used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was a spectacle at once beautiful and fearful, and calculated to make their hearts sink with pity no less than with terror.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading But Professor Pludder, whose comprehension of the cause of the deluge was growing clearer the more he thought about it, did not share the anxiety of the President and the others.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading PROFESSOR PLUDDER'S DEVICE Morning dawned brilliantly on Mount Mitchell and revealed to the astonished eyes of the watchers an endless expanse of water, gleaming and sparkling in the morning sunlight.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading PROFESSOR PLUDDER'S DEVICE Morning dawned brilliantly on Mount Mitchell and revealed to the astonished eyes of the watchers an endless expanse of water, gleaming and sparkling in the morning sunlight.
(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic
From this reading But for a time they were distracted from the awful thoughts which such a sight must inspire by anxiety concerning themselves.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading They could not drive away the fear that, at any moment, the awful clouds might return and the terrible downpour be resumed.
filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock
From this reading PROFESSOR PLUDDER'S DEVICE Morning dawned brilliantly on Mount Mitchell and revealed to the astonished eyes of the watchers an endless expanse of water, gleaming and sparkling in the morning sunlight.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It was a spectacle at once beautiful and fearful, and calculated to make their hearts sink with pity no less than with terror.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading They could not drive away the fear that, at any moment, the awful clouds might return and the terrible downpour be resumed.
awfuladjectiveUS /ˈɑːfəl/
exceptionally bad or displeasing
From this reading But for a time they were distracted from the awful thoughts which such a sight must inspire by anxiety concerning themselves.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading They could not drive away the fear that, at any moment, the awful clouds might return and the terrible downpour be resumed.
delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration
From this reading It was a spectacle at once beautiful and fearful, and calculated to make their hearts sink with pity no less than with terror.
brilliantlyadverbUS /ˈbrɪljəntli/
with brightness
From this reading PROFESSOR PLUDDER'S DEVICE Morning dawned brilliantly on Mount Mitchell and revealed to the astonished eyes of the watchers an endless expanse of water, gleaming and sparkling in the morning sunlight.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But for a time they were distracted from the awful thoughts which such a sight must inspire by anxiety concerning themselves.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading But for a time they were distracted from the awful thoughts which such a sight must inspire by anxiety concerning themselves.
calculatedadjectiveUS /ˈkælkjəleɪtɪd/
carefully thought out in advance
From this reading It was a spectacle at once beautiful and fearful, and calculated to make their hearts sink with pity no less than with terror.
events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading But Professor Pludder, whose comprehension of the cause of the deluge was growing clearer the more he thought about it, did not share the anxiety of the President and the others.
cleareradjectiveUS /ˈklɪrər/
comparative of “clear” — readily apparent to the mind
From this reading But Professor Pludder, whose comprehension of the cause of the deluge was growing clearer the more he thought about it, did not share the anxiety of the President and the others.
plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible
From this reading They could not drive away the fear that, at any moment, the awful clouds might return and the terrible downpour be resumed.
comprehensionnounUS /ˌkɑːmpriˈhenʃən/
an ability to understand the meaning or importance of something (or the knowledge acquired as a result)
From this reading But Professor Pludder, whose comprehension of the cause of the deluge was growing clearer the more he thought about it, did not share the anxiety of the President and the others.
-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to
From this reading But for a time they were distracted from the awful thoughts which such a sight must inspire by anxiety concerning themselves.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading They could not drive away the fear that, at any moment, the awful clouds might return and the terrible downpour be resumed.
dawnedverbUS /dɔːnd/
past form of “dawn” — become clear or enter one's consciousness or emotions
From this reading PROFESSOR PLUDDER'S DEVICE Morning dawned brilliantly on Mount Mitchell and revealed to the astonished eyes of the watchers an endless expanse of water, gleaming and sparkling in the morning sunlight.
delugenounUS /ˈdeljuːdʒ/
an overwhelming number or amount
From this reading But Professor Pludder, whose comprehension of the cause of the deluge was growing clearer the more he thought about it, did not share the anxiety of the President and the others.
DEVICEnounUS /dɪˈvaɪs/
an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose
From this reading PROFESSOR PLUDDER'S DEVICE Morning dawned brilliantly on Mount Mitchell and revealed to the astonished eyes of the watchers an endless expanse of water, gleaming and sparkling in the morning sunlight.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading But Professor Pludder, whose comprehension of the cause of the deluge was growing clearer the more he thought about it, did not share the anxiety of the President and the others.
distractedadjectiveUS /dɪˈstræktəd/
having the attention diverted especially because of anxiety
From this reading But for a time they were distracted from the awful thoughts which such a sight must inspire by anxiety concerning themselves.
downpournounUS /ˈdaʊnpɔːr/
a heavy rain
From this reading They could not drive away the fear that, at any moment, the awful clouds might return and the terrible downpour be resumed.
operate or control a vehicle
From this reading They could not drive away the fear that, at any moment, the awful clouds might return and the terrible downpour be resumed.
