used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Not a night passed that he did not hear the sad cries issuing from some point beyond the _maloka_.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading And though he questioned both the women and the warriors who came and stared curiously at him, none could do more than shrug their shoulders and make meaningless gestures in answer.
react verbally
From this reading And though he questioned both the women and the warriors who came and stared curiously at him, none could do more than shrug their shoulders and make meaningless gestures in answer.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Consequently, he was glad when his strength returned and enabled him to walk as far as the door of the _maloka_.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading And though he questioned both the women and the warriors who came and stared curiously at him, none could do more than shrug their shoulders and make meaningless gestures in answer.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Hal took no stock in that, of course, but, during the long nights of the week following, he was more than once inclined to be credulous in the matter.
for the reason that
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading Not a night passed that he did not hear the sad cries issuing from some point beyond the _maloka_.
the two together, not just one
From this reading And though he questioned both the women and the warriors who came and stared curiously at him, none could do more than shrug their shoulders and make meaningless gestures in answer.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Hal took no stock in that, of course, but, during the long nights of the week following, he was more than once inclined to be credulous in the matter.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading And though he questioned both the women and the warriors who came and stared curiously at him, none could do more than shrug their shoulders and make meaningless gestures in answer.
ConsequentlyadverbUS /ˈkɑːnsəkwəntli/
(sentence connectors) because of the reason given
From this reading Consequently, he was glad when his strength returned and enabled him to walk as far as the door of the _maloka_.
carefully weighed
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
without variation or change, in every case
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
convalescencenounUS /ˌkɑːnvəˈlesəns/
gradual healing (through rest) after sickness or injury
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading And though he questioned both the women and the warriors who came and stared curiously at him, none could do more than shrug their shoulders and make meaningless gestures in answer.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading Hal took no stock in that, of course, but, during the long nights of the week following, he was more than once inclined to be credulous in the matter.
credulousadjectiveUS /ˈkredʒələs/
disposed to believe on little evidence
From this reading Hal took no stock in that, of course, but, during the long nights of the week following, he was more than once inclined to be credulous in the matter.
plural of “cry” — a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition
From this reading Not a night passed that he did not hear the sad cries issuing from some point beyond the _maloka_.
in a manner differing from the usual or expected
From this reading And though he questioned both the women and the warriors who came and stared curiously at him, none could do more than shrug their shoulders and make meaningless gestures in answer.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Not a night passed that he did not hear the sad cries issuing from some point beyond the _maloka_.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading And though he questioned both the women and the warriors who came and stared curiously at him, none could do more than shrug their shoulders and make meaningless gestures in answer.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading Consequently, he was glad when his strength returned and enabled him to walk as far as the door of the _maloka_.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading Hal took no stock in that, of course, but, during the long nights of the week following, he was more than once inclined to be credulous in the matter.
enabledverbUS /eˈneɪbəld/
past form of “enable” — render capable or able for some task
From this reading Consequently, he was glad when his strength returned and enabled him to walk as far as the door of the _maloka_.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading Consequently, he was glad when his strength returned and enabled him to walk as far as the door of the _maloka_.
being the sex (of plant or animal) that produces fertilizable gametes (ova) from which offspring develop
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading Hal took no stock in that, of course, but, during the long nights of the week following, he was more than once inclined to be credulous in the matter.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Not a night passed that he did not hear the sad cries issuing from some point beyond the _maloka_.
gaitnounUS /ɡeɪt/
the rate of moving (especially walking or running)
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
gesturesnounUS /ˈdʒestʃərz/
plural of “gesture” — motion of hands or body to emphasize or help to express a thought or feeling
From this reading And though he questioned both the women and the warriors who came and stared curiously at him, none could do more than shrug their shoulders and make meaningless gestures in answer.
showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy
From this reading Consequently, he was glad when his strength returned and enabled him to walk as far as the door of the _maloka_.
guardiansnounUS /ˈɡɑːrdiənz/
plural of “guardian” — a person who cares for persons or property
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
Hal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hal took no stock in that, of course, but, during the long nights of the week following, he was more than once inclined to be credulous in the matter.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Hal took no stock in that, of course, but, during the long nights of the week following, he was more than once inclined to be credulous in the matter.
perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
From this reading Not a night passed that he did not hear the sad cries issuing from some point beyond the _maloka_.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading And though he questioned both the women and the warriors who came and stared curiously at him, none could do more than shrug their shoulders and make meaningless gestures in answer.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Consequently, he was glad when his strength returned and enabled him to walk as far as the door of the _maloka_.
hoveredverbUS /ˈhʌvərd/
past form of “hover” — be undecided about something; waver between conflicting positions or courses of action
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Hal took no stock in that, of course, but, during the long nights of the week following, he was more than once inclined to be credulous in the matter.
