used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
acheverbUS /eɪk/
feel physical pain
From this reading After a time the throbbing sensation decreased in violence; but while the sharpness of the pain of each throb was less, it lasted longer, producing a deadening sickening ache, which was equally intolerable.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading My first conscious sensation after the blow felled me was as singular as it was unpleasant.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading My first conscious sensation after the blow felled me was as singular as it was unpleasant.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
exhale hard
From this reading My first conscious sensation after the blow felled me was as singular as it was unpleasant.
blowsnounUS /bloʊz/
plural of “blow” — a powerful stroke with the fist or a weapon
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
ceaseverbUS /siːs/
put an end to a state or an activity
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
intentionally conceived
From this reading My first conscious sensation after the blow felled me was as singular as it was unpleasant.
utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
in a manner differing from the usual or expected
From this reading Next I felt something touch my hand with a curiously restless movement.
deadeningnounUS /ˈdedənɪŋ/
the act of making something futile and useless (as by routine)
From this reading After a time the throbbing sensation decreased in violence; but while the sharpness of the pain of each throb was less, it lasted longer, producing a deadening sickening ache, which was equally intolerable.
decreasedadjectiveUS /dɪˈkriːst/
made less in size or amount or degree
From this reading After a time the throbbing sensation decreased in violence; but while the sharpness of the pain of each throb was less, it lasted longer, producing a deadening sickening ache, which was equally intolerable.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
to the same degree (often followed by “as”)
From this reading After a time the throbbing sensation decreased in violence; but while the sharpness of the pain of each throb was less, it lasted longer, producing a deadening sickening ache, which was equally intolerable.
the act of escaping physically
From this reading ESCAPE.
excruciatingadjectiveUS /ɪkˈskruːʃieɪtɪŋ/
extremely painful
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
felledverbUS /feld/
past form of “fell” — cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading My first conscious sensation after the blow felled me was as singular as it was unpleasant.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading Next I felt something touch my hand with a curiously restless movement.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading My first conscious sensation after the blow felled me was as singular as it was unpleasant.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
hammeringnounUS /ˈhæmərɪŋ/
the act of pounding (delivering repeated heavy blows)
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Next I felt something touch my hand with a curiously restless movement.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
lacking in or deprived of strength or power
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
ten 10s
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
impishadjectiveUS /ˈɪmpɪʃ/
naughtily or annoyingly playful
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading After a time the throbbing sensation decreased in violence; but while the sharpness of the pain of each throb was less, it lasted longer, producing a deadening sickening ache, which was equally intolerable.
intolerableadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtɑːlərəbəl/
incapable of being tolerated or endured
From this reading After a time the throbbing sensation decreased in violence; but while the sharpness of the pain of each throb was less, it lasted longer, producing a deadening sickening ache, which was equally intolerable.
invisibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvɪzəbəl/
impossible or nearly impossible to see; imperceptible by the eye
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading My first conscious sensation after the blow felled me was as singular as it was unpleasant.
lastedverbUS /ˈlæstəd/
past form of “last” — persist for a specified period of time
From this reading After a time the throbbing sensation decreased in violence; but while the sharpness of the pain of each throb was less, it lasted longer, producing a deadening sickening ache, which was equally intolerable.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading After a time the throbbing sensation decreased in violence; but while the sharpness of the pain of each throb was less, it lasted longer, producing a deadening sickening ache, which was equally intolerable.
for more time
From this reading After a time the throbbing sensation decreased in violence; but while the sharpness of the pain of each throb was less, it lasted longer, producing a deadening sickening ache, which was equally intolerable.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading My first conscious sensation after the blow felled me was as singular as it was unpleasant.
a change of position that does not entail a change of location
From this reading Next I felt something touch my hand with a curiously restless movement.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading My first conscious sensation after the blow felled me was as singular as it was unpleasant.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading Next I felt something touch my hand with a curiously restless movement.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
a symptom of some physical hurt or disorder
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
producingverbUS /prəˈduːsɪŋ/
-ing form of “produce” — bring forth or yield
From this reading After a time the throbbing sensation decreased in violence; but while the sharpness of the pain of each throb was less, it lasted longer, producing a deadening sickening ache, which was equally intolerable.
accomplished rapidly and without delay
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
restlessadjectiveUS /ˈrestləs/
worried and uneasy
From this reading Next I felt something touch my hand with a curiously restless movement.
rhythmicadjectiveUS /ˈrɪðmɪk/
recurring with measured regularity
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
an unelaborated elementary awareness of stimulation
From this reading My first conscious sensation after the blow felled me was as singular as it was unpleasant.
sharpnessnounUS /ˈʃɑːrpnəs/
a quick and penetrating intelligence
From this reading After a time the throbbing sensation decreased in violence; but while the sharpness of the pain of each throb was less, it lasted longer, producing a deadening sickening ache, which was equally intolerable.
sickeningadjectiveUS /ˈsɪkənɪŋ/
causing or able to cause nausea
From this reading After a time the throbbing sensation decreased in violence; but while the sharpness of the pain of each throb was less, it lasted longer, producing a deadening sickening ache, which was equally intolerable.
unusual or striking
From this reading My first conscious sensation after the blow felled me was as singular as it was unpleasant.
smithsnounUS /smɪθs/
plural of “smith” — Rhodesian statesman who declared independence of Zimbabwe from Great Britain (born in 1919)
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Next I felt something touch my hand with a curiously restless movement.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading My first conscious sensation after the blow felled me was as singular as it was unpleasant.
throbverbUS /θrɑːb/
pulsate or pound with abnormal force
From this reading After a time the throbbing sensation decreased in violence; but while the sharpness of the pain of each throb was less, it lasted longer, producing a deadening sickening ache, which was equally intolerable.
throbbingnounUS /ˈθrɑːbɪŋ/
an instance of rapid strong pulsation (of the heart)
From this reading After a time the throbbing sensation decreased in violence; but while the sharpness of the pain of each throb was less, it lasted longer, producing a deadening sickening ache, which was equally intolerable.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading After a time the throbbing sensation decreased in violence; but while the sharpness of the pain of each throb was less, it lasted longer, producing a deadening sickening ache, which was equally intolerable.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
tongue-tiedadjective
unable to express yourself clearly or fluently
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
torturersnounUS /ˈtɔːrtʃərərz/
plural of “torturer” — someone who inflicts severe physical pain (usually for punishment or coercion)
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
make physical contact with, come in contact with
From this reading Next I felt something touch my hand with a curiously restless movement.
offensive or disagreeable; causing discomfort or unhappiness
From this reading My first conscious sensation after the blow felled me was as singular as it was unpleasant.
an act of aggression (as one against a person who resists)
From this reading After a time the throbbing sensation decreased in violence; but while the sharpness of the pain of each throb was less, it lasted longer, producing a deadening sickening ache, which was equally intolerable.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading My first conscious sensation after the blow felled me was as singular as it was unpleasant.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading After a time the throbbing sensation decreased in violence; but while the sharpness of the pain of each throb was less, it lasted longer, producing a deadening sickening ache, which was equally intolerable.
in the company of; together with
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
yearnedverbUS /jɜːrnd/
past form of “yearn” — desire strongly or persistently
From this reading I seemed to be nothing but one huge head on which a hundred invisible smiths were hammering with quick, rhythmic blows, each of which gave me such excruciating pain that I yearned to cry out to the impish torturers to cease, but was tongue-tied and helpless.
