adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Look at the smooth face of this specimen and see if you can explain those fine lines which run across so close together as to look like the edges of the leaves of a book.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading It looks uninteresting enough at first sight, and yet if we examine it closely we shall find some questions to ask even about its appearance.
acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/
from one side of something to the other
From this reading Look at the smooth face of this specimen and see if you can explain those fine lines which run across so close together as to look like the edges of the leaves of a book.
againadverbUS /əˈɡen/
anew
From this reading Then again if you break the coal carefully along one of these lines you will find a fine film of charcoal lying in the crack, and you will begin to suspect that this black coal must have been built up in very thin layers, with a kind of black dust between them.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It looks uninteresting enough at first sight, and yet if we examine it closely we shall find some questions to ask even about its appearance.
appearancenounUS /əˈpɪrəns/
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading It looks uninteresting enough at first sight, and yet if we examine it closely we shall find some questions to ask even about its appearance.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The next thing you will call to mind is that this coal burns and gives flame and heat, and that this means that in some way sunbeams are imprisoned in it; lastly, this will lead you to think of plants, and how they work up the strength of the sunbeams into their leaves, and hide black carbon in even the purest and whitest substance they contain.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Look at the smooth face of this specimen and see if you can explain those fine lines which run across so close together as to look like the edges of the leaves of a book.
askverbUS /æsk/
make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading It looks uninteresting enough at first sight, and yet if we examine it closely we shall find some questions to ask even about its appearance.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It looks uninteresting enough at first sight, and yet if we examine it closely we shall find some questions to ask even about its appearance.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Then again if you break the coal carefully along one of these lines you will find a fine film of charcoal lying in the crack, and you will begin to suspect that this black coal must have been built up in very thin layers, with a kind of black dust between them.
beginverbUS /bɪˈɡɪn/
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Then again if you break the coal carefully along one of these lines you will find a fine film of charcoal lying in the crack, and you will begin to suspect that this black coal must have been built up in very thin layers, with a kind of black dust between them.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Then again if you break the coal carefully along one of these lines you will find a fine film of charcoal lying in the crack, and you will begin to suspect that this black coal must have been built up in very thin layers, with a kind of black dust between them.
blackadjectiveUS /blæk/
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading Then again if you break the coal carefully along one of these lines you will find a fine film of charcoal lying in the crack, and you will begin to suspect that this black coal must have been built up in very thin layers, with a kind of black dust between them.
blocknounUS /blɑːk/
a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
booknounUS /bʊk/
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading Look at the smooth face of this specimen and see if you can explain those fine lines which run across so close together as to look like the edges of the leaves of a book.
breakverbUS /breɪk/
terminate
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
builtadjectiveUS /bɪlt/
(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness
From this reading Then again if you break the coal carefully along one of these lines you will find a fine film of charcoal lying in the crack, and you will begin to suspect that this black coal must have been built up in very thin layers, with a kind of black dust between them.
burnsnounUS /bɜːrnz/
United States comedian and film actor (1896-1996)
From this reading The next thing you will call to mind is that this coal burns and gives flame and heat, and that this means that in some way sunbeams are imprisoned in it; lastly, this will lead you to think of plants, and how they work up the strength of the sunbeams into their leaves, and hide black carbon in even the purest and whitest substance they contain.
callverbUS /kɔːl/
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading The next thing you will call to mind is that this coal burns and gives flame and heat, and that this means that in some way sunbeams are imprisoned in it; lastly, this will lead you to think of plants, and how they work up the strength of the sunbeams into their leaves, and hide black carbon in even the purest and whitest substance they contain.
canmodal verbUS /kæn/
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading Look at the smooth face of this specimen and see if you can explain those fine lines which run across so close together as to look like the edges of the leaves of a book.
