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The Incredible Life-Form
The Incredible Life-Form

Chapter I

Chapter 1 of The Incredible Life-Form is here in full — 204 sentences across 41 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Incredible Life-Form
Context Illustration Reading 1/40 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
A strange experiment was taking place on the third planet of an isolated solar system.
In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?
This exists in an obscure solar system of nine planets in a minor galaxy on the outer perimeter of my territory where I call only at extended intervals.
You will best recall the location in connection with the assignment of a Self-Awareness Charter to Element 6 in the chemical series--more specifically, the crystalline form of _carbon_, as it is called locally.
I have not troubled you with my earlier surveys, since nothing critical occurred in the first billion years, but I had better bring you up to date.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Incredible Life-Form

Chapter I

Chapter 1 of The Incredible Life-Form is here in full — 204 sentences across 41 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/40 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
A strange experiment was taking place on the third planet of an isolated solar system.
/ə streɪndʒ ɪkˈsperəmənt wɑːz ˈteɪkɪŋ pleɪs ɑːn ðə θɜːrd ˈplænət ʌv æn ˈaɪsəleɪtəd ˈsoʊlər ˈsɪstəm/
Line 2
In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?
Line 3
This exists in an obscure solar system of nine planets in a minor galaxy on the outer perimeter of my territory where I call only at extended intervals.
/ðɪs ɪɡˈzɪsts ɪn æn əbsˈkjʊr ˈsoʊlər ˈsɪstəm ʌv naɪn ˈplænəts ɪn ə ˈmaɪnər ˈɡæləksi ɑːn ðə ˈaʊtər pərˈɪmətər ʌv maɪ ˈterɪtɔːri wer aɪ kɔːl ˈoʊnli æt ɪkˈstendəd ˈɪntərvəlz/
Line 4
You will best recall the location in connection with the assignment of a Self-Awareness Charter to Element 6 in the chemical series--more specifically, the crystalline form of _carbon_, as it is called locally.
Line 5
I have not troubled you with my earlier surveys, since nothing critical occurred in the first billion years, but I had better bring you up to date.
/aɪ hæv nɑːt ˈtrʌbəld juː wɪð maɪ ˈɜːrliər sərˈveɪz sɪns ˈnʌθɪŋ ˈkrɪtɪkəl əˈkɜːrd ɪn ðə fɜːrst ˈbɪljən jɪrz bʌt aɪ hæd ˈbetər brɪŋ juː ʌp tuː deɪt/

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

billion noun US /ˈbɪljən/

the number that is represented as a one followed by 12 zeros; in the United Kingdom the usage followed in the United States is frequently seen

From this reading “I have not troubled you with my earlier surveys, since nothing critical occurred in the first billion years, but I had better bring you up to date.”

crystalline adjective US /ˈkrɪstəlaɪn/

consisting of or containing or of the nature of crystals

From this reading “You will best recall the location in connection with the assignment of a Self-Awareness Charter to Element 6 in the chemical series--more specifically, the crystalline form of _carbon_, as it is called locally.”

galaxies noun US /ˈɡæləksiz/

plural of “galaxy” — a splendid assemblage (especially of famous people)

From this reading “In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?”

locally adverb US /ˈloʊkəli/

by a particular locality

From this reading “You will best recall the location in connection with the assignment of a Self-Awareness Charter to Element 6 in the chemical series--more specifically, the crystalline form of _carbon_, as it is called locally.”

perimeter noun US /pərˈɪmətər/

the boundary line or the area immediately inside the boundary

From this reading “This exists in an obscure solar system of nine planets in a minor galaxy on the outer perimeter of my territory where I call only at extended intervals.”

rescind verb US /rɪˈsɪnd/

cancel officially

From this reading “In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?”

specifically adverb US /spəˈsɪfɪkli/

in distinction from others

From this reading “You will best recall the location in connection with the assignment of a Self-Awareness Charter to Element 6 in the chemical series--more specifically, the crystalline form of _carbon_, as it is called locally.”

surveys noun US /sərˈveɪz/

plural of “survey” — a detailed critical inspection

From this reading “I have not troubled you with my earlier surveys, since nothing critical occurred in the first billion years, but I had better bring you up to date.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

solar system adjective + noun

the sun with the celestial bodies that revolve around it in its gravitational field

