used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading His manner was distinguished by a stiff unbending formality; his expression by a glacial coldness of steel-gray eyes and a straight-line compression of thin lips; his dress by a precise and unvarying formalism, and his speech by a curious polysyllabic stiffness.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading This man was in about his fortieth year, tall, spare, keenly intellectual in countenance, cold, possessed of an absolute reliance on the powers of science, beyond which his mental processes did not stray.
perfect or complete or pure
From this reading This man was in about his fortieth year, tall, spare, keenly intellectual in countenance, cold, possessed of an absolute reliance on the powers of science, beyond which his mental processes did not stray.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading This man was in about his fortieth year, tall, spare, keenly intellectual in countenance, cold, possessed of an absolute reliance on the powers of science, beyond which his mental processes did not stray.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading His manner was distinguished by a stiff unbending formality; his expression by a glacial coldness of steel-gray eyes and a straight-line compression of thin lips; his dress by a precise and unvarying formalism, and his speech by a curious polysyllabic stiffness.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading This latter idiosyncrasy would, in another, have seemed either priggish or facetiously intended.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE UNKNOWN It will now become necessary to glance in passing at the personal characteristics of Professor Eldridge.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading THE UNKNOWN It will now become necessary to glance in passing at the personal characteristics of Professor Eldridge.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading This man was in about his fortieth year, tall, spare, keenly intellectual in countenance, cold, possessed of an absolute reliance on the powers of science, beyond which his mental processes did not stray.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading His manner was distinguished by a stiff unbending formality; his expression by a glacial coldness of steel-gray eyes and a straight-line compression of thin lips; his dress by a precise and unvarying formalism, and his speech by a curious polysyllabic stiffness.
characteristicsnounUS /ˌkerəktərˈɪstɪks/
plural of “characteristic” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading THE UNKNOWN It will now become necessary to glance in passing at the personal characteristics of Professor Eldridge.
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading This man was in about his fortieth year, tall, spare, keenly intellectual in countenance, cold, possessed of an absolute reliance on the powers of science, beyond which his mental processes did not stray.
coldnessnounUS /ˈkoʊldnəs/
the sensation produced by low temperatures
From this reading His manner was distinguished by a stiff unbending formality; his expression by a glacial coldness of steel-gray eyes and a straight-line compression of thin lips; his dress by a precise and unvarying formalism, and his speech by a curious polysyllabic stiffness.
compressionnounUS /kəmˈpreʃən/
an increase in the density of something
From this reading His manner was distinguished by a stiff unbending formality; his expression by a glacial coldness of steel-gray eyes and a straight-line compression of thin lips; his dress by a precise and unvarying formalism, and his speech by a curious polysyllabic stiffness.
the appearance conveyed by a person's face
From this reading This man was in about his fortieth year, tall, spare, keenly intellectual in countenance, cold, possessed of an absolute reliance on the powers of science, beyond which his mental processes did not stray.
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading His manner was distinguished by a stiff unbending formality; his expression by a glacial coldness of steel-gray eyes and a straight-line compression of thin lips; his dress by a precise and unvarying formalism, and his speech by a curious polysyllabic stiffness.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading This man was in about his fortieth year, tall, spare, keenly intellectual in countenance, cold, possessed of an absolute reliance on the powers of science, beyond which his mental processes did not stray.
(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation
From this reading His manner was distinguished by a stiff unbending formality; his expression by a glacial coldness of steel-gray eyes and a straight-line compression of thin lips; his dress by a precise and unvarying formalism, and his speech by a curious polysyllabic stiffness.
put on clothes
From this reading His manner was distinguished by a stiff unbending formality; his expression by a glacial coldness of steel-gray eyes and a straight-line compression of thin lips; his dress by a precise and unvarying formalism, and his speech by a curious polysyllabic stiffness.
one or the other of two
From this reading This latter idiosyncrasy would, in another, have seemed either priggish or facetiously intended.
