aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The rapid increase in the coal-trade of the Tyne about the beginning of the present century had the effect of stimulating the ingenuity of mechanics, and encouraging them to devise improved methods of transporting the coal from the pits to the shipping-places.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading From our introductory chapter, it will have been observed that the improvements which had thus far been effected were confined almost entirely to the road.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The rapid increase in the coal-trade of the Tyne about the beginning of the present century had the effect of stimulating the ingenuity of mechanics, and encouraging them to devise improved methods of transporting the coal from the pits to the shipping-places.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The railway wagons still continued to be drawn by horses.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading From our introductory chapter, it will have been observed that the improvements which had thus far been effected were confined almost entirely to the road.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading The rapid increase in the coal-trade of the Tyne about the beginning of the present century had the effect of stimulating the ingenuity of mechanics, and encouraging them to devise improved methods of transporting the coal from the pits to the shipping-places.
BEGINSnounUS /bɪˈɡɪnz/
plural of “begin” — Israeli statesman (born in Russia) who (as prime minister of Israel) negotiated a peace treaty with Anwar Sadat (then the president of Egypt) (1913-1992)
From this reading THE LOCOMOTIVE ENGINE--GEORGE STEPHENSON BEGINS ITS IMPROVEMENT.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading By improving and flattening the tram-way, considerable economy in horse-power had been secured; but, unless some more effective method of mechanical traction could be devised, it was clear that railway improvement had almost reached its limits.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The railway wagons still continued to be drawn by horses.
a period of 100 years
From this reading The rapid increase in the coal-trade of the Tyne about the beginning of the present century had the effect of stimulating the ingenuity of mechanics, and encouraging them to devise improved methods of transporting the coal from the pits to the shipping-places.
a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled
From this reading From our introductory chapter, it will have been observed that the improvements which had thus far been effected were confined almost entirely to the road.
rid of obstructions
From this reading By improving and flattening the tram-way, considerable economy in horse-power had been secured; but, unless some more effective method of mechanical traction could be devised, it was clear that railway improvement had almost reached its limits.
coalnounUS /koʊl/
fossil fuel consisting of carbonized vegetable matter deposited in the Carboniferous period
From this reading The rapid increase in the coal-trade of the Tyne about the beginning of the present century had the effect of stimulating the ingenuity of mechanics, and encouraging them to devise improved methods of transporting the coal from the pits to the shipping-places.
coal-trade
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The rapid increase in the coal-trade of the Tyne about the beginning of the present century had the effect of stimulating the ingenuity of mechanics, and encouraging them to devise improved methods of transporting the coal from the pits to the shipping-places.
confinedadjectiveUS /kənˈfaɪnd/
not invading healthy tissue
From this reading From our introductory chapter, it will have been observed that the improvements which had thus far been effected were confined almost entirely to the road.
large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree
From this reading By improving and flattening the tram-way, considerable economy in horse-power had been secured; but, unless some more effective method of mechanical traction could be devised, it was clear that railway improvement had almost reached its limits.
without stop or interruption
From this reading The railway wagons still continued to be drawn by horses.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading By improving and flattening the tram-way, considerable economy in horse-power had been secured; but, unless some more effective method of mechanical traction could be devised, it was clear that railway improvement had almost reached its limits.
deviseverbUS /dɪˈvaɪz/
come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort
From this reading The rapid increase in the coal-trade of the Tyne about the beginning of the present century had the effect of stimulating the ingenuity of mechanics, and encouraging them to devise improved methods of transporting the coal from the pits to the shipping-places.
devisedverbUS /dɪˈvaɪzd/
past form of “devise” — come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort
From this reading By improving and flattening the tram-way, considerable economy in horse-power had been secured; but, unless some more effective method of mechanical traction could be devised, it was clear that railway improvement had almost reached its limits.
