used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading To a thought-reader it would have been about as helpful as the face carved upon the handle of an umbrella; a comparison suggested, perhaps, by a certain resemblance to such an object.
farther along in physical or mental development
From this reading He advanced, holding open his notebook and pencil, and having saluted us with a stiff bow and an old-fashioned flourish of his hat, shook hands rheumatically and waited for us to speak.
alimentaryadjectiveUS /ˌæləˈmentəri/
of or providing nourishment
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
apparatusnounUS /ˌæpərˈætəs/
equipment designed to serve a specific function
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
ARTEMIDORUS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading O ARTEMIDORUS, FAREWELL!
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading To a thought-reader it would have been about as helpful as the face carved upon the handle of an umbrella; a comparison suggested, perhaps, by a certain resemblance to such an object.
a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces
From this reading He advanced, holding open his notebook and pencil, and having saluted us with a stiff bow and an old-fashioned flourish of his hat, shook hands rheumatically and waited for us to speak.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading To a thought-reader it would have been about as helpful as the face carved upon the handle of an umbrella; a comparison suggested, perhaps, by a certain resemblance to such an object.
carvedadjectiveUS /kɑːrvd/
made for or formed by carving (“carven” is archaic or literary)
From this reading To a thought-reader it would have been about as helpful as the face carved upon the handle of an umbrella; a comparison suggested, perhaps, by a certain resemblance to such an object.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading To a thought-reader it would have been about as helpful as the face carved upon the handle of an umbrella; a comparison suggested, perhaps, by a certain resemblance to such an object.
comparisonnounUS /kəmˈperəsən/
the act of examining resemblances
From this reading To a thought-reader it would have been about as helpful as the face carved upon the handle of an umbrella; a comparison suggested, perhaps, by a certain resemblance to such an object.
gotten under control
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
the appearance conveyed by a person's face
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
plural of “emotion” — any strong feeling
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
an act that fails
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
an acknowledgment or expression of goodwill at parting
From this reading O ARTEMIDORUS, FAREWELL!
flourishverbUS /ˈflɜːrɪʃ/
grow vigorously
From this reading He advanced, holding open his notebook and pencil, and having saluted us with a stiff bow and an old-fashioned flourish of his hat, shook hands rheumatically and waited for us to speak.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
handleverbUS /ˈhændəl/
be in charge of, act on, or dispose of
From this reading To a thought-reader it would have been about as helpful as the face carved upon the handle of an umbrella; a comparison suggested, perhaps, by a certain resemblance to such an object.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading He advanced, holding open his notebook and pencil, and having saluted us with a stiff bow and an old-fashioned flourish of his hat, shook hands rheumatically and waited for us to speak.
headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim
From this reading He advanced, holding open his notebook and pencil, and having saluted us with a stiff bow and an old-fashioned flourish of his hat, shook hands rheumatically and waited for us to speak.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading To a thought-reader it would have been about as helpful as the face carved upon the handle of an umbrella; a comparison suggested, perhaps, by a certain resemblance to such an object.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading He advanced, holding open his notebook and pencil, and having saluted us with a stiff bow and an old-fashioned flourish of his hat, shook hands rheumatically and waited for us to speak.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He advanced, holding open his notebook and pencil, and having saluted us with a stiff bow and an old-fashioned flourish of his hat, shook hands rheumatically and waited for us to speak.
helpfuladjectiveUS /ˈhelpfəl/
providing assistance or serving a useful function
From this reading To a thought-reader it would have been about as helpful as the face carved upon the handle of an umbrella; a comparison suggested, perhaps, by a certain resemblance to such an object.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
the act of retaining something
From this reading He advanced, holding open his notebook and pencil, and having saluted us with a stiff bow and an old-fashioned flourish of his hat, shook hands rheumatically and waited for us to speak.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading Whether or not Mr. Jellicoe was surprised to see us, it is impossible to say.
inasmuch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
inletsnounUS /ˈɪnlets/
plural of “inlet” — an arm off of a larger body of water (often between rocky headlands)
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Whether or not Mr. Jellicoe was surprised to see us, it is impossible to say.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Whether or not Mr. Jellicoe was surprised to see us, it is impossible to say.
