used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading “There can be no doubt, I suppose, Fraser,” began Perkins, very slowly pronouncing his words, “about there being a large amount of gold deposited in the foundations of the house?”
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading “There can be no doubt, I suppose, Fraser,” began Perkins, very slowly pronouncing his words, “about there being a large amount of gold deposited in the foundations of the house?”
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading _Perkins Again Outwitted._ For several minutes after Fraser the carpenter had finished telling his story, Perkins was silent.
anew
From this reading _Perkins Again Outwitted._ For several minutes after Fraser the carpenter had finished telling his story, Perkins was silent.
a quantity of money
From this reading “There can be no doubt, I suppose, Fraser,” began Perkins, very slowly pronouncing his words, “about there being a large amount of gold deposited in the foundations of the house?”
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
past form of “answer” — react verbally
From this reading “There is no doubt of it, Mr. Perkins,” eagerly answered Fraser, again tipping forward upon the front legs of the chair.
(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading “There can be no doubt, I suppose, Fraser,” began Perkins, very slowly pronouncing his words, “about there being a large amount of gold deposited in the foundations of the house?”
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading “There can be no doubt, I suppose, Fraser,” began Perkins, very slowly pronouncing his words, “about there being a large amount of gold deposited in the foundations of the house?”
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading “There can be no doubt, I suppose, Fraser,” began Perkins, very slowly pronouncing his words, “about there being a large amount of gold deposited in the foundations of the house?”
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading “Cameron didn’t want it known, you see, but it’s the gold pieces they lost in the cellar that spoiled his plan, and now it seems he isn’t worth the half he thought he was.”
showing who or what does the action
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
Cameron
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Cameron didn’t want it known, you see, but it’s the gold pieces they lost in the cellar that spoiled his plan, and now it seems he isn’t worth the half he thought he was.”
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading “There can be no doubt, I suppose, Fraser,” began Perkins, very slowly pronouncing his words, “about there being a large amount of gold deposited in the foundations of the house?”
carpenternounUS /ˈkɑːrpəntər/
a woodworker who makes or repairs wooden objects
From this reading _Perkins Again Outwitted._ For several minutes after Fraser the carpenter had finished telling his story, Perkins was silent.
cellarnounUS /ˈselər/
the lowermost portion of a structure partly or wholly below ground level; often used for storage
From this reading “Cameron didn’t want it known, you see, but it’s the gold pieces they lost in the cellar that spoiled his plan, and now it seems he isn’t worth the half he thought he was.”
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading “There is no doubt of it, Mr. Perkins,” eagerly answered Fraser, again tipping forward upon the front legs of the chair.
changesnounUS /ˈtʃeɪndʒəz/
plural of “change” — an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
continuallyadverbUS /kənˈtɪnjuːəli/
seemingly without interruption
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
the appearance conveyed by a person's face
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
depositedverbUS /dəˈpɑːzɪtɪd/
past form of “deposit” — put, fix, force, or implant
From this reading “There can be no doubt, I suppose, Fraser,” began Perkins, very slowly pronouncing his words, “about there being a large amount of gold deposited in the foundations of the house?”
didn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Cameron didn’t want it known, you see, but it’s the gold pieces they lost in the cellar that spoiled his plan, and now it seems he isn’t worth the half he thought he was.”
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading “There can be no doubt, I suppose, Fraser,” began Perkins, very slowly pronouncing his words, “about there being a large amount of gold deposited in the foundations of the house?”
with eagerness; in an eager manner
From this reading “There is no doubt of it, Mr. Perkins,” eagerly answered Fraser, again tipping forward upon the front legs of the chair.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state
From this reading _Perkins Again Outwitted._ For several minutes after Fraser the carpenter had finished telling his story, Perkins was silent.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading _Perkins Again Outwitted._ For several minutes after Fraser the carpenter had finished telling his story, Perkins was silent.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading “There is no doubt of it, Mr. Perkins,” eagerly answered Fraser, again tipping forward upon the front legs of the chair.
foundationsnounUS /faʊnˈdeɪʃənz/
plural of “foundation” — the basis on which something is grounded
From this reading “There can be no doubt, I suppose, Fraser,” began Perkins, very slowly pronouncing his words, “about there being a large amount of gold deposited in the foundations of the house?”