carbonnounUS /ˈkɑːrbən/
an abundant nonmetallic tetravalent element occurring in three allotropic forms: amorphous carbon and graphite and diamond; occurs in all organic compounds
From this reading The next thing you will call to mind is that this coal burns and gives flame and heat, and that this means that in some way sunbeams are imprisoned in it; lastly, this will lead you to think of plants, and how they work up the strength of the sunbeams into their leaves, and hide black carbon in even the purest and whitest substance they contain.
carefullyadverbUS /ˈkerfəli/
taking care or paying attention
From this reading Then again if you break the coal carefully along one of these lines you will find a fine film of charcoal lying in the crack, and you will begin to suspect that this black coal must have been built up in very thin layers, with a kind of black dust between them.
charcoalnounUS /ˈtʃɑːrkoʊl/
a carbonaceous material obtained by heating wood or other organic matter in the absence of air
From this reading Then again if you break the coal carefully along one of these lines you will find a fine film of charcoal lying in the crack, and you will begin to suspect that this black coal must have been built up in very thin layers, with a kind of black dust between them.
closeadjectiveUS /kloʊs/
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading Look at the smooth face of this specimen and see if you can explain those fine lines which run across so close together as to look like the edges of the leaves of a book.
closelyadverbUS /ˈkloʊsli/
in a close relation or position in time or space
From this reading It looks uninteresting enough at first sight, and yet if we examine it closely we shall find some questions to ask even about its appearance.
coalnounUS /koʊl/
fossil fuel consisting of carbonized vegetable matter deposited in the Carboniferous period
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
containverbUS /kənˈteɪn/
include or contain; have as a component
From this reading The next thing you will call to mind is that this coal burns and gives flame and heat, and that this means that in some way sunbeams are imprisoned in it; lastly, this will lead you to think of plants, and how they work up the strength of the sunbeams into their leaves, and hide black carbon in even the purest and whitest substance they contain.
crackverbUS /kræk/
become fractured; break or crack on the surface only
From this reading Then again if you break the coal carefully along one of these lines you will find a fine film of charcoal lying in the crack, and you will begin to suspect that this black coal must have been built up in very thin layers, with a kind of black dust between them.
cracksnounUS /kræks/
plural of “crack” — a long narrow opening
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
downwardsadverbUS /ˈdaʊnwərdz/
spatially or metaphorically from a higher to a lower level or position
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
dustverbUS /dʌst/
remove the dust from
From this reading Then again if you break the coal carefully along one of these lines you will find a fine film of charcoal lying in the crack, and you will begin to suspect that this black coal must have been built up in very thin layers, with a kind of black dust between them.
easilyadverbUS /ˈiːzəli/
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
edgesnounUS /ˈedʒəz/
plural of “edge” — the boundary of a surface
From this reading Look at the smooth face of this specimen and see if you can explain those fine lines which run across so close together as to look like the edges of the leaves of a book.
enoughnounUS /ɪˈnʌf/
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading It looks uninteresting enough at first sight, and yet if we examine it closely we shall find some questions to ask even about its appearance.
evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/
divisible by two
From this reading It looks uninteresting enough at first sight, and yet if we examine it closely we shall find some questions to ask even about its appearance.
examineverbUS /ɪɡˈzæmɪn/
consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning
From this reading It looks uninteresting enough at first sight, and yet if we examine it closely we shall find some questions to ask even about its appearance.
explainverbUS /ɪkˈspleɪn/
make plain and comprehensible
From this reading Look at the smooth face of this specimen and see if you can explain those fine lines which run across so close together as to look like the edges of the leaves of a book.
facenounUS /feɪs/
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Look at the smooth face of this specimen and see if you can explain those fine lines which run across so close together as to look like the edges of the leaves of a book.
filmnounUS /fɪlm/
a form of entertainment that enacts a story by sound and a sequence of images giving the illusion of continuous movement
From this reading Then again if you break the coal carefully along one of these lines you will find a fine film of charcoal lying in the crack, and you will begin to suspect that this black coal must have been built up in very thin layers, with a kind of black dust between them.
findverbUS /faɪnd/
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading It looks uninteresting enough at first sight, and yet if we examine it closely we shall find some questions to ask even about its appearance.
fineadjectiveUS /faɪn/
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading Look at the smooth face of this specimen and see if you can explain those fine lines which run across so close together as to look like the edges of the leaves of a book.
fireverbUS /ˈfaɪər/
start firing a weapon
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading It looks uninteresting enough at first sight, and yet if we examine it closely we shall find some questions to ask even about its appearance.
flamenounUS /fleɪm/
A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.
