Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading And mass hysteria is by no means a product of the present century.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

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

From this reading And mass hysteria is by no means a product of the present century.

plural of “answer” — a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading But--what if these human foibles were deliberately being exploited?_ Dr. Clayton's face was impassive as a marble mask when he turned to young Corelli.

manner of acting or controlling yourself

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading But--what if these human foibles were deliberately being exploited?_ Dr. Clayton's face was impassive as a marble mask when he turned to young Corelli.

plural of “body” — the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But--what if these human foibles were deliberately being exploited?_ Dr. Clayton's face was impassive as a marble mask when he turned to young Corelli.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading And mass hysteria is by no means a product of the present century.

a period of 100 years

From this reading And mass hysteria is by no means a product of the present century.

a room in a school where lessons take place

From this reading For a moment, the little group stood there in embarrassed silence in the classroom, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other, feigning interest in the paperweights upon Clayton's desk, or in the utterly uninspiring scenes on the sidewalk outside the window.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading But--what if these human foibles were deliberately being exploited?_ Dr. Clayton's face was impassive as a marble mask when he turned to young Corelli.

be similar, be in line with

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

Italian violinist and composer of violin concertos (1653-1713)

From this reading But--what if these human foibles were deliberately being exploited?_ Dr. Clayton's face was impassive as a marble mask when he turned to young Corelli.

with intention; in an intentional manner

From this reading But--what if these human foibles were deliberately being exploited?_ Dr. Clayton's face was impassive as a marble mask when he turned to young Corelli.

a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments

From this reading For a moment, the little group stood there in embarrassed silence in the classroom, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other, feigning interest in the paperweights upon Clayton's desk, or in the utterly uninspiring scenes on the sidewalk outside the window.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading But--what if these human foibles were deliberately being exploited?_ Dr. Clayton's face was impassive as a marble mask when he turned to young Corelli.

feeling or caused to feel ill at ease or self-conscious or ashamed

From this reading For a moment, the little group stood there in embarrassed silence in the classroom, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other, feigning interest in the paperweights upon Clayton's desk, or in the utterly uninspiring scenes on the sidewalk outside the window.

a trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group; occurs with yttrium

From this reading "You say, Corelli, that you saw three--er, Martian--ships.

avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

developed or used to greatest advantage

From this reading But--what if these human foibles were deliberately being exploited?_ Dr. Clayton's face was impassive as a marble mask when he turned to young Corelli.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading But--what if these human foibles were deliberately being exploited?_ Dr. Clayton's face was impassive as a marble mask when he turned to young Corelli.

decreasing in amount or degree

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

pretending with intention to deceive

From this reading For a moment, the little group stood there in embarrassed silence in the classroom, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other, feigning interest in the paperweights upon Clayton's desk, or in the utterly uninspiring scenes on the sidewalk outside the window.

moving swiftly

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

plural of “foible” — a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual

From this reading But--what if these human foibles were deliberately being exploited?_ Dr. Clayton's face was impassive as a marble mask when he turned to young Corelli.

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading For a moment, the little group stood there in embarrassed silence in the classroom, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other, feigning interest in the paperweights upon Clayton's desk, or in the utterly uninspiring scenes on the sidewalk outside the window.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For a moment, the little group stood there in embarrassed silence in the classroom, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other, feigning interest in the paperweights upon Clayton's desk, or in the utterly uninspiring scenes on the sidewalk outside the window.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading For a moment, the little group stood there in embarrassed silence in the classroom, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other, feigning interest in the paperweights upon Clayton's desk, or in the utterly uninspiring scenes on the sidewalk outside the window.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

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

From this reading But--what if these human foibles were deliberately being exploited?_ Dr. Clayton's face was impassive as a marble mask when he turned to young Corelli.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading But--what if these human foibles were deliberately being exploited?_ Dr. Clayton's face was impassive as a marble mask when he turned to young Corelli.

state of violent mental agitation

From this reading And mass hysteria is by no means a product of the present century.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading But--what if these human foibles were deliberately being exploited?_ Dr. Clayton's face was impassive as a marble mask when he turned to young Corelli.

having or revealing little emotion or sensibility; not easily aroused or excited

From this reading But--what if these human foibles were deliberately being exploited?_ Dr. Clayton's face was impassive as a marble mask when he turned to young Corelli.

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

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading For a moment, the little group stood there in embarrassed silence in the classroom, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other, feigning interest in the paperweights upon Clayton's desk, or in the utterly uninspiring scenes on the sidewalk outside the window.

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

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

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

From this reading For a moment, the little group stood there in embarrassed silence in the classroom, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other, feigning interest in the paperweights upon Clayton's desk, or in the utterly uninspiring scenes on the sidewalk outside the window.

be successful; achieve a goal

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

a hard crystalline metamorphic rock that takes a high polish; used for sculpture and as building material

From this reading But--what if these human foibles were deliberately being exploited?_ Dr. Clayton's face was impassive as a marble mask when he turned to young Corelli.

imaginary people who live on the planet Mars

From this reading "You say, Corelli, that you saw three--er, Martian--ships.

hide under a false appearance

From this reading But--what if these human foibles were deliberately being exploited?_ Dr. Clayton's face was impassive as a marble mask when he turned to young Corelli.

the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field

From this reading And mass hysteria is by no means a product of the present century.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading And mass hysteria is by no means a product of the present century.

