used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Colwyn was astir with the first glimmering of a grey dawn.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading After one or two attempts Colwyn got out feet foremost, and when half way through wriggled his body round until he was able to grasp the window-ledge and drop to the ground.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After one or two attempts Colwyn got out feet foremost, and when half way through wriggled his body round until he was able to grasp the window-ledge and drop to the ground.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The window of his bedroom was so small that it was difficult to get through, and there was a drop of more than eight feet from the ledge to the hillside.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading He wanted to test the police theory that the murder was committed by climbing from one bedroom to the other, but he did not desire to be discovered in the experiment by any of the inmates of the inn.
astiradjective
out of bed
From this reading Colwyn was astir with the first glimmering of a grey dawn.
attemptsnounUS /əˈtempts/
plural of “attempt” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading After one or two attempts Colwyn got out feet foremost, and when half way through wriggled his body round until he was able to grasp the window-ledge and drop to the ground.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He wanted to test the police theory that the murder was committed by climbing from one bedroom to the other, but he did not desire to be discovered in the experiment by any of the inmates of the inn.
a room used primarily for sleeping
From this reading He wanted to test the police theory that the murder was committed by climbing from one bedroom to the other, but he did not desire to be discovered in the experiment by any of the inmates of the inn.
the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading After one or two attempts Colwyn got out feet foremost, and when half way through wriggled his body round until he was able to grasp the window-ledge and drop to the ground.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He wanted to test the police theory that the murder was committed by climbing from one bedroom to the other, but he did not desire to be discovered in the experiment by any of the inmates of the inn.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He wanted to test the police theory that the murder was committed by climbing from one bedroom to the other, but he did not desire to be discovered in the experiment by any of the inmates of the inn.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading The fall caused his heels to sink deeply into the clay of the hillside, which was moist and sticky after the rain.
claynounUS /kleɪ/
a very fine-grained soil that is plastic when moist but hard when fired
From this reading The fall caused his heels to sink deeply into the clay of the hillside, which was moist and sticky after the rain.
climbingnounUS /ˈklaɪmɪŋ/
an event that involves rising to a higher point (as in altitude or temperature or intensity etc.)
From this reading He wanted to test the police theory that the murder was committed by climbing from one bedroom to the other, but he did not desire to be discovered in the experiment by any of the inmates of the inn.
Colwyn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Colwyn was astir with the first glimmering of a grey dawn.
bound or obligated, as under a pledge to a particular cause, action, or attitude
From this reading He wanted to test the police theory that the murder was committed by climbing from one bedroom to the other, but he did not desire to be discovered in the experiment by any of the inmates of the inn.
the first light of day
From this reading Colwyn was astir with the first glimmering of a grey dawn.
to a great depth psychologically or emotionally
From this reading The fall caused his heels to sink deeply into the clay of the hillside, which was moist and sticky after the rain.
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading He wanted to test the police theory that the murder was committed by climbing from one bedroom to the other, but he did not desire to be discovered in the experiment by any of the inmates of the inn.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He wanted to test the police theory that the murder was committed by climbing from one bedroom to the other, but he did not desire to be discovered in the experiment by any of the inmates of the inn.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading The window of his bedroom was so small that it was difficult to get through, and there was a drop of more than eight feet from the ledge to the hillside.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading He wanted to test the police theory that the murder was committed by climbing from one bedroom to the other, but he did not desire to be discovered in the experiment by any of the inmates of the inn.
let fall to the ground
From this reading The window of his bedroom was so small that it was difficult to get through, and there was a drop of more than eight feet from the ledge to the hillside.
being one more than seven
From this reading The window of his bedroom was so small that it was difficult to get through, and there was a drop of more than eight feet from the ledge to the hillside.
experimentnounUS /ɪkˈsperəmənt/
the act of conducting a controlled test or investigation
From this reading He wanted to test the police theory that the murder was committed by climbing from one bedroom to the other, but he did not desire to be discovered in the experiment by any of the inmates of the inn.
