Chapter VII

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading With each stop of the cross-continent train rain-coated men, with occasionally a woman, entered the car and passed down the corridor to disappear into the compartments.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

in an affable manner

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading In an hour she and Steve would reach their destination, the first stop on the detour, she thought with a sudden mist before her eyes.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading With each stop of the cross-continent train rain-coated men, with occasionally a woman, entered the car and passed down the corridor to disappear into the compartments.

past form of “answer” — react verbally

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

the power or right to give orders or make decisions

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading In an hour she and Steve would reach their destination, the first stop on the detour, she thought with a sudden mist before her eyes.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading There was nothing to see save a dense white sheet ten feet beyond the window.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

From this reading With each stop of the cross-continent train rain-coated men, with occasionally a woman, entered the car and passed down the corridor to disappear into the compartments.

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

with unflagging resolve

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

a space into which an area is subdivided

From this reading From the window of her compartment Geraldine Courtlandt looked out upon a drenched world.

plural of “compartment” — a space into which an area is subdivided

From this reading With each stop of the cross-continent train rain-coated men, with occasionally a woman, entered the car and passed down the corridor to disappear into the compartments.

plural of “conductor” — the person who leads a musical group

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

an enclosed passageway; rooms usually open onto it

From this reading With each stop of the cross-continent train rain-coated men, with occasionally a woman, entered the car and passed down the corridor to disappear into the compartments.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading From the window of her compartment Geraldine Courtlandt looked out upon a drenched world.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With each stop of the cross-continent train rain-coated men, with occasionally a woman, entered the car and passed down the corridor to disappear into the compartments.

permitting little if any light to pass through because of denseness of matter

From this reading There was nothing to see save a dense white sheet ten feet beyond the window.

past form of “descend” — move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

the place designated as the end (as of a race or journey)

From this reading In an hour she and Steve would reach their destination, the first stop on the detour, she thought with a sudden mist before her eyes.

a roundabout road (especially one that is used temporarily while a main route is blocked)

From this reading In an hour she and Steve would reach their destination, the first stop on the detour, she thought with a sudden mist before her eyes.

get lost, as without warning or explanation

From this reading With each stop of the cross-continent train rain-coated men, with occasionally a woman, entered the car and passed down the corridor to disappear into the compartments.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading With each stop of the cross-continent train rain-coated men, with occasionally a woman, entered the car and passed down the corridor to disappear into the compartments.

abundantly covered or supplied with; often used in combination

From this reading From the window of her compartment Geraldine Courtlandt looked out upon a drenched world.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading With each stop of the cross-continent train rain-coated men, with occasionally a woman, entered the car and passed down the corridor to disappear into the compartments.

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading With each stop of the cross-continent train rain-coated men, with occasionally a woman, entered the car and passed down the corridor to disappear into the compartments.

opinion or judgment

From this reading In an hour she and Steve would reach their destination, the first stop on the detour, she thought with a sudden mist before her eyes.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading There was nothing to see save a dense white sheet ten feet beyond the window.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading In an hour she and Steve would reach their destination, the first stop on the detour, she thought with a sudden mist before her eyes.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading From the window of her compartment Geraldine Courtlandt looked out upon a drenched world.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading From the window of her compartment Geraldine Courtlandt looked out upon a drenched world.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading From the window of her compartment Geraldine Courtlandt looked out upon a drenched world.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading In an hour she and Steve would reach their destination, the first stop on the detour, she thought with a sudden mist before her eyes.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading With each stop of the cross-continent train rain-coated men, with occasionally a woman, entered the car and passed down the corridor to disappear into the compartments.

with honesty

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading From the window of her compartment Geraldine Courtlandt looked out upon a drenched world.

the force of workers available

From this reading With each stop of the cross-continent train rain-coated men, with occasionally a woman, entered the car and passed down the corridor to disappear into the compartments.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

become covered with mist

From this reading In an hour she and Steve would reach their destination, the first stop on the detour, she thought with a sudden mist before her eyes.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading There was nothing to see save a dense white sheet ten feet beyond the window.

