used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Beside him Mary Aikens was puzzled, with a nervous mingling of surprise and amusement.
AikensnounUS /ˈeɪkɪnz/
plural of “aiken” — United States writer (1889-1973)
From this reading Beside him Mary Aikens was puzzled, with a nervous mingling of surprise and amusement.
a feeling of delight at being entertained
From this reading Beside him Mary Aikens was puzzled, with a nervous mingling of surprise and amusement.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Instantly he felt, rather than saw, that it was the Professor and his sister.
apronnounUS /ˈeɪprən/
a garment of cloth or leather or plastic that is tied about the waist and worn to protect your clothing
From this reading With the instinct of her sex her hand went to her dark hair, and a quick eye fell to the spotless apron and moved on to her neatly clad feet.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
next to; at the side of
From this reading Beside him Mary Aikens was puzzled, with a nervous mingling of surprise and amusement.
the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
bounceverbUS /baʊns/
spring back; spring away from an impact
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
bracedadjectiveUS /breɪst/
positioned so as to be ready for confrontation or danger
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
buckboardnoun
an open horse-drawn carriage with four wheels; has a seat attached to a flexible board between the two axles
From this reading THE FOSSIL-HUNTERS Stamford raised his eyes from the wobbling wheels to the seat of the buckboard.
cladadjectiveUS /klæd/
wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination
From this reading With the instinct of her sex her hand went to her dark hair, and a quick eye fell to the spotless apron and moved on to her neatly clad feet.
concentrationnounUS /ˌkɑːnsənˈtreɪʃən/
the strength of a solution; number of molecules of a substance in a given volume
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
power to direct or determine
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading With the instinct of her sex her hand went to her dark hair, and a quick eye fell to the spotless apron and moved on to her neatly clad feet.
plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
relatively long in duration; tediously protracted
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
the organ of sight
From this reading With the instinct of her sex her hand went to her dark hair, and a quick eye fell to the spotless apron and moved on to her neatly clad feet.
opinion or judgment
From this reading THE FOSSIL-HUNTERS Stamford raised his eyes from the wobbling wheels to the seat of the buckboard.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading With the instinct of her sex her hand went to her dark hair, and a quick eye fell to the spotless apron and moved on to her neatly clad feet.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading With the instinct of her sex her hand went to her dark hair, and a quick eye fell to the spotless apron and moved on to her neatly clad feet.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading Instantly he felt, rather than saw, that it was the Professor and his sister.
marked by extreme and violent energy
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
FOSSIL-HUNTERS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE FOSSIL-HUNTERS Stamford raised his eyes from the wobbling wheels to the seat of the buckboard.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading THE FOSSIL-HUNTERS Stamford raised his eyes from the wobbling wheels to the seat of the buckboard.
a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss
From this reading With the instinct of her sex her hand went to her dark hair, and a quick eye fell to the spotless apron and moved on to her neatly clad feet.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading With the instinct of her sex her hand went to her dark hair, and a quick eye fell to the spotless apron and moved on to her neatly clad feet.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Instantly he felt, rather than saw, that it was the Professor and his sister.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading With the instinct of her sex her hand went to her dark hair, and a quick eye fell to the spotless apron and moved on to her neatly clad feet.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Beside him Mary Aikens was puzzled, with a nervous mingling of surprise and amusement.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE FOSSIL-HUNTERS Stamford raised his eyes from the wobbling wheels to the seat of the buckboard.
plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading Instantly he felt, rather than saw, that it was the Professor and his sister.
inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli
From this reading With the instinct of her sex her hand went to her dark hair, and a quick eye fell to the spotless apron and moved on to her neatly clad feet.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Instantly he felt, rather than saw, that it was the Professor and his sister.
the sound of laughing
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
engage in
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics
From this reading Beside him Mary Aikens was puzzled, with a nervous mingling of surprise and amusement.
minglingnounUS /ˈmɪŋɡəlɪŋ/
the action of people mingling and coming into contact
From this reading Beside him Mary Aikens was puzzled, with a nervous mingling of surprise and amusement.