Eldridge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE UNKNOWN It will now become necessary to glance in passing at the personal characteristics of Professor Eldridge.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading His manner was distinguished by a stiff unbending formality; his expression by a glacial coldness of steel-gray eyes and a straight-line compression of thin lips; his dress by a precise and unvarying formalism, and his speech by a curious polysyllabic stiffness.
opinion or judgment
From this reading His manner was distinguished by a stiff unbending formality; his expression by a glacial coldness of steel-gray eyes and a straight-line compression of thin lips; his dress by a precise and unvarying formalism, and his speech by a curious polysyllabic stiffness.
facetiouslyadverbUS /fəˈsiːʃəsli/
not seriously
From this reading This latter idiosyncrasy would, in another, have seemed either priggish or facetiously intended.
formalismnounUS /ˈfɔːrməlɪzəm/
the doctrine that formal structure rather than content is what should be represented
From this reading His manner was distinguished by a stiff unbending formality; his expression by a glacial coldness of steel-gray eyes and a straight-line compression of thin lips; his dress by a precise and unvarying formalism, and his speech by a curious polysyllabic stiffness.
formalitynounUS /fɔːrˈmæləti/
a requirement of etiquette or custom
From this reading His manner was distinguished by a stiff unbending formality; his expression by a glacial coldness of steel-gray eyes and a straight-line compression of thin lips; his dress by a precise and unvarying formalism, and his speech by a curious polysyllabic stiffness.
fortiethnounUS /ˈfɔːrtiɪθ/
position 40 in a countable series of things
From this reading This man was in about his fortieth year, tall, spare, keenly intellectual in countenance, cold, possessed of an absolute reliance on the powers of science, beyond which his mental processes did not stray.
glacialadjectiveUS /ˈɡleɪʃəl/
relating to or derived from a glacier
From this reading His manner was distinguished by a stiff unbending formality; his expression by a glacial coldness of steel-gray eyes and a straight-line compression of thin lips; his dress by a precise and unvarying formalism, and his speech by a curious polysyllabic stiffness.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading THE UNKNOWN It will now become necessary to glance in passing at the personal characteristics of Professor Eldridge.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading This latter idiosyncrasy would, in another, have seemed either priggish or facetiously intended.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading This man was in about his fortieth year, tall, spare, keenly intellectual in countenance, cold, possessed of an absolute reliance on the powers of science, beyond which his mental processes did not stray.
idiosyncrasynounUS /ˌɪdioʊˈsɪnkrəsiː/
a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual
From this reading This latter idiosyncrasy would, in another, have seemed either priggish or facetiously intended.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE UNKNOWN It will now become necessary to glance in passing at the personal characteristics of Professor Eldridge.
of or associated with or requiring the use of the mind
From this reading This man was in about his fortieth year, tall, spare, keenly intellectual in countenance, cold, possessed of an absolute reliance on the powers of science, beyond which his mental processes did not stray.
resulting from one's intentions
From this reading This latter idiosyncrasy would, in another, have seemed either priggish or facetiously intended.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE UNKNOWN It will now become necessary to glance in passing at the personal characteristics of Professor Eldridge.
keenlyadverbUS /ˈkiːnli/
in a keen or penetrating way
From this reading This man was in about his fortieth year, tall, spare, keenly intellectual in countenance, cold, possessed of an absolute reliance on the powers of science, beyond which his mental processes did not stray.
referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)
From this reading This latter idiosyncrasy would, in another, have seemed either priggish or facetiously intended.
plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
From this reading His manner was distinguished by a stiff unbending formality; his expression by a glacial coldness of steel-gray eyes and a straight-line compression of thin lips; his dress by a precise and unvarying formalism, and his speech by a curious polysyllabic stiffness.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading This man was in about his fortieth year, tall, spare, keenly intellectual in countenance, cold, possessed of an absolute reliance on the powers of science, beyond which his mental processes did not stray.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading His manner was distinguished by a stiff unbending formality; his expression by a glacial coldness of steel-gray eyes and a straight-line compression of thin lips; his dress by a precise and unvarying formalism, and his speech by a curious polysyllabic stiffness.
