of gold and sable across his cold face, picked glints of steel and silver from his heavy gunbelt and saffron uniform.
placed crosswise
From this reading The only sound was the gentle tinkle of leg-irons as the prisoner lounging on the cell-bench idly swung his crossed leg, returning the heavier man's reptilian stare with a detached, infuriating coolness.
crystalsnounUS /ˈkrɪstəlz/
plural of “crystal” — a solid formed by the solidification of a chemical and having a highly regular atomic structure
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
detachedadjectiveUS /dɪˈtætʃt/
showing lack of emotional involvement
From this reading The only sound was the gentle tinkle of leg-irons as the prisoner lounging on the cell-bench idly swung his crossed leg, returning the heavier man's reptilian stare with a detached, infuriating coolness.
diamondsnounUS /ˈdaɪməndz/
plural of “diamond” — a transparent piece of diamond that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading For a long minute the big man did not speak, rocking gently on his heels, hands clasped behind his broad back.
lacking in light; not bright or harsh
From this reading The dim glow of the atomics in the corridor cast shadowy bars of gold and sable across his cold face, picked glints of steel and silver from his heavy gunbelt and saffron uniform.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading The dim glow of the atomics in the corridor cast shadowy bars of gold and sable across his cold face, picked glints of steel and silver from his heavy gunbelt and saffron uniform.
start firing a weapon
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For a long minute the big man did not speak, rocking gently on his heels, hands clasped behind his broad back.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The dim glow of the atomics in the corridor cast shadowy bars of gold and sable across his cold face, picked glints of steel and silver from his heavy gunbelt and saffron uniform.
soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe
From this reading The only sound was the gentle tinkle of leg-irons as the prisoner lounging on the cell-bench idly swung his crossed leg, returning the heavier man's reptilian stare with a detached, infuriating coolness.
in a gradual manner
From this reading For a long minute the big man did not speak, rocking gently on his heels, hands clasped behind his broad back.
a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
glints
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The dim glow of the atomics in the corridor cast shadowy bars of gold and sable across his cold face, picked glints of steel and silver from his heavy gunbelt and saffron uniform.
an alert and refreshed state
From this reading The dim glow of the atomics in the corridor cast shadowy bars of gold and sable across his cold face, picked glints of steel and silver from his heavy gunbelt and saffron uniform.
coins made of gold
From this reading The dim glow of the atomics in the corridor cast shadowy bars of gold and sable across his cold face, picked glints of steel and silver from his heavy gunbelt and saffron uniform.
gunbelt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The dim glow of the atomics in the corridor cast shadowy bars of gold and sable across his cold face, picked glints of steel and silver from his heavy gunbelt and saffron uniform.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading For a long minute the big man did not speak, rocking gently on his heels, hands clasped behind his broad back.
heavieradjectiveUS /ˈheviər/
comparative of “heavy” — of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading The only sound was the gentle tinkle of leg-irons as the prisoner lounging on the cell-bench idly swung his crossed leg, returning the heavier man's reptilian stare with a detached, infuriating coolness.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading The dim glow of the atomics in the corridor cast shadowy bars of gold and sable across his cold face, picked glints of steel and silver from his heavy gunbelt and saffron uniform.
plural of “heel” — the bottom of a shoe or boot; the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground and provides elevation
From this reading For a long minute the big man did not speak, rocking gently on his heels, hands clasped behind his broad back.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It moved him to break his silent regard.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading For a long minute the big man did not speak, rocking gently on his heels, hands clasped behind his broad back.
idlyadverbUS /ˈaɪdli/
in an idle manner
From this reading The only sound was the gentle tinkle of leg-irons as the prisoner lounging on the cell-bench idly swung his crossed leg, returning the heavier man's reptilian stare with a detached, infuriating coolness.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
infuriatingadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈfjʊrieɪtɪŋ/
extremely annoying or displeasing
From this reading The only sound was the gentle tinkle of leg-irons as the prisoner lounging on the cell-bench idly swung his crossed leg, returning the heavier man's reptilian stare with a detached, infuriating coolness.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It moved him to break his silent regard.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
a human limb; commonly used to refer to a whole limb but technically only the part of the limb between the knee and ankle
From this reading The only sound was the gentle tinkle of leg-irons as the prisoner lounging on the cell-bench idly swung his crossed leg, returning the heavier man's reptilian stare with a detached, infuriating coolness.
leg-irons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The only sound was the gentle tinkle of leg-irons as the prisoner lounging on the cell-bench idly swung his crossed leg, returning the heavier man's reptilian stare with a detached, infuriating coolness.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading For a long minute the big man did not speak, rocking gently on his heels, hands clasped behind his broad back.
loungingverbUS /ˈlaʊndʒɪŋ/
-ing form of “lounge” — sit or recline comfortably
From this reading The only sound was the gentle tinkle of leg-irons as the prisoner lounging on the cell-bench idly swung his crossed leg, returning the heavier man's reptilian stare with a detached, infuriating coolness.
lusterlessadjective
lacking brilliance or vitality
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading For a long minute the big man did not speak, rocking gently on his heels, hands clasped behind his broad back.
man'snounUS /mænz/
possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading The only sound was the gentle tinkle of leg-irons as the prisoner lounging on the cell-bench idly swung his crossed leg, returning the heavier man's reptilian stare with a detached, infuriating coolness.
metalsnounUS /ˈmetəlz/
plural of “metal” — any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc.
