used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The exterior of the car was a little smirched and stained with the dust of the journey, lying thick in parts, and in others there were a few great splotches of mud plastered on.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading The detective paused for a moment to get a general view, looking, in the light of the General’s suggestion, for either hand or foot marks, anything like a trace of the passage of a feminine skirt, across the dusty surface.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The exterior of the car was a little smirched and stained with the dust of the journey, lying thick in parts, and in others there were a few great splotches of mud plastered on.
any thing at all
From this reading The detective paused for a moment to get a general view, looking, in the light of the General’s suggestion, for either hand or foot marks, anything like a trace of the passage of a feminine skirt, across the dusty surface.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading But nothing was to be seen, nothing definite or conclusive at least.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The three officials went straight to where the still open window showed the particular spot to be examined.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But nothing was to be seen, nothing definite or conclusive at least.
a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
From this reading The exterior of the car was a little smirched and stained with the dust of the journey, lying thick in parts, and in others there were a few great splotches of mud plastered on.
conclusiveadjectiveUS /kənˈkluːsɪv/
forming an end or termination; especially putting an end to doubt or question
From this reading But nothing was to be seen, nothing definite or conclusive at least.
definiteadjectiveUS /ˈdefənət/
precise; explicit and clearly defined
From this reading But nothing was to be seen, nothing definite or conclusive at least.
detectivenounUS /dɪˈtektɪv/
a police officer who investigates crimes
From this reading The detective paused for a moment to get a general view, looking, in the light of the General’s suggestion, for either hand or foot marks, anything like a trace of the passage of a feminine skirt, across the dusty surface.
remove the dust from
From this reading The exterior of the car was a little smirched and stained with the dust of the journey, lying thick in parts, and in others there were a few great splotches of mud plastered on.
dustyadjectiveUS /ˈdʌsti/
covered with a layer of dust
From this reading The detective paused for a moment to get a general view, looking, in the light of the General’s suggestion, for either hand or foot marks, anything like a trace of the passage of a feminine skirt, across the dusty surface.
one or the other of two
From this reading The detective paused for a moment to get a general view, looking, in the light of the General’s suggestion, for either hand or foot marks, anything like a trace of the passage of a feminine skirt, across the dusty surface.
encouragingadjectiveUS /enˈkɜːrɪdʒɪŋ/
giving courage or confidence or hope
From this reading Only here and there a few lines and scratches that might be encouraging, but proved little.
past form of “examine” — consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning
From this reading The three officials went straight to where the still open window showed the particular spot to be examined.
exteriornounUS /ɪkˈstɪriər/
the region that is outside of something
From this reading The exterior of the car was a little smirched and stained with the dust of the journey, lying thick in parts, and in others there were a few great splotches of mud plastered on.
feminineadjectiveUS /ˈfemənən/
associated with women and not with men
From this reading The detective paused for a moment to get a general view, looking, in the light of the General’s suggestion, for either hand or foot marks, anything like a trace of the passage of a feminine skirt, across the dusty surface.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading The exterior of the car was a little smirched and stained with the dust of the journey, lying thick in parts, and in others there were a few great splotches of mud plastered on.
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading The detective paused for a moment to get a general view, looking, in the light of the General’s suggestion, for either hand or foot marks, anything like a trace of the passage of a feminine skirt, across the dusty surface.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The detective paused for a moment to get a general view, looking, in the light of the General’s suggestion, for either hand or foot marks, anything like a trace of the passage of a feminine skirt, across the dusty surface.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading The detective paused for a moment to get a general view, looking, in the light of the General’s suggestion, for either hand or foot marks, anything like a trace of the passage of a feminine skirt, across the dusty surface.
