Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading During the Federal war in the United States a new and very influential club was established in the city of Baltimore, Maryland.

plural of “american” — a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading But where Americans singularly surpassed Europeans was in the science of ballistics, or of throwing massive weapons by the use of an engine; not that their arms attained a higher degree of perfection, but they were of unusual dimensions, and consequently of hitherto unknown ranges.

surrounded by; in the company of

From this reading It is well known with what energy the military instinct was developed amongst that nation of shipowners, shopkeepers, and mechanics.

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

From this reading But where Americans singularly surpassed Europeans was in the science of ballistics, or of throwing massive weapons by the use of an engine; not that their arms attained a higher degree of perfection, but they were of unusual dimensions, and consequently of hitherto unknown ranges.

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

From this reading During the Federal war in the United States a new and very influential club was established in the city of Baltimore, Maryland.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading But where Americans singularly surpassed Europeans was in the science of ballistics, or of throwing massive weapons by the use of an engine; not that their arms attained a higher degree of perfection, but they were of unusual dimensions, and consequently of hitherto unknown ranges.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

achieved or reached

From this reading But where Americans singularly surpassed Europeans was in the science of ballistics, or of throwing massive weapons by the use of an engine; not that their arms attained a higher degree of perfection, but they were of unusual dimensions, and consequently of hitherto unknown ranges.

the trajectory of an object in free flight

From this reading But where Americans singularly surpassed Europeans was in the science of ballistics, or of throwing massive weapons by the use of an engine; not that their arms attained a higher degree of perfection, but they were of unusual dimensions, and consequently of hitherto unknown ranges.

the largest city in Maryland; a major seaport and industrial center

From this reading During the Federal war in the United States a new and very influential club was established in the city of Baltimore, Maryland.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

plural of “bullet” — a projectile that is fired from a gun

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But where Americans singularly surpassed Europeans was in the science of ballistics, or of throwing massive weapons by the use of an engine; not that their arms attained a higher degree of perfection, but they were of unusual dimensions, and consequently of hitherto unknown ranges.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

plural of “captain” — an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading During the Federal war in the United States a new and very influential club was established in the city of Baltimore, Maryland.

a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together

From this reading THE GUN CLUB.

plural of “colleague” — an associate that one works with

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

plural of “colonel” — a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

(sentence connectors) because of the reason given

From this reading But where Americans singularly surpassed Europeans was in the science of ballistics, or of throwing massive weapons by the use of an engine; not that their arms attained a higher degree of perfection, but they were of unusual dimensions, and consequently of hitherto unknown ranges.

one of the large landmasses of the earth

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

plural of “counter” — table consisting of a horizontal surface over which business is transacted

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading But where Americans singularly surpassed Europeans was in the science of ballistics, or of throwing massive weapons by the use of an engine; not that their arms attained a higher degree of perfection, but they were of unusual dimensions, and consequently of hitherto unknown ranges.

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

From this reading It is well known with what energy the military instinct was developed amongst that nation of shipowners, shopkeepers, and mechanics.

plural of “dimension” — the magnitude of something in a particular direction (especially length or width or height)

From this reading But where Americans singularly surpassed Europeans was in the science of ballistics, or of throwing massive weapons by the use of an engine; not that their arms attained a higher degree of perfection, but they were of unusual dimensions, and consequently of hitherto unknown ranges.

interchangeable with “means” in the expression “by means of”

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading During the Federal war in the United States a new and very influential club was established in the city of Baltimore, Maryland.

(physics) a thermodynamic quantity equivalent to the capacity of a physical system to do work; the units of energy are joules or ergs

From this reading It is well known with what energy the military instinct was developed amongst that nation of shipowners, shopkeepers, and mechanics.

motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work

From this reading But where Americans singularly surpassed Europeans was in the science of ballistics, or of throwing massive weapons by the use of an engine; not that their arms attained a higher degree of perfection, but they were of unusual dimensions, and consequently of hitherto unknown ranges.

brought about or set up or accepted; especially long established

From this reading During the Federal war in the United States a new and very influential club was established in the city of Baltimore, Maryland.