descend in free fall under the influence of gravity
From this reading The fall caused his heels to sink deeply into the clay of the hillside, which was moist and sticky after the rain.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading The window of his bedroom was so small that it was difficult to get through, and there was a drop of more than eight feet from the ledge to the hillside.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Colwyn was astir with the first glimmering of a grey dawn.
foremostadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrmoʊst/
ranking above all others
From this reading After one or two attempts Colwyn got out feet foremost, and when half way through wriggled his body round until he was able to grasp the window-ledge and drop to the ground.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He wanted to test the police theory that the murder was committed by climbing from one bedroom to the other, but he did not desire to be discovered in the experiment by any of the inmates of the inn.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading The window of his bedroom was so small that it was difficult to get through, and there was a drop of more than eight feet from the ledge to the hillside.
glimmeringnounUS /ˈɡlɪmərɪŋ/
a slight suggestion or vague understanding
From this reading Colwyn was astir with the first glimmering of a grey dawn.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading After one or two attempts Colwyn got out feet foremost, and when half way through wriggled his body round until he was able to grasp the window-ledge and drop to the ground.
hold firmly
From this reading After one or two attempts Colwyn got out feet foremost, and when half way through wriggled his body round until he was able to grasp the window-ledge and drop to the ground.
of an achromatic color of any lightness intermediate between the extremes of white and black
From this reading Colwyn was astir with the first glimmering of a grey dawn.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading After one or two attempts Colwyn got out feet foremost, and when half way through wriggled his body round until he was able to grasp the window-ledge and drop to the ground.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading After one or two attempts Colwyn got out feet foremost, and when half way through wriggled his body round until he was able to grasp the window-ledge and drop to the ground.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He wanted to test the police theory that the murder was committed by climbing from one bedroom to the other, but he did not desire to be discovered in the experiment by any of the inmates of the inn.
plural of “heel” — the bottom of a shoe or boot; the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground and provides elevation
From this reading The fall caused his heels to sink deeply into the clay of the hillside, which was moist and sticky after the rain.
hillsidenounUS /ˈhɪlsaɪd/
the side or slope of a hill
From this reading The window of his bedroom was so small that it was difficult to get through, and there was a drop of more than eight feet from the ledge to the hillside.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The window of his bedroom was so small that it was difficult to get through, and there was a drop of more than eight feet from the ledge to the hillside.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He wanted to test the police theory that the murder was committed by climbing from one bedroom to the other, but he did not desire to be discovered in the experiment by any of the inmates of the inn.
inmatesnounUS /ˈɪnmeɪts/
plural of “inmate” — one of several resident of a dwelling (especially someone confined to a prison or hospital)
From this reading He wanted to test the police theory that the murder was committed by climbing from one bedroom to the other, but he did not desire to be discovered in the experiment by any of the inmates of the inn.
a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
From this reading He wanted to test the police theory that the murder was committed by climbing from one bedroom to the other, but he did not desire to be discovered in the experiment by any of the inmates of the inn.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The fall caused his heels to sink deeply into the clay of the hillside, which was moist and sticky after the rain.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The window of his bedroom was so small that it was difficult to get through, and there was a drop of more than eight feet from the ledge to the hillside.
ledgenounUS /ledʒ/
a projecting ridge on a mountain or submerged under water
From this reading The window of his bedroom was so small that it was difficult to get through, and there was a drop of more than eight feet from the ledge to the hillside.
moistadjectiveUS /mɔɪst/
slightly wet
From this reading The fall caused his heels to sink deeply into the clay of the hillside, which was moist and sticky after the rain.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The window of his bedroom was so small that it was difficult to get through, and there was a drop of more than eight feet from the ledge to the hillside.