endlessadjectiveUS /ˈendləs/
tiresomely long; seemingly without end
From this reading PROFESSOR PLUDDER'S DEVICE Morning dawned brilliantly on Mount Mitchell and revealed to the astonished eyes of the watchers an endless expanse of water, gleaming and sparkling in the morning sunlight.
expansenounUS /ɪkˈspæns/
a wide scope
From this reading PROFESSOR PLUDDER'S DEVICE Morning dawned brilliantly on Mount Mitchell and revealed to the astonished eyes of the watchers an endless expanse of water, gleaming and sparkling in the morning sunlight.
opinion or judgment
From this reading PROFESSOR PLUDDER'S DEVICE Morning dawned brilliantly on Mount Mitchell and revealed to the astonished eyes of the watchers an endless expanse of water, gleaming and sparkling in the morning sunlight.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading They could not drive away the fear that, at any moment, the awful clouds might return and the terrible downpour be resumed.
experiencing or showing fear
From this reading It was a spectacle at once beautiful and fearful, and calculated to make their hearts sink with pity no less than with terror.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But for a time they were distracted from the awful thoughts which such a sight must inspire by anxiety concerning themselves.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading But for a time they were distracted from the awful thoughts which such a sight must inspire by anxiety concerning themselves.
gleamingnounUS /ˈɡliːmɪŋ/
a flash of light (especially reflected light)
From this reading PROFESSOR PLUDDER'S DEVICE Morning dawned brilliantly on Mount Mitchell and revealed to the astonished eyes of the watchers an endless expanse of water, gleaming and sparkling in the morning sunlight.
(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level
From this reading But Professor Pludder, whose comprehension of the cause of the deluge was growing clearer the more he thought about it, did not share the anxiety of the President and the others.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But Professor Pludder, whose comprehension of the cause of the deluge was growing clearer the more he thought about it, did not share the anxiety of the President and the others.
a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades
From this reading It was a spectacle at once beautiful and fearful, and calculated to make their hearts sink with pity no less than with terror.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading PROFESSOR PLUDDER'S DEVICE Morning dawned brilliantly on Mount Mitchell and revealed to the astonished eyes of the watchers an endless expanse of water, gleaming and sparkling in the morning sunlight.
inspireverbUS /ˌɪnˈspaɪr/
heighten or intensify
From this reading But for a time they were distracted from the awful thoughts which such a sight must inspire by anxiety concerning themselves.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a spectacle at once beautiful and fearful, and calculated to make their hearts sink with pity no less than with terror.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading It was a spectacle at once beautiful and fearful, and calculated to make their hearts sink with pity no less than with terror.
engage in
From this reading It was a spectacle at once beautiful and fearful, and calculated to make their hearts sink with pity no less than with terror.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading They could not drive away the fear that, at any moment, the awful clouds might return and the terrible downpour be resumed.
MitchellnounUS /ˈmɪtʃəl/
English aeronautical engineer (1895-1937)
From this reading PROFESSOR PLUDDER'S DEVICE Morning dawned brilliantly on Mount Mitchell and revealed to the astonished eyes of the watchers an endless expanse of water, gleaming and sparkling in the morning sunlight.
a particular point in time
From this reading They could not drive away the fear that, at any moment, the awful clouds might return and the terrible downpour be resumed.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading But Professor Pludder, whose comprehension of the cause of the deluge was growing clearer the more he thought about it, did not share the anxiety of the President and the others.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading PROFESSOR PLUDDER'S DEVICE Morning dawned brilliantly on Mount Mitchell and revealed to the astonished eyes of the watchers an endless expanse of water, gleaming and sparkling in the morning sunlight.
attach to a support
From this reading PROFESSOR PLUDDER'S DEVICE Morning dawned brilliantly on Mount Mitchell and revealed to the astonished eyes of the watchers an endless expanse of water, gleaming and sparkling in the morning sunlight.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading But for a time they were distracted from the awful thoughts which such a sight must inspire by anxiety concerning themselves.
not any; not one
From this reading It was a spectacle at once beautiful and fearful, and calculated to make their hearts sink with pity no less than with terror.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading They could not drive away the fear that, at any moment, the awful clouds might return and the terrible downpour be resumed.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading PROFESSOR PLUDDER'S DEVICE Morning dawned brilliantly on Mount Mitchell and revealed to the astonished eyes of the watchers an endless expanse of water, gleaming and sparkling in the morning sunlight.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading PROFESSOR PLUDDER'S DEVICE Morning dawned brilliantly on Mount Mitchell and revealed to the astonished eyes of the watchers an endless expanse of water, gleaming and sparkling in the morning sunlight.
on one occasion
From this reading It was a spectacle at once beautiful and fearful, and calculated to make their hearts sink with pity no less than with terror.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But Professor Pludder, whose comprehension of the cause of the deluge was growing clearer the more he thought about it, did not share the anxiety of the President and the others.
a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of others
From this reading It was a spectacle at once beautiful and fearful, and calculated to make their hearts sink with pity no less than with terror.
Pludder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But Professor Pludder, whose comprehension of the cause of the deluge was growing clearer the more he thought about it, did not share the anxiety of the President and the others.