General'snounUS /ˈdʒenərəlz/
possessive form of “general” — a general officer of the highest rank
From this reading The detective paused for a moment to get a general view, looking, in the light of the General’s suggestion, for either hand or foot marks, anything like a trace of the passage of a feminine skirt, across the dusty surface.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading The detective paused for a moment to get a general view, looking, in the light of the General’s suggestion, for either hand or foot marks, anything like a trace of the passage of a feminine skirt, across the dusty surface.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading The exterior of the car was a little smirched and stained with the dust of the journey, lying thick in parts, and in others there were a few great splotches of mud plastered on.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading The detective paused for a moment to get a general view, looking, in the light of the General’s suggestion, for either hand or foot marks, anything like a trace of the passage of a feminine skirt, across the dusty surface.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Only here and there a few lines and scratches that might be encouraging, but proved little.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The exterior of the car was a little smirched and stained with the dust of the journey, lying thick in parts, and in others there were a few great splotches of mud plastered on.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading The exterior of the car was a little smirched and stained with the dust of the journey, lying thick in parts, and in others there were a few great splotches of mud plastered on.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading But nothing was to be seen, nothing definite or conclusive at least.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading The detective paused for a moment to get a general view, looking, in the light of the General’s suggestion, for either hand or foot marks, anything like a trace of the passage of a feminine skirt, across the dusty surface.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading The detective paused for a moment to get a general view, looking, in the light of the General’s suggestion, for either hand or foot marks, anything like a trace of the passage of a feminine skirt, across the dusty surface.
plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading Only here and there a few lines and scratches that might be encouraging, but proved little.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The exterior of the car was a little smirched and stained with the dust of the journey, lying thick in parts, and in others there were a few great splotches of mud plastered on.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading The detective paused for a moment to get a general view, looking, in the light of the General’s suggestion, for either hand or foot marks, anything like a trace of the passage of a feminine skirt, across the dusty surface.
the deliberate act of deviating from the truth
From this reading The exterior of the car was a little smirched and stained with the dust of the journey, lying thick in parts, and in others there were a few great splotches of mud plastered on.
English businessman who created a retail chain (1888-1964)
From this reading The detective paused for a moment to get a general view, looking, in the light of the General’s suggestion, for either hand or foot marks, anything like a trace of the passage of a feminine skirt, across the dusty surface.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Only here and there a few lines and scratches that might be encouraging, but proved little.
a particular point in time
From this reading The detective paused for a moment to get a general view, looking, in the light of the General’s suggestion, for either hand or foot marks, anything like a trace of the passage of a feminine skirt, across the dusty surface.
water soaked soil; soft wet earth
From this reading The exterior of the car was a little smirched and stained with the dust of the journey, lying thick in parts, and in others there were a few great splotches of mud plastered on.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading But nothing was to be seen, nothing definite or conclusive at least.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The exterior of the car was a little smirched and stained with the dust of the journey, lying thick in parts, and in others there were a few great splotches of mud plastered on.
officialsnounUS /əˈfɪʃəlz/
plural of “official” — a worker who holds or is invested with an office
From this reading The three officials went straight to where the still open window showed the particular spot to be examined.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The exterior of the car was a little smirched and stained with the dust of the journey, lying thick in parts, and in others there were a few great splotches of mud plastered on.
and nothing more
From this reading Only here and there a few lines and scratches that might be encouraging, but proved little.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading The three officials went straight to where the still open window showed the particular spot to be examined.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The detective paused for a moment to get a general view, looking, in the light of the General’s suggestion, for either hand or foot marks, anything like a trace of the passage of a feminine skirt, across the dusty surface.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The exterior of the car was a little smirched and stained with the dust of the journey, lying thick in parts, and in others there were a few great splotches of mud plastered on.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading The three officials went straight to where the still open window showed the particular spot to be examined.
the local environment
From this reading The exterior of the car was a little smirched and stained with the dust of the journey, lying thick in parts, and in others there were a few great splotches of mud plastered on.
the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading The detective paused for a moment to get a general view, looking, in the light of the General’s suggestion, for either hand or foot marks, anything like a trace of the passage of a feminine skirt, across the dusty surface.
