used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading One afternoon, as they were sending tennis balls to each other along the terrace, they heard a voice calling to them from overhead.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading An Unexpected Development Lindsay and Cicely had by no means forgotten either their quest for the treasure or their curiosity about the lantern chamber.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading One afternoon, as they were sending tennis balls to each other along the terrace, they heard a voice calling to them from overhead.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading In spite of several small efforts, nothing fresh had occurred to elucidate matters, and they were almost beginning to despair of ever making any further progress, when quite unexpectedly something important happened.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading One afternoon, as they were sending tennis balls to each other along the terrace, they heard a voice calling to them from overhead.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading An Unexpected Development Lindsay and Cicely had by no means forgotten either their quest for the treasure or their curiosity about the lantern chamber.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading An Unexpected Development Lindsay and Cicely had by no means forgotten either their quest for the treasure or their curiosity about the lantern chamber.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading In spite of several small efforts, nothing fresh had occurred to elucidate matters, and they were almost beginning to despair of ever making any further progress, when quite unexpectedly something important happened.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading One afternoon, as they were sending tennis balls to each other along the terrace, they heard a voice calling to them from overhead.
ballsnounUS /bɔːlz/
plural of “ball” — round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
From this reading One afternoon, as they were sending tennis balls to each other along the terrace, they heard a voice calling to them from overhead.
beckoningverbUS /ˈbekənɪŋ/
-ing form of “beckon” — signal with the hands or nod
From this reading They looked up, and saw Merle Hammond, a second-form girl, leaning out of one of the upper windows of the house and beckoning to them violently.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading In spite of several small efforts, nothing fresh had occurred to elucidate matters, and they were almost beginning to despair of ever making any further progress, when quite unexpectedly something important happened.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading An Unexpected Development Lindsay and Cicely had by no means forgotten either their quest for the treasure or their curiosity about the lantern chamber.
the particular occupation for which you are trained
From this reading One afternoon, as they were sending tennis balls to each other along the terrace, they heard a voice calling to them from overhead.
a natural or artificial enclosed space
From this reading An Unexpected Development Lindsay and Cicely had by no means forgotten either their quest for the treasure or their curiosity about the lantern chamber.
Cicely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading An Unexpected Development Lindsay and Cicely had by no means forgotten either their quest for the treasure or their curiosity about the lantern chamber.
inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading "Lindsay and Cicely, is that you?" she cried.
a state in which you want to learn more about something
From this reading An Unexpected Development Lindsay and Cicely had by no means forgotten either their quest for the treasure or their curiosity about the lantern chamber.
a state in which all hope is lost or absent
From this reading In spite of several small efforts, nothing fresh had occurred to elucidate matters, and they were almost beginning to despair of ever making any further progress, when quite unexpectedly something important happened.
DevelopmentnounUS /dɪˈveləpmənt/
act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining
From this reading An Unexpected Development Lindsay and Cicely had by no means forgotten either their quest for the treasure or their curiosity about the lantern chamber.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading One afternoon, as they were sending tennis balls to each other along the terrace, they heard a voice calling to them from overhead.
plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading In spite of several small efforts, nothing fresh had occurred to elucidate matters, and they were almost beginning to despair of ever making any further progress, when quite unexpectedly something important happened.
one or the other of two
From this reading An Unexpected Development Lindsay and Cicely had by no means forgotten either their quest for the treasure or their curiosity about the lantern chamber.
elucidateverbUS /ɪˈluːsədeɪt/
make clear and (more) comprehensible
From this reading In spite of several small efforts, nothing fresh had occurred to elucidate matters, and they were almost beginning to despair of ever making any further progress, when quite unexpectedly something important happened.
at any time
From this reading In spite of several small efforts, nothing fresh had occurred to elucidate matters, and they were almost beginning to despair of ever making any further progress, when quite unexpectedly something important happened.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading An Unexpected Development Lindsay and Cicely had by no means forgotten either their quest for the treasure or their curiosity about the lantern chamber.
Not remembered; lapsed from memory.
From this reading An Unexpected Development Lindsay and Cicely had by no means forgotten either their quest for the treasure or their curiosity about the lantern chamber.
recently made, produced, or harvested
From this reading In spite of several small efforts, nothing fresh had occurred to elucidate matters, and they were almost beginning to despair of ever making any further progress, when quite unexpectedly something important happened.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading One afternoon, as they were sending tennis balls to each other along the terrace, they heard a voice calling to them from overhead.
