used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Though they were all three taking engineering courses in college, no one of them knew enough about mineralogy as a science to do any practical prospecting for metals without a text-book.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading Besides, there were the Government maps; lacking them, they could never locate a claim, so as to be able to tell where it was situated, even if they should be lucky enough to find one.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading IN WHICH DICK DROPS OUT Consternation was about the only word that fitted when Purdick had told the tale of the lost book.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading Though they were all three taking engineering courses in college, no one of them knew enough about mineralogy as a science to do any practical prospecting for metals without a text-book.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Though they were all three taking engineering courses in college, no one of them knew enough about mineralogy as a science to do any practical prospecting for metals without a text-book.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Though they were all three taking engineering courses in college, no one of them knew enough about mineralogy as a science to do any practical prospecting for metals without a text-book.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At the moment, none of them thought much of the loss of James Brock’s little sketch map of the Golden Spider.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Besides, there were the Government maps; lacking them, they could never locate a claim, so as to be able to tell where it was situated, even if they should be lucky enough to find one.
in addition to; as well as
From this reading Besides, there were the Government maps; lacking them, they could never locate a claim, so as to be able to tell where it was situated, even if they should be lucky enough to find one.
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading IN WHICH DICK DROPS OUT Consternation was about the only word that fitted when Purdick had told the tale of the lost book.
Brock's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the moment, none of them thought much of the loss of James Brock’s little sketch map of the Golden Spider.
an assertion of a right (as to money or property)
From this reading Besides, there were the Government maps; lacking them, they could never locate a claim, so as to be able to tell where it was situated, even if they should be lucky enough to find one.
the body of faculty and students of a college
From this reading Though they were all three taking engineering courses in college, no one of them knew enough about mineralogy as a science to do any practical prospecting for metals without a text-book.
ConsternationnounUS /ˌkɑːnstərˈneɪʃən/
fear resulting from the awareness of danger
From this reading IN WHICH DICK DROPS OUT Consternation was about the only word that fitted when Purdick had told the tale of the lost book.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Besides, there were the Government maps; lacking them, they could never locate a claim, so as to be able to tell where it was situated, even if they should be lucky enough to find one.
coursesnounUS /ˈkɔːrsəz/
plural of “course” — education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading Though they were all three taking engineering courses in college, no one of them knew enough about mineralogy as a science to do any practical prospecting for metals without a text-book.
someone who is a detective
From this reading IN WHICH DICK DROPS OUT Consternation was about the only word that fitted when Purdick had told the tale of the lost book.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Though they were all three taking engineering courses in college, no one of them knew enough about mineralogy as a science to do any practical prospecting for metals without a text-book.
DROPSnounUS /drɑːps/
plural of “drop” — a shape that is spherical and small
From this reading IN WHICH DICK DROPS OUT Consternation was about the only word that fitted when Purdick had told the tale of the lost book.
engineeringnounUS /ˈendʒəˈnɪrɪŋ/
the practical application of technical and scientific knowledge to commerce or industry
From this reading Though they were all three taking engineering courses in college, no one of them knew enough about mineralogy as a science to do any practical prospecting for metals without a text-book.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading Though they were all three taking engineering courses in college, no one of them knew enough about mineralogy as a science to do any practical prospecting for metals without a text-book.
divisible by two
From this reading Besides, there were the Government maps; lacking them, they could never locate a claim, so as to be able to tell where it was situated, even if they should be lucky enough to find one.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading Besides, there were the Government maps; lacking them, they could never locate a claim, so as to be able to tell where it was situated, even if they should be lucky enough to find one.
fittedadjectiveUS /ˈfɪtəd/
being the right size and shape to fit as desired
From this reading IN WHICH DICK DROPS OUT Consternation was about the only word that fitted when Purdick had told the tale of the lost book.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Though they were all three taking engineering courses in college, no one of them knew enough about mineralogy as a science to do any practical prospecting for metals without a text-book.
having the deep slightly brownish color of gold
From this reading At the moment, none of them thought much of the loss of James Brock’s little sketch map of the Golden Spider.
