used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The knowledge of this only spurred the radio boys to greater efforts, and they began to acquire a deeper insight into the mysteries of radio work with every day that passed.
acquireverbUS /əˈkwaɪər/
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading The knowledge of this only spurred the radio boys to greater efforts, and they began to acquire a deeper insight into the mysteries of radio work with every day that passed.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Almost two weeks had passed since they first started work on the prize sets when one evening Doughnuts came rushing into Bob's workroom with woe writ large on his round countenance.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE STOLEN SET Meanwhile, Bob, Joe and Jimmy were working like beavers on their prize sets, and were making great progress.
arousedadjectiveUS /ərˈaʊzd/
aroused to action
From this reading Mr. Ferberton's offer had aroused great interest in the town, and several other boys were working for the coveted prizes.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
beaversnounUS /ˈbiːvərz/
plural of “beaver” — the soft brown fur of the beaver
From this reading THE STOLEN SET Meanwhile, Bob, Joe and Jimmy were working like beavers on their prize sets, and were making great progress.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading The knowledge of this only spurred the radio boys to greater efforts, and they began to acquire a deeper insight into the mysteries of radio work with every day that passed.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
move up and down repeatedly
From this reading THE STOLEN SET Meanwhile, Bob, Joe and Jimmy were working like beavers on their prize sets, and were making great progress.
Bob'snounUS /bɑːbz/
possessive form of “bob” — a former monetary unit in Great Britain
From this reading Almost two weeks had passed since they first started work on the prize sets when one evening Doughnuts came rushing into Bob's workroom with woe writ large on his round countenance.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading Mr. Ferberton's offer had aroused great interest in the town, and several other boys were working for the coveted prizes.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Almost two weeks had passed since they first started work on the prize sets when one evening Doughnuts came rushing into Bob's workroom with woe writ large on his round countenance.
condensers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
the appearance conveyed by a person's face
From this reading Almost two weeks had passed since they first started work on the prize sets when one evening Doughnuts came rushing into Bob's workroom with woe writ large on his round countenance.
covetedadjectiveUS /ˈkʌvətɪd/
greatly desired
From this reading Mr. Ferberton's offer had aroused great interest in the town, and several other boys were working for the coveted prizes.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading The knowledge of this only spurred the radio boys to greater efforts, and they began to acquire a deeper insight into the mysteries of radio work with every day that passed.
comparative of “deeply” — to a great depth psychologically or emotionally
From this reading The knowledge of this only spurred the radio boys to greater efforts, and they began to acquire a deeper insight into the mysteries of radio work with every day that passed.
defensenounUS /dɪˈfens/
(military) military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
detectorsnounUS /dɪˈtektərz/
plural of “detector” — 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 They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
DoughnutsnounUS /ˈdoʊnʌts/
plural of “doughnut” — a toroidal shape
From this reading Almost two weeks had passed since they first started work on the prize sets when one evening Doughnuts came rushing into Bob's workroom with woe writ large on his round countenance.
compelled forcibly by an outside agency
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading The knowledge of this only spurred the radio boys to greater efforts, and they began to acquire a deeper insight into the mysteries of radio work with every day that passed.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading Almost two weeks had passed since they first started work on the prize sets when one evening Doughnuts came rushing into Bob's workroom with woe writ large on his round countenance.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading The knowledge of this only spurred the radio boys to greater efforts, and they began to acquire a deeper insight into the mysteries of radio work with every day that passed.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
Ferberton's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Ferberton's offer had aroused great interest in the town, and several other boys were working for the coveted prizes.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Almost two weeks had passed since they first started work on the prize sets when one evening Doughnuts came rushing into Bob's workroom with woe writ large on his round countenance.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Mr. Ferberton's offer had aroused great interest in the town, and several other boys were working for the coveted prizes.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading THE STOLEN SET Meanwhile, Bob, Joe and Jimmy were working like beavers on their prize sets, and were making great progress.
