Chapter XXV · Chapter 25

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

From this reading A MAN-EATER IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE Towards the end of my stay in British East Africa, I dined one evening with Mr. Ryall, the Superintendent of the Police, in his inspection carriage on the railway.

in actual fact

From this reading He was a most daring brute, quite indifferent as to whether he carried off the station-master, the signalman, or the pointsman; and one night, in his efforts to obtain a meal, he actually climbed up on to the roof of the station buildings and tried to tear off the corrugated-iron sheets.

the second largest continent; located to the south of Europe and bordered to the west by the South Atlantic and to the east by the Indian Ocean

From this reading A MAN-EATER IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE Towards the end of my stay in British East Africa, I dined one evening with Mr. Ryall, the Superintendent of the Police, in his inspection carriage on the railway.

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

From this reading A man-eating lion had taken up his quarters at a little roadside station called Kimaa, and had developed an extraordinary taste for the members of the railway staff.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading A man-eating lion had taken up his quarters at a little roadside station called Kimaa, and had developed an extraordinary taste for the members of the railway staff.

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

From this reading He was a most daring brute, quite indifferent as to whether he carried off the station-master, the signalman, or the pointsman; and one night, in his efforts to obtain a meal, he actually climbed up on to the roof of the station buildings and tried to tear off the corrugated-iron sheets.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A man-eating lion had taken up his quarters at a little roadside station called Kimaa, and had developed an extraordinary taste for the members of the railway staff.

the people of Great Britain

From this reading A MAN-EATER IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE Towards the end of my stay in British East Africa, I dined one evening with Mr. Ryall, the Superintendent of the Police, in his inspection carriage on the railway.

a cruelly rapacious person

From this reading He was a most daring brute, quite indifferent as to whether he carried off the station-master, the signalman, or the pointsman; and one night, in his efforts to obtain a meal, he actually climbed up on to the roof of the station buildings and tried to tear off the corrugated-iron sheets.

plural of “building” — a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading He was a most daring brute, quite indifferent as to whether he carried off the station-master, the signalman, or the pointsman; and one night, in his efforts to obtain a meal, he actually climbed up on to the roof of the station buildings and tried to tear off the corrugated-iron sheets.

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

From this reading A man-eating lion had taken up his quarters at a little roadside station called Kimaa, and had developed an extraordinary taste for the members of the railway staff.

a railcar where passengers ride

From this reading A MAN-EATER IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE Towards the end of my stay in British East Africa, I dined one evening with Mr. Ryall, the Superintendent of the Police, in his inspection carriage on the railway.

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading He was a most daring brute, quite indifferent as to whether he carried off the station-master, the signalman, or the pointsman; and one night, in his efforts to obtain a meal, he actually climbed up on to the roof of the station buildings and tried to tear off the corrugated-iron sheets.

past form of “climb” — go upward with gradual or continuous progress

From this reading He was a most daring brute, quite indifferent as to whether he carried off the station-master, the signalman, or the pointsman; and one night, in his efforts to obtain a meal, he actually climbed up on to the roof of the station buildings and tried to tear off the corrugated-iron sheets.

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

From this reading He was a most daring brute, quite indifferent as to whether he carried off the station-master, the signalman, or the pointsman; and one night, in his efforts to obtain a meal, he actually climbed up on to the roof of the station buildings and tried to tear off the corrugated-iron sheets.

a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy

From this reading He was a most daring brute, quite indifferent as to whether he carried off the station-master, the signalman, or the pointsman; and one night, in his efforts to obtain a meal, he actually climbed up on to the roof of the station buildings and tried to tear off the corrugated-iron sheets.

being changed over time so as to be e.g. stronger or more complete or more useful

From this reading A man-eating lion had taken up his quarters at a little roadside station called Kimaa, and had developed an extraordinary taste for the members of the railway staff.

past form of “dine” — have supper; eat dinner

From this reading A MAN-EATER IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE Towards the end of my stay in British East Africa, I dined one evening with Mr. Ryall, the Superintendent of the Police, in his inspection carriage on the railway.

the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees

From this reading A MAN-EATER IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE Towards the end of my stay in British East Africa, I dined one evening with Mr. Ryall, the Superintendent of the Police, in his inspection carriage on the railway.

plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading He was a most daring brute, quite indifferent as to whether he carried off the station-master, the signalman, or the pointsman; and one night, in his efforts to obtain a meal, he actually climbed up on to the roof of the station buildings and tried to tear off the corrugated-iron sheets.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading A MAN-EATER IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE Towards the end of my stay in British East Africa, I dined one evening with Mr. Ryall, the Superintendent of the Police, in his inspection carriage on the railway.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading A MAN-EATER IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE Towards the end of my stay in British East Africa, I dined one evening with Mr. Ryall, the Superintendent of the Police, in his inspection carriage on the railway.

beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable

From this reading A man-eating lion had taken up his quarters at a little roadside station called Kimaa, and had developed an extraordinary taste for the members of the railway staff.

an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading I little thought then what a terrible fate was to overtake him only a few months later in that very carriage in which we dined.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading I little thought then what a terrible fate was to overtake him only a few months later in that very carriage in which we dined.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A man-eating lion had taken up his quarters at a little roadside station called Kimaa, and had developed an extraordinary taste for the members of the railway staff.

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

From this reading A man-eating lion had taken up his quarters at a little roadside station called Kimaa, and had developed an extraordinary taste for the members of the railway staff.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He was a most daring brute, quite indifferent as to whether he carried off the station-master, the signalman, or the pointsman; and one night, in his efforts to obtain a meal, he actually climbed up on to the roof of the station buildings and tried to tear off the corrugated-iron sheets.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading I little thought then what a terrible fate was to overtake him only a few months later in that very carriage in which we dined.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading A MAN-EATER IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE Towards the end of my stay in British East Africa, I dined one evening with Mr. Ryall, the Superintendent of the Police, in his inspection carriage on the railway.

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

From this reading A MAN-EATER IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE Towards the end of my stay in British East Africa, I dined one evening with Mr. Ryall, the Superintendent of the Police, in his inspection carriage on the railway.

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

From this reading A MAN-EATER IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE Towards the end of my stay in British East Africa, I dined one evening with Mr. Ryall, the Superintendent of the Police, in his inspection carriage on the railway.

marked by a lack of interest

From this reading He was a most daring brute, quite indifferent as to whether he carried off the station-master, the signalman, or the pointsman; and one night, in his efforts to obtain a meal, he actually climbed up on to the roof of the station buildings and tried to tear off the corrugated-iron sheets.

a formal or official examination

From this reading A MAN-EATER IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE Towards the end of my stay in British East Africa, I dined one evening with Mr. Ryall, the Superintendent of the Police, in his inspection carriage on the railway.

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

From this reading A man-eating lion had taken up his quarters at a little roadside station called Kimaa, and had developed an extraordinary taste for the members of the railway staff.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading I little thought then what a terrible fate was to overtake him only a few months later in that very carriage in which we dined.

large gregarious predatory feline of Africa and India having a tawny coat with a shaggy mane in the male

From this reading A man-eating lion had taken up his quarters at a little roadside station called Kimaa, and had developed an extraordinary taste for the members of the railway staff.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading I little thought then what a terrible fate was to overtake him only a few months later in that very carriage in which we dined.

a person who eats human flesh

From this reading A MAN-EATER IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE Towards the end of my stay in British East Africa, I dined one evening with Mr. Ryall, the Superintendent of the Police, in his inspection carriage on the railway.

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

From this reading A man-eating lion had taken up his quarters at a little roadside station called Kimaa, and had developed an extraordinary taste for the members of the railway staff.

the food served and eaten at one time

From this reading He was a most daring brute, quite indifferent as to whether he carried off the station-master, the signalman, or the pointsman; and one night, in his efforts to obtain a meal, he actually climbed up on to the roof of the station buildings and tried to tear off the corrugated-iron sheets.

plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading A man-eating lion had taken up his quarters at a little roadside station called Kimaa, and had developed an extraordinary taste for the members of the railway staff.

