2000
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But that is exactly why the subject of the possibilities of life 2000 millions of miles away from us, opens such a fertile field for writers of scientific fiction.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
assurancenounUS /əˈʃʊrəns/
freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
From this reading And there is no assurance that the sun, for instance, should continue indefinitely to turn at its present speed.
astronomersnounUS /əˈstrɑːnəmərz/
plural of “astronomer” — a physicist who studies astronomy
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading And there is no assurance that the sun, for instance, should continue indefinitely to turn at its present speed.
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading But that is exactly why the subject of the possibilities of life 2000 millions of miles away from us, opens such a fertile field for writers of scientific fiction.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading If the great sphere were not so remote, much might be revealed to us.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But that is exactly why the subject of the possibilities of life 2000 millions of miles away from us, opens such a fertile field for writers of scientific fiction.
conceptionnounUS /kənˈsepʃən/
an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances
From this reading What might have happened to some of the other planets, perhaps so much older than the Earth, and what might be found upon them, might easily exceed the pale of human conception.
continue a certain state, condition, or activity
From this reading And there is no assurance that the sun, for instance, should continue indefinitely to turn at its present speed.
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading What might have happened to some of the other planets, perhaps so much older than the Earth, and what might be found upon them, might easily exceed the pale of human conception.
extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
etc
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading But that is exactly why the subject of the possibilities of life 2000 millions of miles away from us, opens such a fertile field for writers of scientific fiction.
exceedverbUS /ɪkˈsiːd/
be greater in scope or size than some standard
From this reading What might have happened to some of the other planets, perhaps so much older than the Earth, and what might be found upon them, might easily exceed the pale of human conception.
fertileadjectiveUS /ˈfɜːrtəl/
capable of reproducing
From this reading But that is exactly why the subject of the possibilities of life 2000 millions of miles away from us, opens such a fertile field for writers of scientific fiction.
fictionnounUS /ˈfɪkʃən/
a literary work based on the imagination and not necessarily on fact
From this reading But that is exactly why the subject of the possibilities of life 2000 millions of miles away from us, opens such a fertile field for writers of scientific fiction.
a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed
From this reading But that is exactly why the subject of the possibilities of life 2000 millions of miles away from us, opens such a fertile field for writers of scientific fiction.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But that is exactly why the subject of the possibilities of life 2000 millions of miles away from us, opens such a fertile field for writers of scientific fiction.
set up or found
From this reading What might have happened to some of the other planets, perhaps so much older than the Earth, and what might be found upon them, might easily exceed the pale of human conception.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading But that is exactly why the subject of the possibilities of life 2000 millions of miles away from us, opens such a fertile field for writers of scientific fiction.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading If the great sphere were not so remote, much might be revealed to us.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading What might have happened to some of the other planets, perhaps so much older than the Earth, and what might be found upon them, might easily exceed the pale of human conception.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading What might have happened to some of the other planets, perhaps so much older than the Earth, and what might be found upon them, might easily exceed the pale of human conception.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading What might have happened to some of the other planets, perhaps so much older than the Earth, and what might be found upon them, might easily exceed the pale of human conception.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If the great sphere were not so remote, much might be revealed to us.
indefinitelyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdefənətli/
to an indefinite extent; for an indefinite time
From this reading And there is no assurance that the sun, for instance, should continue indefinitely to turn at its present speed.
an occurrence of something
From this reading And there is no assurance that the sun, for instance, should continue indefinitely to turn at its present speed.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading And there is no assurance that the sun, for instance, should continue indefinitely to turn at its present speed.
plural of “lie” — a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading But that is exactly why the subject of the possibilities of life 2000 millions of miles away from us, opens such a fertile field for writers of scientific fiction.
past form of “lock” — fasten with a lock
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading If the great sphere were not so remote, much might be revealed to us.
plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading But that is exactly why the subject of the possibilities of life 2000 millions of miles away from us, opens such a fertile field for writers of scientific fiction.
millionsnounUS /ˈmɪljənz/
plural of “million” — the number that is represented as a one followed by 6 zeros
From this reading But that is exactly why the subject of the possibilities of life 2000 millions of miles away from us, opens such a fertile field for writers of scientific fiction.