From this reading The next thing you will call to mind is that this coal burns and gives flame and heat, and that this means that in some way sunbeams are imprisoned in it; lastly, this will lead you to think of plants, and how they work up the strength of the sunbeams into their leaves, and hide black carbon in even the purest and whitest substance they contain.
forcenounUS /fɔːrs/
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
givesnounUS /ɡɪvz/
plural of “give” — the elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length
From this reading The next thing you will call to mind is that this coal burns and gives flame and heat, and that this means that in some way sunbeams are imprisoned in it; lastly, this will lead you to think of plants, and how they work up the strength of the sunbeams into their leaves, and hide black carbon in even the purest and whitest substance they contain.
graduallyadverbUS /ˈɡrædʒuːəli/
in a gradual manner
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Then again if you break the coal carefully along one of these lines you will find a fine film of charcoal lying in the crack, and you will begin to suspect that this black coal must have been built up in very thin layers, with a kind of black dust between them.
heatnounUS /hiːt/
a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
hideverbUS /haɪd/
prevent from being seen or discovered
From this reading The next thing you will call to mind is that this coal burns and gives flame and heat, and that this means that in some way sunbeams are imprisoned in it; lastly, this will lead you to think of plants, and how they work up the strength of the sunbeams into their leaves, and hide black carbon in even the purest and whitest substance they contain.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next thing you will call to mind is that this coal burns and gives flame and heat, and that this means that in some way sunbeams are imprisoned in it; lastly, this will lead you to think of plants, and how they work up the strength of the sunbeams into their leaves, and hide black carbon in even the purest and whitest substance they contain.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading It looks uninteresting enough at first sight, and yet if we examine it closely we shall find some questions to ask even about its appearance.
imprisonedadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈprɪzənd/
being in captivity
From this reading The next thing you will call to mind is that this coal burns and gives flame and heat, and that this means that in some way sunbeams are imprisoned in it; lastly, this will lead you to think of plants, and how they work up the strength of the sunbeams into their leaves, and hide black carbon in even the purest and whitest substance they contain.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Then again if you break the coal carefully along one of these lines you will find a fine film of charcoal lying in the crack, and you will begin to suspect that this black coal must have been built up in very thin layers, with a kind of black dust between them.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The next thing you will call to mind is that this coal burns and gives flame and heat, and that this means that in some way sunbeams are imprisoned in it; lastly, this will lead you to think of plants, and how they work up the strength of the sunbeams into their leaves, and hide black carbon in even the purest and whitest substance they contain.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The next thing you will call to mind is that this coal burns and gives flame and heat, and that this means that in some way sunbeams are imprisoned in it; lastly, this will lead you to think of plants, and how they work up the strength of the sunbeams into their leaves, and hide black carbon in even the purest and whitest substance they contain.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It looks uninteresting enough at first sight, and yet if we examine it closely we shall find some questions to ask even about its appearance.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading It looks uninteresting enough at first sight, and yet if we examine it closely we shall find some questions to ask even about its appearance.
kindadjectiveUS /kaɪnd/
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading Then again if you break the coal carefully along one of these lines you will find a fine film of charcoal lying in the crack, and you will begin to suspect that this black coal must have been built up in very thin layers, with a kind of black dust between them.
lastlyadverbUS /ˈlæstli/
the item at the end
From this reading The next thing you will call to mind is that this coal burns and gives flame and heat, and that this means that in some way sunbeams are imprisoned in it; lastly, this will lead you to think of plants, and how they work up the strength of the sunbeams into their leaves, and hide black carbon in even the purest and whitest substance they contain.