plural of “european” — a native or inhabitant of Europe

From this reading But where Americans singularly surpassed Europeans was in the science of ballistics, or of throwing massive weapons by the use of an engine; not that their arms attained a higher degree of perfection, but they were of unusual dimensions, and consequently of hitherto unknown ranges.

with little or no preparation or forethought

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

national; especially in reference to the government of the United States as distinct from that of its member units

From this reading During the Federal war in the United States a new and very influential club was established in the city of Baltimore, Maryland.

past form of “gain” — obtain

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

plural of “general” — a general officer of the highest rank

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)

From this reading THE GUN CLUB.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

advanced in complexity or elaboration

From this reading But where Americans singularly surpassed Europeans was in the science of ballistics, or of throwing massive weapons by the use of an engine; not that their arms attained a higher degree of perfection, but they were of unusual dimensions, and consequently of hitherto unknown ranges.

used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time

From this reading But where Americans singularly surpassed Europeans was in the science of ballistics, or of throwing massive weapons by the use of an engine; not that their arms attained a higher degree of perfection, but they were of unusual dimensions, and consequently of hitherto unknown ranges.

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

From this reading During the Federal war in the United States a new and very influential club was established in the city of Baltimore, Maryland.

having or exercising influence or power

From this reading During the Federal war in the United States a new and very influential club was established in the city of Baltimore, Maryland.

inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli

From this reading It is well known with what energy the military instinct was developed amongst that nation of shipowners, shopkeepers, and mechanics.

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

From this reading It is well known with what energy the military instinct was developed amongst that nation of shipowners, shopkeepers, and mechanics.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is well known with what energy the military instinct was developed amongst that nation of shipowners, shopkeepers, and mechanics.

past form of “jump” — move forward by leaps and bounds

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading It is well known with what energy the military instinct was developed amongst that nation of shipowners, shopkeepers, and mechanics.

-ing form of “lavish” — expend profusely; also used with abstract nouns

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading During the Federal war in the United States a new and very influential club was established in the city of Baltimore, Maryland.

imposing in size or bulk or solidity

From this reading But where Americans singularly surpassed Europeans was in the science of ballistics, or of throwing massive weapons by the use of an engine; not that their arms attained a higher degree of perfection, but they were of unusual dimensions, and consequently of hitherto unknown ranges.

the branch of physics concerned with the motion of bodies in a frame of reference

From this reading It is well known with what energy the military instinct was developed amongst that nation of shipowners, shopkeepers, and mechanics.

the force of workers available

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

being nothing more than specified

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

of or relating to the study of the principles of warfare

From this reading It is well known with what energy the military instinct was developed amongst that nation of shipowners, shopkeepers, and mechanics.

plural of “million” — the number that is represented as a one followed by 6 zeros

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading It is well known with what energy the military instinct was developed amongst that nation of shipowners, shopkeepers, and mechanics.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading During the Federal war in the United States a new and very influential club was established in the city of Baltimore, Maryland.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But where Americans singularly surpassed Europeans was in the science of ballistics, or of throwing massive weapons by the use of an engine; not that their arms attained a higher degree of perfection, but they were of unusual dimensions, and consequently of hitherto unknown ranges.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading During the Federal war in the United States a new and very influential club was established in the city of Baltimore, Maryland.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading But where Americans singularly surpassed Europeans was in the science of ballistics, or of throwing massive weapons by the use of an engine; not that their arms attained a higher degree of perfection, but they were of unusual dimensions, and consequently of hitherto unknown ranges.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

the state of being without a flaw or defect

From this reading But where Americans singularly surpassed Europeans was in the science of ballistics, or of throwing massive weapons by the use of an engine; not that their arms attained a higher degree of perfection, but they were of unusual dimensions, and consequently of hitherto unknown ranges.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

plural of “range” — an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"

From this reading But where Americans singularly surpassed Europeans was in the science of ballistics, or of throwing massive weapons by the use of an engine; not that their arms attained a higher degree of perfection, but they were of unusual dimensions, and consequently of hitherto unknown ranges.