involving the mind or an intellectual process
From this reading This man was in about his fortieth year, tall, spare, keenly intellectual in countenance, cold, possessed of an absolute reliance on the powers of science, beyond which his mental processes did not stray.
and nothing more
From this reading With Professor Eldridge it was merely a natural method of speech.
a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)
From this reading With Professor Eldridge it was merely a natural method of speech.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading With Professor Eldridge it was merely a natural method of speech.
absolutely essential
From this reading THE UNKNOWN It will now become necessary to glance in passing at the personal characteristics of Professor Eldridge.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading This man was in about his fortieth year, tall, spare, keenly intellectual in countenance, cold, possessed of an absolute reliance on the powers of science, beyond which his mental processes did not stray.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading THE UNKNOWN It will now become necessary to glance in passing at the personal characteristics of Professor Eldridge.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE UNKNOWN It will now become necessary to glance in passing at the personal characteristics of Professor Eldridge.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading This man was in about his fortieth year, tall, spare, keenly intellectual in countenance, cold, possessed of an absolute reliance on the powers of science, beyond which his mental processes did not stray.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading This latter idiosyncrasy would, in another, have seemed either priggish or facetiously intended.
(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate
From this reading THE UNKNOWN It will now become necessary to glance in passing at the personal characteristics of Professor Eldridge.
concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality
From this reading THE UNKNOWN It will now become necessary to glance in passing at the personal characteristics of Professor Eldridge.
polysyllabicadjectiveUS /ˌpɑːliːsɪˈlæbɪk/
having or characterized by words of more than three syllables
From this reading His manner was distinguished by a stiff unbending formality; his expression by a glacial coldness of steel-gray eyes and a straight-line compression of thin lips; his dress by a precise and unvarying formalism, and his speech by a curious polysyllabic stiffness.
influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion
From this reading This man was in about his fortieth year, tall, spare, keenly intellectual in countenance, cold, possessed of an absolute reliance on the powers of science, beyond which his mental processes did not stray.
plural of “power” — possession of controlling influence
From this reading This man was in about his fortieth year, tall, spare, keenly intellectual in countenance, cold, possessed of an absolute reliance on the powers of science, beyond which his mental processes did not stray.
preciseadjectiveUS /prɪˈsaɪs/
sharply exact or accurate or delimited
From this reading His manner was distinguished by a stiff unbending formality; his expression by a glacial coldness of steel-gray eyes and a straight-line compression of thin lips; his dress by a precise and unvarying formalism, and his speech by a curious polysyllabic stiffness.
priggishadjective
exaggeratedly proper
From this reading This latter idiosyncrasy would, in another, have seemed either priggish or facetiously intended.
processesnounUS /ˈprɑːsesəz/
plural of “process” — a particular course of action intended to achieve a result
From this reading This man was in about his fortieth year, tall, spare, keenly intellectual in countenance, cold, possessed of an absolute reliance on the powers of science, beyond which his mental processes did not stray.
someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university
From this reading THE UNKNOWN It will now become necessary to glance in passing at the personal characteristics of Professor Eldridge.
reliancenounUS /rɪˈlaɪəns/
certainty based on past experience
From this reading This man was in about his fortieth year, tall, spare, keenly intellectual in countenance, cold, possessed of an absolute reliance on the powers of science, beyond which his mental processes did not stray.
a particular branch of scientific knowledge
From this reading This man was in about his fortieth year, tall, spare, keenly intellectual in countenance, cold, possessed of an absolute reliance on the powers of science, beyond which his mental processes did not stray.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading This latter idiosyncrasy would, in another, have seemed either priggish or facetiously intended.
refrain from harming
From this reading This man was in about his fortieth year, tall, spare, keenly intellectual in countenance, cold, possessed of an absolute reliance on the powers of science, beyond which his mental processes did not stray.