the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit
From this reading Besides, there were the Government maps; lacking them, they could never locate a claim, so as to be able to tell where it was situated, even if they should be lucky enough to find one.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading IN WHICH DICK DROPS OUT Consternation was about the only word that fitted when Purdick had told the tale of the lost book.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading What he had said was perfectly true.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Besides, there were the Government maps; lacking them, they could never locate a claim, so as to be able to tell where it was situated, even if they should be lucky enough to find one.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN WHICH DICK DROPS OUT Consternation was about the only word that fitted when Purdick had told the tale of the lost book.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Besides, there were the Government maps; lacking them, they could never locate a claim, so as to be able to tell where it was situated, even if they should be lucky enough to find one.
a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)
From this reading At the moment, none of them thought much of the loss of James Brock’s little sketch map of the Golden Spider.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Though they were all three taking engineering courses in college, no one of them knew enough about mineralogy as a science to do any practical prospecting for metals without a text-book.
lackingadjectiveUS /ˈlækɪŋ/
inadequate in amount or degree
From this reading Besides, there were the Government maps; lacking them, they could never locate a claim, so as to be able to tell where it was situated, even if they should be lucky enough to find one.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading At the moment, none of them thought much of the loss of James Brock’s little sketch map of the Golden Spider.
locateverbUS /ˈloʊkeɪt/
discover the location of; determine the place of; find by searching or examining
From this reading Besides, there were the Government maps; lacking them, they could never locate a claim, so as to be able to tell where it was situated, even if they should be lucky enough to find one.
something that is lost
From this reading At the moment, none of them thought much of the loss of James Brock’s little sketch map of the Golden Spider.
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading IN WHICH DICK DROPS OUT Consternation was about the only word that fitted when Purdick had told the tale of the lost book.
occurring by chance
From this reading Besides, there were the Government maps; lacking them, they could never locate a claim, so as to be able to tell where it was situated, even if they should be lucky enough to find one.
mapverbUS /mæp/
make a map of; show or establish the features of details of
From this reading At the moment, none of them thought much of the loss of James Brock’s little sketch map of the Golden Spider.
mapsnounUS /mæps/
plural of “map” — a diagrammatic representation of the earth's surface (or part of it)
From this reading Besides, there were the Government maps; lacking them, they could never locate a claim, so as to be able to tell where it was situated, even if they should be lucky enough to find one.
metalsnounUS /ˈmetəlz/
plural of “metal” — any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc.
From this reading Though they were all three taking engineering courses in college, no one of them knew enough about mineralogy as a science to do any practical prospecting for metals without a text-book.
mineralogynounUS /ˌmɪnərˈɑːlədʒi/
the branch of geology that studies minerals: their structure and properties and the ways of distinguishing them
From this reading Though they were all three taking engineering courses in college, no one of them knew enough about mineralogy as a science to do any practical prospecting for metals without a text-book.
a particular point in time
From this reading At the moment, none of them thought much of the loss of James Brock’s little sketch map of the Golden Spider.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading At the moment, none of them thought much of the loss of James Brock’s little sketch map of the Golden Spider.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Besides, there were the Government maps; lacking them, they could never locate a claim, so as to be able to tell where it was situated, even if they should be lucky enough to find one.
not any; not one
From this reading Though they were all three taking engineering courses in college, no one of them knew enough about mineralogy as a science to do any practical prospecting for metals without a text-book.
not one, and not any
From this reading At the moment, none of them thought much of the loss of James Brock’s little sketch map of the Golden Spider.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading IN WHICH DICK DROPS OUT Consternation was about the only word that fitted when Purdick had told the tale of the lost book.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Though they were all three taking engineering courses in college, no one of them knew enough about mineralogy as a science to do any practical prospecting for metals without a text-book.
and nothing more
From this reading IN WHICH DICK DROPS OUT Consternation was about the only word that fitted when Purdick had told the tale of the lost book.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading IN WHICH DICK DROPS OUT Consternation was about the only word that fitted when Purdick had told the tale of the lost book.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading What he had said was perfectly true.
concerned with actual use or practice
From this reading Though they were all three taking engineering courses in college, no one of them knew enough about mineralogy as a science to do any practical prospecting for metals without a text-book.
prospectingverbUS /ˌprɔːˈspektɪŋ/
-ing form of “prospect” — search for something desirable
From this reading Though they were all three taking engineering courses in college, no one of them knew enough about mineralogy as a science to do any practical prospecting for metals without a text-book.
