used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
achievementsnounUS /əˈtʃiːvmənts/
plural of “achievement” — the action of accomplishing something
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
anew
From this reading Let it be remembered, again and again, that, all the while that the terror lasted, there was no common stock of information as to the dreadful things that were being done.
agentsnounUS /ˈeɪdʒənts/
plural of “agent” — an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading Let it be remembered, again and again, that, all the while that the terror lasted, there was no common stock of information as to the dreadful things that were being done.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Let it be remembered, again and again, that, all the while that the terror lasted, there was no common stock of information as to the dreadful things that were being done.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Let it be remembered, again and again, that, all the while that the terror lasted, there was no common stock of information as to the dreadful things that were being done.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
awfuladjectiveUS /ˈɑːfəl/
exceptionally bad or displeasing
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Let it be remembered, again and again, that, all the while that the terror lasted, there was no common stock of information as to the dreadful things that were being done.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Let it be remembered, again and again, that, all the while that the terror lasted, there was no common stock of information as to the dreadful things that were being done.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
commercialadjectiveUS /kəˈmɜːrʃəl/
connected with or engaged in or sponsored by or used in commerce or commercial enterprises
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public
From this reading Let it be remembered, again and again, that, all the while that the terror lasted, there was no common stock of information as to the dreadful things that were being done.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
criterionnounUS /kraɪˈtɪriən/
a basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading And so with every event of the passing day.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading And since the real nature of all this mystery of death was unknown, it followed easily that the signs and warnings and omens of it were all the more unknown.
disasternounUS /dɪˈzæstər/
a state of extreme (usually irremediable) ruin and misfortune
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading Let it be remembered, again and again, that, all the while that the terror lasted, there was no common stock of information as to the dreadful things that were being done.
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading Let it be remembered, again and again, that, all the while that the terror lasted, there was no common stock of information as to the dreadful things that were being done.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading And since the real nature of all this mystery of death was unknown, it followed easily that the signs and warnings and omens of it were all the more unknown.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading And so with every event of the passing day.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading And so with every event of the passing day.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading And since the real nature of all this mystery of death was unknown, it followed easily that the signs and warnings and omens of it were all the more unknown.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
harmlessadjectiveUS /ˈhɑːrmləs/
not causing or capable of causing harm
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
a message received and understood
From this reading Let it be remembered, again and again, that, all the while that the terror lasted, there was no common stock of information as to the dreadful things that were being done.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Let it be remembered, again and again, that, all the while that the terror lasted, there was no common stock of information as to the dreadful things that were being done.
lastedverbUS /ˈlæstəd/
past form of “last” — persist for a specified period of time
From this reading Let it be remembered, again and again, that, all the while that the terror lasted, there was no common stock of information as to the dreadful things that were being done.
Letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading Let it be remembered, again and again, that, all the while that the terror lasted, there was no common stock of information as to the dreadful things that were being done.
has a good chance of being the case or of coming about
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
plural of “look” — the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
most important element
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
Meiros
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
being nothing more than specified
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
misadventurenounUS /mɪsədˈventʃər/
an instance of misfortune
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading And since the real nature of all this mystery of death was unknown, it followed easily that the signs and warnings and omens of it were all the more unknown.
kill intentionally and with premeditation
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading And since the real nature of all this mystery of death was unknown, it followed easily that the signs and warnings and omens of it were all the more unknown.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading And since the real nature of all this mystery of death was unknown, it followed easily that the signs and warnings and omens of it were all the more unknown.
not any; not one
From this reading Let it be remembered, again and again, that, all the while that the terror lasted, there was no common stock of information as to the dreadful things that were being done.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Let it be remembered, again and again, that, all the while that the terror lasted, there was no common stock of information as to the dreadful things that were being done.
omensnounUS /ˈoʊmənz/
plural of “omen” — a sign of something about to happen
From this reading And since the real nature of all this mystery of death was unknown, it followed easily that the signs and warnings and omens of it were all the more unknown.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
a judge of a probate court
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate
From this reading And so with every event of the passing day.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
exert pressure or force to or upon
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading And since the real nature of all this mystery of death was unknown, it followed easily that the signs and warnings and omens of it were all the more unknown.
past form of “regard” — deem to be
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection
From this reading Let it be remembered, again and again, that, all the while that the terror lasted, there was no common stock of information as to the dreadful things that were being done.
rumornounUS /ˈruːmər/
gossip (usually a mixture of truth and untruth) passed around by word of mouth
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
act as a barrier between; stand between
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading And since the real nature of all this mystery of death was unknown, it followed easily that the signs and warnings and omens of it were all the more unknown.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading And since the real nature of all this mystery of death was unknown, it followed easily that the signs and warnings and omens of it were all the more unknown.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading And so with every event of the passing day.
the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest
From this reading Let it be remembered, again and again, that, all the while that the terror lasted, there was no common stock of information as to the dreadful things that were being done.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
an impression that something might be the case
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety
From this reading Let it be remembered, again and again, that, all the while that the terror lasted, there was no common stock of information as to the dreadful things that were being done.
testnounUS /test/
trying something to find out about it
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Let it be remembered, again and again, that, all the while that the terror lasted, there was no common stock of information as to the dreadful things that were being done.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Let it be remembered, again and again, that, all the while that the terror lasted, there was no common stock of information as to the dreadful things that were being done.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Let it be remembered, again and again, that, all the while that the terror lasted, there was no common stock of information as to the dreadful things that were being done.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Let it be remembered, again and again, that, all the while that the terror lasted, there was no common stock of information as to the dreadful things that were being done.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading And since the real nature of all this mystery of death was unknown, it followed easily that the signs and warnings and omens of it were all the more unknown.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Let it be remembered, again and again, that, all the while that the terror lasted, there was no common stock of information as to the dreadful things that were being done.
travelernounUS /ˈtrævələr/
a person who changes location
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
tumbledown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
not known
From this reading And since the real nature of all this mystery of death was unknown, it followed easily that the signs and warnings and omens of it were all the more unknown.
unnoticedadjectiveUS /ənˈnoʊtɪst/
not noticed
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
not clearly expressed or understood
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
warningsnounUS /ˈwɔːrnɪŋz/
plural of “warning” — a message informing of danger
From this reading And since the real nature of all this mystery of death was unknown, it followed easily that the signs and warnings and omens of it were all the more unknown.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Let it be remembered, again and again, that, all the while that the terror lasted, there was no common stock of information as to the dreadful things that were being done.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Let it be remembered, again and again, that, all the while that the terror lasted, there was no common stock of information as to the dreadful things that were being done.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Let it be remembered, again and again, that, all the while that the terror lasted, there was no common stock of information as to the dreadful things that were being done.
in the company of; together with
From this reading And so with every event of the passing day.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading The press had not said one word upon it, there was no criterion by which the mass of the people could separate fact from mere vague rumor, no test by which ordinary misadventure or disaster could be distinguished from the achievements of the secret and awful force that was at work.
workernounUS /ˈwɜːrkər/
a person who works at a specific occupation
From this reading A harmless commercial traveler might show himself in the course of his business in the tumbledown main street of Meiros and find himself regarded with looks of fear and suspicion as a possible worker of murder, while it is likely enough that the true agents of the terror went quite unnoticed.
