used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Quickly locking the wings in position to enable the battleplane to maintain a maximum glide he turned her "down wind."
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading Following the stoppage of the motors Dick slipped from his seat and made his way along the floor of the fuselage till he came to the silent machinery.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Switching on an electric torch, for it was now dark within the "hull" of the battleplane, and with the failure of the motors the dynamo-run lamps had gone out, Dick made a hasty examination.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading SO NEAR AND YET SO FAR NOT for one moment did Desmond Blake's presence of mind desert him.
battleplane
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Quickly locking the wings in position to enable the battleplane to maintain a maximum glide he turned her "down wind."
Blake'snounUS /bleɪks/
possessive form of “blake” — visionary British poet and painter (1757-1827)
From this reading SO NEAR AND YET SO FAR NOT for one moment did Desmond Blake's presence of mind desert him.
a slight wind (usually refreshing)
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Following the stoppage of the motors Dick slipped from his seat and made his way along the floor of the fuselage till he came to the silent machinery.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
rid of obstructions
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
coveringnounUS /ˈkʌvərɪŋ/
a natural object that covers or envelops
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
cross-countryadverbUS /ˈkrɔːskʌntri/
not following tracks or roads
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading Switching on an electric torch, for it was now dark within the "hull" of the battleplane, and with the failure of the motors the dynamo-run lamps had gone out, Dick made a hasty examination.
leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch
From this reading SO NEAR AND YET SO FAR NOT for one moment did Desmond Blake's presence of mind desert him.
Desmond
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SO NEAR AND YET SO FAR NOT for one moment did Desmond Blake's presence of mind desert him.
someone who is a detective
From this reading Following the stoppage of the motors Dick slipped from his seat and made his way along the floor of the fuselage till he came to the silent machinery.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading SO NEAR AND YET SO FAR NOT for one moment did Desmond Blake's presence of mind desert him.
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Quickly locking the wings in position to enable the battleplane to maintain a maximum glide he turned her "down wind."
dynamo-run
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Switching on an electric torch, for it was now dark within the "hull" of the battleplane, and with the failure of the motors the dynamo-run lamps had gone out, Dick made a hasty examination.
electricadjectiveUS /ɪˈlektrɪk/
using or providing or producing or transmitting or operated by electricity
From this reading Switching on an electric torch, for it was now dark within the "hull" of the battleplane, and with the failure of the motors the dynamo-run lamps had gone out, Dick made a hasty examination.
enableverbUS /eˈneɪbəl/
render capable or able for some task
From this reading Quickly locking the wings in position to enable the battleplane to maintain a maximum glide he turned her "down wind."
examinationnounUS /ɪɡˌzæməˈneɪʃən/
the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)
From this reading Switching on an electric torch, for it was now dark within the "hull" of the battleplane, and with the failure of the motors the dynamo-run lamps had gone out, Dick made a hasty examination.
an act that fails
From this reading Switching on an electric torch, for it was now dark within the "hull" of the battleplane, and with the failure of the motors the dynamo-run lamps had gone out, Dick made a hasty examination.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading SO NEAR AND YET SO FAR NOT for one moment did Desmond Blake's presence of mind desert him.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading Following the stoppage of the motors Dick slipped from his seat and made his way along the floor of the fuselage till he came to the silent machinery.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading SO NEAR AND YET SO FAR NOT for one moment did Desmond Blake's presence of mind desert him.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Following the stoppage of the motors Dick slipped from his seat and made his way along the floor of the fuselage till he came to the silent machinery.
fuselagenounUS /ˈfjuːsəlɑːdʒ/
the central body of an airplane that is designed to accommodate the crew and passengers (or cargo)
From this reading Following the stoppage of the motors Dick slipped from his seat and made his way along the floor of the fuselage till he came to the silent machinery.
obtain
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
glideverbUS /ɡlaɪd/
move smoothly and effortlessly
From this reading Quickly locking the wings in position to enable the battleplane to maintain a maximum glide he turned her "down wind."