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading The railway wagons still continued to be drawn by horses.
economynounUS /ɪˈkɑːnəmi/
the system of production and distribution and consumption
From this reading By improving and flattening the tram-way, considerable economy in horse-power had been secured; but, unless some more effective method of mechanical traction could be devised, it was clear that railway improvement had almost reached its limits.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading The rapid increase in the coal-trade of the Tyne about the beginning of the present century had the effect of stimulating the ingenuity of mechanics, and encouraging them to devise improved methods of transporting the coal from the pits to the shipping-places.
effectedadjectiveUS /ɪˈfektɪd/
settled securely and unconditionally
From this reading From our introductory chapter, it will have been observed that the improvements which had thus far been effected were confined almost entirely to the road.
effectiveadjectiveUS /ɪˈfektɪv/
producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect
From this reading By improving and flattening the tram-way, considerable economy in horse-power had been secured; but, unless some more effective method of mechanical traction could be devised, it was clear that railway improvement had almost reached its limits.
encouragingadjectiveUS /enˈkɜːrɪdʒɪŋ/
giving courage or confidence or hope
From this reading The rapid increase in the coal-trade of the Tyne about the beginning of the present century had the effect of stimulating the ingenuity of mechanics, and encouraging them to devise improved methods of transporting the coal from the pits to the shipping-places.
motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work
From this reading THE LOCOMOTIVE ENGINE--GEORGE STEPHENSON BEGINS ITS IMPROVEMENT.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading From our introductory chapter, it will have been observed that the improvements which had thus far been effected were confined almost entirely to the road.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading From our introductory chapter, it will have been observed that the improvements which had thus far been effected were confined almost entirely to the road.
flatteningverbUS /ˈflætənɪŋ/
-ing form of “flatten” — make flat or flatter
From this reading By improving and flattening the tram-way, considerable economy in horse-power had been secured; but, unless some more effective method of mechanical traction could be devised, it was clear that railway improvement had almost reached its limits.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The rapid increase in the coal-trade of the Tyne about the beginning of the present century had the effect of stimulating the ingenuity of mechanics, and encouraging them to devise improved methods of transporting the coal from the pits to the shipping-places.
Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)
From this reading THE LOCOMOTIVE ENGINE--GEORGE STEPHENSON BEGINS ITS IMPROVEMENT.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The rapid increase in the coal-trade of the Tyne about the beginning of the present century had the effect of stimulating the ingenuity of mechanics, and encouraging them to devise improved methods of transporting the coal from the pits to the shipping-places.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading From our introductory chapter, it will have been observed that the improvements which had thus far been effected were confined almost entirely to the road.
horse-power
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By improving and flattening the tram-way, considerable economy in horse-power had been secured; but, unless some more effective method of mechanical traction could be devised, it was clear that railway improvement had almost reached its limits.
plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading The railway wagons still continued to be drawn by horses.
improvedadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpruːvd/
made more desirable or valuable or profitable; especially made ready for use or marketing
From this reading The rapid increase in the coal-trade of the Tyne about the beginning of the present century had the effect of stimulating the ingenuity of mechanics, and encouraging them to devise improved methods of transporting the coal from the pits to the shipping-places.
IMPROVEMENTnounUS /ˌɪmˈpruːvmənt/
a change for the better; progress in development
From this reading THE LOCOMOTIVE ENGINE--GEORGE STEPHENSON BEGINS ITS IMPROVEMENT.
improvementsnounUS /ˌɪmˈpruːvmənts/
plural of “improvement” — a change for the better; progress in development
From this reading From our introductory chapter, it will have been observed that the improvements which had thus far been effected were confined almost entirely to the road.
improvingadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpruːvɪŋ/
getting higher or more vigorous
From this reading By improving and flattening the tram-way, considerable economy in horse-power had been secured; but, unless some more effective method of mechanical traction could be devised, it was clear that railway improvement had almost reached its limits.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The rapid increase in the coal-trade of the Tyne about the beginning of the present century had the effect of stimulating the ingenuity of mechanics, and encouraging them to devise improved methods of transporting the coal from the pits to the shipping-places.
increasenounUS /ˌɪnˈkriːs/
a quantity that is added
From this reading The rapid increase in the coal-trade of the Tyne about the beginning of the present century had the effect of stimulating the ingenuity of mechanics, and encouraging them to devise improved methods of transporting the coal from the pits to the shipping-places.