kill intentionally and with premeditation
From this reading He wanted to test the police theory that the murder was committed by climbing from one bedroom to the other, but he did not desire to be discovered in the experiment by any of the inmates of the inn.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He wanted to test the police theory that the murder was committed by climbing from one bedroom to the other, but he did not desire to be discovered in the experiment by any of the inmates of the inn.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Colwyn was astir with the first glimmering of a grey dawn.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He wanted to test the police theory that the murder was committed by climbing from one bedroom to the other, but he did not desire to be discovered in the experiment by any of the inmates of the inn.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading After one or two attempts Colwyn got out feet foremost, and when half way through wriggled his body round until he was able to grasp the window-ledge and drop to the ground.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading He wanted to test the police theory that the murder was committed by climbing from one bedroom to the other, but he did not desire to be discovered in the experiment by any of the inmates of the inn.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading After one or two attempts Colwyn got out feet foremost, and when half way through wriggled his body round until he was able to grasp the window-ledge and drop to the ground.
the force of policemen and officers
From this reading He wanted to test the police theory that the murder was committed by climbing from one bedroom to the other, but he did not desire to be discovered in the experiment by any of the inmates of the inn.
water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
From this reading The fall caused his heels to sink deeply into the clay of the hillside, which was moist and sticky after the rain.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading After one or two attempts Colwyn got out feet foremost, and when half way through wriggled his body round until he was able to grasp the window-ledge and drop to the ground.
sinkverbUS /sɪŋk/
fall or descend to a lower place or level
From this reading The fall caused his heels to sink deeply into the clay of the hillside, which was moist and sticky after the rain.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The window of his bedroom was so small that it was difficult to get through, and there was a drop of more than eight feet from the ledge to the hillside.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The window of his bedroom was so small that it was difficult to get through, and there was a drop of more than eight feet from the ledge to the hillside.
stickyadjectiveUS /ˈstɪki/
having the sticky properties of an adhesive
From this reading The fall caused his heels to sink deeply into the clay of the hillside, which was moist and sticky after the rain.
testnounUS /test/
trying something to find out about it
From this reading He wanted to test the police theory that the murder was committed by climbing from one bedroom to the other, but he did not desire to be discovered in the experiment by any of the inmates of the inn.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The window of his bedroom was so small that it was difficult to get through, and there was a drop of more than eight feet from the ledge to the hillside.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He wanted to test the police theory that the murder was committed by climbing from one bedroom to the other, but he did not desire to be discovered in the experiment by any of the inmates of the inn.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Colwyn was astir with the first glimmering of a grey dawn.
a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena
From this reading He wanted to test the police theory that the murder was committed by climbing from one bedroom to the other, but he did not desire to be discovered in the experiment by any of the inmates of the inn.
in or at that place or location
From this reading The window of his bedroom was so small that it was difficult to get through, and there was a drop of more than eight feet from the ledge to the hillside.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading The window of his bedroom was so small that it was difficult to get through, and there was a drop of more than eight feet from the ledge to the hillside.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He wanted to test the police theory that the murder was committed by climbing from one bedroom to the other, but he did not desire to be discovered in the experiment by any of the inmates of the inn.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading After one or two attempts Colwyn got out feet foremost, and when half way through wriggled his body round until he was able to grasp the window-ledge and drop to the ground.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading After one or two attempts Colwyn got out feet foremost, and when half way through wriggled his body round until he was able to grasp the window-ledge and drop to the ground.
desired or wished for or sought
From this reading He wanted to test the police theory that the murder was committed by climbing from one bedroom to the other, but he did not desire to be discovered in the experiment by any of the inmates of the inn.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Colwyn was astir with the first glimmering of a grey dawn.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading After one or two attempts Colwyn got out feet foremost, and when half way through wriggled his body round until he was able to grasp the window-ledge and drop to the ground.
at the time that
From this reading After one or two attempts Colwyn got out feet foremost, and when half way through wriggled his body round until he was able to grasp the window-ledge and drop to the ground.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The fall caused his heels to sink deeply into the clay of the hillside, which was moist and sticky after the rain.
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 window of his bedroom was so small that it was difficult to get through, and there was a drop of more than eight feet from the ledge to the hillside.
window-ledge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After one or two attempts Colwyn got out feet foremost, and when half way through wriggled his body round until he was able to grasp the window-ledge and drop to the ground.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Colwyn was astir with the first glimmering of a grey dawn.
wriggled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After one or two attempts Colwyn got out feet foremost, and when half way through wriggled his body round until he was able to grasp the window-ledge and drop to the ground.
