used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading His sallow cheeks flushed with pleasure and his pessimism waned a little.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading In his determination to place his hearers in possession of all the facts concerning the crime and the victim he gave them details regarding Lumsden's mode of life at Cliff Farm after his discharge from the army, and the gossip that was current in the district concerning him.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading In his determination to place his hearers in possession of all the facts concerning the crime and the victim he gave them details regarding Lumsden's mode of life at Cliff Farm after his discharge from the army, and the gossip that was current in the district concerning him.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading His sallow cheeks flushed with pleasure and his pessimism waned a little.
the event of one object coming closer to another
From this reading While he was dealing with these matters they heard a motor-car approaching.
a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state
From this reading In his determination to place his hearers in possession of all the facts concerning the crime and the victim he gave them details regarding Lumsden's mode of life at Cliff Farm after his discharge from the army, and the gossip that was current in the district concerning him.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading It stopped outside the gates of the farmhouse, and the three police officials went to the door to see who had arrived.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading SERGEANT WESTAWAY was flattered at the manner in which his theory of the murder had been received by men who were far more experienced than himself in investigating crime.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading SERGEANT WESTAWAY was flattered at the manner in which his theory of the murder had been received by men who were far more experienced than himself in investigating crime.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading SERGEANT WESTAWAY was flattered at the manner in which his theory of the murder had been received by men who were far more experienced than himself in investigating crime.
plural of “cheek” — either side of the face below the eyes
From this reading His sallow cheeks flushed with pleasure and his pessimism waned a little.
a steep high face of rock
From this reading In his determination to place his hearers in possession of all the facts concerning the crime and the victim he gave them details regarding Lumsden's mode of life at Cliff Farm after his discharge from the army, and the gossip that was current in the district concerning him.
-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to
From this reading In his determination to place his hearers in possession of all the facts concerning the crime and the victim he gave them details regarding Lumsden's mode of life at Cliff Farm after his discharge from the army, and the gossip that was current in the district concerning him.
(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act
From this reading SERGEANT WESTAWAY was flattered at the manner in which his theory of the murder had been received by men who were far more experienced than himself in investigating crime.
a flow of electricity through a conductor
From this reading In his determination to place his hearers in possession of all the facts concerning the crime and the victim he gave them details regarding Lumsden's mode of life at Cliff Farm after his discharge from the army, and the gossip that was current in the district concerning him.
dealingnounUS /ˈdiːlɪŋ/
method or manner of conduct in relation to others
From this reading While he was dealing with these matters they heard a motor-car approaching.
true confidential information
From this reading In his determination to place his hearers in possession of all the facts concerning the crime and the victim he gave them details regarding Lumsden's mode of life at Cliff Farm after his discharge from the army, and the gossip that was current in the district concerning him.
determinationnounUS /dɪˌtɜːrməˈneɪʃən/
the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation
From this reading In his determination to place his hearers in possession of all the facts concerning the crime and the victim he gave them details regarding Lumsden's mode of life at Cliff Farm after his discharge from the army, and the gossip that was current in the district concerning him.
dischargeverbUS /dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒ/
complete or carry out
From this reading In his determination to place his hearers in possession of all the facts concerning the crime and the victim he gave them details regarding Lumsden's mode of life at Cliff Farm after his discharge from the army, and the gossip that was current in the district concerning him.
a region marked off for administrative or other purposes
From this reading In his determination to place his hearers in possession of all the facts concerning the crime and the victim he gave them details regarding Lumsden's mode of life at Cliff Farm after his discharge from the army, and the gossip that was current in the district concerning him.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading It stopped outside the gates of the farmhouse, and the three police officials went to the door to see who had arrived.
having experience; having knowledge or skill from observation or participation
From this reading SERGEANT WESTAWAY was flattered at the manner in which his theory of the murder had been received by men who were far more experienced than himself in investigating crime.
plural of “fact” — a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading In his determination to place his hearers in possession of all the facts concerning the crime and the victim he gave them details regarding Lumsden's mode of life at Cliff Farm after his discharge from the army, and the gossip that was current in the district concerning him.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading SERGEANT WESTAWAY was flattered at the manner in which his theory of the murder had been received by men who were far more experienced than himself in investigating crime.
be a farmer; work as a farmer
From this reading In his determination to place his hearers in possession of all the facts concerning the crime and the victim he gave them details regarding Lumsden's mode of life at Cliff Farm after his discharge from the army, and the gossip that was current in the district concerning him.
farmhousenounUS /ˈfɑːrmhaʊs/
house for a farmer and family
From this reading It stopped outside the gates of the farmhouse, and the three police officials went to the door to see who had arrived.
flatteredverbUS /ˈflætərd/
past form of “flatter” — praise somewhat dishonestly
From this reading SERGEANT WESTAWAY was flattered at the manner in which his theory of the murder had been received by men who were far more experienced than himself in investigating crime.
having the pinkish flush of health
From this reading His sallow cheeks flushed with pleasure and his pessimism waned a little.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading In his determination to place his hearers in possession of all the facts concerning the crime and the victim he gave them details regarding Lumsden's mode of life at Cliff Farm after his discharge from the army, and the gossip that was current in the district concerning him.