past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading The detective paused for a moment to get a general view, looking, in the light of the General’s suggestion, for either hand or foot marks, anything like a trace of the passage of a feminine skirt, across the dusty surface.
plasteredadjectiveUS /ˈplæstərd/
(of hair) made smooth by applying a sticky or glossy substance
From this reading The exterior of the car was a little smirched and stained with the dust of the journey, lying thick in parts, and in others there were a few great splotches of mud plastered on.
established beyond doubt
From this reading Only here and there a few lines and scratches that might be encouraging, but proved little.
scratchesnounUS /ˈskrætʃəz/
plural of “scratch” — an abraded area where the skin is torn or worn off
From this reading Only here and there a few lines and scratches that might be encouraging, but proved little.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading But nothing was to be seen, nothing definite or conclusive at least.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading The three officials went straight to where the still open window showed the particular spot to be examined.
skirtnounUS /skɜːrt/
cloth covering that forms the part of a garment below the waist
From this reading The detective paused for a moment to get a general view, looking, in the light of the General’s suggestion, for either hand or foot marks, anything like a trace of the passage of a feminine skirt, across the dusty surface.
smirched
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The exterior of the car was a little smirched and stained with the dust of the journey, lying thick in parts, and in others there were a few great splotches of mud plastered on.
splotches
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The exterior of the car was a little smirched and stained with the dust of the journey, lying thick in parts, and in others there were a few great splotches of mud plastered on.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading The three officials went straight to where the still open window showed the particular spot to be examined.
stainedadjectiveUS /steɪnd/
marked or dyed or discolored with foreign matter
From this reading The exterior of the car was a little smirched and stained with the dust of the journey, lying thick in parts, and in others there were a few great splotches of mud plastered on.
not in physical motion
From this reading The three officials went straight to where the still open window showed the particular spot to be examined.
successive (without a break)
From this reading The three officials went straight to where the still open window showed the particular spot to be examined.
an idea that is suggested
From this reading The detective paused for a moment to get a general view, looking, in the light of the General’s suggestion, for either hand or foot marks, anything like a trace of the passage of a feminine skirt, across the dusty surface.
the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary
From this reading The detective paused for a moment to get a general view, looking, in the light of the General’s suggestion, for either hand or foot marks, anything like a trace of the passage of a feminine skirt, across the dusty surface.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Only here and there a few lines and scratches that might be encouraging, but proved little.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The three officials went straight to where the still open window showed the particular spot to be examined.
in or at that place or location
From this reading The exterior of the car was a little smirched and stained with the dust of the journey, lying thick in parts, and in others there were a few great splotches of mud plastered on.
not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions
From this reading The exterior of the car was a little smirched and stained with the dust of the journey, lying thick in parts, and in others there were a few great splotches of mud plastered on.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading The three officials went straight to where the still open window showed the particular spot to be examined.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The three officials went straight to where the still open window showed the particular spot to be examined.
a just detectable amount
From this reading The detective paused for a moment to get a general view, looking, in the light of the General’s suggestion, for either hand or foot marks, anything like a trace of the passage of a feminine skirt, across the dusty surface.
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading The detective paused for a moment to get a general view, looking, in the light of the General’s suggestion, for either hand or foot marks, anything like a trace of the passage of a feminine skirt, across the dusty surface.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The exterior of the car was a little smirched and stained with the dust of the journey, lying thick in parts, and in others there were a few great splotches of mud plastered on.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The three officials went straight to where the still open window showed the particular spot to be examined.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The exterior of the car was a little smirched and stained with the dust of the journey, lying thick in parts, and in others there were a few great splotches of mud plastered on.
in or at the place that
From this reading The three officials went straight to where the still open window showed the particular spot to be examined.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading The three officials went straight to where the still open window showed the particular spot to be examined.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The exterior of the car was a little smirched and stained with the dust of the journey, lying thick in parts, and in others there were a few great splotches of mud plastered on.