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading In spite of several small efforts, nothing fresh had occurred to elucidate matters, and they were almost beginning to despair of ever making any further progress, when quite unexpectedly something important happened.
a young female
From this reading They looked up, and saw Merle Hammond, a second-form girl, leaning out of one of the upper windows of the house and beckoning to them violently.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading An Unexpected Development Lindsay and Cicely had by no means forgotten either their quest for the treasure or their curiosity about the lantern chamber.
Hammond
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They looked up, and saw Merle Hammond, a second-form girl, leaning out of one of the upper windows of the house and beckoning to them violently.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading In spite of several small efforts, nothing fresh had occurred to elucidate matters, and they were almost beginning to despair of ever making any further progress, when quite unexpectedly something important happened.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading One afternoon, as they were sending tennis balls to each other along the terrace, they heard a voice calling to them from overhead.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading They looked up, and saw Merle Hammond, a second-form girl, leaning out of one of the upper windows of the house and beckoning to them violently.
of great significance or value
From this reading In spite of several small efforts, nothing fresh had occurred to elucidate matters, and they were almost beginning to despair of ever making any further progress, when quite unexpectedly something important happened.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In spite of several small efforts, nothing fresh had occurred to elucidate matters, and they were almost beginning to despair of ever making any further progress, when quite unexpectedly something important happened.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Lindsay and Cicely, is that you?" she cried.
lanternnounUS /ˈlæntərn/
light in a transparent protective case
From this reading An Unexpected Development Lindsay and Cicely had by no means forgotten either their quest for the treasure or their curiosity about the lantern chamber.
departing or being caused to depart from the true vertical or horizontal
From this reading They looked up, and saw Merle Hammond, a second-form girl, leaning out of one of the upper windows of the house and beckoning to them violently.
LindsaynounUS /ˈlɪndzi/
United States playwright who collaborated with Russel Crouse on several musicals (1889-1931)
From this reading An Unexpected Development Lindsay and Cicely had by no means forgotten either their quest for the treasure or their curiosity about the lantern chamber.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading They looked up, and saw Merle Hammond, a second-form girl, leaning out of one of the upper windows of the house and beckoning to them violently.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading In spite of several small efforts, nothing fresh had occurred to elucidate matters, and they were almost beginning to despair of ever making any further progress, when quite unexpectedly something important happened.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading In spite of several small efforts, nothing fresh had occurred to elucidate matters, and they were almost beginning to despair of ever making any further progress, when quite unexpectedly something important happened.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading An Unexpected Development Lindsay and Cicely had by no means forgotten either their quest for the treasure or their curiosity about the lantern chamber.
MerlenounUS /mɜːrl/
common black European thrush
From this reading They looked up, and saw Merle Hammond, a second-form girl, leaning out of one of the upper windows of the house and beckoning to them violently.
not any; not one
From this reading An Unexpected Development Lindsay and Cicely had by no means forgotten either their quest for the treasure or their curiosity about the lantern chamber.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading In spite of several small efforts, nothing fresh had occurred to elucidate matters, and they were almost beginning to despair of ever making any further progress, when quite unexpectedly something important happened.
inflected form of “occur” — come to pass
From this reading In spite of several small efforts, nothing fresh had occurred to elucidate matters, and they were almost beginning to despair of ever making any further progress, when quite unexpectedly something important happened.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In spite of several small efforts, nothing fresh had occurred to elucidate matters, and they were almost beginning to despair of ever making any further progress, when quite unexpectedly something important happened.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One afternoon, as they were sending tennis balls to each other along the terrace, they heard a voice calling to them from overhead.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading An Unexpected Development Lindsay and Cicely had by no means forgotten either their quest for the treasure or their curiosity about the lantern chamber.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading One afternoon, as they were sending tennis balls to each other along the terrace, they heard a voice calling to them from overhead.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading They looked up, and saw Merle Hammond, a second-form girl, leaning out of one of the upper windows of the house and beckoning to them violently.
overheadadverbUS /ˈoʊvərˈhed/
above your head; in the sky
From this reading One afternoon, as they were sending tennis balls to each other along the terrace, they heard a voice calling to them from overhead.
gradual improvement or growth or development
From this reading In spite of several small efforts, nothing fresh had occurred to elucidate matters, and they were almost beginning to despair of ever making any further progress, when quite unexpectedly something important happened.
