Chapter II

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

From this reading Coroner Penfield’s message had been imperative and, the Headquarters’ car having been out on an errand, he had commandeered a “bike” which a patrolman had left in the outer hallway, and had pedaled uptown as rapidly as possible.

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

From this reading IDENTIFIED DETECTIVE FERGUSON laid an impatient finger on the bell of the front door of the Hale residence and, removing his hat, fanned himself vigorously.

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

From this reading IDENTIFIED DETECTIVE FERGUSON laid an impatient finger on the bell of the front door of the Hale residence and, removing his hat, fanned himself vigorously.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Coroner Penfield’s message had been imperative and, the Headquarters’ car having been out on an errand, he had commandeered a “bike” which a patrolman had left in the outer hallway, and had pedaled uptown as rapidly as possible.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading What untoward circumstances had required his immediate presence at three in the morning at the home of Robert Hale, eminent scientist and respected citizen of the National Capital?

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading The detective’s wonderment grew as the front door flew back and he stepped over its threshold into the semidarkness of the large central hall of the house.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Coroner Penfield’s message had been imperative and, the Headquarters’ car having been out on an errand, he had commandeered a “bike” which a patrolman had left in the outer hallway, and had pedaled uptown as rapidly as possible.

a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck

From this reading IDENTIFIED DETECTIVE FERGUSON laid an impatient finger on the bell of the front door of the Hale residence and, removing his hat, fanned himself vigorously.

a motor vehicle with two wheels and a strong frame

From this reading Coroner Penfield’s message had been imperative and, the Headquarters’ car having been out on an errand, he had commandeered a “bike” which a patrolman had left in the outer hallway, and had pedaled uptown as rapidly as possible.

the two together, not just one

From this reading The unwonted exertion, as well as his intense curiosity, had both served to excite him.

assets available for use in the production of further assets

From this reading What untoward circumstances had required his immediate presence at three in the morning at the home of Robert Hale, eminent scientist and respected citizen of the National Capital?

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

From this reading Coroner Penfield’s message had been imperative and, the Headquarters’ car having been out on an errand, he had commandeered a “bike” which a patrolman had left in the outer hallway, and had pedaled uptown as rapidly as possible.

serving as an essential component

From this reading The detective’s wonderment grew as the front door flew back and he stepped over its threshold into the semidarkness of the large central hall of the house.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading What untoward circumstances had required his immediate presence at three in the morning at the home of Robert Hale, eminent scientist and respected citizen of the National Capital?

a native or naturalized member of a state or other political community

From this reading What untoward circumstances had required his immediate presence at three in the morning at the home of Robert Hale, eminent scientist and respected citizen of the National Capital?

past form of “commandeer” — take arbitrarily or by force

From this reading Coroner Penfield’s message had been imperative and, the Headquarters’ car having been out on an errand, he had commandeered a “bike” which a patrolman had left in the outer hallway, and had pedaled uptown as rapidly as possible.

a public official who investigates by inquest any death not due to natural causes

From this reading Coroner Penfield’s message had been imperative and, the Headquarters’ car having been out on an errand, he had commandeered a “bike” which a patrolman had left in the outer hallway, and had pedaled uptown as rapidly as possible.

a state in which you want to learn more about something

From this reading The unwonted exertion, as well as his intense curiosity, had both served to excite him.

a police officer who investigates crimes

From this reading IDENTIFIED DETECTIVE FERGUSON laid an impatient finger on the bell of the front door of the Hale residence and, removing his hat, fanned himself vigorously.

possessive form of “detective” — a police officer who investigates crimes

From this reading The detective’s wonderment grew as the front door flew back and he stepped over its threshold into the semidarkness of the large central hall of the house.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading IDENTIFIED DETECTIVE FERGUSON laid an impatient finger on the bell of the front door of the Hale residence and, removing his hat, fanned himself vigorously.