Fraser
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Perkins Again Outwitted._ For several minutes after Fraser the carpenter had finished telling his story, Perkins was silent.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading “There is no doubt of it, Mr. Perkins,” eagerly answered Fraser, again tipping forward upon the front legs of the chair.
coins made of gold
From this reading “There can be no doubt, I suppose, Fraser,” began Perkins, very slowly pronouncing his words, “about there being a large amount of gold deposited in the foundations of the house?”
to an extraordinary extent or degree
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
growthnounUS /ɡroʊθ/
(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
an established custom
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading _Perkins Again Outwitted._ For several minutes after Fraser the carpenter had finished telling his story, Perkins was silent.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading “Cameron didn’t want it known, you see, but it’s the gold pieces they lost in the cellar that spoiled his plan, and now it seems he isn’t worth the half he thought he was.”
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading _Perkins Again Outwitted._ For several minutes after Fraser the carpenter had finished telling his story, Perkins was silent.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading “There can be no doubt, I suppose, Fraser,” began Perkins, very slowly pronouncing his words, “about there being a large amount of gold deposited in the foundations of the house?”
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “There can be no doubt, I suppose, Fraser,” began Perkins, very slowly pronouncing his words, “about there being a large amount of gold deposited in the foundations of the house?”
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
a message received and understood
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “There is no doubt of it, Mr. Perkins,” eagerly answered Fraser, again tipping forward upon the front legs of the chair.
isn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Cameron didn’t want it known, you see, but it’s the gold pieces they lost in the cellar that spoiled his plan, and now it seems he isn’t worth the half he thought he was.”
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “There is no doubt of it, Mr. Perkins,” eagerly answered Fraser, again tipping forward upon the front legs of the chair.
it's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Cameron didn’t want it known, you see, but it’s the gold pieces they lost in the cellar that spoiled his plan, and now it seems he isn’t worth the half he thought he was.”
apprehended with certainty
From this reading “Cameron didn’t want it known, you see, but it’s the gold pieces they lost in the cellar that spoiled his plan, and now it seems he isn’t worth the half he thought he was.”
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading “There can be no doubt, I suppose, Fraser,” began Perkins, very slowly pronouncing his words, “about there being a large amount of gold deposited in the foundations of the house?”
staying power
From this reading “There is no doubt of it, Mr. Perkins,” eagerly answered Fraser, again tipping forward upon the front legs of the chair.
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading “Cameron didn’t want it known, you see, but it’s the gold pieces they lost in the cellar that spoiled his plan, and now it seems he isn’t worth the half he thought he was.”
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading _Perkins Again Outwitted._ For several minutes after Fraser the carpenter had finished telling his story, Perkins was silent.
a form of address for a man
From this reading “There is no doubt of it, Mr. Perkins,” eagerly answered Fraser, again tipping forward upon the front legs of the chair.
not any; not one
From this reading “There can be no doubt, I suppose, Fraser,” began Perkins, very slowly pronouncing his words, “about there being a large amount of gold deposited in the foundations of the house?”
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading “Cameron didn’t want it known, you see, but it’s the gold pieces they lost in the cellar that spoiled his plan, and now it seems he isn’t worth the half he thought he was.”
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
OutwittedverbUS /ˈaʊtwɪtɪd/
inflected form of “outwit” — beat through cleverness and wit
From this reading _Perkins Again Outwitted._ For several minutes after Fraser the carpenter had finished telling his story, Perkins was silent.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
Perkins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Perkins Again Outwitted._ For several minutes after Fraser the carpenter had finished telling his story, Perkins was silent.
plural of “piece” — a separate part of a whole
From this reading “Cameron didn’t want it known, you see, but it’s the gold pieces they lost in the cellar that spoiled his plan, and now it seems he isn’t worth the half he thought he was.”
have the will and intention to carry out some action
From this reading “Cameron didn’t want it known, you see, but it’s the gold pieces they lost in the cellar that spoiled his plan, and now it seems he isn’t worth the half he thought he was.”
pronouncingverbUS /prəˈnaʊnsɪŋ/
-ing form of “pronounce” — speak, pronounce, or utter in a certain way
From this reading “There can be no doubt, I suppose, Fraser,” began Perkins, very slowly pronouncing his words, “about there being a large amount of gold deposited in the foundations of the house?”