glidingnounUS /ˈɡlaɪdɪŋ/
the activity of flying a glider
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
destroyed or killed
From this reading Switching on an electric torch, for it was now dark within the "hull" of the battleplane, and with the failure of the motors the dynamo-run lamps had gone out, Dick made a hasty examination.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Switching on an electric torch, for it was now dark within the "hull" of the battleplane, and with the failure of the motors the dynamo-run lamps had gone out, Dick made a hasty examination.
hastyadjectiveUS /ˈheɪsti/
excessively quick
From this reading Switching on an electric torch, for it was now dark within the "hull" of the battleplane, and with the failure of the motors the dynamo-run lamps had gone out, Dick made a hasty examination.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Quickly locking the wings in position to enable the battleplane to maintain a maximum glide he turned her "down wind."
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Quickly locking the wings in position to enable the battleplane to maintain a maximum glide he turned her "down wind."
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading SO NEAR AND YET SO FAR NOT for one moment did Desmond Blake's presence of mind desert him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Following the stoppage of the motors Dick slipped from his seat and made his way along the floor of the fuselage till he came to the silent machinery.
hullnounUS /hʌl/
dry outer covering of a fruit or seed or nut
From this reading Switching on an electric torch, for it was now dark within the "hull" of the battleplane, and with the failure of the motors the dynamo-run lamps had gone out, Dick made a hasty examination.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Quickly locking the wings in position to enable the battleplane to maintain a maximum glide he turned her "down wind."
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Switching on an electric torch, for it was now dark within the "hull" of the battleplane, and with the failure of the motors the dynamo-run lamps had gone out, Dick made a hasty examination.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
lampsnounUS /læmps/
plural of “lamp” — an artificial source of visible illumination
From this reading Switching on an electric torch, for it was now dark within the "hull" of the battleplane, and with the failure of the motors the dynamo-run lamps had gone out, Dick made a hasty examination.
lockingnounUS /ˈlɑːkɪŋ/
the act of locking something up to protect it
From this reading Quickly locking the wings in position to enable the battleplane to maintain a maximum glide he turned her "down wind."
machinerynounUS /məˈʃiːnəri/
machines or machine systems collectively
From this reading Following the stoppage of the motors Dick slipped from his seat and made his way along the floor of the fuselage till he came to the silent machinery.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Following the stoppage of the motors Dick slipped from his seat and made his way along the floor of the fuselage till he came to the silent machinery.
maintainverbUS /meɪnˈteɪn/
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading Quickly locking the wings in position to enable the battleplane to maintain a maximum glide he turned her "down wind."
maximumnounUS /ˈmæksəməm/
the largest possible quantity
From this reading Quickly locking the wings in position to enable the battleplane to maintain a maximum glide he turned her "down wind."
MetropolisnounUS /məˈtrɑːpələs/
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
MidlandsnounUS /ˈmɪdlændz/
plural of “midland” — a town in west central Texas
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading SO NEAR AND YET SO FAR NOT for one moment did Desmond Blake's presence of mind desert him.
a particular point in time
From this reading SO NEAR AND YET SO FAR NOT for one moment did Desmond Blake's presence of mind desert him.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
motorsnounUS /ˈmoʊtərz/
plural of “motor” — machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion
From this reading Following the stoppage of the motors Dick slipped from his seat and made his way along the floor of the fuselage till he came to the silent machinery.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading SO NEAR AND YET SO FAR NOT for one moment did Desmond Blake's presence of mind desert him.
northerlyadjectiveUS /ˈnɔːrðərli/
situated in or oriented toward the north
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading SO NEAR AND YET SO FAR NOT for one moment did Desmond Blake's presence of mind desert him.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Switching on an electric torch, for it was now dark within the "hull" of the battleplane, and with the failure of the motors the dynamo-run lamps had gone out, Dick made a hasty examination.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading SO NEAR AND YET SO FAR NOT for one moment did Desmond Blake's presence of mind desert him.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Switching on an electric torch, for it was now dark within the "hull" of the battleplane, and with the failure of the motors the dynamo-run lamps had gone out, Dick made a hasty examination.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading SO NEAR AND YET SO FAR NOT for one moment did Desmond Blake's presence of mind desert him.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Switching on an electric torch, for it was now dark within the "hull" of the battleplane, and with the failure of the motors the dynamo-run lamps had gone out, Dick made a hasty examination.