greater in size or importance or degree
From this reading The knowledge of this only spurred the radio boys to greater efforts, and they began to acquire a deeper insight into the mysteries of radio work with every day that passed.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Mr. Ferberton's offer had aroused great interest in the town, and several other boys were working for the coveted prizes.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
HerbnounUS /ɜːrb/
a plant lacking a permanent woody stem; many are flowering garden plants or potherbs; some having medicinal properties; some are pests
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Mr. Ferberton's offer had aroused great interest in the town, and several other boys were working for the coveted prizes.
insightnounUS /ˈɪnsaɪt/
clear or deep perception of a situation
From this reading The knowledge of this only spurred the radio boys to greater efforts, and they began to acquire a deeper insight into the mysteries of radio work with every day that passed.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading Mr. Ferberton's offer had aroused great interest in the town, and several other boys were working for the coveted prizes.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The knowledge of this only spurred the radio boys to greater efforts, and they began to acquire a deeper insight into the mysteries of radio work with every day that passed.
JimmyverbUS /ˈdʒɪmi/
to move or force, especially in an effort to get something open
From this reading THE STOLEN SET Meanwhile, Bob, Joe and Jimmy were working like beavers on their prize sets, and were making great progress.
Joe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE STOLEN SET Meanwhile, Bob, Joe and Jimmy were working like beavers on their prize sets, and were making great progress.
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading The knowledge of this only spurred the radio boys to greater efforts, and they began to acquire a deeper insight into the mysteries of radio work with every day that passed.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Almost two weeks had passed since they first started work on the prize sets when one evening Doughnuts came rushing into Bob's workroom with woe writ large on his round countenance.
immediately past
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
learnedlyadverb
with erudition; in an erudite manner
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading THE STOLEN SET Meanwhile, Bob, Joe and Jimmy were working like beavers on their prize sets, and were making great progress.
engage in
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading THE STOLEN SET Meanwhile, Bob, Joe and Jimmy were working like beavers on their prize sets, and were making great progress.
at the same time but in another place
From this reading THE STOLEN SET Meanwhile, Bob, Joe and Jimmy were working like beavers on their prize sets, and were making great progress.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Mr. Ferberton's offer had aroused great interest in the town, and several other boys were working for the coveted prizes.
mysteriesnounUS /ˈmɪstəriz/
plural of “mystery” — something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading The knowledge of this only spurred the radio boys to greater efforts, and they began to acquire a deeper insight into the mysteries of radio work with every day that passed.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The knowledge of this only spurred the radio boys to greater efforts, and they began to acquire a deeper insight into the mysteries of radio work with every day that passed.
make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading Mr. Ferberton's offer had aroused great interest in the town, and several other boys were working for the coveted prizes.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE STOLEN SET Meanwhile, Bob, Joe and Jimmy were working like beavers on their prize sets, and were making great progress.
on one occasion
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Almost two weeks had passed since they first started work on the prize sets when one evening Doughnuts came rushing into Bob's workroom with woe writ large on his round countenance.
and nothing more
From this reading The knowledge of this only spurred the radio boys to greater efforts, and they began to acquire a deeper insight into the mysteries of radio work with every day that passed.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Mr. Ferberton's offer had aroused great interest in the town, and several other boys were working for the coveted prizes.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading The knowledge of this only spurred the radio boys to greater efforts, and they began to acquire a deeper insight into the mysteries of radio work with every day that passed.
prizenounUS /praɪz/
something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery
From this reading THE STOLEN SET Meanwhile, Bob, Joe and Jimmy were working like beavers on their prize sets, and were making great progress.
prizesnounUS /ˈpraɪzəz/
plural of “prize” — something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery
From this reading Mr. Ferberton's offer had aroused great interest in the town, and several other boys were working for the coveted prizes.
gradual improvement or growth or development
From this reading THE STOLEN SET Meanwhile, Bob, Joe and Jimmy were working like beavers on their prize sets, and were making great progress.
radionounUS /ˈreɪdioʊ/
medium for communication
From this reading The knowledge of this only spurred the radio boys to greater efforts, and they began to acquire a deeper insight into the mysteries of radio work with every day that passed.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading Almost two weeks had passed since they first started work on the prize sets when one evening Doughnuts came rushing into Bob's workroom with woe writ large on his round countenance.
