used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Several things led the author to believe that such a book might be wanted.
plural of “age” — how long something has existed
From this reading It is hoped that readers of various ages will be entertained, without suspecting that they are being taught.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading (_b_) The fact that there seemed to be an opportunity for improvement not only in the popular presentation of scientific topics but in the character and method of review questions and suggestions following such topics in school texts.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The purpose of this little book is to present the chief features in the strange story of the pebbles; and so of the larger pebble we call the earth.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It is hoped that readers of various ages will be entertained, without suspecting that they are being taught.
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading Several things led the author to believe that such a book might be wanted.
aerobic rod-shaped spore-producing bacterium; often occurring in chainlike formations; found primarily in soil
From this reading (_b_) The fact that there seemed to be an opportunity for improvement not only in the popular presentation of scientific topics but in the character and method of review questions and suggestions following such topics in school texts.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It is hoped that readers of various ages will be entertained, without suspecting that they are being taught.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading It is hoped that readers of various ages will be entertained, without suspecting that they are being taught.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading Several things led the author to believe that such a book might be wanted.
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading The purpose of this little book is to present the chief features in the strange story of the pebbles; and so of the larger pebble we call the earth.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading (_b_) The fact that there seemed to be an opportunity for improvement not only in the popular presentation of scientific topics but in the character and method of review questions and suggestions following such topics in school texts.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading The purpose of this little book is to present the chief features in the strange story of the pebbles; and so of the larger pebble we call the earth.
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading (_b_) The fact that there seemed to be an opportunity for improvement not only in the popular presentation of scientific topics but in the character and method of review questions and suggestions following such topics in school texts.
a person who is in charge
From this reading The purpose of this little book is to present the chief features in the strange story of the pebbles; and so of the larger pebble we call the earth.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading (_a_) The circumstances under which it was written.
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading The purpose of this little book is to present the chief features in the strange story of the pebbles; and so of the larger pebble we call the earth.
entertainedadjectiveUS /ˌentərˈteɪnd/
pleasantly occupied
From this reading It is hoped that readers of various ages will be entertained, without suspecting that they are being taught.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading (_b_) The fact that there seemed to be an opportunity for improvement not only in the popular presentation of scientific topics but in the character and method of review questions and suggestions following such topics in school texts.
plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading The purpose of this little book is to present the chief features in the strange story of the pebbles; and so of the larger pebble we call the earth.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading (_b_) The fact that there seemed to be an opportunity for improvement not only in the popular presentation of scientific topics but in the character and method of review questions and suggestions following such topics in school texts.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading (_b_) The fact that there seemed to be an opportunity for improvement not only in the popular presentation of scientific topics but in the character and method of review questions and suggestions following such topics in school texts.
past form of “hope” — expect and wish
From this reading It is hoped that readers of various ages will be entertained, without suspecting that they are being taught.
improvementnounUS /ˌɪmˈpruːvmənt/
a change for the better; progress in development
From this reading (_b_) The fact that there seemed to be an opportunity for improvement not only in the popular presentation of scientific topics but in the character and method of review questions and suggestions following such topics in school texts.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The purpose of this little book is to present the chief features in the strange story of the pebbles; and so of the larger pebble we call the earth.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The purpose of this little book is to present the chief features in the strange story of the pebbles; and so of the larger pebble we call the earth.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is hoped that readers of various ages will be entertained, without suspecting that they are being taught.
large or big relative to something else
From this reading The purpose of this little book is to present the chief features in the strange story of the pebbles; and so of the larger pebble we call the earth.
diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
From this reading Several things led the author to believe that such a book might be wanted.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The purpose of this little book is to present the chief features in the strange story of the pebbles; and so of the larger pebble we call the earth.
a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)
From this reading (_b_) The fact that there seemed to be an opportunity for improvement not only in the popular presentation of scientific topics but in the character and method of review questions and suggestions following such topics in school texts.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Several things led the author to believe that such a book might be wanted.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading (_b_) The fact that there seemed to be an opportunity for improvement not only in the popular presentation of scientific topics but in the character and method of review questions and suggestions following such topics in school texts.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The purpose of this little book is to present the chief features in the strange story of the pebbles; and so of the larger pebble we call the earth.
and nothing more
From this reading (_b_) The fact that there seemed to be an opportunity for improvement not only in the popular presentation of scientific topics but in the character and method of review questions and suggestions following such topics in school texts.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading (_b_) The fact that there seemed to be an opportunity for improvement not only in the popular presentation of scientific topics but in the character and method of review questions and suggestions following such topics in school texts.
pebblenounUS /ˈpebəl/
a small smooth rounded rock
From this reading The purpose of this little book is to present the chief features in the strange story of the pebbles; and so of the larger pebble we call the earth.
pebblesnounUS /ˈpebəlz/
plural of “pebble” — a small smooth rounded rock
From this reading The purpose of this little book is to present the chief features in the strange story of the pebbles; and so of the larger pebble we call the earth.
regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public
From this reading (_b_) The fact that there seemed to be an opportunity for improvement not only in the popular presentation of scientific topics but in the character and method of review questions and suggestions following such topics in school texts.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading The purpose of this little book is to present the chief features in the strange story of the pebbles; and so of the larger pebble we call the earth.
presentationnounUS /ˌprezənˈteɪʃən/
the activity of formally presenting something (as a prize or reward)
From this reading (_b_) The fact that there seemed to be an opportunity for improvement not only in the popular presentation of scientific topics but in the character and method of review questions and suggestions following such topics in school texts.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading The purpose of this little book is to present the chief features in the strange story of the pebbles; and so of the larger pebble we call the earth.
plural of “question” — an instance of questioning
From this reading (_b_) The fact that there seemed to be an opportunity for improvement not only in the popular presentation of scientific topics but in the character and method of review questions and suggestions following such topics in school texts.
readersnounUS /ˈriːdərz/
plural of “reader” — a person who enjoys reading
From this reading It is hoped that readers of various ages will be entertained, without suspecting that they are being taught.
reviewnounUS /ˌriːˈvjuː/
a new appraisal or evaluation
From this reading (_b_) The fact that there seemed to be an opportunity for improvement not only in the popular presentation of scientific topics but in the character and method of review questions and suggestions following such topics in school texts.
an educational institution
From this reading (_b_) The fact that there seemed to be an opportunity for improvement not only in the popular presentation of scientific topics but in the character and method of review questions and suggestions following such topics in school texts.
scientificadjectiveUS /ˌsaɪənˈtɪfɪk/
of or relating to the practice of science
From this reading (_b_) The fact that there seemed to be an opportunity for improvement not only in the popular presentation of scientific topics but in the character and method of review questions and suggestions following such topics in school texts.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading (_b_) The fact that there seemed to be an opportunity for improvement not only in the popular presentation of scientific topics but in the character and method of review questions and suggestions following such topics in school texts.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading Several things led the author to believe that such a book might be wanted.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The purpose of this little book is to present the chief features in the strange story of the pebbles; and so of the larger pebble we call the earth.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading The purpose of this little book is to present the chief features in the strange story of the pebbles; and so of the larger pebble we call the earth.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading The purpose of this little book is to present the chief features in the strange story of the pebbles; and so of the larger pebble we call the earth.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Several things led the author to believe that such a book might be wanted.
suggestionsnounUS /səˈdʒestʃənz/
plural of “suggestion” — an idea that is suggested
From this reading (_b_) The fact that there seemed to be an opportunity for improvement not only in the popular presentation of scientific topics but in the character and method of review questions and suggestions following such topics in school texts.
suspectingverbUS /səˈspektɪŋ/
-ing form of “suspect” — imagine to be the case or true or probable
From this reading It is hoped that readers of various ages will be entertained, without suspecting that they are being taught.
inflected form of “teach” — impart skills or knowledge to
From this reading It is hoped that readers of various ages will be entertained, without suspecting that they are being taught.
textsnounUS /teksts/
plural of “text” — the words of something written
From this reading (_b_) The fact that there seemed to be an opportunity for improvement not only in the popular presentation of scientific topics but in the character and method of review questions and suggestions following such topics in school texts.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It is hoped that readers of various ages will be entertained, without suspecting that they are being taught.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The purpose of this little book is to present the chief features in the strange story of the pebbles; and so of the larger pebble we call the earth.
in or at that place or location
From this reading (_b_) The fact that there seemed to be an opportunity for improvement not only in the popular presentation of scientific topics but in the character and method of review questions and suggestions following such topics in school texts.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It is hoped that readers of various ages will be entertained, without suspecting that they are being taught.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Several things led the author to believe that such a book might be wanted.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The purpose of this little book is to present the chief features in the strange story of the pebbles; and so of the larger pebble we call the earth.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The purpose of this little book is to present the chief features in the strange story of the pebbles; and so of the larger pebble we call the earth.
topicsnounUS /ˈtɑːpɪks/
plural of “topic” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading (_b_) The fact that there seemed to be an opportunity for improvement not only in the popular presentation of scientific topics but in the character and method of review questions and suggestions following such topics in school texts.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading (_a_) The circumstances under which it was written.
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading It is hoped that readers of various ages will be entertained, without suspecting that they are being taught.
desired or wished for or sought
From this reading Several things led the author to believe that such a book might be wanted.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading (_a_) The circumstances under which it was written.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading The purpose of this little book is to present the chief features in the strange story of the pebbles; and so of the larger pebble we call the earth.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading (_a_) The circumstances under which it was written.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading It is hoped that readers of various ages will be entertained, without suspecting that they are being taught.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading It is hoped that readers of various ages will be entertained, without suspecting that they are being taught.
set down in writing in any of various ways
From this reading (_a_) The circumstances under which it was written.