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading I little thought then what a terrible fate was to overtake him only a few months later in that very carriage in which we dined.

used to form the superlative

From this reading He was a most daring brute, quite indifferent as to whether he carried off the station-master, the signalman, or the pointsman; and one night, in his efforts to obtain a meal, he actually climbed up on to the roof of the station buildings and tried to tear off the corrugated-iron sheets.

a form of address for a man

From this reading A MAN-EATER IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE Towards the end of my stay in British East Africa, I dined one evening with Mr. Ryall, the Superintendent of the Police, in his inspection carriage on the railway.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading A MAN-EATER IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE Towards the end of my stay in British East Africa, I dined one evening with Mr. Ryall, the Superintendent of the Police, in his inspection carriage on the railway.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading He was a most daring brute, quite indifferent as to whether he carried off the station-master, the signalman, or the pointsman; and one night, in his efforts to obtain a meal, he actually climbed up on to the roof of the station buildings and tried to tear off the corrugated-iron sheets.

come into possession of

From this reading He was a most daring brute, quite indifferent as to whether he carried off the station-master, the signalman, or the pointsman; and one night, in his efforts to obtain a meal, he actually climbed up on to the roof of the station buildings and tried to tear off the corrugated-iron sheets.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A MAN-EATER IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE Towards the end of my stay in British East Africa, I dined one evening with Mr. Ryall, the Superintendent of the Police, in his inspection carriage on the railway.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading He was a most daring brute, quite indifferent as to whether he carried off the station-master, the signalman, or the pointsman; and one night, in his efforts to obtain a meal, he actually climbed up on to the roof of the station buildings and tried to tear off the corrugated-iron sheets.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A MAN-EATER IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE Towards the end of my stay in British East Africa, I dined one evening with Mr. Ryall, the Superintendent of the Police, in his inspection carriage on the railway.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading A MAN-EATER IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE Towards the end of my stay in British East Africa, I dined one evening with Mr. Ryall, the Superintendent of the Police, in his inspection carriage on the railway.

and nothing more

From this reading I little thought then what a terrible fate was to overtake him only a few months later in that very carriage in which we dined.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He was a most daring brute, quite indifferent as to whether he carried off the station-master, the signalman, or the pointsman; and one night, in his efforts to obtain a meal, he actually climbed up on to the roof of the station buildings and tried to tear off the corrugated-iron sheets.

catch up with and possibly overtake

From this reading I little thought then what a terrible fate was to overtake him only a few months later in that very carriage in which we dined.

a policeman stationed at an intersection to direct traffic

From this reading He was a most daring brute, quite indifferent as to whether he carried off the station-master, the signalman, or the pointsman; and one night, in his efforts to obtain a meal, he actually climbed up on to the roof of the station buildings and tried to tear off the corrugated-iron sheets.

the force of policemen and officers

From this reading A MAN-EATER IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE Towards the end of my stay in British East Africa, I dined one evening with Mr. Ryall, the Superintendent of the Police, in his inspection carriage on the railway.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading Poor Ryall!

housing available for people to live in

From this reading A man-eating lion had taken up his quarters at a little roadside station called Kimaa, and had developed an extraordinary taste for the members of the railway staff.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading He was a most daring brute, quite indifferent as to whether he carried off the station-master, the signalman, or the pointsman; and one night, in his efforts to obtain a meal, he actually climbed up on to the roof of the station buildings and tried to tear off the corrugated-iron sheets.

line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight

From this reading A MAN-EATER IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE Towards the end of my stay in British East Africa, I dined one evening with Mr. Ryall, the Superintendent of the Police, in his inspection carriage on the railway.

edge of a way or road or path

From this reading A man-eating lion had taken up his quarters at a little roadside station called Kimaa, and had developed an extraordinary taste for the members of the railway staff.

a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading He was a most daring brute, quite indifferent as to whether he carried off the station-master, the signalman, or the pointsman; and one night, in his efforts to obtain a meal, he actually climbed up on to the roof of the station buildings and tried to tear off the corrugated-iron sheets.