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour
From this reading For a long minute the big man did not speak, rocking gently on his heels, hands clasped behind his broad back.
mockedverbUS /mɑːkt/
past form of “mock” — treat with contempt
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading It moved him to break his silent regard.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading For a long minute the big man did not speak, rocking gently on his heels, hands clasped behind his broad back.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading For a long minute the big man did not speak, rocking gently on his heels, hands clasped behind his broad back.
and nothing more
From this reading The only sound was the gentle tinkle of leg-irons as the prisoner lounging on the cell-bench idly swung his crossed leg, returning the heavier man's reptilian stare with a detached, infuriating coolness.
very light colored; highly diluted with white
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
pearlsnounUS /pɜːrlz/
plural of “pearl” — a smooth lustrous round structure inside the shell of a clam or oyster; much valued as a jewel
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
pebblesnounUS /ˈpebəlz/
plural of “pebble” — a small smooth rounded rock
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
past form of “pick” — select carefully from a group
From this reading The dim glow of the atomics in the corridor cast shadowy bars of gold and sable across his cold face, picked glints of steel and silver from his heavy gunbelt and saffron uniform.
a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading The only sound was the gentle tinkle of leg-irons as the prisoner lounging on the cell-bench idly swung his crossed leg, returning the heavier man's reptilian stare with a detached, infuriating coolness.
not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading It moved him to break his silent regard.
reptiliannounUS /repˈtɪljən/
any cold-blooded vertebrate of the class Reptilia including tortoises, turtles, snakes, lizards, alligators, crocodiles, and extinct forms
From this reading The only sound was the gentle tinkle of leg-irons as the prisoner lounging on the cell-bench idly swung his crossed leg, returning the heavier man's reptilian stare with a detached, infuriating coolness.
tending to return to an earlier state
From this reading The only sound was the gentle tinkle of leg-irons as the prisoner lounging on the cell-bench idly swung his crossed leg, returning the heavier man's reptilian stare with a detached, infuriating coolness.
rockingverbUS /ˈrɑːkɪŋ/
-ing form of “rock” — move back and forth or sideways
From this reading For a long minute the big man did not speak, rocking gently on his heels, hands clasped behind his broad back.
sablenounUS /ˈseɪbəl/
an artist's brush made of sable hairs
From this reading The dim glow of the atomics in the corridor cast shadowy bars of gold and sable across his cold face, picked glints of steel and silver from his heavy gunbelt and saffron uniform.
saffronnounUS /ˈsæfrən/
Old World crocus having purple or white flowers with aromatic pungent orange stigmas used in flavoring food
From this reading The dim glow of the atomics in the corridor cast shadowy bars of gold and sable across his cold face, picked glints of steel and silver from his heavy gunbelt and saffron uniform.
Identical; not different.
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
shadowyadjectiveUS /ˈʃædoʊi/
filled with shade
From this reading The dim glow of the atomics in the corridor cast shadowy bars of gold and sable across his cold face, picked glints of steel and silver from his heavy gunbelt and saffron uniform.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading It moved him to break his silent regard.
a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography
From this reading The dim glow of the atomics in the corridor cast shadowy bars of gold and sable across his cold face, picked glints of steel and silver from his heavy gunbelt and saffron uniform.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading The only sound was the gentle tinkle of leg-irons as the prisoner lounging on the cell-bench idly swung his crossed leg, returning the heavier man's reptilian stare with a detached, infuriating coolness.
express in speech
From this reading For a long minute the big man did not speak, rocking gently on his heels, hands clasped behind his broad back.
stareverbUS /ster/
look at with fixed eyes
From this reading The only sound was the gentle tinkle of leg-irons as the prisoner lounging on the cell-bench idly swung his crossed leg, returning the heavier man's reptilian stare with a detached, infuriating coolness.
an alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range
From this reading The dim glow of the atomics in the corridor cast shadowy bars of gold and sable across his cold face, picked glints of steel and silver from his heavy gunbelt and saffron uniform.
stiffeningnounUS /ˈstɪfənɪŋ/
the act of becoming stiff
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
sunsnounUS /sʌnz/
plural of “sun” — the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
inflected form of “swing” — move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting
From this reading The only sound was the gentle tinkle of leg-irons as the prisoner lounging on the cell-bench idly swung his crossed leg, returning the heavier man's reptilian stare with a detached, infuriating coolness.
Terra's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
time-worn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
tinklenounUS /ˈtɪŋkəl/
a light clear metallic sound as of a small bell
From this reading The only sound was the gentle tinkle of leg-irons as the prisoner lounging on the cell-bench idly swung his crossed leg, returning the heavier man's reptilian stare with a detached, infuriating coolness.
very small
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It moved him to break his silent regard.
a track or mark left by something that has passed
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
accumulated wealth in the form of money or jewels etc.
From this reading Tiny suns set in rare metals, crystals of fire that mocked Terra's diamonds and pearls as lusterless pebbles and pale glass, the ancient treasure left behind the same time-worn trail of sudden blood and stiffening corpses!
always the same; showing a single form or character in all occurrences
From this reading The dim glow of the atomics in the corridor cast shadowy bars of gold and sable across his cold face, picked glints of steel and silver from his heavy gunbelt and saffron uniform.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The only sound was the gentle tinkle of leg-irons as the prisoner lounging on the cell-bench idly swung his crossed leg, returning the heavier man's reptilian stare with a detached, infuriating coolness.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The only sound was the gentle tinkle of leg-irons as the prisoner lounging on the cell-bench idly swung his crossed leg, returning the heavier man's reptilian stare with a detached, infuriating coolness.
