used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE CURIOUS EXPERIENCES OF THE UNDERWOOD FAMILY It was a curious meal, that dinner.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
alertadjectiveUS /əˈlɜːrt/
engaged in or accustomed to close observation
From this reading His eager face, with its keen blue eyes and flexible mouth, was so vividly alert that no one could forget him for a moment, whether he spoke or was silent.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Dr. Underwood had been helped to a couch in the dining-room, and had his dinner from an invalid's table.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Dr. Underwood had been helped to a couch in the dining-room, and had his dinner from an invalid's table.
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading His eager face, with its keen blue eyes and flexible mouth, was so vividly alert that no one could forget him for a moment, whether he spoke or was silent.
BurtonnounUS /ˈbɜːrtən/
English explorer who with John Speke was the first European to explore Lake Tanganyika (1821-1890)
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
couchnounUS /kaʊtʃ/
an upholstered seat for more than one person
From this reading Dr. Underwood had been helped to a couch in the dining-room, and had his dinner from an invalid's table.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading His eager face, with its keen blue eyes and flexible mouth, was so vividly alert that no one could forget him for a moment, whether he spoke or was silent.
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading THE CURIOUS EXPERIENCES OF THE UNDERWOOD FAMILY It was a curious meal, that dinner.
dining-roomnoun
a room used for dining
From this reading Dr. Underwood had been helped to a couch in the dining-room, and had his dinner from an invalid's table.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading THE CURIOUS EXPERIENCES OF THE UNDERWOOD FAMILY It was a curious meal, that dinner.
Dr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dr. Underwood had been helped to a couch in the dining-room, and had his dinner from an invalid's table.
eageradjectiveUS /ˈiːɡər/
having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy
From this reading His eager face, with its keen blue eyes and flexible mouth, was so vividly alert that no one could forget him for a moment, whether he spoke or was silent.
EXPERIENCESnounUS /ɪkˈspɪriənsɪz/
plural of “experience” — the accumulation of knowledge or skill that results from direct participation in events or activities
From this reading THE CURIOUS EXPERIENCES OF THE UNDERWOOD FAMILY It was a curious meal, that dinner.
opinion or judgment
From this reading His eager face, with its keen blue eyes and flexible mouth, was so vividly alert that no one could forget him for a moment, whether he spoke or was silent.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading His eager face, with its keen blue eyes and flexible mouth, was so vividly alert that no one could forget him for a moment, whether he spoke or was silent.
a social unit living together
From this reading THE CURIOUS EXPERIENCES OF THE UNDERWOOD FAMILY It was a curious meal, that dinner.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
flexibleadjectiveUS /ˈfleksəbəl/
capable of being changed
From this reading His eager face, with its keen blue eyes and flexible mouth, was so vividly alert that no one could forget him for a moment, whether he spoke or was silent.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading His eager face, with its keen blue eyes and flexible mouth, was so vividly alert that no one could forget him for a moment, whether he spoke or was silent.
dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
From this reading His eager face, with its keen blue eyes and flexible mouth, was so vividly alert that no one could forget him for a moment, whether he spoke or was silent.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Dr. Underwood had been helped to a couch in the dining-room, and had his dinner from an invalid's table.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
past form of “help” — give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading Dr. Underwood had been helped to a couch in the dining-room, and had his dinner from an invalid's table.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading His eager face, with its keen blue eyes and flexible mouth, was so vividly alert that no one could forget him for a moment, whether he spoke or was silent.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
intimacynounUS /ˈɪntəməsi/
close or warm friendship
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading When he laughed, which was often, he wrinkled his face into a mask.
invalid's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dr. Underwood had been helped to a couch in the dining-room, and had his dinner from an invalid's table.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE CURIOUS EXPERIENCES OF THE UNDERWOOD FAMILY It was a curious meal, that dinner.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading His eager face, with its keen blue eyes and flexible mouth, was so vividly alert that no one could forget him for a moment, whether he spoke or was silent.
having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading His eager face, with its keen blue eyes and flexible mouth, was so vividly alert that no one could forget him for a moment, whether he spoke or was silent.
immediately past
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
past form of “laugh” — produce laughter
From this reading When he laughed, which was often, he wrinkled his face into a mask.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
maskverbUS /mæsk/
hide under a false appearance
From this reading When he laughed, which was often, he wrinkled his face into a mask.
the food served and eaten at one time
From this reading THE CURIOUS EXPERIENCES OF THE UNDERWOOD FAMILY It was a curious meal, that dinner.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
a particular point in time
From this reading His eager face, with its keen blue eyes and flexible mouth, was so vividly alert that no one could forget him for a moment, whether he spoke or was silent.
the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
From this reading His eager face, with its keen blue eyes and flexible mouth, was so vividly alert that no one could forget him for a moment, whether he spoke or was silent.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
not any; not one
From this reading His eager face, with its keen blue eyes and flexible mouth, was so vividly alert that no one could forget him for a moment, whether he spoke or was silent.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE CURIOUS EXPERIENCES OF THE UNDERWOOD FAMILY It was a curious meal, that dinner.
many times at short intervals
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading His eager face, with its keen blue eyes and flexible mouth, was so vividly alert that no one could forget him for a moment, whether he spoke or was silent.
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading His eager face, with its keen blue eyes and flexible mouth, was so vividly alert that no one could forget him for a moment, whether he spoke or was silent.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim
From this reading His eager face, with its keen blue eyes and flexible mouth, was so vividly alert that no one could forget him for a moment, whether he spoke or was silent.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading Dr. Underwood had been helped to a couch in the dining-room, and had his dinner from an invalid's table.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE CURIOUS EXPERIENCES OF THE UNDERWOOD FAMILY It was a curious meal, that dinner.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE CURIOUS EXPERIENCES OF THE UNDERWOOD FAMILY It was a curious meal, that dinner.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Dr. Underwood had been helped to a couch in the dining-room, and had his dinner from an invalid's table.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
UNDERWOODnounUS /ˈʌndərwʊd/
the brush (small trees and bushes and ferns etc.) growing beneath taller trees in a wood or forest
From this reading THE CURIOUS EXPERIENCES OF THE UNDERWOOD FAMILY It was a curious meal, that dinner.
not usual or common or ordinary
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
variedadjectiveUS /ˈverid/
characterized by variety
From this reading Burton often thought afterwards that in all the varied experiences of his life, and he had had a good many, first and last, he had never met at one time, and under circumstances of such sudden and peculiar intimacy, four people so unusual.
vividlyadverbUS /ˈvɪvədli/
in a vivid manner
From this reading His eager face, with its keen blue eyes and flexible mouth, was so vividly alert that no one could forget him for a moment, whether he spoke or was silent.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE CURIOUS EXPERIENCES OF THE UNDERWOOD FAMILY It was a curious meal, that dinner.
at the time that
From this reading When he laughed, which was often, he wrinkled his face into a mask.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading His eager face, with its keen blue eyes and flexible mouth, was so vividly alert that no one could forget him for a moment, whether he spoke or was silent.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading When he laughed, which was often, he wrinkled his face into a mask.
in the company of; together with
From this reading His eager face, with its keen blue eyes and flexible mouth, was so vividly alert that no one could forget him for a moment, whether he spoke or was silent.
wrinkledadjectiveUS /ˈrɪŋkəld/
marked by wrinkles
From this reading When he laughed, which was often, he wrinkled his face into a mask.
