used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading Soaring to fifty thousand feet above the earth, the squadron of rocket-ships made its way north, _Monitor II_ in the lead.
airportnounUS /ˈerpɔːrt/
an airfield equipped with control tower and hangars as well as accommodations for passengers and cargo
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In quick succession, the other five, standing ready on their starting ramps, took in their crews, and roared up and away in a torrent of explosions at a thousand miles an hour.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading In quick succession, the other five, standing ready on their starting ramps, took in their crews, and roared up and away in a torrent of explosions at a thousand miles an hour.
beamnounUS /biːm/
a signal transmitted along a narrow path; guides airplane pilots in darkness or bad weather
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading "Well, here we go," called Gloria, gaily, from her seat behind the searchlight.
a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The Great Conflict It was _Monitor VII_, manned by the Chicagoans, which had the honor of sighting the enemy.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading "Well, here we go," called Gloria, gaily, from her seat behind the searchlight.
Chicagoans
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Great Conflict It was _Monitor VII_, manned by the Chicagoans, which had the honor of sighting the enemy.
closingnounUS /ˈkloʊzɪŋ/
the act of closing something
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
ConflictnounUS /ˈkɑːnflɪkt/
an open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals)
From this reading The Great Conflict It was _Monitor VII_, manned by the Chicagoans, which had the honor of sighting the enemy.
crewsnounUS /kruːz/
plural of “crew” — the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)
From this reading In quick succession, the other five, standing ready on their starting ramps, took in their crews, and roared up and away in a torrent of explosions at a thousand miles an hour.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
detectornounUS /dɪˈtektər/
any device that receives a signal or stimulus (as heat or pressure or light or motion etc.) and responds to it in a distinctive manner
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
disturbancenounUS /dɪˈstɜːrbəns/
activity that is a malfunction, intrusion, or interruption
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading Soaring to fifty thousand feet above the earth, the squadron of rocket-ships made its way north, _Monitor II_ in the lead.
an opposing military force
From this reading The Great Conflict It was _Monitor VII_, manned by the Chicagoans, which had the honor of sighting the enemy.
explosionsnounUS /ɪkˈsploʊʒənz/
plural of “explosion” — a violent release of energy caused by a chemical or nuclear reaction
From this reading In quick succession, the other five, standing ready on their starting ramps, took in their crews, and roared up and away in a torrent of explosions at a thousand miles an hour.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading Soaring to fifty thousand feet above the earth, the squadron of rocket-ships made its way north, _Monitor II_ in the lead.
the cardinal number that is the product of ten and five
From this reading Soaring to fifty thousand feet above the earth, the squadron of rocket-ships made its way north, _Monitor II_ in the lead.
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading In quick succession, the other five, standing ready on their starting ramps, took in their crews, and roared up and away in a torrent of explosions at a thousand miles an hour.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
gailyadverbUS /ˈɡeɪli/
in a gay manner
From this reading "Well, here we go," called Gloria, gaily, from her seat behind the searchlight.
Gloria
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Well, here we go," called Gloria, gaily, from her seat behind the searchlight.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading "Well, here we go," called Gloria, gaily, from her seat behind the searchlight.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading The Great Conflict It was _Monitor VII_, manned by the Chicagoans, which had the honor of sighting the enemy.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The Great Conflict It was _Monitor VII_, manned by the Chicagoans, which had the honor of sighting the enemy.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading "Well, here we go," called Gloria, gaily, from her seat behind the searchlight.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading "Well, here we go," called Gloria, gaily, from her seat behind the searchlight.
a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
From this reading The Great Conflict It was _Monitor VII_, manned by the Chicagoans, which had the honor of sighting the enemy.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading In quick succession, the other five, standing ready on their starting ramps, took in their crews, and roared up and away in a torrent of explosions at a thousand miles an hour.
IInoun
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Soaring to fifty thousand feet above the earth, the squadron of rocket-ships made its way north, _Monitor II_ in the lead.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In quick succession, the other five, standing ready on their starting ramps, took in their crews, and roared up and away in a torrent of explosions at a thousand miles an hour.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The Great Conflict It was _Monitor VII_, manned by the Chicagoans, which had the honor of sighting the enemy.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Soaring to fifty thousand feet above the earth, the squadron of rocket-ships made its way north, _Monitor II_ in the lead.
and nothing more
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
take somebody somewhere
From this reading Soaring to fifty thousand feet above the earth, the squadron of rocket-ships made its way north, _Monitor II_ in the lead.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Soaring to fifty thousand feet above the earth, the squadron of rocket-ships made its way north, _Monitor II_ in the lead.
mannedadjectiveUS /mænd/
having a crew
From this reading The Great Conflict It was _Monitor VII_, manned by the Chicagoans, which had the honor of sighting the enemy.
strongly marked; easily noticeable
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
the force of workers available
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading In quick succession, the other five, standing ready on their starting ramps, took in their crews, and roared up and away in a torrent of explosions at a thousand miles an hour.