ingenuitynounUS /ˌɪndʒəˈnuːətiː/
the power of creative imagination
From this reading The rapid increase in the coal-trade of the Tyne about the beginning of the present century had the effect of stimulating the ingenuity of mechanics, and encouraging them to devise improved methods of transporting the coal from the pits to the shipping-places.
introductoryadjectiveUS /ˌɪntrəˈdʌktəri/
serving to open or begin
From this reading From our introductory chapter, it will have been observed that the improvements which had thus far been effected were confined almost entirely to the road.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading From our introductory chapter, it will have been observed that the improvements which had thus far been effected were confined almost entirely to the road.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading THE LOCOMOTIVE ENGINE--GEORGE STEPHENSON BEGINS ITS IMPROVEMENT.
limitsnounUS /ˈlɪməts/
plural of “limit” — the greatest possible degree of something
From this reading By improving and flattening the tram-way, considerable economy in horse-power had been secured; but, unless some more effective method of mechanical traction could be devised, it was clear that railway improvement had almost reached its limits.
LOCOMOTIVEnounUS /ˌloʊkəˈmoʊtɪv/
a wheeled vehicle consisting of a self-propelled engine that is used to draw trains along railway tracks
From this reading THE LOCOMOTIVE ENGINE--GEORGE STEPHENSON BEGINS ITS IMPROVEMENT.
mechanicaladjectiveUS /məˈkænɪkəl/
using (or as if using) mechanisms or tools or devices
From this reading By improving and flattening the tram-way, considerable economy in horse-power had been secured; but, unless some more effective method of mechanical traction could be devised, it was clear that railway improvement had almost reached its limits.
mechanicsnounUS /məˈkænɪks/
the branch of physics concerned with the motion of bodies in a frame of reference
From this reading The rapid increase in the coal-trade of the Tyne about the beginning of the present century had the effect of stimulating the ingenuity of mechanics, and encouraging them to devise improved methods of transporting the coal from the pits to the shipping-places.
a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)
From this reading By improving and flattening the tram-way, considerable economy in horse-power had been secured; but, unless some more effective method of mechanical traction could be devised, it was clear that railway improvement had almost reached its limits.
methodsnounUS /ˈmeθədz/
plural of “method” — a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)
From this reading The rapid increase in the coal-trade of the Tyne about the beginning of the present century had the effect of stimulating the ingenuity of mechanics, and encouraging them to devise improved methods of transporting the coal from the pits to the shipping-places.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading By improving and flattening the tram-way, considerable economy in horse-power had been secured; but, unless some more effective method of mechanical traction could be devised, it was clear that railway improvement had almost reached its limits.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading From our introductory chapter, it will have been observed that the improvements which had thus far been effected were confined almost entirely to the road.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The rapid increase in the coal-trade of the Tyne about the beginning of the present century had the effect of stimulating the ingenuity of mechanics, and encouraging them to devise improved methods of transporting the coal from the pits to the shipping-places.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading From our introductory chapter, it will have been observed that the improvements which had thus far been effected were confined almost entirely to the road.
pitsnounUS /pɪts/
plural of “pit” — a sizeable hole (usually in the ground)
From this reading The rapid increase in the coal-trade of the Tyne about the beginning of the present century had the effect of stimulating the ingenuity of mechanics, and encouraging them to devise improved methods of transporting the coal from the pits to the shipping-places.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading The rapid increase in the coal-trade of the Tyne about the beginning of the present century had the effect of stimulating the ingenuity of mechanics, and encouraging them to devise improved methods of transporting the coal from the pits to the shipping-places.
railwaynounUS /ˈreɪlweɪ/
line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight
From this reading The railway wagons still continued to be drawn by horses.
rapidadjectiveUS /ˈræpəd/
done or occurring in a brief period of time
From this reading The rapid increase in the coal-trade of the Tyne about the beginning of the present century had the effect of stimulating the ingenuity of mechanics, and encouraging them to devise improved methods of transporting the coal from the pits to the shipping-places.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading By improving and flattening the tram-way, considerable economy in horse-power had been secured; but, unless some more effective method of mechanical traction could be devised, it was clear that railway improvement had almost reached its limits.