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading With each stop of the cross-continent train rain-coated men, with occasionally a woman, entered the car and passed down the corridor to disappear into the compartments.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading With each stop of the cross-continent train rain-coated men, with occasionally a woman, entered the car and passed down the corridor to disappear into the compartments.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading In an hour she and Steve would reach their destination, the first stop on the detour, she thought with a sudden mist before her eyes.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading From the window of her compartment Geraldine Courtlandt looked out upon a drenched world.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading With each stop of the cross-continent train rain-coated men, with occasionally a woman, entered the car and passed down the corridor to disappear into the compartments.

the property of a continuous and connected period of time

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

plural of “porter” — a person employed to carry luggage and supplies

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

the person who holds the position of head of the government in the United Kingdom

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

past form of “punch” — deliver a quick blow to

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

plural of “question” — an instance of questioning

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With each stop of the cross-continent train rain-coated men, with occasionally a woman, entered the car and passed down the corridor to disappear into the compartments.

thrown into a state of agitated confusion; (“rattled” is an informal term)

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading In an hour she and Steve would reach their destination, the first stop on the detour, she thought with a sudden mist before her eyes.

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

past form of “roar” — make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

except for; apart from

From this reading There was nothing to see save a dense white sheet ten feet beyond the window.

a person who is head of an administrative department of government

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading There was nothing to see save a dense white sheet ten feet beyond the window.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading In an hour she and Steve would reach their destination, the first stop on the detour, she thought with a sudden mist before her eyes.

any broad thin expanse or surface

From this reading There was nothing to see save a dense white sheet ten feet beyond the window.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In an hour she and Steve would reach their destination, the first stop on the detour, she thought with a sudden mist before her eyes.

come to a halt, stop moving

From this reading With each stop of the cross-continent train rain-coated men, with occasionally a woman, entered the car and passed down the corridor to disappear into the compartments.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading In an hour she and Steve would reach their destination, the first stop on the detour, she thought with a sudden mist before her eyes.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading There was nothing to see save a dense white sheet ten feet beyond the window.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading With each stop of the cross-continent train rain-coated men, with occasionally a woman, entered the car and passed down the corridor to disappear into the compartments.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading In an hour she and Steve would reach their destination, the first stop on the detour, she thought with a sudden mist before her eyes.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was nothing to see save a dense white sheet ten feet beyond the window.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading In an hour she and Steve would reach their destination, the first stop on the detour, she thought with a sudden mist before her eyes.

plural of “ticket” — a commercial document showing that the holder is entitled to something (as to ride on public transportation or to enter a public entertainment)

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading With each stop of the cross-continent train rain-coated men, with occasionally a woman, entered the car and passed down the corridor to disappear into the compartments.

create by training and teaching

From this reading With each stop of the cross-continent train rain-coated men, with occasionally a woman, entered the car and passed down the corridor to disappear into the compartments.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading From the window of her compartment Geraldine Courtlandt looked out upon a drenched world.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading There was nothing to see save a dense white sheet ten feet beyond the window.

(geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it)

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

plural of “wheel” — a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

a Caucasian

From this reading There was nothing to see save a dense white sheet ten feet beyond the window.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading From the window of her compartment Geraldine Courtlandt looked out upon a drenched world.

in the company of; together with

From this reading With each stop of the cross-continent train rain-coated men, with occasionally a woman, entered the car and passed down the corridor to disappear into the compartments.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading With each stop of the cross-continent train rain-coated men, with occasionally a woman, entered the car and passed down the corridor to disappear into the compartments.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading From the window of her compartment Geraldine Courtlandt looked out upon a drenched world.

Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.

From this reading Porters wearing that air of authority and responsibility for which one might justly look in a premier or secretary of state, came and went; conductors punched tickets and answered questions more or less amiably; the wheels rattled and roared and ground ceaselessly; outside the rain descended with a persistence worthy a better cause.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading In an hour she and Steve would reach their destination, the first stop on the detour, she thought with a sudden mist before her eyes.