used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading SHERIFF TRENHOLM ASKS QUESTIONS A DISTINCT and unmistakable snore from the bed caused Miriam to approach her patient.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Martha's scanty wardrobe could not provide clothing for Mrs. Nash, and the housekeeper had been dispatched to Upper Marlboro, the county seat, in the Nash limousine which had finally put in an appearance, to purchase such necessities as the country stores could supply.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading SHERIFF TRENHOLM ASKS QUESTIONS A DISTINCT and unmistakable snore from the bed caused Miriam to approach her patient.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading Martha's scanty wardrobe could not provide clothing for Mrs. Nash, and the housekeeper had been dispatched to Upper Marlboro, the county seat, in the Nash limousine which had finally put in an appearance, to purchase such necessities as the country stores could supply.
move towards
From this reading SHERIFF TRENHOLM ASKS QUESTIONS A DISTINCT and unmistakable snore from the bed caused Miriam to approach her patient.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Martha's scanty wardrobe could not provide clothing for Mrs. Nash, and the housekeeper had been dispatched to Upper Marlboro, the county seat, in the Nash limousine which had finally put in an appearance, to purchase such necessities as the country stores could supply.
ASKSverbUS /æsks/
third-person singular of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading SHERIFF TRENHOLM ASKS QUESTIONS A DISTINCT and unmistakable snore from the bed caused Miriam to approach her patient.
in a state of sleep
From this reading Mrs. Nash, her head unevenly balanced between two pillows, was at last asleep.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Mrs. Nash, her head unevenly balanced between two pillows, was at last asleep.
awakenverbUS /əˈweɪkən/
cause to become awake or conscious
From this reading To place her in a more comfortable position would undoubtedly awaken her, and Miriam backed away on tiptoe from the bedside.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading To place her in a more comfortable position would undoubtedly awaken her, and Miriam backed away on tiptoe from the bedside.
backedadjectiveUS /bækt/
having a back or backing, usually of a specified type
From this reading To place her in a more comfortable position would undoubtedly awaken her, and Miriam backed away on tiptoe from the bedside.
balancedadjectiveUS /ˈbælənst/
being in a state of proper equilibrium
From this reading Mrs. Nash, her head unevenly balanced between two pillows, was at last asleep.
becknounUS /bek/
a beckoning gesture
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading SHERIFF TRENHOLM ASKS QUESTIONS A DISTINCT and unmistakable snore from the bed caused Miriam to approach her patient.
bedsidenounUS /ˈbedsaɪd/
space by the side of a bed (especially the bed of a sick or dying person)
From this reading To place her in a more comfortable position would undoubtedly awaken her, and Miriam backed away on tiptoe from the bedside.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Martha's scanty wardrobe could not provide clothing for Mrs. Nash, and the housekeeper had been dispatched to Upper Marlboro, the county seat, in the Nash limousine which had finally put in an appearance, to purchase such necessities as the country stores could supply.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Mrs. Nash, her head unevenly balanced between two pillows, was at last asleep.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading SHERIFF TRENHOLM ASKS QUESTIONS A DISTINCT and unmistakable snore from the bed caused Miriam to approach her patient.
clothingnounUS /ˈkloʊðɪŋ/
a covering designed to be worn on a person's body
From this reading Martha's scanty wardrobe could not provide clothing for Mrs. Nash, and the housekeeper had been dispatched to Upper Marlboro, the county seat, in the Nash limousine which had finally put in an appearance, to purchase such necessities as the country stores could supply.
providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)
From this reading To place her in a more comfortable position would undoubtedly awaken her, and Miriam backed away on tiptoe from the bedside.
conceivableadjectiveUS /kənˈsiːvəbəl/
capable of being imagined
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Martha's scanty wardrobe could not provide clothing for Mrs. Nash, and the housekeeper had been dispatched to Upper Marlboro, the county seat, in the Nash limousine which had finally put in an appearance, to purchase such necessities as the country stores could supply.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading Martha's scanty wardrobe could not provide clothing for Mrs. Nash, and the housekeeper had been dispatched to Upper Marlboro, the county seat, in the Nash limousine which had finally put in an appearance, to purchase such necessities as the country stores could supply.
(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government
From this reading Martha's scanty wardrobe could not provide clothing for Mrs. Nash, and the housekeeper had been dispatched to Upper Marlboro, the county seat, in the Nash limousine which had finally put in an appearance, to purchase such necessities as the country stores could supply.
the act of departing
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
dictatedadjectiveUS /dɪkˈteɪtɪd/
determined or decided upon as by an authority
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
dispatchedverbUS /dɪˈspætʃt/
past form of “dispatch” — send away towards a designated goal
From this reading Martha's scanty wardrobe could not provide clothing for Mrs. Nash, and the housekeeper had been dispatched to Upper Marlboro, the county seat, in the Nash limousine which had finally put in an appearance, to purchase such necessities as the country stores could supply.
DISTINCTadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɪŋkt/
(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality
From this reading SHERIFF TRENHOLM ASKS QUESTIONS A DISTINCT and unmistakable snore from the bed caused Miriam to approach her patient.
a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
errandnounUS /ˈerənd/
a short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
something many people believe that is false
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading SHERIFF TRENHOLM ASKS QUESTIONS A DISTINCT and unmistakable snore from the bed caused Miriam to approach her patient.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading Mrs. Nash, her head unevenly balanced between two pillows, was at last asleep.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading SHERIFF TRENHOLM ASKS QUESTIONS A DISTINCT and unmistakable snore from the bed caused Miriam to approach her patient.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
housekeepernounUS /ˈhaʊskiːpər/
a servant who is employed to perform domestic task in a household
From this reading Martha's scanty wardrobe could not provide clothing for Mrs. Nash, and the housekeeper had been dispatched to Upper Marlboro, the county seat, in the Nash limousine which had finally put in an appearance, to purchase such necessities as the country stores could supply.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading To place her in a more comfortable position would undoubtedly awaken her, and Miriam backed away on tiptoe from the bedside.
inducedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈduːst/
brought about or caused; not spontaneous
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
immediately past
From this reading Mrs. Nash, her head unevenly balanced between two pillows, was at last asleep.
limousinenounUS /ˈlɪməziːn/
large luxurious car; usually driven by a chauffeur
From this reading Martha's scanty wardrobe could not provide clothing for Mrs. Nash, and the housekeeper had been dispatched to Upper Marlboro, the county seat, in the Nash limousine which had finally put in an appearance, to purchase such necessities as the country stores could supply.
Marlboro
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Martha's scanty wardrobe could not provide clothing for Mrs. Nash, and the housekeeper had been dispatched to Upper Marlboro, the county seat, in the Nash limousine which had finally put in an appearance, to purchase such necessities as the country stores could supply.
Martha's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Martha's scanty wardrobe could not provide clothing for Mrs. Nash, and the housekeeper had been dispatched to Upper Marlboro, the county seat, in the Nash limousine which had finally put in an appearance, to purchase such necessities as the country stores could supply.
medicinenounUS /ˈmedəsən/
the branches of medical science that deal with nonsurgical techniques
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
Miriam
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SHERIFF TRENHOLM ASKS QUESTIONS A DISTINCT and unmistakable snore from the bed caused Miriam to approach her patient.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading To place her in a more comfortable position would undoubtedly awaken her, and Miriam backed away on tiptoe from the bedside.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Mrs. Nash, her head unevenly balanced between two pillows, was at last asleep.
NashnounUS /næʃ/
United States writer noted for his droll epigrams (1902-1971)
From this reading Mrs. Nash, her head unevenly balanced between two pillows, was at last asleep.
Nash'snounUS /ˈnæʃɪz/
possessive form of “nash” — United States writer noted for his droll epigrams (1902-1971)
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
necessitiesnounUS /nəˈsesɪtiz/
plural of “necessity” — the condition of being essential or indispensable
From this reading Martha's scanty wardrobe could not provide clothing for Mrs. Nash, and the housekeeper had been dispatched to Upper Marlboro, the county seat, in the Nash limousine which had finally put in an appearance, to purchase such necessities as the country stores could supply.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Martha's scanty wardrobe could not provide clothing for Mrs. Nash, and the housekeeper had been dispatched to Upper Marlboro, the county seat, in the Nash limousine which had finally put in an appearance, to purchase such necessities as the country stores could supply.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading To place her in a more comfortable position would undoubtedly awaken her, and Miriam backed away on tiptoe from the bedside.
a person who requires medical care
From this reading SHERIFF TRENHOLM ASKS QUESTIONS A DISTINCT and unmistakable snore from the bed caused Miriam to approach her patient.
pillowsnounUS /ˈpɪloʊz/
plural of “pillow” — a cushion to support the head of a sleeping person
From this reading Mrs. Nash, her head unevenly balanced between two pillows, was at last asleep.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading To place her in a more comfortable position would undoubtedly awaken her, and Miriam backed away on tiptoe from the bedside.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading To place her in a more comfortable position would undoubtedly awaken her, and Miriam backed away on tiptoe from the bedside.
made ready or fit or suitable beforehand
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
prescribedadjectiveUS /priˈskraɪbd/
set down as a rule or guide
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
provideverbUS /prəˈvaɪd/
give something useful or necessary to
From this reading Martha's scanty wardrobe could not provide clothing for Mrs. Nash, and the housekeeper had been dispatched to Upper Marlboro, the county seat, in the Nash limousine which had finally put in an appearance, to purchase such necessities as the country stores could supply.
purchasenounUS /ˈpɜːrtʃəs/
the acquisition of something for payment
From this reading Martha's scanty wardrobe could not provide clothing for Mrs. Nash, and the housekeeper had been dispatched to Upper Marlboro, the county seat, in the Nash limousine which had finally put in an appearance, to purchase such necessities as the country stores could supply.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Martha's scanty wardrobe could not provide clothing for Mrs. Nash, and the housekeeper had been dispatched to Upper Marlboro, the county seat, in the Nash limousine which had finally put in an appearance, to purchase such necessities as the country stores could supply.
plural of “question” — an instance of questioning
From this reading SHERIFF TRENHOLM ASKS QUESTIONS A DISTINCT and unmistakable snore from the bed caused Miriam to approach her patient.