assembled for use; especially by being attached to a support
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading With the instinct of her sex her hand went to her dark hair, and a quick eye fell to the spotless apron and moved on to her neatly clad feet.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
neatlyadverbUS /ˈniːtli/
with neatness
From this reading With the instinct of her sex her hand went to her dark hair, and a quick eye fell to the spotless apron and moved on to her neatly clad feet.
easily agitated
From this reading Beside him Mary Aikens was puzzled, with a nervous mingling of surprise and amusement.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE FOSSIL-HUNTERS Stamford raised his eyes from the wobbling wheels to the seat of the buckboard.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading With the instinct of her sex her hand went to her dark hair, and a quick eye fell to the spotless apron and moved on to her neatly clad feet.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university
From this reading Instantly he felt, rather than saw, that it was the Professor and his sister.
Professor'snounUS /prəˈfesərz/
possessive form of “professor” — someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
filled with bewilderment
From this reading Beside him Mary Aikens was puzzled, with a nervous mingling of surprise and amusement.
accomplished rapidly and without delay
From this reading With the instinct of her sex her hand went to her dark hair, and a quick eye fell to the spotless apron and moved on to her neatly clad feet.
located or moved above the surround or above the normal position
From this reading THE FOSSIL-HUNTERS Stamford raised his eyes from the wobbling wheels to the seat of the buckboard.
ranch-house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
on the contrary
From this reading Instantly he felt, rather than saw, that it was the Professor and his sister.
ridgenounUS /rɪdʒ/
a long narrow natural elevation or striation
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
cut with a saw
From this reading Instantly he felt, rather than saw, that it was the Professor and his sister.
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading THE FOSSIL-HUNTERS Stamford raised his eyes from the wobbling wheels to the seat of the buckboard.
activities associated with sexual intercourse
From this reading With the instinct of her sex her hand went to her dark hair, and a quick eye fell to the spotless apron and moved on to her neatly clad feet.
a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading Instantly he felt, rather than saw, that it was the Professor and his sister.
spectatorsnounUS /ˈspekteɪtərz/
plural of “spectator” — a close observer; someone who looks at something (such as an exhibition of some kind)
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
spotlessadjectiveUS /ˈspɑːtləs/
completely neat and clean
From this reading With the instinct of her sex her hand went to her dark hair, and a quick eye fell to the spotless apron and moved on to her neatly clad feet.
Stamford
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE FOSSIL-HUNTERS Stamford raised his eyes from the wobbling wheels to the seat of the buckboard.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading Beside him Mary Aikens was puzzled, with a nervous mingling of surprise and amusement.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Instantly he felt, rather than saw, that it was the Professor and his sister.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Instantly he felt, rather than saw, that it was the Professor and his sister.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE FOSSIL-HUNTERS Stamford raised his eyes from the wobbling wheels to the seat of the buckboard.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
threateningadjectiveUS /ˈθretənɪŋ/
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE FOSSIL-HUNTERS Stamford raised his eyes from the wobbling wheels to the seat of the buckboard.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Instantly he felt, rather than saw, that it was the Professor and his sister.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading With the instinct of her sex her hand went to her dark hair, and a quick eye fell to the spotless apron and moved on to her neatly clad feet.
change directions as if revolving on a pivot
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
wheelsnounUS /wiːlz/
plural of “wheel” — a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)
From this reading THE FOSSIL-HUNTERS Stamford raised his eyes from the wobbling wheels to the seat of the buckboard.
at the time that
From this reading When the buckboard was near enough to make out the Professor's extended hands on the lines, his fierce concentration on the horses' ears, his braced feet, and the threatening bounce of his body as the wheel mounted the ridge, the spectators in the ranch-house could not control their laughter.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Beside him Mary Aikens was puzzled, with a nervous mingling of surprise and amusement.
wobblingadjectiveUS /ˈwɑːbəlɪŋ/
(of sound) fluctuating unsteadily
From this reading THE FOSSIL-HUNTERS Stamford raised his eyes from the wobbling wheels to the seat of the buckboard.