the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience
From this reading His manner was distinguished by a stiff unbending formality; his expression by a glacial coldness of steel-gray eyes and a straight-line compression of thin lips; his dress by a precise and unvarying formalism, and his speech by a curious polysyllabic stiffness.
steel-gray
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His manner was distinguished by a stiff unbending formality; his expression by a glacial coldness of steel-gray eyes and a straight-line compression of thin lips; his dress by a precise and unvarying formalism, and his speech by a curious polysyllabic stiffness.
not moving or operating freely
From this reading His manner was distinguished by a stiff unbending formality; his expression by a glacial coldness of steel-gray eyes and a straight-line compression of thin lips; his dress by a precise and unvarying formalism, and his speech by a curious polysyllabic stiffness.
stiffnessnounUS /ˈstɪfnəs/
the physical property of being inflexible and hard to bend
From this reading His manner was distinguished by a stiff unbending formality; his expression by a glacial coldness of steel-gray eyes and a straight-line compression of thin lips; his dress by a precise and unvarying formalism, and his speech by a curious polysyllabic stiffness.
straight-line
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His manner was distinguished by a stiff unbending formality; his expression by a glacial coldness of steel-gray eyes and a straight-line compression of thin lips; his dress by a precise and unvarying formalism, and his speech by a curious polysyllabic stiffness.
strayverbUS /streɪ/
move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading This man was in about his fortieth year, tall, spare, keenly intellectual in countenance, cold, possessed of an absolute reliance on the powers of science, beyond which his mental processes did not stray.
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading This man was in about his fortieth year, tall, spare, keenly intellectual in countenance, cold, possessed of an absolute reliance on the powers of science, beyond which his mental processes did not stray.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE UNKNOWN It will now become necessary to glance in passing at the personal characteristics of Professor Eldridge.
Having little thickness or extent.
From this reading His manner was distinguished by a stiff unbending formality; his expression by a glacial coldness of steel-gray eyes and a straight-line compression of thin lips; his dress by a precise and unvarying formalism, and his speech by a curious polysyllabic stiffness.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This man was in about his fortieth year, tall, spare, keenly intellectual in countenance, cold, possessed of an absolute reliance on the powers of science, beyond which his mental processes did not stray.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE UNKNOWN It will now become necessary to glance in passing at the personal characteristics of Professor Eldridge.
unbendingadjectiveUS /ˌʌnˈbendɪŋ/
incapable of adapting or changing to meet circumstances
From this reading His manner was distinguished by a stiff unbending formality; his expression by a glacial coldness of steel-gray eyes and a straight-line compression of thin lips; his dress by a precise and unvarying formalism, and his speech by a curious polysyllabic stiffness.
not known
From this reading THE UNKNOWN It will now become necessary to glance in passing at the personal characteristics of Professor Eldridge.
unvaryingadjective
unvarying in nature
From this reading His manner was distinguished by a stiff unbending formality; his expression by a glacial coldness of steel-gray eyes and a straight-line compression of thin lips; his dress by a precise and unvarying formalism, and his speech by a curious polysyllabic stiffness.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This man was in about his fortieth year, tall, spare, keenly intellectual in countenance, cold, possessed of an absolute reliance on the powers of science, beyond which his mental processes did not stray.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading This man was in about his fortieth year, tall, spare, keenly intellectual in countenance, cold, possessed of an absolute reliance on the powers of science, beyond which his mental processes did not stray.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading THE UNKNOWN It will now become necessary to glance in passing at the personal characteristics of Professor Eldridge.
in the company of; together with
From this reading With Professor Eldridge it was merely a natural method of speech.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading This latter idiosyncrasy would, in another, have seemed either priggish or facetiously intended.
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading This man was in about his fortieth year, tall, spare, keenly intellectual in countenance, cold, possessed of an absolute reliance on the powers of science, beyond which his mental processes did not stray.