Jellicoe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Whether or not Mr. Jellicoe was surprised to see us, it is impossible to say.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Whether or not Mr. Jellicoe was surprised to see us, it is impossible to say.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Whether or not Mr. Jellicoe was surprised to see us, it is impossible to say.
notebooknounUS /ˈnoʊtbʊk/
a book with blank pages for recording notes or memoranda
From this reading He advanced, holding open his notebook and pencil, and having saluted us with a stiff bow and an old-fashioned flourish of his hat, shook hands rheumatically and waited for us to speak.
a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust
From this reading O ARTEMIDORUS, FAREWELL!
a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading To a thought-reader it would have been about as helpful as the face carved upon the handle of an umbrella; a comparison suggested, perhaps, by a certain resemblance to such an object.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
old-fashionedadjectiveUS /ˌoʊldˈfæʃənd/
out of fashion
From this reading He advanced, holding open his notebook and pencil, and having saluted us with a stiff bow and an old-fashioned flourish of his hat, shook hands rheumatically and waited for us to speak.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading He advanced, holding open his notebook and pencil, and having saluted us with a stiff bow and an old-fashioned flourish of his hat, shook hands rheumatically and waited for us to speak.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Whether or not Mr. Jellicoe was surprised to see us, it is impossible to say.
a judge of a probate court
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
organsnounUS /ˈɔːrɡənz/
edible viscera of a butchered animal
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
pencilnounUS /ˈpensəl/
a thin cylindrical pointed writing implement; a rod of marking substance encased in wood
From this reading He advanced, holding open his notebook and pencil, and having saluted us with a stiff bow and an old-fashioned flourish of his hat, shook hands rheumatically and waited for us to speak.
by chance
From this reading To a thought-reader it would have been about as helpful as the face carved upon the handle of an umbrella; a comparison suggested, perhaps, by a certain resemblance to such an object.
the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
purposesnounUS /ˈpɜːrpəsəz/
plural of “purpose” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
resemblancenounUS /rɪˈzembləns/
similarity in appearance or external or superficial details
From this reading To a thought-reader it would have been about as helpful as the face carved upon the handle of an umbrella; a comparison suggested, perhaps, by a certain resemblance to such an object.
respiratoryadjectiveUS /ˈrespərətɔːri/
pertaining to respiration
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
rheumatically
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He advanced, holding open his notebook and pencil, and having saluted us with a stiff bow and an old-fashioned flourish of his hat, shook hands rheumatically and waited for us to speak.
salutedverbUS /səˈluːtɪd/
past form of “salute” — propose a toast to
From this reading He advanced, holding open his notebook and pencil, and having saluted us with a stiff bow and an old-fashioned flourish of his hat, shook hands rheumatically and waited for us to speak.
express in words
From this reading Whether or not Mr. Jellicoe was surprised to see us, it is impossible to say.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Whether or not Mr. Jellicoe was surprised to see us, it is impossible to say.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment
From this reading He advanced, holding open his notebook and pencil, and having saluted us with a stiff bow and an old-fashioned flourish of his hat, shook hands rheumatically and waited for us to speak.
express in speech
From this reading He advanced, holding open his notebook and pencil, and having saluted us with a stiff bow and an old-fashioned flourish of his hat, shook hands rheumatically and waited for us to speak.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
not moving or operating freely
From this reading He advanced, holding open his notebook and pencil, and having saluted us with a stiff bow and an old-fashioned flourish of his hat, shook hands rheumatically and waited for us to speak.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading To a thought-reader it would have been about as helpful as the face carved upon the handle of an umbrella; a comparison suggested, perhaps, by a certain resemblance to such an object.
past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading To a thought-reader it would have been about as helpful as the face carved upon the handle of an umbrella; a comparison suggested, perhaps, by a certain resemblance to such an object.
taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment
From this reading Whether or not Mr. Jellicoe was surprised to see us, it is impossible to say.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
thought-readernoun
someone with the power of communicating thoughts directly
From this reading To a thought-reader it would have been about as helpful as the face carved upon the handle of an umbrella; a comparison suggested, perhaps, by a certain resemblance to such an object.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Whether or not Mr. Jellicoe was surprised to see us, it is impossible to say.
totalverbUS /ˈtoʊtəl/
add up in number or quantity
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
tractsnounUS /trækts/
plural of “tract” — an extended area of land
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
umbrellanounUS /əmˈbrelə/
a lightweight handheld collapsible canopy
From this reading To a thought-reader it would have been about as helpful as the face carved upon the handle of an umbrella; a comparison suggested, perhaps, by a certain resemblance to such an object.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading To a thought-reader it would have been about as helpful as the face carved upon the handle of an umbrella; a comparison suggested, perhaps, by a certain resemblance to such an object.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Whether or not Mr. Jellicoe was surprised to see us, it is impossible to say.
past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
From this reading He advanced, holding open his notebook and pencil, and having saluted us with a stiff bow and an old-fashioned flourish of his hat, shook hands rheumatically and waited for us to speak.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Whether or not Mr. Jellicoe was surprised to see us, it is impossible to say.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading Whether or not Mr. Jellicoe was surprised to see us, it is impossible to say.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
in the company of; together with
From this reading His countenance (which served the ordinary purposes of a face, inasmuch as it contained the principal organs of special sense, with inlets to the alimentary and respiratory tracts) was, as an apparatus for the expression of the emotions, a total failure.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading To a thought-reader it would have been about as helpful as the face carved upon the handle of an umbrella; a comparison suggested, perhaps, by a certain resemblance to such an object.