United States computer entrepreneur whose software company made him the youngest multi-billionaire in the history of the United States (born in 1955)
From this reading It stopped outside the gates of the farmhouse, and the three police officials went to the door to see who had arrived.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading In his determination to place his hearers in possession of all the facts concerning the crime and the victim he gave them details regarding Lumsden's mode of life at Cliff Farm after his discharge from the army, and the gossip that was current in the district concerning him.
gossipnounUS /ˈɡɑːsəp/
light informal conversation for social occasions
From this reading In his determination to place his hearers in possession of all the facts concerning the crime and the victim he gave them details regarding Lumsden's mode of life at Cliff Farm after his discharge from the army, and the gossip that was current in the district concerning him.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading SERGEANT WESTAWAY was flattered at the manner in which his theory of the murder had been received by men who were far more experienced than himself in investigating crime.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In his determination to place his hearers in possession of all the facts concerning the crime and the victim he gave them details regarding Lumsden's mode of life at Cliff Farm after his discharge from the army, and the gossip that was current in the district concerning him.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading While he was dealing with these matters they heard a motor-car approaching.
hearersnounUS /ˈhiːrərz/
plural of “hearer” — someone who listens attentively
From this reading In his determination to place his hearers in possession of all the facts concerning the crime and the victim he gave them details regarding Lumsden's mode of life at Cliff Farm after his discharge from the army, and the gossip that was current in the district concerning him.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading In his determination to place his hearers in possession of all the facts concerning the crime and the victim he gave them details regarding Lumsden's mode of life at Cliff Farm after his discharge from the army, and the gossip that was current in the district concerning him.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading SERGEANT WESTAWAY was flattered at the manner in which his theory of the murder had been received by men who were far more experienced than himself in investigating crime.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading SERGEANT WESTAWAY was flattered at the manner in which his theory of the murder had been received by men who were far more experienced than himself in investigating crime.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading SERGEANT WESTAWAY was flattered at the manner in which his theory of the murder had been received by men who were far more experienced than himself in investigating crime.
investigatingnounUS /ˌɪnˈvestəɡeɪtɪŋ/
the work of inquiring into something thoroughly and systematically
From this reading SERGEANT WESTAWAY was flattered at the manner in which his theory of the murder had been received by men who were far more experienced than himself in investigating crime.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It stopped outside the gates of the farmhouse, and the three police officials went to the door to see who had arrived.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading In his determination to place his hearers in possession of all the facts concerning the crime and the victim he gave them details regarding Lumsden's mode of life at Cliff Farm after his discharge from the army, and the gossip that was current in the district concerning him.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading His sallow cheeks flushed with pleasure and his pessimism waned a little.
Lumsden's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In his determination to place his hearers in possession of all the facts concerning the crime and the victim he gave them details regarding Lumsden's mode of life at Cliff Farm after his discharge from the army, and the gossip that was current in the district concerning him.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading SERGEANT WESTAWAY was flattered at the manner in which his theory of the murder had been received by men who were far more experienced than himself in investigating crime.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading While he was dealing with these matters they heard a motor-car approaching.
the force of workers available
From this reading SERGEANT WESTAWAY was flattered at the manner in which his theory of the murder had been received by men who were far more experienced than himself in investigating crime.
modenounUS /moʊd/
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading In his determination to place his hearers in possession of all the facts concerning the crime and the victim he gave them details regarding Lumsden's mode of life at Cliff Farm after his discharge from the army, and the gossip that was current in the district concerning him.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading SERGEANT WESTAWAY was flattered at the manner in which his theory of the murder had been received by men who were far more experienced than himself in investigating crime.
motor-car
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While he was dealing with these matters they heard a motor-car approaching.
kill intentionally and with premeditation
From this reading SERGEANT WESTAWAY was flattered at the manner in which his theory of the murder had been received by men who were far more experienced than himself in investigating crime.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading SERGEANT WESTAWAY was flattered at the manner in which his theory of the murder had been received by men who were far more experienced than himself in investigating crime.
officialsnounUS /əˈfɪʃəlz/
plural of “official” — a worker who holds or is invested with an office
From this reading It stopped outside the gates of the farmhouse, and the three police officials went to the door to see who had arrived.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading It stopped outside the gates of the farmhouse, and the three police officials went to the door to see who had arrived.
pessimismnounUS /ˈpesəmɪzəm/
the feeling that things will turn out badly
From this reading His sallow cheeks flushed with pleasure and his pessimism waned a little.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading In his determination to place his hearers in possession of all the facts concerning the crime and the victim he gave them details regarding Lumsden's mode of life at Cliff Farm after his discharge from the army, and the gossip that was current in the district concerning him.
