Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading "None other!" said the Alsatian, facing about, and showing a cheery countenance.

a native or inhabitant of Alsace

From this reading "None other!" said the Alsatian, facing about, and showing a cheery countenance.

the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising

From this reading He sat up in amazement and looked at the man who, not turning around, went on placidly with his work of preparing breakfast.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading He sat up in amazement and looked at the man who, not turning around, went on placidly with his work of preparing breakfast.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

inflected form of “awake” — stop sleeping

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

movement that causes the formation of a curve

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

the application of heat to change something from a liquid to a gas

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

eat an early morning meal

From this reading He sat up in amazement and looked at the man who, not turning around, went on placidly with his work of preparing breakfast.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

the act of burning something

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But he recognized the figure.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

a large artillery gun that is usually on wheels

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading "None other!" said the Alsatian, facing about, and showing a cheery countenance.

plural of “coal” — fossil fuel consisting of carbonized vegetable matter deposited in the Carboniferous period

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

a beverage consisting of an infusion of ground coffee beans

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

the appearance conveyed by a person's face

From this reading "None other!" said the Alsatian, facing about, and showing a cheery countenance.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy

From this reading "Weber!" he exclaimed.

a lining applied to the edge of a garment for ornamentation or strengthening

From this reading "None other!" said the Alsatian, facing about, and showing a cheery countenance.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading But he recognized the figure.

start firing a weapon

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He sat up in amazement and looked at the man who, not turning around, went on placidly with his work of preparing breakfast.

an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading He sat up in amazement and looked at the man who, not turning around, went on placidly with his work of preparing breakfast.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

talk indistinctly; usually in a low voice

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

not one, and not any

From this reading "None other!" said the Alsatian, facing about, and showing a cheery countenance.

plural of “nostril” — either one of the two external openings to the nasal cavity in the nose

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He sat up in amazement and looked at the man who, not turning around, went on placidly with his work of preparing breakfast.

any property detected by the olfactory system

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

being directly across from each other; facing

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading "None other!" said the Alsatian, facing about, and showing a cheery countenance.

above and across; more than

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

in a quiet and tranquil manner

From this reading He sat up in amazement and looked at the man who, not turning around, went on placidly with his work of preparing breakfast.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

-ing form of “prepare” — make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc

From this reading He sat up in amazement and looked at the man who, not turning around, went on placidly with his work of preparing breakfast.

not clear to the understanding

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading But he recognized the figure.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "None other!" said the Alsatian, facing about, and showing a cheery countenance.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading He sat up in amazement and looked at the man who, not turning around, went on placidly with his work of preparing breakfast.

marked by exceptional merit

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

the display of a motion picture

From this reading "None other!" said the Alsatian, facing about, and showing a cheery countenance.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course

From this reading He sat up in amazement and looked at the man who, not turning around, went on placidly with his work of preparing breakfast.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading He sat up in amazement and looked at the man who, not turning around, went on placidly with his work of preparing breakfast.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

a unit of magnetic flux equal to 100,000,000 maxwells

From this reading "Weber!" he exclaimed.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading He sat up in amazement and looked at the man who, not turning around, went on placidly with his work of preparing breakfast.

at the time that

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

which person or people

From this reading He sat up in amazement and looked at the man who, not turning around, went on placidly with his work of preparing breakfast.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE PUZZLING SIGNAL When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing with it the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearth on the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, and the pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading He sat up in amazement and looked at the man who, not turning around, went on placidly with his work of preparing breakfast.