In this reading “A strange experiment was taking place on the third planet of an isolated solar system.”

taking place noun + noun

In this reading “A strange experiment was taking place on the third planet of an isolated solar system.”

in connection preposition + noun

In this reading “You will best recall the location in connection with the assignment of a Self-Awareness Charter to Element 6 in the chemical series--more specifically, the crystalline form of _carbon_, as it is called locally.”

on the third preposition + article + noun counted as “on … third”

In this reading “A strange experiment was taking place on the third planet of an isolated solar system.”

exists in verb + particle counted as “exist in”

In this reading “This exists in an obscure solar system of nine planets in a minor galaxy on the outer perimeter of my territory where I call only at extended intervals.”

All words in this reading · 108

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

6

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

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

9th

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

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

AdeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading A strange experiment was taking place on the third planet of an isolated solar system.

actionnounUS /ˈækʃən/

something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(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 In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading A strange experiment was taking place on the third planet of an isolated solar system.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading You will best recall the location in connection with the assignment of a Self-Awareness Charter to Element 6 in the chemical series--more specifically, the crystalline form of _carbon_, as it is called locally.

assignmentnounUS /əˈsaɪnmənt/

a duty that you are assigned to perform (especially in the armed forces)

From this reading You will best recall the location in connection with the assignment of a Self-Awareness Charter to Element 6 in the chemical series--more specifically, the crystalline form of _carbon_, as it is called locally.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading This exists in an obscure solar system of nine planets in a minor galaxy on the outer perimeter of my territory where I call only at extended intervals.

attentionnounUS /əˈtenʃən/

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

bestnounUS /best/

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading You will best recall the location in connection with the assignment of a Self-Awareness Charter to Element 6 in the chemical series--more specifically, the crystalline form of _carbon_, as it is called locally.

betteradjectiveUS /ˈbetər/

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading I have not troubled you with my earlier surveys, since nothing critical occurred in the first billion years, but I had better bring you up to date.

billionnounUS /ˈbɪljən/

the number that is represented as a one followed by 12 zeros; in the United Kingdom the usage followed in the United States is frequently seen

From this reading I have not troubled you with my earlier surveys, since nothing critical occurred in the first billion years, but I had better bring you up to date.

bringverbUS /brɪŋ/

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading I have not troubled you with my earlier surveys, since nothing critical occurred in the first billion years, but I had better bring you up to date.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading I have not troubled you with my earlier surveys, since nothing critical occurred in the first billion years, but I had better bring you up to date.

callverbUS /kɔːl/

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading This exists in an obscure solar system of nine planets in a minor galaxy on the outer perimeter of my territory where I call only at extended intervals.

calledverbUS /kɔːld/

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading You will best recall the location in connection with the assignment of a Self-Awareness Charter to Element 6 in the chemical series--more specifically, the crystalline form of _carbon_, as it is called locally.

carbonnounUS /ˈkɑːrbən/

an abundant nonmetallic tetravalent element occurring in three allotropic forms: amorphous carbon and graphite and diamond; occurs in all organic compounds

From this reading You will best recall the location in connection with the assignment of a Self-Awareness Charter to Element 6 in the chemical series--more specifically, the crystalline form of _carbon_, as it is called locally.

characteristicnounUS /ˌkerəktərˈɪstɪk/

a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

charterverbUS /ˈtʃɑːrtər/

hold under a lease or rental agreement; of goods and services

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

chemicaladjectiveUS /ˈkeməkəl/

relating to or used in chemistry

From this reading You will best recall the location in connection with the assignment of a Self-Awareness Charter to Element 6 in the chemical series--more specifically, the crystalline form of _carbon_, as it is called locally.

connectionnounUS /kəˈnekʃən/

a relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it)

From this reading You will best recall the location in connection with the assignment of a Self-Awareness Charter to Element 6 in the chemical series--more specifically, the crystalline form of _carbon_, as it is called locally.