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading His sallow cheeks flushed with pleasure and his pessimism waned a little.
the force of policemen and officers
From this reading It stopped outside the gates of the farmhouse, and the three police officials went to the door to see who had arrived.
the act of having and controlling property
From this reading In his determination to place his hearers in possession of all the facts concerning the crime and the victim he gave them details regarding Lumsden's mode of life at Cliff Farm after his discharge from the army, and the gossip that was current in the district concerning him.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading SERGEANT WESTAWAY was flattered at the manner in which his theory of the murder had been received by men who were far more experienced than himself in investigating crime.
-ing form of “regard” — deem to be
From this reading In his determination to place his hearers in possession of all the facts concerning the crime and the victim he gave them details regarding Lumsden's mode of life at Cliff Farm after his discharge from the army, and the gossip that was current in the district concerning him.
sallowadjective
unhealthy looking
From this reading His sallow cheeks flushed with pleasure and his pessimism waned a little.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading It stopped outside the gates of the farmhouse, and the three police officials went to the door to see who had arrived.
any of several noncommissioned officer ranks in the Army or Air Force or Marines ranking above a corporal
From this reading SERGEANT WESTAWAY was flattered at the manner in which his theory of the murder had been received by men who were far more experienced than himself in investigating crime.
(of a nose) blocked
From this reading It stopped outside the gates of the farmhouse, and the three police officials went to the door to see who had arrived.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading SERGEANT WESTAWAY was flattered at the manner in which his theory of the murder had been received by men who were far more experienced than himself in investigating crime.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading In his determination to place his hearers in possession of all the facts concerning the crime and the victim he gave them details regarding Lumsden's mode of life at Cliff Farm after his discharge from the army, and the gossip that was current in the district concerning him.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading SERGEANT WESTAWAY was flattered at the manner in which his theory of the murder had been received by men who were far more experienced than himself in investigating crime.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading In his determination to place his hearers in possession of all the facts concerning the crime and the victim he gave them details regarding Lumsden's mode of life at Cliff Farm after his discharge from the army, and the gossip that was current in the district concerning him.
a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena
From this reading SERGEANT WESTAWAY was flattered at the manner in which his theory of the murder had been received by men who were far more experienced than himself in investigating crime.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading While he was dealing with these matters they heard a motor-car approaching.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading While he was dealing with these matters they heard a motor-car approaching.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading It stopped outside the gates of the farmhouse, and the three police officials went to the door to see who had arrived.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In his determination to place his hearers in possession of all the facts concerning the crime and the victim he gave them details regarding Lumsden's mode of life at Cliff Farm after his discharge from the army, and the gossip that was current in the district concerning him.
an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance
From this reading In his determination to place his hearers in possession of all the facts concerning the crime and the victim he gave them details regarding Lumsden's mode of life at Cliff Farm after his discharge from the army, and the gossip that was current in the district concerning him.
wanedverbUS /weɪnd/
past form of “wane” — grow smaller
From this reading His sallow cheeks flushed with pleasure and his pessimism waned a little.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading SERGEANT WESTAWAY was flattered at the manner in which his theory of the murder had been received by men who were far more experienced than himself in investigating crime.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading It stopped outside the gates of the farmhouse, and the three police officials went to the door to see who had arrived.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading SERGEANT WESTAWAY was flattered at the manner in which his theory of the murder had been received by men who were far more experienced than himself in investigating crime.
WESTAWAY
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SERGEANT WESTAWAY was flattered at the manner in which his theory of the murder had been received by men who were far more experienced than himself in investigating crime.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading SERGEANT WESTAWAY was flattered at the manner in which his theory of the murder had been received by men who were far more experienced than himself in investigating crime.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading While he was dealing with these matters they heard a motor-car approaching.
which person or people
From this reading SERGEANT WESTAWAY was flattered at the manner in which his theory of the murder had been received by men who were far more experienced than himself in investigating crime.
in the company of; together with
From this reading His sallow cheeks flushed with pleasure and his pessimism waned a little.
