used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
actsnounUS /ækts/
a New Testament book describing the development of the early church from Christ's Ascension to Paul's sojourn at Rome
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading The process of being washed in the night air, and rough-dried in a closet, is as dangerous as it is peculiar.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading But although the bodily powers of the great man were thus impaired, his mental energies retained their pristine vigour.
a quantity of money
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
attacksnounUS /əˈtæks/
plural of “attack” — (military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading The process of being washed in the night air, and rough-dried in a closet, is as dangerous as it is peculiar.
bodilyadverbUS /ˈbɑːdəli/
in bodily form
From this reading But although the bodily powers of the great man were thus impaired, his mental energies retained their pristine vigour.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But although the bodily powers of the great man were thus impaired, his mental energies retained their pristine vigour.
plural of “case” — an occurrence of something
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
closetnounUS /ˈklɑːzət/
a small room (or recess) or cabinet used for storage space
From this reading The process of being washed in the night air, and rough-dried in a closet, is as dangerous as it is peculiar.
combinationnounUS /ˌkɑːmbəˈneɪʃən/
a collection of things that have been combined; an assemblage of separate parts or qualities
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
constitutionnounUS /ˌkɑːnstəˈtuːʃən/
law determining the fundamental political principles of a government
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm
From this reading The process of being washed in the night air, and rough-dried in a closet, is as dangerous as it is peculiar.
elasticadjectiveUS /ɪˈlæstɪk/
capable of resuming original shape after stretching or compression; springy
From this reading His spirits were elastic; his good humour was restored.
energiesnounUS /ˈenərdʒiz/
plural of “energy” — (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 But although the bodily powers of the great man were thus impaired, his mental energies retained their pristine vigour.
exertionnounUS /ɪɡˈzɜːrʃən/
use of physical or mental energy; hard work
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
fatiguenounUS /fəˈtiːɡ/
temporary loss of strength and energy resulting from hard physical or mental work
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading His spirits were elastic; his good humour was restored.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading But although the bodily powers of the great man were thus impaired, his mental energies retained their pristine vigour.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading But although the bodily powers of the great man were thus impaired, his mental energies retained their pristine vigour.
a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
From this reading His spirits were elastic; his good humour was restored.
impairedadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈperd/
diminished in strength, quality, or utility
From this reading But although the bodily powers of the great man were thus impaired, his mental energies retained their pristine vigour.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
InventiveadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈventɪv/
(used of persons or artifacts) marked by independence and creativity in thought or action
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The process of being washed in the night air, and rough-dried in a closet, is as dangerous as it is peculiar.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The process of being washed in the night air, and rough-dried in a closet, is as dangerous as it is peculiar.
set down according to a plan
From this reading Mr. Pickwick was laid up with an attack of rheumatism.
immediately past
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading But although the bodily powers of the great man were thus impaired, his mental energies retained their pristine vigour.
memorableadjectiveUS /ˈmemərəbəl/
worth remembering
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
involving the mind or an intellectual process
From this reading But although the bodily powers of the great man were thus impaired, his mental energies retained their pristine vigour.
a form of address for a man
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading The process of being washed in the night air, and rough-dried in a closet, is as dangerous as it is peculiar.
Pickwick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
plural of “power” — possession of controlling influence
From this reading But although the bodily powers of the great man were thus impaired, his mental energies retained their pristine vigour.
pristineadjectiveUS /ˈprɪstin/
completely free from dirt or contamination
From this reading But although the bodily powers of the great man were thus impaired, his mental energies retained their pristine vigour.
processverbUS /ˈprɑːses/
subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition
From this reading The process of being washed in the night air, and rough-dried in a closet, is as dangerous as it is peculiar.
any factual evidence that helps to establish the truth of something
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
Quickenernoun
an agent that gives or restores life or vigor
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
recordedadjectiveUS /rəˈkɔːrdɪd/
set down or registered in a permanent form especially on film or tape for reproduction
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
restoredverbUS /rɪˈstɔːrd/
past form of “restore” — return to its original or usable and functioning condition
From this reading His spirits were elastic; his good humour was restored.
retainedadjectiveUS /rɪˈteɪnd/
continued in your keeping or use or memory
From this reading But although the bodily powers of the great man were thus impaired, his mental energies retained their pristine vigour.
RheumatismnounUS /ˈruːmətɪzəm/
any painful disorder of the joints or muscles or connective tissues
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
rough-dried
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The process of being washed in the night air, and rough-dried in a closet, is as dangerous as it is peculiar.
the display of a motion picture
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented
From this reading His spirits were elastic; his good humour was restored.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
sustainverbUS /səˈsteɪn/
lengthen or extend in duration or space
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading But although the bodily powers of the great man were thus impaired, his mental energies retained their pristine vigour.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading But although the bodily powers of the great man were thus impaired, his mental energies retained their pristine vigour.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
undergoneverbUS /ˌʌndərˈɡɔːn/
inflected form of “undergo” — pass through
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Mr. Pickwick was laid up with an attack of rheumatism.
precisely as stated
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
vigournoun
forceful exertion
From this reading But although the bodily powers of the great man were thus impaired, his mental energies retained their pristine vigour.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _Showing that an Attack of Rheumatism, in some cases, acts as a Quickener to Inventive Genius_ The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.
clean by virtue of having been washed in water
From this reading The process of being washed in the night air, and rough-dried in a closet, is as dangerous as it is peculiar.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading But although the bodily powers of the great man were thus impaired, his mental energies retained their pristine vigour.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Mr. Pickwick was laid up with an attack of rheumatism.