RobertsnounUS /ˈrɑːbərts/
United States biochemist (born in England) honored for his discovery that some genes contain introns (born in 1943)
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
scantyadjectiveUS /ˈskænti/
lacking in magnitude or quantity
From this reading Martha's scanty wardrobe could not provide clothing for Mrs. Nash, and the housekeeper had been dispatched to Upper Marlboro, the county seat, in the Nash limousine which had finally put in an appearance, to purchase such necessities as the country stores could supply.
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading Martha's scanty wardrobe could not provide clothing for Mrs. Nash, and the housekeeper had been dispatched to Upper Marlboro, the county seat, in the Nash limousine which had finally put in an appearance, to purchase such necessities as the country stores could supply.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
SHERIFFnounUS /ˈʃerəf/
the principal law-enforcement officer in a county
From this reading SHERIFF TRENHOLM ASKS QUESTIONS A DISTINCT and unmistakable snore from the bed caused Miriam to approach her patient.
affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
snoreverbUS /snɔːr/
breathe noisily during one's sleep
From this reading SHERIFF TRENHOLM ASKS QUESTIONS A DISTINCT and unmistakable snore from the bed caused Miriam to approach her patient.
depleted of energy, force, or strength
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
storesnounUS /stɔːrz/
plural of “store” — a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services
From this reading Martha's scanty wardrobe could not provide clothing for Mrs. Nash, and the housekeeper had been dispatched to Upper Marlboro, the county seat, in the Nash limousine which had finally put in an appearance, to purchase such necessities as the country stores could supply.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Martha's scanty wardrobe could not provide clothing for Mrs. Nash, and the housekeeper had been dispatched to Upper Marlboro, the county seat, in the Nash limousine which had finally put in an appearance, to purchase such necessities as the country stores could supply.
give something useful or necessary to
From this reading Martha's scanty wardrobe could not provide clothing for Mrs. Nash, and the housekeeper had been dispatched to Upper Marlboro, the county seat, in the Nash limousine which had finally put in an appearance, to purchase such necessities as the country stores could supply.
swallowverbUS /ˈswɑːloʊ/
pass through the esophagus as part of eating or drinking
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading SHERIFF TRENHOLM ASKS QUESTIONS A DISTINCT and unmistakable snore from the bed caused Miriam to approach her patient.
threatnounUS /θret/
something that is a source of danger
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
tiptoeverbUS /ˈtɪptoʊ/
walk on one's toes
From this reading To place her in a more comfortable position would undoubtedly awaken her, and Miriam backed away on tiptoe from the bedside.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading SHERIFF TRENHOLM ASKS QUESTIONS A DISTINCT and unmistakable snore from the bed caused Miriam to approach her patient.
TRENHOLM
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SHERIFF TRENHOLM ASKS QUESTIONS A DISTINCT and unmistakable snore from the bed caused Miriam to approach her patient.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Mrs. Nash, her head unevenly balanced between two pillows, was at last asleep.
undoubtedlyadverbUS /ənˈdaʊtɪdli/
without doubt; certainly
From this reading To place her in a more comfortable position would undoubtedly awaken her, and Miriam backed away on tiptoe from the bedside.
unevenlyadverbUS /əˈniːvənli/
in an uneven and irregular way
From this reading Mrs. Nash, her head unevenly balanced between two pillows, was at last asleep.
unmistakableadjectiveUS /ˌʌnmɪˈsteɪkəbəl/
clearly evident to the mind
From this reading SHERIFF TRENHOLM ASKS QUESTIONS A DISTINCT and unmistakable snore from the bed caused Miriam to approach her patient.
the topmost one of two
From this reading Martha's scanty wardrobe could not provide clothing for Mrs. Nash, and the housekeeper had been dispatched to Upper Marlboro, the county seat, in the Nash limousine which had finally put in an appearance, to purchase such necessities as the country stores could supply.
wardrobenounUS /ˈwɔːrdroʊb/
a tall piece of furniture that provides storage space for clothes; has a door and rails or hooks for hanging clothes
From this reading Martha's scanty wardrobe could not provide clothing for Mrs. Nash, and the housekeeper had been dispatched to Upper Marlboro, the county seat, in the Nash limousine which had finally put in an appearance, to purchase such necessities as the country stores could supply.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mrs. Nash, her head unevenly balanced between two pillows, was at last asleep.
exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Martha's scanty wardrobe could not provide clothing for Mrs. Nash, and the housekeeper had been dispatched to Upper Marlboro, the county seat, in the Nash limousine which had finally put in an appearance, to purchase such necessities as the country stores could supply.
woman'snounUS /ˈwʊmənz/
possessive form of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading She had spent three weary hours at Mrs. Nash's beck and call; she had run every conceivable errand the sick woman's fancy had dictated, had prepared her for bed, and finally induced her, on threat of departure, to swallow the medicine prescribed by Doctor Roberts.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading To place her in a more comfortable position would undoubtedly awaken her, and Miriam backed away on tiptoe from the bedside.