an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
From this reading From our introductory chapter, it will have been observed that the improvements which had thus far been effected were confined almost entirely to the road.
past form of “secure” — get by special effort
From this reading By improving and flattening the tram-way, considerable economy in horse-power had been secured; but, unless some more effective method of mechanical traction could be devised, it was clear that railway improvement had almost reached its limits.
shipping-places
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The rapid increase in the coal-trade of the Tyne about the beginning of the present century had the effect of stimulating the ingenuity of mechanics, and encouraging them to devise improved methods of transporting the coal from the pits to the shipping-places.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading By improving and flattening the tram-way, considerable economy in horse-power had been secured; but, unless some more effective method of mechanical traction could be devised, it was clear that railway improvement had almost reached its limits.
STEPHENSONnounUS /ˈstiːvənsən/
English railway pioneer who built the first passenger railway in 1825 (1781-1848)
From this reading THE LOCOMOTIVE ENGINE--GEORGE STEPHENSON BEGINS ITS IMPROVEMENT.
not in physical motion
From this reading The railway wagons still continued to be drawn by horses.
stimulatingadjectiveUS /ˈstɪmjəleɪtɪŋ/
rousing or quickening activity or the senses
From this reading The rapid increase in the coal-trade of the Tyne about the beginning of the present century had the effect of stimulating the ingenuity of mechanics, and encouraging them to devise improved methods of transporting the coal from the pits to the shipping-places.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading From our introductory chapter, it will have been observed that the improvements which had thus far been effected were confined almost entirely to the road.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE LOCOMOTIVE ENGINE--GEORGE STEPHENSON BEGINS ITS IMPROVEMENT.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The rapid increase in the coal-trade of the Tyne about the beginning of the present century had the effect of stimulating the ingenuity of mechanics, and encouraging them to devise improved methods of transporting the coal from the pits to the shipping-places.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading From our introductory chapter, it will have been observed that the improvements which had thus far been effected were confined almost entirely to the road.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The rapid increase in the coal-trade of the Tyne about the beginning of the present century had the effect of stimulating the ingenuity of mechanics, and encouraging them to devise improved methods of transporting the coal from the pits to the shipping-places.
tractionnounUS /ˈtrækʃən/
the friction between a body and the surface on which it moves (as between an automobile tire and the road)
From this reading By improving and flattening the tram-way, considerable economy in horse-power had been secured; but, unless some more effective method of mechanical traction could be devised, it was clear that railway improvement had almost reached its limits.
tram-way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By improving and flattening the tram-way, considerable economy in horse-power had been secured; but, unless some more effective method of mechanical traction could be devised, it was clear that railway improvement had almost reached its limits.
transportingverbUS /trænˈspɔːrtɪŋ/
-ing form of “transport” — move something or somebody around; usually over long distances
From this reading The rapid increase in the coal-trade of the Tyne about the beginning of the present century had the effect of stimulating the ingenuity of mechanics, and encouraging them to devise improved methods of transporting the coal from the pits to the shipping-places.
TynenounUS /taɪn/
a river in northern England that flows east to the North Sea
From this reading The rapid increase in the coal-trade of the Tyne about the beginning of the present century had the effect of stimulating the ingenuity of mechanics, and encouraging them to devise improved methods of transporting the coal from the pits to the shipping-places.
except if; if not
From this reading By improving and flattening the tram-way, considerable economy in horse-power had been secured; but, unless some more effective method of mechanical traction could be devised, it was clear that railway improvement had almost reached its limits.
wagonsnounUS /ˈwæɡənz/
plural of “wagon” — any of various kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by an animal or a tractor
From this reading The railway wagons still continued to be drawn by horses.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading By improving and flattening the tram-way, considerable economy in horse-power had been secured; but, unless some more effective method of mechanical traction could be devised, it was clear that railway improvement had almost reached its limits.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading From our introductory chapter, it will have been observed that the improvements which had thus far been effected were confined almost entirely to the road.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading From our introductory chapter, it will have been observed that the improvements which had thus far been effected were confined almost entirely to the road.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading From our introductory chapter, it will have been observed that the improvements which had thus far been effected were confined almost entirely to the road.