a particular point in time

From this reading For a moment, the little group stood there in embarrassed silence in the classroom, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other, feigning interest in the paperweights upon Clayton's desk, or in the utterly uninspiring scenes on the sidewalk outside the window.

not any; not one

From this reading And mass hysteria is by no means a product of the present century.

plural of “observer” — a person who becomes aware (of things or events) through the senses

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading For a moment, the little group stood there in embarrassed silence in the classroom, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other, feigning interest in the paperweights upon Clayton's desk, or in the utterly uninspiring scenes on the sidewalk outside the window.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading For a moment, the little group stood there in embarrassed silence in the classroom, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other, feigning interest in the paperweights upon Clayton's desk, or in the utterly uninspiring scenes on the sidewalk outside the window.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading For a moment, the little group stood there in embarrassed silence in the classroom, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other, feigning interest in the paperweights upon Clayton's desk, or in the utterly uninspiring scenes on the sidewalk outside the window.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading For a moment, the little group stood there in embarrassed silence in the classroom, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other, feigning interest in the paperweights upon Clayton's desk, or in the utterly uninspiring scenes on the sidewalk outside the window.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For a moment, the little group stood there in embarrassed silence in the classroom, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other, feigning interest in the paperweights upon Clayton's desk, or in the utterly uninspiring scenes on the sidewalk outside the window.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading And mass hysteria is by no means a product of the present century.

commodities offered for sale

From this reading And mass hysteria is by no means a product of the present century.

the branch of psychology concerned with abnormal behavior

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

plural of “quantity” — how much there is or how many there are of something that you can quantify

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

cut with a saw

From this reading "You say, Corelli, that you saw three--er, Martian--ships.

express in words

From this reading "You say, Corelli, that you saw three--er, Martian--ships.

plural of “scene” — the place where some action occurs

From this reading For a moment, the little group stood there in embarrassed silence in the classroom, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other, feigning interest in the paperweights upon Clayton's desk, or in the utterly uninspiring scenes on the sidewalk outside the window.

of or relating to the practice of science

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

continuously varying

From this reading For a moment, the little group stood there in embarrassed silence in the classroom, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other, feigning interest in the paperweights upon Clayton's desk, or in the utterly uninspiring scenes on the sidewalk outside the window.

plural of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight

From this reading "You say, Corelli, that you saw three--er, Martian--ships.

walk consisting of a paved area for pedestrians; usually beside a street or roadway

From this reading For a moment, the little group stood there in embarrassed silence in the classroom, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other, feigning interest in the paperweights upon Clayton's desk, or in the utterly uninspiring scenes on the sidewalk outside the window.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading For a moment, the little group stood there in embarrassed silence in the classroom, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other, feigning interest in the paperweights upon Clayton's desk, or in the utterly uninspiring scenes on the sidewalk outside the window.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading For a moment, the little group stood there in embarrassed silence in the classroom, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other, feigning interest in the paperweights upon Clayton's desk, or in the utterly uninspiring scenes on the sidewalk outside the window.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "You say, Corelli, that you saw three--er, Martian--ships.

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

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

in or at that place or location

From this reading For a moment, the little group stood there in embarrassed silence in the classroom, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other, feigning interest in the paperweights upon Clayton's desk, or in the utterly uninspiring scenes on the sidewalk outside the window.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading But--what if these human foibles were deliberately being exploited?_ Dr. Clayton's face was impassive as a marble mask when he turned to young Corelli.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading "You say, Corelli, that you saw three--er, Martian--ships.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

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

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

shaped or conditioned or disciplined by training; often used as a combining form

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading But--what if these human foibles were deliberately being exploited?_ Dr. Clayton's face was impassive as a marble mask when he turned to young Corelli.

with anxiety or apprehension

From this reading For a moment, the little group stood there in embarrassed silence in the classroom, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other, feigning interest in the paperweights upon Clayton's desk, or in the utterly uninspiring scenes on the sidewalk outside the window.

depressing to the spirit

From this reading For a moment, the little group stood there in embarrassed silence in the classroom, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other, feigning interest in the paperweights upon Clayton's desk, or in the utterly uninspiring scenes on the sidewalk outside the window.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading For a moment, the little group stood there in embarrassed silence in the classroom, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other, feigning interest in the paperweights upon Clayton's desk, or in the utterly uninspiring scenes on the sidewalk outside the window.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading For a moment, the little group stood there in embarrassed silence in the classroom, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other, feigning interest in the paperweights upon Clayton's desk, or in the utterly uninspiring scenes on the sidewalk outside the window.

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

From this reading But--what if these human foibles were deliberately being exploited?_ Dr. Clayton's face was impassive as a marble mask when he turned to young Corelli.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading But--what if these human foibles were deliberately being exploited?_ Dr. Clayton's face was impassive as a marble mask when he turned to young Corelli.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

at the time that

From this reading But--what if these human foibles were deliberately being exploited?_ Dr. Clayton's face was impassive as a marble mask when he turned to young Corelli.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading _Psychopathology has offered possible answers to why, from time to time, people in large quantities "see" strange things in the sky which manage to evade trained scientific observers, or conform to what is known about the behavior of falling or flying bodies.

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 For a moment, the little group stood there in embarrassed silence in the classroom, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other, feigning interest in the paperweights upon Clayton's desk, or in the utterly uninspiring scenes on the sidewalk outside the window.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "You say, Corelli, that you saw three--er, Martian--ships.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading But--what if these human foibles were deliberately being exploited?_ Dr. Clayton's face was impassive as a marble mask when he turned to young Corelli.