criticaladjectiveUS /ˈkrɪtɪkəl/

marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws

From this reading I have not troubled you with my earlier surveys, since nothing critical occurred in the first billion years, but I had better bring you up to date.

crystallineadjectiveUS /ˈkrɪstəlaɪn/

consisting of or containing or of the nature of crystals

From this reading You will best recall the location in connection with the assignment of a Self-Awareness Charter to Element 6 in the chemical series--more specifically, the crystalline form of _carbon_, as it is called locally.

datenounUS /deɪt/

the specified day of the month

From this reading I have not troubled you with my earlier surveys, since nothing critical occurred in the first billion years, but I had better bring you up to date.

drawverbUS /drɔː/

cause to move by pulling

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

earlieradverbUS /ˈɜːrliər/

earlier in time; previously

From this reading I have not troubled you with my earlier surveys, since nothing critical occurred in the first billion years, but I had better bring you up to date.

earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

ElementnounUS /ˈeləmənt/

an abstract part of something

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

existsverbUS /ɪɡˈzɪsts/

third-person singular of “exist” — have an existence, be extant

From this reading This exists in an obscure solar system of nine planets in a minor galaxy on the outer perimeter of my territory where I call only at extended intervals.

experimentnounUS /ɪkˈsperəmənt/

the act of conducting a controlled test or investigation

From this reading A strange experiment was taking place on the third planet of an isolated solar system.

experimentaladjectiveUS /ɪkˌsperɪˈmentəl/

relating to or based on experiment

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

explosiveadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsploʊsɪv/

serving to explode or characterized by explosion or sudden outburst

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

extendedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈstendəd/

relatively long in duration; tediously protracted

From this reading This exists in an obscure solar system of nine planets in a minor galaxy on the outer perimeter of my territory where I call only at extended intervals.

firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading I have not troubled you with my earlier surveys, since nothing critical occurred in the first billion years, but I had better bring you up to date.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

formnounUS /fɔːrm/

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading You will best recall the location in connection with the assignment of a Self-Awareness Charter to Element 6 in the chemical series--more specifically, the crystalline form of _carbon_, as it is called locally.

FromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

Froot

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

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

galaxiesnounUS /ˈɡæləksiz/

plural of “galaxy” — a splendid assemblage (especially of famous people)

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

galaxynounUS /ˈɡæləksi/

a splendid assemblage (especially of famous people)

From this reading This exists in an obscure solar system of nine planets in a minor galaxy on the outer perimeter of my territory where I call only at extended intervals.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading I have not troubled you with my earlier surveys, since nothing critical occurred in the first billion years, but I had better bring you up to date.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading I have not troubled you with my earlier surveys, since nothing critical occurred in the first billion years, but I had better bring you up to date.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

intervalsnounUS /ˈɪntərvəlz/

plural of “interval” — a definite length of time marked off by two instants

From this reading This exists in an obscure solar system of nine planets in a minor galaxy on the outer perimeter of my territory where I call only at extended intervals.

InvestigatornounUS /ˌɪnˈvestəɡeɪtər/

a scientist who devotes himself to doing research

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading You will best recall the location in connection with the assignment of a Self-Awareness Charter to Element 6 in the chemical series--more specifically, the crystalline form of _carbon_, as it is called locally.

isolatedadjectiveUS /ˈaɪsəleɪtəd/

not close together in time

From this reading A strange experiment was taking place on the third planet of an isolated solar system.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading You will best recall the location in connection with the assignment of a Self-Awareness Charter to Element 6 in the chemical series--more specifically, the crystalline form of _carbon_, as it is called locally.

lifenounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

life-form

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

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

locallyadverbUS /ˈloʊkəli/

by a particular locality

From this reading You will best recall the location in connection with the assignment of a Self-Awareness Charter to Element 6 in the chemical series--more specifically, the crystalline form of _carbon_, as it is called locally.

locationnounUS /loʊˈkeɪʃən/

a point or extent in space

From this reading You will best recall the location in connection with the assignment of a Self-Awareness Charter to Element 6 in the chemical series--more specifically, the crystalline form of _carbon_, as it is called locally.

Maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

minoradjectiveUS /ˈmaɪnər/

of lesser importance or stature or rank

From this reading This exists in an obscure solar system of nine planets in a minor galaxy on the outer perimeter of my territory where I call only at extended intervals.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading You will best recall the location in connection with the assignment of a Self-Awareness Charter to Element 6 in the chemical series--more specifically, the crystalline form of _carbon_, as it is called locally.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading This exists in an obscure solar system of nine planets in a minor galaxy on the outer perimeter of my territory where I call only at extended intervals.

ninenounUS /naɪn/

the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one

From this reading This exists in an obscure solar system of nine planets in a minor galaxy on the outer perimeter of my territory where I call only at extended intervals.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading I have not troubled you with my earlier surveys, since nothing critical occurred in the first billion years, but I had better bring you up to date.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading I have not troubled you with my earlier surveys, since nothing critical occurred in the first billion years, but I had better bring you up to date.

obscureverbUS /əbsˈkjʊr/

make less visible or unclear

From this reading This exists in an obscure solar system of nine planets in a minor galaxy on the outer perimeter of my territory where I call only at extended intervals.

occurredverbUS /əˈkɜːrd/

inflected form of “occur” — come to pass

From this reading I have not troubled you with my earlier surveys, since nothing critical occurred in the first billion years, but I had better bring you up to date.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A strange experiment was taking place on the third planet of an isolated solar system.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A strange experiment was taking place on the third planet of an isolated solar system.

onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/

and nothing more

From this reading This exists in an obscure solar system of nine planets in a minor galaxy on the outer perimeter of my territory where I call only at extended intervals.

outeradjectiveUS /ˈaʊtər/

being on the outside or further from a center

From this reading This exists in an obscure solar system of nine planets in a minor galaxy on the outer perimeter of my territory where I call only at extended intervals.

parallelnounUS /ˈperəlel/

something having the property of being analogous to something else

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

perimeternounUS /pərˈɪmətər/

the boundary line or the area immediately inside the boundary

From this reading This exists in an obscure solar system of nine planets in a minor galaxy on the outer perimeter of my territory where I call only at extended intervals.

placenounUS /pleɪs/

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading A strange experiment was taking place on the third planet of an isolated solar system.

planetnounUS /ˈplænət/

(astronomy) any of the nine large celestial bodies in the solar system that revolve around the sun and shine by reflected light

From this reading A strange experiment was taking place on the third planet of an isolated solar system.

planetsnounUS /ˈplænəts/

plural of “planet” — (astronomy) any of the nine large celestial bodies in the solar system that revolve around the sun and shine by reflected light

From this reading This exists in an obscure solar system of nine planets in a minor galaxy on the outer perimeter of my territory where I call only at extended intervals.

potentialadjectiveUS /pəˈtenʃəl/

existing in possibility

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

recallverbUS /ˈriːkɔːl/

recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading You will best recall the location in connection with the assignment of a Self-Awareness Charter to Element 6 in the chemical series--more specifically, the crystalline form of _carbon_, as it is called locally.

rescindverbUS /rɪˈsɪnd/

cancel officially

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

SectornounUS /ˈsektər/

a plane figure bounded by two radii and the included arc of a circle

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

Self-Awarenessnoun

awareness of your own individuality

From this reading You will best recall the location in connection with the assignment of a Self-Awareness Charter to Element 6 in the chemical series--more specifically, the crystalline form of _carbon_, as it is called locally.

Seng

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

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

seriesnounUS /ˈsɪriz/

similar things placed in order or happening one after another

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading I have not troubled you with my earlier surveys, since nothing critical occurred in the first billion years, but I had better bring you up to date.

solaradjectiveUS /ˈsoʊlər/

relating to or derived from the sun or utilizing the energies of the sun

From this reading A strange experiment was taking place on the third planet of an isolated solar system.

specificallyadverbUS /spəˈsɪfɪkli/

in distinction from others

From this reading You will best recall the location in connection with the assignment of a Self-Awareness Charter to Element 6 in the chemical series--more specifically, the crystalline form of _carbon_, as it is called locally.

strangeadjectiveUS /streɪndʒ/

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

From this reading A strange experiment was taking place on the third planet of an isolated solar system.