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

From this reading A MAN-EATER IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE Towards the end of my stay in British East Africa, I dined one evening with Mr. Ryall, the Superintendent of the Police, in his inspection carriage on the railway.

plural of “sheet” — any broad thin expanse or surface

From this reading He was a most daring brute, quite indifferent as to whether he carried off the station-master, the signalman, or the pointsman; and one night, in his efforts to obtain a meal, he actually climbed up on to the roof of the station buildings and tried to tear off the corrugated-iron sheets.

a railroad employee in charge of signals and point in a railroad yard

From this reading He was a most daring brute, quite indifferent as to whether he carried off the station-master, the signalman, or the pointsman; and one night, in his efforts to obtain a meal, he actually climbed up on to the roof of the station buildings and tried to tear off the corrugated-iron sheets.

personnel who assist their superior in carrying out an assigned task

From this reading A man-eating lion had taken up his quarters at a little roadside station called Kimaa, and had developed an extraordinary taste for the members of the railway staff.

a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose

From this reading A man-eating lion had taken up his quarters at a little roadside station called Kimaa, and had developed an extraordinary taste for the members of the railway staff.

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

From this reading He was a most daring brute, quite indifferent as to whether he carried off the station-master, the signalman, or the pointsman; and one night, in his efforts to obtain a meal, he actually climbed up on to the roof of the station buildings and tried to tear off the corrugated-iron sheets.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading A MAN-EATER IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE Towards the end of my stay in British East Africa, I dined one evening with Mr. Ryall, the Superintendent of the Police, in his inspection carriage on the railway.

a person who directs and manages an organization

From this reading A MAN-EATER IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE Towards the end of my stay in British East Africa, I dined one evening with Mr. Ryall, the Superintendent of the Police, in his inspection carriage on the railway.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading A man-eating lion had taken up his quarters at a little roadside station called Kimaa, and had developed an extraordinary taste for the members of the railway staff.

To perceive flavor through the mouth.

From this reading A man-eating lion had taken up his quarters at a little roadside station called Kimaa, and had developed an extraordinary taste for the members of the railway staff.

separate or cause to separate abruptly

From this reading He was a most daring brute, quite indifferent as to whether he carried off the station-master, the signalman, or the pointsman; and one night, in his efforts to obtain a meal, he actually climbed up on to the roof of the station buildings and tried to tear off the corrugated-iron sheets.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading I little thought then what a terrible fate was to overtake him only a few months later in that very carriage in which we dined.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I little thought then what a terrible fate was to overtake him only a few months later in that very carriage in which we dined.

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

From this reading A MAN-EATER IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE Towards the end of my stay in British East Africa, I dined one evening with Mr. Ryall, the Superintendent of the Police, in his inspection carriage on the railway.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading I little thought then what a terrible fate was to overtake him only a few months later in that very carriage in which we dined.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading I little thought then what a terrible fate was to overtake him only a few months later in that very carriage in which we dined.

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

From this reading I little thought then what a terrible fate was to overtake him only a few months later in that very carriage in which we dined.

in the direction of

From this reading A MAN-EATER IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE Towards the end of my stay in British East Africa, I dined one evening with Mr. Ryall, the Superintendent of the Police, in his inspection carriage on the railway.

tested and proved useful or correct

From this reading He was a most daring brute, quite indifferent as to whether he carried off the station-master, the signalman, or the pointsman; and one night, in his efforts to obtain a meal, he actually climbed up on to the roof of the station buildings and tried to tear off the corrugated-iron sheets.

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

From this reading A man-eating lion had taken up his quarters at a little roadside station called Kimaa, and had developed an extraordinary taste for the members of the railway staff.

precisely as stated

From this reading I little thought then what a terrible fate was to overtake him only a few months later in that very carriage in which we dined.

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

From this reading I little thought then what a terrible fate was to overtake him only a few months later in that very carriage in which we dined.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading I little thought then what a terrible fate was to overtake him only a few months later in that very carriage in which we dined.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading I little thought then what a terrible fate was to overtake him only a few months later in that very carriage in which we dined.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading He was a most daring brute, quite indifferent as to whether he carried off the station-master, the signalman, or the pointsman; and one night, in his efforts to obtain a meal, he actually climbed up on to the roof of the station buildings and tried to tear off the corrugated-iron sheets.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading I little thought then what a terrible fate was to overtake him only a few months later in that very carriage in which we dined.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A MAN-EATER IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE Towards the end of my stay in British East Africa, I dined one evening with Mr. Ryall, the Superintendent of the Police, in his inspection carriage on the railway.