questnounUS /kwest/
a search for an alternative that meets cognitive criteria
From this reading An Unexpected Development Lindsay and Cicely had by no means forgotten either their quest for the treasure or their curiosity about the lantern chamber.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading In spite of several small efforts, nothing fresh had occurred to elucidate matters, and they were almost beginning to despair of ever making any further progress, when quite unexpectedly something important happened.
cut with a saw
From this reading They looked up, and saw Merle Hammond, a second-form girl, leaning out of one of the upper windows of the house and beckoning to them violently.
second-form
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They looked up, and saw Merle Hammond, a second-form girl, leaning out of one of the upper windows of the house and beckoning to them violently.
the act of causing something to go (especially messages)
From this reading One afternoon, as they were sending tennis balls to each other along the terrace, they heard a voice calling to them from overhead.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading In spite of several small efforts, nothing fresh had occurred to elucidate matters, and they were almost beginning to despair of ever making any further progress, when quite unexpectedly something important happened.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "Lindsay and Cicely, is that you?" she cried.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading In spite of several small efforts, nothing fresh had occurred to elucidate matters, and they were almost beginning to despair of ever making any further progress, when quite unexpectedly something important happened.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading In spite of several small efforts, nothing fresh had occurred to elucidate matters, and they were almost beginning to despair of ever making any further progress, when quite unexpectedly something important happened.
feeling a need to see others suffer
From this reading In spite of several small efforts, nothing fresh had occurred to elucidate matters, and they were almost beginning to despair of ever making any further progress, when quite unexpectedly something important happened.
tennisnounUS /ˈtenəs/
a game played with rackets by two or four players who hit a ball back and forth over a net that divides the court
From this reading One afternoon, as they were sending tennis balls to each other along the terrace, they heard a voice calling to them from overhead.
terracenounUS /ˈterəs/
usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence
From this reading One afternoon, as they were sending tennis balls to each other along the terrace, they heard a voice calling to them from overhead.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "Lindsay and Cicely, is that you?" she cried.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading An Unexpected Development Lindsay and Cicely had by no means forgotten either their quest for the treasure or their curiosity about the lantern chamber.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading An Unexpected Development Lindsay and Cicely had by no means forgotten either their quest for the treasure or their curiosity about the lantern chamber.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading One afternoon, as they were sending tennis balls to each other along the terrace, they heard a voice calling to them from overhead.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In spite of several small efforts, nothing fresh had occurred to elucidate matters, and they were almost beginning to despair of ever making any further progress, when quite unexpectedly something important happened.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In spite of several small efforts, nothing fresh had occurred to elucidate matters, and they were almost beginning to despair of ever making any further progress, when quite unexpectedly something important happened.
accumulated wealth in the form of money or jewels etc.
From this reading An Unexpected Development Lindsay and Cicely had by no means forgotten either their quest for the treasure or their curiosity about the lantern chamber.
not expected or anticipated
From this reading An Unexpected Development Lindsay and Cicely had by no means forgotten either their quest for the treasure or their curiosity about the lantern chamber.
unexpectedlyadverbUS /ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪdli/
in a way that was not expected
From this reading In spite of several small efforts, nothing fresh had occurred to elucidate matters, and they were almost beginning to despair of ever making any further progress, when quite unexpectedly something important happened.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading They looked up, and saw Merle Hammond, a second-form girl, leaning out of one of the upper windows of the house and beckoning to them violently.
the topmost one of two
From this reading They looked up, and saw Merle Hammond, a second-form girl, leaning out of one of the upper windows of the house and beckoning to them violently.
in a violent manner
From this reading They looked up, and saw Merle Hammond, a second-form girl, leaning out of one of the upper windows of the house and beckoning to them violently.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading One afternoon, as they were sending tennis balls to each other along the terrace, they heard a voice calling to them from overhead.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In spite of several small efforts, nothing fresh had occurred to elucidate matters, and they were almost beginning to despair of ever making any further progress, when quite unexpectedly something important happened.
at the time that
From this reading In spite of several small efforts, nothing fresh had occurred to elucidate matters, and they were almost beginning to despair of ever making any further progress, when quite unexpectedly something important happened.
(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface
From this reading They looked up, and saw Merle Hammond, a second-form girl, leaning out of one of the upper windows of the house and beckoning to them violently.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "Lindsay and Cicely, is that you?" she cried.