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
reddishadjectiveUS /ˈredɪʃ/
of a color at the end of the color spectrum (next to orange); resembling the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
scantadjectiveUS /skænt/
less than the correct or legal or full amount often deliberately so
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading “Cameron didn’t want it known, you see, but it’s the gold pieces they lost in the cellar that spoiled his plan, and now it seems he isn’t worth the half he thought he was.”
third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading “Cameron didn’t want it known, you see, but it’s the gold pieces they lost in the cellar that spoiled his plan, and now it seems he isn’t worth the half he thought he was.”
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading _Perkins Again Outwitted._ For several minutes after Fraser the carpenter had finished telling his story, Perkins was silent.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading _Perkins Again Outwitted._ For several minutes after Fraser the carpenter had finished telling his story, Perkins was silent.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading “There can be no doubt, I suppose, Fraser,” began Perkins, very slowly pronouncing his words, “about there being a large amount of gold deposited in the foundations of the house?”
spoiledadjectiveUS /spɔɪld/
having the character or disposition harmed by pampering or oversolicitous attention
From this reading “Cameron didn’t want it known, you see, but it’s the gold pieces they lost in the cellar that spoiled his plan, and now it seems he isn’t worth the half he thought he was.”
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 _Perkins Again Outwitted._ For several minutes after Fraser the carpenter had finished telling his story, Perkins was silent.
express a supposition
From this reading “There can be no doubt, I suppose, Fraser,” began Perkins, very slowly pronouncing his words, “about there being a large amount of gold deposited in the foundations of the house?”
disclosing unintentionally something concealed
From this reading _Perkins Again Outwitted._ For several minutes after Fraser the carpenter had finished telling his story, Perkins was silent.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _Perkins Again Outwitted._ For several minutes after Fraser the carpenter had finished telling his story, Perkins was silent.
in or at that place or location
From this reading “There can be no doubt, I suppose, Fraser,” began Perkins, very slowly pronouncing his words, “about there being a large amount of gold deposited in the foundations of the house?”
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “Cameron didn’t want it known, you see, but it’s the gold pieces they lost in the cellar that spoiled his plan, and now it seems he isn’t worth the half he thought he was.”
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading “Cameron didn’t want it known, you see, but it’s the gold pieces they lost in the cellar that spoiled his plan, and now it seems he isn’t worth the half he thought he was.”
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
tippingverbUS /ˈtɪpɪŋ/
inflected form of “tip” — cause to tilt
From this reading “There is no doubt of it, Mr. Perkins,” eagerly answered Fraser, again tipping forward upon the front legs of the chair.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
directed up
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
precisely as stated
From this reading “There can be no doubt, I suppose, Fraser,” began Perkins, very slowly pronouncing his words, “about there being a large amount of gold deposited in the foundations of the house?”
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading “Cameron didn’t want it known, you see, but it’s the gold pieces they lost in the cellar that spoiled his plan, and now it seems he isn’t worth the half he thought he was.”
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _Perkins Again Outwitted._ For several minutes after Fraser the carpenter had finished telling his story, Perkins was silent.
whiskersnounUS /ˈwɪskərz/
the hair growing on the lower part of a man's face
From this reading From force of habit he ran his fingers upward through the scant growth of reddish side whiskers upon his face, and by the changes in expression passing continually over his countenance, Fraser was aware that the information he brought had greatly interested him.
the words that are spoken
From this reading “There can be no doubt, I suppose, Fraser,” began Perkins, very slowly pronouncing his words, “about there being a large amount of gold deposited in the foundations of the house?”
an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value
From this reading “Cameron didn’t want it known, you see, but it’s the gold pieces they lost in the cellar that spoiled his plan, and now it seems he isn’t worth the half he thought he was.”
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Cameron didn’t want it known, you see, but it’s the gold pieces they lost in the cellar that spoiled his plan, and now it seems he isn’t worth the half he thought he was.”