(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency
From this reading Hal took no stock in that, of course, but, during the long nights of the week following, he was more than once inclined to be credulous in the matter.
issuingnounUS /ˈɪʃuːɪŋ/
the act of providing an item for general use or for official purposes (usually in quantity)
From this reading Not a night passed that he did not hear the sad cries issuing from some point beyond the _maloka_.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading Hal took no stock in that, of course, but, during the long nights of the week following, he was more than once inclined to be credulous in the matter.
something that is lost
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
engage in
From this reading And though he questioned both the women and the warriors who came and stared curiously at him, none could do more than shrug their shoulders and make meaningless gestures in answer.
maloka
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not a night passed that he did not hear the sad cries issuing from some point beyond the _maloka_.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Hal took no stock in that, of course, but, during the long nights of the week following, he was more than once inclined to be credulous in the matter.
meaninglessadjectiveUS /ˈmiːnɪŋləs/
having no meaning or direction or purpose
From this reading And though he questioned both the women and the warriors who came and stared curiously at him, none could do more than shrug their shoulders and make meaningless gestures in answer.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Hal took no stock in that, of course, but, during the long nights of the week following, he was more than once inclined to be credulous in the matter.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Not a night passed that he did not hear the sad cries issuing from some point beyond the _maloka_.
Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.
From this reading Hal took no stock in that, of course, but, during the long nights of the week following, he was more than once inclined to be credulous in the matter.
not any; not one
From this reading Hal took no stock in that, of course, but, during the long nights of the week following, he was more than once inclined to be credulous in the matter.
not one, and not any
From this reading And though he questioned both the women and the warriors who came and stared curiously at him, none could do more than shrug their shoulders and make meaningless gestures in answer.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Not a night passed that he did not hear the sad cries issuing from some point beyond the _maloka_.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Hal took no stock in that, of course, but, during the long nights of the week following, he was more than once inclined to be credulous in the matter.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
on one occasion
From this reading Hal took no stock in that, of course, but, during the long nights of the week following, he was more than once inclined to be credulous in the matter.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading Not a night passed that he did not hear the sad cries issuing from some point beyond the _maloka_.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading Not a night passed that he did not hear the sad cries issuing from some point beyond the _maloka_.
a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
past form of “question” — challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading And though he questioned both the women and the warriors who came and stared curiously at him, none could do more than shrug their shoulders and make meaningless gestures in answer.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading Consequently, he was glad when his strength returned and enabled him to walk as far as the door of the _maloka_.
experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness
From this reading Not a night passed that he did not hear the sad cries issuing from some point beyond the _maloka_.
plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm
From this reading And though he questioned both the women and the warriors who came and stared curiously at him, none could do more than shrug their shoulders and make meaningless gestures in answer.
shrugnounUS /ʃrʌɡ/
a gesture involving the shoulders
From this reading And though he questioned both the women and the warriors who came and stared curiously at him, none could do more than shrug their shoulders and make meaningless gestures in answer.
solicitudenounUS /səˈlɪsɪtuːd/
a feeling of excessive concern
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Not a night passed that he did not hear the sad cries issuing from some point beyond the _maloka_.
stalwartadjectiveUS /ˈstɔːlwərt/
having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
past form of “stare” — look at with fixed eyes
From this reading And though he questioned both the women and the warriors who came and stared curiously at him, none could do more than shrug their shoulders and make meaningless gestures in answer.
the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest
From this reading Hal took no stock in that, of course, but, during the long nights of the week following, he was more than once inclined to be credulous in the matter.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading Consequently, he was glad when his strength returned and enabled him to walk as far as the door of the _maloka_.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Hal took no stock in that, of course, but, during the long nights of the week following, he was more than once inclined to be credulous in the matter.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Hal took no stock in that, of course, but, during the long nights of the week following, he was more than once inclined to be credulous in the matter.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Hal took no stock in that, of course, but, during the long nights of the week following, he was more than once inclined to be credulous in the matter.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading And though he questioned both the women and the warriors who came and stared curiously at him, none could do more than shrug their shoulders and make meaningless gestures in answer.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading And though he questioned both the women and the warriors who came and stared curiously at him, none could do more than shrug their shoulders and make meaningless gestures in answer.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Hal took no stock in that, of course, but, during the long nights of the week following, he was more than once inclined to be credulous in the matter.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Hal took no stock in that, of course, but, during the long nights of the week following, he was more than once inclined to be credulous in the matter.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
uncertainadjectiveUS /ənˈsɜːrtən/
lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
the act of traveling by foot
From this reading Consequently, he was glad when his strength returned and enabled him to walk as far as the door of the _maloka_.
warriorsnounUS /ˈwɔːriərz/
plural of “warrior” — someone engaged in or experienced in warfare
From this reading And though he questioned both the women and the warriors who came and stared curiously at him, none could do more than shrug their shoulders and make meaningless gestures in answer.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Hal took no stock in that, of course, but, during the long nights of the week following, he was more than once inclined to be credulous in the matter.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading Hal took no stock in that, of course, but, during the long nights of the week following, he was more than once inclined to be credulous in the matter.
at the time that
From this reading Consequently, he was glad when his strength returned and enabled him to walk as far as the door of the _maloka_.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
which person or people
From this reading And though he questioned both the women and the warriors who came and stared curiously at him, none could do more than shrug their shoulders and make meaningless gestures in answer.
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading And though he questioned both the women and the warriors who came and stared curiously at him, none could do more than shrug their shoulders and make meaningless gestures in answer.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Two young but stalwart warriors had now taken the place of his female guardians and on this first day of his convalescence they hovered about constantly, and he was at a loss to know whether it was because of their tender solicitude for his uncertain gait or whether they considered him a prisoner.