rushingnounUS /ˈrʌʃɪŋ/
(American football) an attempt to advance the ball by running into the line
From this reading Almost two weeks had passed since they first started work on the prize sets when one evening Doughnuts came rushing into Bob's workroom with woe writ large on his round countenance.
your consciousness of your own identity
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading THE STOLEN SET Meanwhile, Bob, Joe and Jimmy were working like beavers on their prize sets, and were making great progress.
setsnounUS /sets/
plural of “set” — a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used
From this reading THE STOLEN SET Meanwhile, Bob, Joe and Jimmy were working like beavers on their prize sets, and were making great progress.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading Mr. Ferberton's offer had aroused great interest in the town, and several other boys were working for the coveted prizes.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Almost two weeks had passed since they first started work on the prize sets when one evening Doughnuts came rushing into Bob's workroom with woe writ large on his round countenance.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
spurredverbUS /spɜːrd/
inflected form of “spur” — incite or stimulate
From this reading The knowledge of this only spurred the radio boys to greater efforts, and they began to acquire a deeper insight into the mysteries of radio work with every day that passed.
past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
inflected form of “steal” — take without the owner's consent
From this reading THE STOLEN SET Meanwhile, Bob, Joe and Jimmy were working like beavers on their prize sets, and were making great progress.
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The knowledge of this only spurred the radio boys to greater efforts, and they began to acquire a deeper insight into the mysteries of radio work with every day that passed.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE STOLEN SET Meanwhile, Bob, Joe and Jimmy were working like beavers on their prize sets, and were making great progress.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading THE STOLEN SET Meanwhile, Bob, Joe and Jimmy were working like beavers on their prize sets, and were making great progress.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The knowledge of this only spurred the radio boys to greater efforts, and they began to acquire a deeper insight into the mysteries of radio work with every day that passed.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The knowledge of this only spurred the radio boys to greater efforts, and they began to acquire a deeper insight into the mysteries of radio work with every day that passed.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The knowledge of this only spurred the radio boys to greater efforts, and they began to acquire a deeper insight into the mysteries of radio work with every day that passed.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading Mr. Ferberton's offer had aroused great interest in the town, and several other boys were working for the coveted prizes.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Almost two weeks had passed since they first started work on the prize sets when one evening Doughnuts came rushing into Bob's workroom with woe writ large on his round countenance.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading Almost two weeks had passed since they first started work on the prize sets when one evening Doughnuts came rushing into Bob's workroom with woe writ large on his round countenance.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE STOLEN SET Meanwhile, Bob, Joe and Jimmy were working like beavers on their prize sets, and were making great progress.
at the time that
From this reading Almost two weeks had passed since they first started work on the prize sets when one evening Doughnuts came rushing into Bob's workroom with woe writ large on his round countenance.
past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish
From this reading They began to talk so learnedly of condensers and detectors that Herb wished more than once that he had started to make a set of his own, and he was at last driven in self defense to study up on the subject so as not to be left too far behind.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The knowledge of this only spurred the radio boys to greater efforts, and they began to acquire a deeper insight into the mysteries of radio work with every day that passed.
woenounUS /woʊ/
misery resulting from affliction
From this reading Almost two weeks had passed since they first started work on the prize sets when one evening Doughnuts came rushing into Bob's workroom with woe writ large on his round countenance.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading The knowledge of this only spurred the radio boys to greater efforts, and they began to acquire a deeper insight into the mysteries of radio work with every day that passed.
actively engaged in paid work
From this reading THE STOLEN SET Meanwhile, Bob, Joe and Jimmy were working like beavers on their prize sets, and were making great progress.
workroomnounUS /ˈwɜːrkruːm/
room where work is done
From this reading Almost two weeks had passed since they first started work on the prize sets when one evening Doughnuts came rushing into Bob's workroom with woe writ large on his round countenance.
writnounUS /rɪt/
(law) a legal document issued by a court or judicial officer
From this reading Almost two weeks had passed since they first started work on the prize sets when one evening Doughnuts came rushing into Bob's workroom with woe writ large on his round countenance.