Purdick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH DICK DROPS OUT Consternation was about the only word that fitted when Purdick had told the tale of the lost book.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading What he had said was perfectly true.
a particular branch of scientific knowledge
From this reading Though they were all three taking engineering courses in college, no one of them knew enough about mineralogy as a science to do any practical prospecting for metals without a text-book.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Besides, there were the Government maps; lacking them, they could never locate a claim, so as to be able to tell where it was situated, even if they should be lucky enough to find one.
situatedadjectiveUS /ˈsɪtʃuːeɪtɪd/
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading Besides, there were the Government maps; lacking them, they could never locate a claim, so as to be able to tell where it was situated, even if they should be lucky enough to find one.
sketchnounUS /sketʃ/
preliminary drawing for later elaboration
From this reading At the moment, none of them thought much of the loss of James Brock’s little sketch map of the Golden Spider.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Besides, there were the Government maps; lacking them, they could never locate a claim, so as to be able to tell where it was situated, even if they should be lucky enough to find one.
SpidernounUS /ˈspaɪdər/
predatory arachnid with eight legs, two poison fangs, two feelers, and usually two silk-spinning organs at the back end of the body; they spin silk to make cocoons for eggs or traps for prey
From this reading At the moment, none of them thought much of the loss of James Brock’s little sketch map of the Golden Spider.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading Though they were all three taking engineering courses in college, no one of them knew enough about mineralogy as a science to do any practical prospecting for metals without a text-book.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading IN WHICH DICK DROPS OUT Consternation was about the only word that fitted when Purdick had told the tale of the lost book.
express in words
From this reading Besides, there were the Government maps; lacking them, they could never locate a claim, so as to be able to tell where it was situated, even if they should be lucky enough to find one.
text-book
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though they were all three taking engineering courses in college, no one of them knew enough about mineralogy as a science to do any practical prospecting for metals without a text-book.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading IN WHICH DICK DROPS OUT Consternation was about the only word that fitted when Purdick had told the tale of the lost book.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IN WHICH DICK DROPS OUT Consternation was about the only word that fitted when Purdick had told the tale of the lost book.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Though they were all three taking engineering courses in college, no one of them knew enough about mineralogy as a science to do any practical prospecting for metals without a text-book.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Besides, there were the Government maps; lacking them, they could never locate a claim, so as to be able to tell where it was situated, even if they should be lucky enough to find one.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Though they were all three taking engineering courses in college, no one of them knew enough about mineralogy as a science to do any practical prospecting for metals without a text-book.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Though they were all three taking engineering courses in college, no one of them knew enough about mineralogy as a science to do any practical prospecting for metals without a text-book.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading At the moment, none of them thought much of the loss of James Brock’s little sketch map of the Golden Spider.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Though they were all three taking engineering courses in college, no one of them knew enough about mineralogy as a science to do any practical prospecting for metals without a text-book.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Though they were all three taking engineering courses in college, no one of them knew enough about mineralogy as a science to do any practical prospecting for metals without a text-book.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading IN WHICH DICK DROPS OUT Consternation was about the only word that fitted when Purdick had told the tale of the lost book.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading What he had said was perfectly true.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading IN WHICH DICK DROPS OUT Consternation was about the only word that fitted when Purdick had told the tale of the lost book.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Though they were all three taking engineering courses in college, no one of them knew enough about mineralogy as a science to do any practical prospecting for metals without a text-book.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading What he had said was perfectly true.
at the time that
From this reading IN WHICH DICK DROPS OUT Consternation was about the only word that fitted when Purdick had told the tale of the lost book.
in or at the place that
From this reading Besides, there were the Government maps; lacking them, they could never locate a claim, so as to be able to tell where it was situated, even if they should be lucky enough to find one.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading IN WHICH DICK DROPS OUT Consternation was about the only word that fitted when Purdick had told the tale of the lost book.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Though they were all three taking engineering courses in college, no one of them knew enough about mineralogy as a science to do any practical prospecting for metals without a text-book.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading IN WHICH DICK DROPS OUT Consternation was about the only word that fitted when Purdick had told the tale of the lost book.