SubjectnounUS /səbˈdʒekt/

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

suggestingverbUS /səˈdʒestɪŋ/

-ing form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

surveysnounUS /sərˈveɪz/

plural of “survey” — a detailed critical inspection

From this reading I have not troubled you with my earlier surveys, since nothing critical occurred in the first billion years, but I had better bring you up to date.

systemnounUS /ˈsɪstəm/

instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity

From this reading A strange experiment was taking place on the third planet of an isolated solar system.

takingnounUS /ˈteɪkɪŋ/

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading A strange experiment was taking place on the third planet of an isolated solar system.

territorynounUS /ˈterɪtɔːri/

a region marked off for administrative or other purposes

From this reading This exists in an obscure solar system of nine planets in a minor galaxy on the outer perimeter of my territory where I call only at extended intervals.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading A strange experiment was taking place on the third planet of an isolated solar system.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

thirdnounUS /θɜːrd/

one of three equal parts of a divisible whole

From this reading A strange experiment was taking place on the third planet of an isolated solar system.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This exists in an obscure solar system of nine planets in a minor galaxy on the outer perimeter of my territory where I call only at extended intervals.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

TonenounUS /toʊn/

the quality of a person's voice

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

troubledadjectiveUS /ˈtrʌbəld/

characterized by or indicative of distress or affliction or danger or need

From this reading I have not troubled you with my earlier surveys, since nothing critical occurred in the first billion years, but I had better bring you up to date.

UniqueadjectiveUS /juːˈniːk/

radically distinctive and without equal

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

UniversenounUS /ˈjuːnəvɜːrs/

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

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

From this reading I have not troubled you with my earlier surveys, since nothing critical occurred in the first billion years, but I had better bring you up to date.

urgentadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrdʒənt/

compelling immediate action

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading A strange experiment was taking place on the third planet of an isolated solar system.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading This exists in an obscure solar system of nine planets in a minor galaxy on the outer perimeter of my territory where I call only at extended intervals.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading You will best recall the location in connection with the assignment of a Self-Awareness Charter to Element 6 in the chemical series--more specifically, the crystalline form of _carbon_, as it is called locally.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading You will best recall the location in connection with the assignment of a Self-Awareness Charter to Element 6 in the chemical series--more specifically, the crystalline form of _carbon_, as it is called locally.

yearsnounUS /jɪrz/

a late time of life

From this reading I have not troubled you with my earlier surveys, since nothing critical occurred in the first billion years, but I had better bring you up to date.

YoupronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading You will best recall the location in connection with the assignment of a Self-Awareness Charter to Element 6 in the chemical series--more specifically, the crystalline form of _carbon_, as it is called locally.

yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading In all the Universe there was no parallel to-- _From: Tone Seng Froot, Investigator for galaxies of 9th Sector._ _Subject: Unique characteristic of life-form suggesting urgent action to rescind life charter to Element 6._ May I draw your attention to an explosive potential in your early experimental series?

Chapter 1 of The Incredible Life-Form by Winston K. (Winston Kinney) Marks holds 204 sentences, grouped into 41 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 1 of The Incredible Life-Form contain?

Chapter 1 holds 204 sentences of The Incredible Life-Form, unabridged, divided into 41 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of The Incredible Life-Form by Winston K. (Winston Kinney) Marks exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 204 sentences, grouped into 41 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 1 of The Incredible Life-Form?

Work through the 41 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 41 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 1 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 1 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading The Incredible Life-Form

Common questions about reading The Incredible Life-Form by Winston K. (Winston Kinney) Marks on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Incredible Life-Form?

Yes. All 204 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #65979 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Incredible Life-Form is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #65979, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Incredible Life-Form take to read?

About 17 minutes of reading across 41 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Incredible Life-Form section by section

How to work through The Incredible Life-Form section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 1 chapters of The Incredible Life-Form to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in The Incredible Life-Form

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Incredible Life-Form, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Strange
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Incredible Life-Form; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Experiment
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Incredible Life-Form; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Taking
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Incredible Life-Form; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Place
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Incredible Life-Form; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.