layersnounUS /ˈleɪərz/
plural of “layer” — single thickness of usually some homogeneous substance
From this reading Then again if you break the coal carefully along one of these lines you will find a fine film of charcoal lying in the crack, and you will begin to suspect that this black coal must have been built up in very thin layers, with a kind of black dust between them.
leadverbUS /led/
take somebody somewhere
From this reading The next thing you will call to mind is that this coal burns and gives flame and heat, and that this means that in some way sunbeams are imprisoned in it; lastly, this will lead you to think of plants, and how they work up the strength of the sunbeams into their leaves, and hide black carbon in even the purest and whitest substance they contain.
leavesnounUS /liːvz/
plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants
From this reading Look at the smooth face of this specimen and see if you can explain those fine lines which run across so close together as to look like the edges of the leaves of a book.
lightadjectiveUS /laɪt/
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
likeverbUS /laɪk/
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Look at the smooth face of this specimen and see if you can explain those fine lines which run across so close together as to look like the edges of the leaves of a book.
linedadjectiveUS /laɪnd/
bordered by a line of things
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
linesnounUS /laɪnz/
plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading Look at the smooth face of this specimen and see if you can explain those fine lines which run across so close together as to look like the edges of the leaves of a book.
LookverbUS /lʊk/
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Look at the smooth face of this specimen and see if you can explain those fine lines which run across so close together as to look like the edges of the leaves of a book.
looksnounUS /lʊks/
plural of “look” — the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading It looks uninteresting enough at first sight, and yet if we examine it closely we shall find some questions to ask even about its appearance.
lumpnounUS /lʌmp/
a compact mass
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
lyingnounUS /ˈlaɪɪŋ/
the deliberate act of deviating from the truth
From this reading Then again if you break the coal carefully along one of these lines you will find a fine film of charcoal lying in the crack, and you will begin to suspect that this black coal must have been built up in very thin layers, with a kind of black dust between them.
meansnounUS /miːnz/
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading The next thing you will call to mind is that this coal burns and gives flame and heat, and that this means that in some way sunbeams are imprisoned in it; lastly, this will lead you to think of plants, and how they work up the strength of the sunbeams into their leaves, and hide black carbon in even the purest and whitest substance they contain.
mindnounUS /maɪnd/
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading The next thing you will call to mind is that this coal burns and gives flame and heat, and that this means that in some way sunbeams are imprisoned in it; lastly, this will lead you to think of plants, and how they work up the strength of the sunbeams into their leaves, and hide black carbon in even the purest and whitest substance they contain.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Then again if you break the coal carefully along one of these lines you will find a fine film of charcoal lying in the crack, and you will begin to suspect that this black coal must have been built up in very thin layers, with a kind of black dust between them.
nextadjectiveUS /nekst/
immediately following in time or order
From this reading The next thing you will call to mind is that this coal burns and gives flame and heat, and that this means that in some way sunbeams are imprisoned in it; lastly, this will lead you to think of plants, and how they work up the strength of the sunbeams into their leaves, and hide black carbon in even the purest and whitest substance they contain.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Look at the smooth face of this specimen and see if you can explain those fine lines which run across so close together as to look like the edges of the leaves of a book.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Then again if you break the coal carefully along one of these lines you will find a fine film of charcoal lying in the crack, and you will begin to suspect that this black coal must have been built up in very thin layers, with a kind of black dust between them.
otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
piecenounUS /piːs/
a separate part of a whole
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
plantsnounUS /plænts/
plural of “plant” — buildings for carrying on industrial labor
From this reading The next thing you will call to mind is that this coal burns and gives flame and heat, and that this means that in some way sunbeams are imprisoned in it; lastly, this will lead you to think of plants, and how they work up the strength of the sunbeams into their leaves, and hide black carbon in even the purest and whitest substance they contain.
purestadjectiveUS /ˈpjʊrəst/
superlative of “pure” — free of extraneous elements of any kind
From this reading The next thing you will call to mind is that this coal burns and gives flame and heat, and that this means that in some way sunbeams are imprisoned in it; lastly, this will lead you to think of plants, and how they work up the strength of the sunbeams into their leaves, and hide black carbon in even the purest and whitest substance they contain.