MonitorverbUS /ˈmɑːnətər/
keep tabs on; keep an eye on; keep under surveillance
From this reading The Great Conflict It was _Monitor VII_, manned by the Chicagoans, which had the honor of sighting the enemy.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading Soaring to fifty thousand feet above the earth, the squadron of rocket-ships made its way north, _Monitor II_ in the lead.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Great Conflict It was _Monitor VII_, manned by the Chicagoans, which had the honor of sighting the enemy.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading In quick succession, the other five, standing ready on their starting ramps, took in their crews, and roared up and away in a torrent of explosions at a thousand miles an hour.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading In quick succession, the other five, standing ready on their starting ramps, took in their crews, and roared up and away in a torrent of explosions at a thousand miles an hour.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
patrol'snounUS /pəˈtroʊlz/
possessive form of “patrol” — a detachment used for security or reconnaissance
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
PhiladelphianounUS /ˌfɪləˈdelfiə/
the largest city in Pennsylvania; located in the southeastern part of the state on the Delaware river; site of Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed; site of the University of Pennsylvania
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
accomplished rapidly and without delay
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
radionounUS /ˈreɪdioʊ/
medium for communication
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
rampsnounUS /ræmps/
plural of “ramp” — an inclined surface connecting two levels
From this reading In quick succession, the other five, standing ready on their starting ramps, took in their crews, and roared up and away in a torrent of explosions at a thousand miles an hour.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading In quick succession, the other five, standing ready on their starting ramps, took in their crews, and roared up and away in a torrent of explosions at a thousand miles an hour.
roaredverbUS /rɔːrd/
past form of “roar” — make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles
From this reading In quick succession, the other five, standing ready on their starting ramps, took in their crews, and roared up and away in a torrent of explosions at a thousand miles an hour.
rocket-ships
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Soaring to fifty thousand feet above the earth, the squadron of rocket-ships made its way north, _Monitor II_ in the lead.
searchlightnounUS /ˈsɜːrtʃlaɪt/
a light source with reflectors that projects a beam of light in a particular direction
From this reading "Well, here we go," called Gloria, gaily, from her seat behind the searchlight.
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading "Well, here we go," called Gloria, gaily, from her seat behind the searchlight.
shocksnounUS /ʃɑːks/
plural of “shock” — the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
sightingnounUS /ˈsaɪtɪŋ/
the act of observing
From this reading The Great Conflict It was _Monitor VII_, manned by the Chicagoans, which had the honor of sighting the enemy.
SoaringadjectiveUS /ˈsɔːrɪŋ/
ascending to a level markedly higher than the usual
From this reading Soaring to fifty thousand feet above the earth, the squadron of rocket-ships made its way north, _Monitor II_ in the lead.
squadronnounUS /ˈskwɑːdrən/
a cavalry unit consisting of two or more troops and headquarters and supporting arms
From this reading Soaring to fifty thousand feet above the earth, the squadron of rocket-ships made its way north, _Monitor II_ in the lead.
having a supporting base
From this reading In quick succession, the other five, standing ready on their starting ramps, took in their crews, and roared up and away in a torrent of explosions at a thousand miles an hour.
(especially of eyes) bulging or protruding as with fear
From this reading In quick succession, the other five, standing ready on their starting ramps, took in their crews, and roared up and away in a torrent of explosions at a thousand miles an hour.
staticadjectiveUS /ˈstætɪk/
not in physical motion
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
successionnounUS /səkˈseʃən/
a following of one thing after another in time
From this reading In quick succession, the other five, standing ready on their starting ramps, took in their crews, and roared up and away in a torrent of explosions at a thousand miles an hour.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Great Conflict It was _Monitor VII_, manned by the Chicagoans, which had the honor of sighting the enemy.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading In quick succession, the other five, standing ready on their starting ramps, took in their crews, and roared up and away in a torrent of explosions at a thousand miles an hour.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
From this reading In quick succession, the other five, standing ready on their starting ramps, took in their crews, and roared up and away in a torrent of explosions at a thousand miles an hour.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Soaring to fifty thousand feet above the earth, the squadron of rocket-ships made its way north, _Monitor II_ in the lead.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading In quick succession, the other five, standing ready on their starting ramps, took in their crews, and roared up and away in a torrent of explosions at a thousand miles an hour.
torrentnounUS /ˈtɔːrənt/
a heavy rain
From this reading In quick succession, the other five, standing ready on their starting ramps, took in their crews, and roared up and away in a torrent of explosions at a thousand miles an hour.
twilightnounUS /ˈtwaɪlaɪt/
the time of day immediately following sunset
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
not usual or common or ordinary
From this reading Just as the twilight of a bright May day was closing down over the radio men at the Philadelphia airport, the static detector marked an unusual disturbance, then two quick shocks, which must have come from the patrol's bow beam.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading In quick succession, the other five, standing ready on their starting ramps, took in their crews, and roared up and away in a torrent of explosions at a thousand miles an hour.
VIInoun
the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one
From this reading The Great Conflict It was _Monitor VII_, manned by the Chicagoans, which had the honor of sighting the enemy.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Great Conflict It was _Monitor VII_, manned by the Chicagoans, which had the honor of sighting the enemy.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Soaring to fifty thousand feet above the earth, the squadron of rocket-ships made its way north, _Monitor II_ in the lead.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading "Well, here we go," called Gloria, gaily, from her seat behind the searchlight.
(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 "Well, here we go," called Gloria, gaily, from her seat behind the searchlight.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The Great Conflict It was _Monitor VII_, manned by the Chicagoans, which had the honor of sighting the enemy.