the natural satellite of the Earth
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
NeptunenounUS /ˈneptuːn/
(Roman mythology) god of the sea; counterpart of Greek Poseidon
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
not any; not one
From this reading And there is no assurance that the sun, for instance, should continue indefinitely to turn at its present speed.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading If the great sphere were not so remote, much might be revealed to us.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
olderadjectiveUS /ˈoʊldər/
advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)
From this reading What might have happened to some of the other planets, perhaps so much older than the Earth, and what might be found upon them, might easily exceed the pale of human conception.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
and nothing more
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
opensnounUS /ˈoʊpənz/
plural of “open” — a clear or unobstructed space or expanse of land or water
From this reading But that is exactly why the subject of the possibilities of life 2000 millions of miles away from us, opens such a fertile field for writers of scientific fiction.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
very light colored; highly diluted with white
From this reading What might have happened to some of the other planets, perhaps so much older than the Earth, and what might be found upon them, might easily exceed the pale of human conception.
by chance
From this reading What might have happened to some of the other planets, perhaps so much older than the Earth, and what might be found upon them, might easily exceed the pale of human conception.
planetnounUS /ˈplænət/
(astronomy) any of the nine large celestial bodies in the solar system that revolve around the sun and shine by reflected light
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
planetsnounUS /ˈplænəts/
plural of “planet” — (astronomy) any of the nine large celestial bodies in the solar system that revolve around the sun and shine by reflected light
From this reading What might have happened to some of the other planets, perhaps so much older than the Earth, and what might be found upon them, might easily exceed the pale of human conception.
possibilitiesnounUS /ˌpɑːsəˈbɪlətiz/
plural of “possibility” — a future prospect or potential
From this reading But that is exactly why the subject of the possibilities of life 2000 millions of miles away from us, opens such a fertile field for writers of scientific fiction.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading And there is no assurance that the sun, for instance, should continue indefinitely to turn at its present speed.
problematicaladjectiveUS /ˌprɑːbləˈmætɪkəl/
open to doubt or debate
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
any object that is left unused or still extant
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
remoteadjectiveUS /rɪˈmoʊt/
located far away spatially
From this reading If the great sphere were not so remote, much might be revealed to us.
past form of “reveal” — make visible
From this reading If the great sphere were not so remote, much might be revealed to us.
scientificadjectiveUS /ˌsaɪənˈtɪfɪk/
of or relating to the practice of science
From this reading But that is exactly why the subject of the possibilities of life 2000 millions of miles away from us, opens such a fertile field for writers of scientific fiction.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading And there is no assurance that the sun, for instance, should continue indefinitely to turn at its present speed.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading What might have happened to some of the other planets, perhaps so much older than the Earth, and what might be found upon them, might easily exceed the pale of human conception.
move hurridly
From this reading And there is no assurance that the sun, for instance, should continue indefinitely to turn at its present speed.
spherenounUS /sfɪr/
a particular environment or walk of life
From this reading If the great sphere were not so remote, much might be revealed to us.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading But that is exactly why the subject of the possibilities of life 2000 millions of miles away from us, opens such a fertile field for writers of scientific fiction.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading But that is exactly why the subject of the possibilities of life 2000 millions of miles away from us, opens such a fertile field for writers of scientific fiction.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading And there is no assurance that the sun, for instance, should continue indefinitely to turn at its present speed.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading What might have happened to some of the other planets, perhaps so much older than the Earth, and what might be found upon them, might easily exceed the pale of human conception.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading What might have happened to some of the other planets, perhaps so much older than the Earth, and what might be found upon them, might easily exceed the pale of human conception.
in or at that place or location
From this reading And there is no assurance that the sun, for instance, should continue indefinitely to turn at its present speed.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading And there is no assurance that the sun, for instance, should continue indefinitely to turn at its present speed.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading What might have happened to some of the other planets, perhaps so much older than the Earth, and what might be found upon them, might easily exceed the pale of human conception.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading If the great sphere were not so remote, much might be revealed to us.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading If the great sphere were not so remote, much might be revealed to us.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading What might have happened to some of the other planets, perhaps so much older than the Earth, and what might be found upon them, might easily exceed the pale of human conception.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
WorldsnounUS /wɜːrldz/
plural of “world” — everything that exists anywhere
From this reading _Author of "Locked Worlds," "The Other Side of the Moon," etc._ _It is problematical whether the enormous distance that lies between the Earth and Neptune is the only reason why so much on that planet remains a mystery to astronomers.
writersnounUS /ˈraɪtərz/
plural of “writer” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading But that is exactly why the subject of the possibilities of life 2000 millions of miles away from us, opens such a fertile field for writers of scientific fiction.