putverbUS /pʊt/
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
questionsnounUS /ˈkwestʃənz/
plural of “question” — an instance of questioning
From this reading It looks uninteresting enough at first sight, and yet if we examine it closely we shall find some questions to ask even about its appearance.
quicklyadverbUS /ˈkwɪkli/
with speed
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
runverbUS /rʌn/
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading Look at the smooth face of this specimen and see if you can explain those fine lines which run across so close together as to look like the edges of the leaves of a book.
seeverbUS /siː/
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Look at the smooth face of this specimen and see if you can explain those fine lines which run across so close together as to look like the edges of the leaves of a book.
shallmodal verbUS /ʃæl/
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading It looks uninteresting enough at first sight, and yet if we examine it closely we shall find some questions to ask even about its appearance.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
sightnounUS /saɪt/
an instance of visual perception
From this reading It looks uninteresting enough at first sight, and yet if we examine it closely we shall find some questions to ask even about its appearance.
smoothadjectiveUS /smuːð/
having a surface free from roughness or bumps or ridges or irregularities
From this reading Look at the smooth face of this specimen and see if you can explain those fine lines which run across so close together as to look like the edges of the leaves of a book.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Look at the smooth face of this specimen and see if you can explain those fine lines which run across so close together as to look like the edges of the leaves of a book.
someadjectiveUS /sʌm/
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading It looks uninteresting enough at first sight, and yet if we examine it closely we shall find some questions to ask even about its appearance.
specimennounUS /ˈspesəmən/
an example regarded as typical of its class
From this reading Look at the smooth face of this specimen and see if you can explain those fine lines which run across so close together as to look like the edges of the leaves of a book.
splitverbUS /splɪt/
separate into parts or portions
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
strengthnounUS /streŋkθ/
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading The next thing you will call to mind is that this coal burns and gives flame and heat, and that this means that in some way sunbeams are imprisoned in it; lastly, this will lead you to think of plants, and how they work up the strength of the sunbeams into their leaves, and hide black carbon in even the purest and whitest substance they contain.
substancenounUS /ˈsʌbstəns/
the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists
From this reading The next thing you will call to mind is that this coal burns and gives flame and heat, and that this means that in some way sunbeams are imprisoned in it; lastly, this will lead you to think of plants, and how they work up the strength of the sunbeams into their leaves, and hide black carbon in even the purest and whitest substance they contain.
sunbeams
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next thing you will call to mind is that this coal burns and gives flame and heat, and that this means that in some way sunbeams are imprisoned in it; lastly, this will lead you to think of plants, and how they work up the strength of the sunbeams into their leaves, and hide black carbon in even the purest and whitest substance they contain.
suspectverbUS /səˈspekt/
imagine to be the case or true or probable
From this reading Then again if you break the coal carefully along one of these lines you will find a fine film of charcoal lying in the crack, and you will begin to suspect that this black coal must have been built up in very thin layers, with a kind of black dust between them.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Look at the smooth face of this specimen and see if you can explain those fine lines which run across so close together as to look like the edges of the leaves of a book.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The next thing you will call to mind is that this coal burns and gives flame and heat, and that this means that in some way sunbeams are imprisoned in it; lastly, this will lead you to think of plants, and how they work up the strength of the sunbeams into their leaves, and hide black carbon in even the purest and whitest substance they contain.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Then again if you break the coal carefully along one of these lines you will find a fine film of charcoal lying in the crack, and you will begin to suspect that this black coal must have been built up in very thin layers, with a kind of black dust between them.
ThenadverbUS /ðen/
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Then again if you break the coal carefully along one of these lines you will find a fine film of charcoal lying in the crack, and you will begin to suspect that this black coal must have been built up in very thin layers, with a kind of black dust between them.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The next thing you will call to mind is that this coal burns and gives flame and heat, and that this means that in some way sunbeams are imprisoned in it; lastly, this will lead you to think of plants, and how they work up the strength of the sunbeams into their leaves, and hide black carbon in even the purest and whitest substance they contain.
thinadjectiveUS /θɪn/
Having little thickness or extent.
