used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
abilitynounUS /əˈbɪlətiː/
the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
alertadjectiveUS /əˈlɜːrt/
engaged in or accustomed to close observation
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
allayedverbUS /əˈleɪd/
past form of “allay” — lessen the intensity of or calm
From this reading His fears were allayed somewhat by the comforting thought that Helen was as capable and keen-witted as she was reckless and audacious.
amazingadjectiveUS /əˈmeɪzɪŋ/
surprising greatly
From this reading She had nerve, spirit, and subtlety, and on several occasions she had evinced an amazing capacity for handling a difficult situation.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading She had nerve, spirit, and subtlety, and on several occasions she had evinced an amazing capacity for handling a difficult situation.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
apprehensionnounUS /ˌæprɪˈhenʃən/
fearful expectation or anticipation
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
audaciousadjectiveUS /ɑːˈdeɪʃəs/
invulnerable to fear or intimidation
From this reading His fears were allayed somewhat by the comforting thought that Helen was as capable and keen-witted as she was reckless and audacious.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability
From this reading His fears were allayed somewhat by the comforting thought that Helen was as capable and keen-witted as she was reckless and audacious.
capacitynounUS /kəˈpæsəti/
capability to perform or produce
From this reading She had nerve, spirit, and subtlety, and on several occasions she had evinced an amazing capacity for handling a difficult situation.
cautiouslyadverbUS /ˈkɔːʃəsli/
as if with kid gloves; with caution or prudence or tact
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
ChinesenounUS /tʃaɪˈniːz/
any of the Sino-Tibetan languages spoken in China; regarded as dialects of a single language (even though they are mutually unintelligible) because they share an ideographic writing system
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
rid of obstructions
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
comfortingadjectiveUS /ˈkʌmfərtɪŋ/
providing freedom from worry
From this reading His fears were allayed somewhat by the comforting thought that Helen was as capable and keen-witted as she was reckless and audacious.
cookingnounUS /ˈkʊkɪŋ/
the act of preparing something (as food) by the application of heat
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading She had nerve, spirit, and subtlety, and on several occasions she had evinced an amazing capacity for handling a difficult situation.
DusknounUS /dʌsk/
the time of day immediately following sunset
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
emergencynounUS /ɪˈmɜːrdʒənsi/
a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
evincedverbUS /ɪˈvɪnst/
past form of “evince” — give expression to
From this reading She had nerve, spirit, and subtlety, and on several occasions she had evinced an amazing capacity for handling a difficult situation.
very good; of the highest quality
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
the organ of sight
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
decreasing in amount or degree
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
plural of “fear” — an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)
From this reading His fears were allayed somewhat by the comforting thought that Helen was as capable and keen-witted as she was reckless and audacious.
plural of “feel” — an intuitive awareness
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She had nerve, spirit, and subtlety, and on several occasions she had evinced an amazing capacity for handling a difficult situation.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
handlingnounUS /ˈhændlɪŋ/
manual (or mechanical) carrying or moving or delivering or working with something
From this reading She had nerve, spirit, and subtlety, and on several occasions she had evinced an amazing capacity for handling a difficult situation.
Hardwick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
(Greek mythology) the beautiful daughter of Zeus and Leda who was abducted by Paris; the Greek army sailed to Troy to get her back which resulted in the Trojan War
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
keen-witted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His fears were allayed somewhat by the comforting thought that Helen was as capable and keen-witted as she was reckless and audacious.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
come together
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
nervenounUS /nɜːrv/
any bundle of nerve fibers running to various organs and tissues of the body
From this reading She had nerve, spirit, and subtlety, and on several occasions she had evinced an amazing capacity for handling a difficult situation.
an uneasy psychological state
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
something you have to do
From this reading She had nerve, spirit, and subtlety, and on several occasions she had evinced an amazing capacity for handling a difficult situation.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading She had nerve, spirit, and subtlety, and on several occasions she had evinced an amazing capacity for handling a difficult situation.
on one occasion
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
Pell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
Peng
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
PhantomnounUS /ˈfæn.təm/
A ghost or apparition; a figment of the imagination or a hidden dweller.
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
past form of “pick” — select carefully from a group
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
one of four equal parts
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
recklessadjectiveUS /ˈrekləs/
marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences
From this reading His fears were allayed somewhat by the comforting thought that Helen was as capable and keen-witted as she was reckless and audacious.
reekverbUS /riːk/
have an element suggestive (of something)
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
refreshedadjectiveUS /riˈfreʃt/
with restored energy
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading His fears were allayed somewhat by the comforting thought that Helen was as capable and keen-witted as she was reckless and audacious.
do one's shopping
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading She had nerve, spirit, and subtlety, and on several occasions she had evinced an amazing capacity for handling a difficult situation.
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading His fears were allayed somewhat by the comforting thought that Helen was as capable and keen-witted as she was reckless and audacious.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
the vital principle or animating force within living things
From this reading She had nerve, spirit, and subtlety, and on several occasions she had evinced an amazing capacity for handling a difficult situation.
springyadjective
elastic; rebounds readily
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
make steady
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
not in physical motion
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
subtletynounUS /ˈsʌtəlti/
a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude
From this reading She had nerve, spirit, and subtlety, and on several occasions she had evinced an amazing capacity for handling a difficult situation.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
termedverbUS /tɜːrmd/
past form of “term” — name formally or designate with a term
From this reading She was what the Phantom termed a thoroughbred.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading His fears were allayed somewhat by the comforting thought that Helen was as capable and keen-witted as she was reckless and audacious.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
thoroughbrednounUS /ˈθɜːroʊˈbred/
a well-bred person
From this reading She was what the Phantom termed a thoroughbred.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
twingenounUS /twɪndʒ/
a sudden sharp feeling
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading She was what the Phantom termed a thoroughbred.
at any time that; every time that
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
which person or people
From this reading He still felt a twinge of apprehension whenever he thought of Helen Hardwick, but his nerves were steady once more, and he had the springy step and the clear, alert eye of the man who feels sure of his ability to meet any emergency.
Yuen's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dusk was falling as the Phantom, refreshed by Peng Yuen's excellent cooking and several hours of sound sleep, left the shop in Pell Street and cautiously picked his way through the reek and noise of the Chinese quarter.