outskirtsnounUS /ˈaʊtskɜːrts/
outlying areas (as of a city or town)
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
by chance
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
populatedadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːpjəleɪtɪd/
furnished with inhabitants
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading Quickly locking the wings in position to enable the battleplane to maintain a maximum glide he turned her "down wind."
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading SO NEAR AND YET SO FAR NOT for one moment did Desmond Blake's presence of mind desert him.
with speed
From this reading Quickly locking the wings in position to enable the battleplane to maintain a maximum glide he turned her "down wind."
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading Following the stoppage of the motors Dick slipped from his seat and made his way along the floor of the fuselage till he came to the silent machinery.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading Following the stoppage of the motors Dick slipped from his seat and made his way along the floor of the fuselage till he came to the silent machinery.
inflected form of “slip” — move stealthily
From this reading Following the stoppage of the motors Dick slipped from his seat and made his way along the floor of the fuselage till he came to the silent machinery.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading SO NEAR AND YET SO FAR NOT for one moment did Desmond Blake's presence of mind desert him.
sportingadjectiveUS /ˈspɔːrtɪŋ/
exhibiting or calling for sportsmanship or fair play
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
not moving or operating freely
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
stoppagenounUS /ˈstɑːpɪdʒ/
the state of inactivity following an interruption
From this reading Following the stoppage of the motors Dick slipped from his seat and made his way along the floor of the fuselage till he came to the silent machinery.
of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
SwitchingnounUS /ˈswɪtʃɪŋ/
the act of changing one thing or position for another
From this reading Switching on an electric torch, for it was now dark within the "hull" of the battleplane, and with the failure of the motors the dynamo-run lamps had gone out, Dick made a hasty examination.
the kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Quickly locking the wings in position to enable the battleplane to maintain a maximum glide he turned her "down wind."
in or at that place or location
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
thicklyadverbUS /ˈθɪkli/
spoken with poor articulation as if with a thick tongue
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
up to a particular time
From this reading Following the stoppage of the motors Dick slipped from his seat and made his way along the floor of the fuselage till he came to the silent machinery.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Quickly locking the wings in position to enable the battleplane to maintain a maximum glide he turned her "down wind."
torchnounUS /tɔːrtʃ/
a light usually carried in the hand; consists of some flammable substance
From this reading Switching on an electric torch, for it was now dark within the "hull" of the battleplane, and with the failure of the motors the dynamo-run lamps had gone out, Dick made a hasty examination.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading Quickly locking the wings in position to enable the battleplane to maintain a maximum glide he turned her "down wind."
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
Volplaning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Following the stoppage of the motors Dick slipped from his seat and made his way along the floor of the fuselage till he came to the silent machinery.
whereasconjunctionUS /weˈræz/
in contrast with the fact that
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading Quickly locking the wings in position to enable the battleplane to maintain a maximum glide he turned her "down wind."
a means of flight or ascent
From this reading Quickly locking the wings in position to enable the battleplane to maintain a maximum glide he turned her "down wind."
in the company of; together with
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Switching on an electric torch, for it was now dark within the "hull" of the battleplane, and with the failure of the motors the dynamo-run lamps had gone out, Dick made a hasty examination.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Volplaning in the teeth of the stiff northerly breeze would, he knew, result in a cross-country gain of, perhaps, a mile or two; whereas, gliding with the following wind there was more than a sporting chance of covering sufficient distance to get clear of the thickly populated outskirts of the Metropolis of the Midlands.
but in spite of that
From this reading SO NEAR AND YET SO FAR NOT for one moment did Desmond Blake's presence of mind desert him.