PLUDDER'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PROFESSOR PLUDDER'S DEVICE Morning dawned brilliantly on Mount Mitchell and revealed to the astonished eyes of the watchers an endless expanse of water, gleaming and sparkling in the morning sunlight.
an executive officer of a firm or corporation
From this reading But Professor Pludder, whose comprehension of the cause of the deluge was growing clearer the more he thought about it, did not share the anxiety of the President and the others.
someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university
From this reading PROFESSOR PLUDDER'S DEVICE Morning dawned brilliantly on Mount Mitchell and revealed to the astonished eyes of the watchers an endless expanse of water, gleaming and sparkling in the morning sunlight.
past form of “resume” — take up or begin anew
From this reading They could not drive away the fear that, at any moment, the awful clouds might return and the terrible downpour be resumed.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading They could not drive away the fear that, at any moment, the awful clouds might return and the terrible downpour be resumed.
past form of “reveal” — make visible
From this reading PROFESSOR PLUDDER'S DEVICE Morning dawned brilliantly on Mount Mitchell and revealed to the astonished eyes of the watchers an endless expanse of water, gleaming and sparkling in the morning sunlight.
have in common
From this reading But Professor Pludder, whose comprehension of the cause of the deluge was growing clearer the more he thought about it, did not share the anxiety of the President and the others.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading But for a time they were distracted from the awful thoughts which such a sight must inspire by anxiety concerning themselves.
sinkverbUS /sɪŋk/
fall or descend to a lower place or level
From this reading It was a spectacle at once beautiful and fearful, and calculated to make their hearts sink with pity no less than with terror.
sparklingadjectiveUS /ˈspɑːrklɪŋ/
shining with brilliant points of light like stars
From this reading PROFESSOR PLUDDER'S DEVICE Morning dawned brilliantly on Mount Mitchell and revealed to the astonished eyes of the watchers an endless expanse of water, gleaming and sparkling in the morning sunlight.
spectaclenounUS /ˈspektəkəl/
something or someone seen (especially a notable or unusual sight)
From this reading It was a spectacle at once beautiful and fearful, and calculated to make their hearts sink with pity no less than with terror.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading But for a time they were distracted from the awful thoughts which such a sight must inspire by anxiety concerning themselves.
the rays of the sun
From this reading PROFESSOR PLUDDER'S DEVICE Morning dawned brilliantly on Mount Mitchell and revealed to the astonished eyes of the watchers an endless expanse of water, gleaming and sparkling in the morning sunlight.
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading They could not drive away the fear that, at any moment, the awful clouds might return and the terrible downpour be resumed.
an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety
From this reading It was a spectacle at once beautiful and fearful, and calculated to make their hearts sink with pity no less than with terror.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading It was a spectacle at once beautiful and fearful, and calculated to make their hearts sink with pity no less than with terror.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading They could not drive away the fear that, at any moment, the awful clouds might return and the terrible downpour be resumed.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading PROFESSOR PLUDDER'S DEVICE Morning dawned brilliantly on Mount Mitchell and revealed to the astonished eyes of the watchers an endless expanse of water, gleaming and sparkling in the morning sunlight.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It was a spectacle at once beautiful and fearful, and calculated to make their hearts sink with pity no less than with terror.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading But for a time they were distracted from the awful thoughts which such a sight must inspire by anxiety concerning themselves.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But for a time they were distracted from the awful thoughts which such a sight must inspire by anxiety concerning themselves.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading But Professor Pludder, whose comprehension of the cause of the deluge was growing clearer the more he thought about it, did not share the anxiety of the President and the others.
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading But for a time they were distracted from the awful thoughts which such a sight must inspire by anxiety concerning themselves.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading But for a time they were distracted from the awful thoughts which such a sight must inspire by anxiety concerning themselves.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading PROFESSOR PLUDDER'S DEVICE Morning dawned brilliantly on Mount Mitchell and revealed to the astonished eyes of the watchers an endless expanse of water, gleaming and sparkling in the morning sunlight.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was a spectacle at once beautiful and fearful, and calculated to make their hearts sink with pity no less than with terror.
watchersnounUS /ˈwɑːtʃərz/
plural of “watcher” — a close observer; someone who looks at something (such as an exhibition of some kind)
From this reading PROFESSOR PLUDDER'S DEVICE Morning dawned brilliantly on Mount Mitchell and revealed to the astonished eyes of the watchers an endless expanse of water, gleaming and sparkling in the morning sunlight.
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading PROFESSOR PLUDDER'S DEVICE Morning dawned brilliantly on Mount Mitchell and revealed to the astonished eyes of the watchers an endless expanse of water, gleaming and sparkling in the morning sunlight.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading But for a time they were distracted from the awful thoughts which such a sight must inspire by anxiety concerning themselves.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading But for a time they were distracted from the awful thoughts which such a sight must inspire by anxiety concerning themselves.
belonging to which person
From this reading But Professor Pludder, whose comprehension of the cause of the deluge was growing clearer the more he thought about it, did not share the anxiety of the President and the others.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was a spectacle at once beautiful and fearful, and calculated to make their hearts sink with pity no less than with terror.