From this reading Then again if you break the coal carefully along one of these lines you will find a fine film of charcoal lying in the crack, and you will begin to suspect that this black coal must have been built up in very thin layers, with a kind of black dust between them.
thingnounUS /θɪŋ/
a special situation
From this reading The next thing you will call to mind is that this coal burns and gives flame and heat, and that this means that in some way sunbeams are imprisoned in it; lastly, this will lead you to think of plants, and how they work up the strength of the sunbeams into their leaves, and hide black carbon in even the purest and whitest substance they contain.
thinkverbUS /θɪŋk/
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading The next thing you will call to mind is that this coal burns and gives flame and heat, and that this means that in some way sunbeams are imprisoned in it; lastly, this will lead you to think of plants, and how they work up the strength of the sunbeams into their leaves, and hide black carbon in even the purest and whitest substance they contain.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Look at the smooth face of this specimen and see if you can explain those fine lines which run across so close together as to look like the edges of the leaves of a book.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Look at the smooth face of this specimen and see if you can explain those fine lines which run across so close together as to look like the edges of the leaves of a book.
throughprepositionUS /θruː/
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It looks uninteresting enough at first sight, and yet if we examine it closely we shall find some questions to ask even about its appearance.
togetheradverbUS /təˈɡeðər/
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading Look at the smooth face of this specimen and see if you can explain those fine lines which run across so close together as to look like the edges of the leaves of a book.
TryverbUS /traɪ/
make an effort or attempt
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
uninterestingadjectiveUS /əˈnɪntrəstɪŋ/
arousing no interest or attention or curiosity or excitement
From this reading It looks uninteresting enough at first sight, and yet if we examine it closely we shall find some questions to ask even about its appearance.
upadjectiveUS /ʌp/
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/
precisely as stated
From this reading Then again if you break the coal carefully along one of these lines you will find a fine film of charcoal lying in the crack, and you will begin to suspect that this black coal must have been built up in very thin layers, with a kind of black dust between them.
waynounUS /weɪ/
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading It looks uninteresting enough at first sight, and yet if we examine it closely we shall find some questions to ask even about its appearance.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Look at the smooth face of this specimen and see if you can explain those fine lines which run across so close together as to look like the edges of the leaves of a book.
whitestadjectiveUS /ˈwaɪtɪst/
superlative of “white” — being of the achromatic color of maximum lightness; having little or no hue owing to reflection of almost all incident light
From this reading The next thing you will call to mind is that this coal burns and gives flame and heat, and that this means that in some way sunbeams are imprisoned in it; lastly, this will lead you to think of plants, and how they work up the strength of the sunbeams into their leaves, and hide black carbon in even the purest and whitest substance they contain.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
wishverbUS /wɪʃ/
hope for; have a wish
From this reading Try to break a piece of coal, and you will find that it will split much more easily along those lines than across the other way of the lump; and if you wish to light a fire quickly you should always put this lined face downwards so that the heat can force its way up through these cracks and gradually split up the block.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Then again if you break the coal carefully along one of these lines you will find a fine film of charcoal lying in the crack, and you will begin to suspect that this black coal must have been built up in very thin layers, with a kind of black dust between them.
workverbUS /wɜːrk/
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading The next thing you will call to mind is that this coal burns and gives flame and heat, and that this means that in some way sunbeams are imprisoned in it; lastly, this will lead you to think of plants, and how they work up the strength of the sunbeams into their leaves, and hide black carbon in even the purest and whitest substance they contain.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading It looks uninteresting enough at first sight, and yet if we examine it closely we shall find some questions to ask even about its appearance.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Look at the smooth face of this specimen and see if you can explain those fine lines which run across so close together as to look like the edges of the leaves of a book.