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

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

an educational institution

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

a particular branch of scientific knowledge

From this reading But where Americans singularly surpassed Europeans was in the science of ballistics, or of throwing massive weapons by the use of an engine; not that their arms attained a higher degree of perfection, but they were of unusual dimensions, and consequently of hitherto unknown ranges.

plural of “shipowner” — someone who owns a ship or a share in a ship

From this reading It is well known with what energy the military instinct was developed amongst that nation of shipowners, shopkeepers, and mechanics.

plural of “shopkeeper” — a merchant who owns or manages a shop

From this reading It is well known with what energy the military instinct was developed amongst that nation of shipowners, shopkeepers, and mechanics.

in a singular manner or to a singular degree

From this reading But where Americans singularly surpassed Europeans was in the science of ballistics, or of throwing massive weapons by the use of an engine; not that their arms attained a higher degree of perfection, but they were of unusual dimensions, and consequently of hitherto unknown ranges.

in the near future

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading During the Federal war in the United States a new and very influential club was established in the city of Baltimore, Maryland.

past form of “surpass” — distinguish oneself

From this reading But where Americans singularly surpassed Europeans was in the science of ballistics, or of throwing massive weapons by the use of an engine; not that their arms attained a higher degree of perfection, but they were of unusual dimensions, and consequently of hitherto unknown ranges.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It is well known with what energy the military instinct was developed amongst that nation of shipowners, shopkeepers, and mechanics.

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

From this reading THE GUN CLUB.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

-ing form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading But where Americans singularly surpassed Europeans was in the science of ballistics, or of throwing massive weapons by the use of an engine; not that their arms attained a higher degree of perfection, but they were of unusual dimensions, and consequently of hitherto unknown ranges.

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

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

plural of “tradesman” — a merchant who owns or manages a shop

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity

From this reading During the Federal war in the United States a new and very influential club was established in the city of Baltimore, Maryland.

not known

From this reading But where Americans singularly surpassed Europeans was in the science of ballistics, or of throwing massive weapons by the use of an engine; not that their arms attained a higher degree of perfection, but they were of unusual dimensions, and consequently of hitherto unknown ranges.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading But where Americans singularly surpassed Europeans was in the science of ballistics, or of throwing massive weapons by the use of an engine; not that their arms attained a higher degree of perfection, but they were of unusual dimensions, and consequently of hitherto unknown ranges.

the act of using

From this reading But where Americans singularly surpassed Europeans was in the science of ballistics, or of throwing massive weapons by the use of an engine; not that their arms attained a higher degree of perfection, but they were of unusual dimensions, and consequently of hitherto unknown ranges.

precisely as stated

From this reading During the Federal war in the United States a new and very influential club was established in the city of Baltimore, Maryland.

plural of “victory” — a successful ending of a struggle or contest

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading During the Federal war in the United States a new and very influential club was established in the city of Baltimore, Maryland.

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

From this reading During the Federal war in the United States a new and very influential club was established in the city of Baltimore, Maryland.

plural of “weapon” — any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting

From this reading But where Americans singularly surpassed Europeans was in the science of ballistics, or of throwing massive weapons by the use of an engine; not that their arms attained a higher degree of perfection, but they were of unusual dimensions, and consequently of hitherto unknown ranges.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading It is well known with what energy the military instinct was developed amongst that nation of shipowners, shopkeepers, and mechanics.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading But where Americans singularly surpassed Europeans was in the science of ballistics, or of throwing massive weapons by the use of an engine; not that their arms attained a higher degree of perfection, but they were of unusual dimensions, and consequently of hitherto unknown ranges.

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading It is well known with what energy the military instinct was developed amongst that nation of shipowners, shopkeepers, and mechanics.

in or at the place that

From this reading But where Americans singularly surpassed Europeans was in the science of ballistics, or of throwing massive weapons by the use of an engine; not that their arms attained a higher degree of perfection, but they were of unusual dimensions, and consequently of hitherto unknown ranges.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It is well known with what energy the military instinct was developed amongst that nation of shipowners, shopkeepers, and mechanics.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Mere tradesmen jumped their counters to become extempore captains, colonels, and generals without having passed the Military School at West Point; they soon rivalled their colleagues of the old continent, and, like them, gained victories by dint of lavishing bullets, millions, and men.