standing above others in quality or position

From this reading What untoward circumstances had required his immediate presence at three in the morning at the home of Robert Hale, eminent scientist and respected citizen of the National Capital?

a short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission

From this reading Coroner Penfield’s message had been imperative and, the Headquarters’ car having been out on an errand, he had commandeered a “bike” which a patrolman had left in the outer hallway, and had pedaled uptown as rapidly as possible.

arouse or elicit a feeling

From this reading The unwonted exertion, as well as his intense curiosity, had both served to excite him.

use of physical or mental energy; hard work

From this reading The unwonted exertion, as well as his intense curiosity, had both served to excite him.

especially spread in a fan shape

From this reading IDENTIFIED DETECTIVE FERGUSON laid an impatient finger on the bell of the front door of the Hale residence and, removing his hat, fanned himself vigorously.

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

From this reading IDENTIFIED DETECTIVE FERGUSON laid an impatient finger on the bell of the front door of the Hale residence and, removing his hat, fanned himself vigorously.

feel or handle with the fingers

From this reading IDENTIFIED DETECTIVE FERGUSON laid an impatient finger on the bell of the front door of the Hale residence and, removing his hat, fanned himself vigorously.

inflected form of “fly” — travel through the air; be airborne

From this reading The detective’s wonderment grew as the front door flew back and he stepped over its threshold into the semidarkness of the large central hall of the house.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading IDENTIFIED DETECTIVE FERGUSON laid an impatient finger on the bell of the front door of the Hale residence and, removing his hat, fanned himself vigorously.

inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading The detective’s wonderment grew as the front door flew back and he stepped over its threshold into the semidarkness of the large central hall of the house.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Coroner Penfield’s message had been imperative and, the Headquarters’ car having been out on an errand, he had commandeered a “bike” which a patrolman had left in the outer hallway, and had pedaled uptown as rapidly as possible.

a soldier of the American Revolution who was hanged as a spy by the British; his last words were supposed to have been `I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country' (1755-1776)

From this reading IDENTIFIED DETECTIVE FERGUSON laid an impatient finger on the bell of the front door of the Hale residence and, removing his hat, fanned himself vigorously.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading The detective’s wonderment grew as the front door flew back and he stepped over its threshold into the semidarkness of the large central hall of the house.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading Coroner Penfield’s message had been imperative and, the Headquarters’ car having been out on an errand, he had commandeered a “bike” which a patrolman had left in the outer hallway, and had pedaled uptown as rapidly as possible.

headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim

From this reading IDENTIFIED DETECTIVE FERGUSON laid an impatient finger on the bell of the front door of the Hale residence and, removing his hat, fanned himself vigorously.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Coroner Penfield’s message had been imperative and, the Headquarters’ car having been out on an errand, he had commandeered a “bike” which a patrolman had left in the outer hallway, and had pedaled uptown as rapidly as possible.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Coroner Penfield’s message had been imperative and, the Headquarters’ car having been out on an errand, he had commandeered a “bike” which a patrolman had left in the outer hallway, and had pedaled uptown as rapidly as possible.

(usually plural) the office that serves as the administrative center of an enterprise

From this reading Coroner Penfield’s message had been imperative and, the Headquarters’ car having been out on an errand, he had commandeered a “bike” which a patrolman had left in the outer hallway, and had pedaled uptown as rapidly as possible.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The unwonted exertion, as well as his intense curiosity, had both served to excite him.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading IDENTIFIED DETECTIVE FERGUSON laid an impatient finger on the bell of the front door of the Hale residence and, removing his hat, fanned himself vigorously.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading IDENTIFIED DETECTIVE FERGUSON laid an impatient finger on the bell of the front door of the Hale residence and, removing his hat, fanned himself vigorously.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading What untoward circumstances had required his immediate presence at three in the morning at the home of Robert Hale, eminent scientist and respected citizen of the National Capital?

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading The detective’s wonderment grew as the front door flew back and he stepped over its threshold into the semidarkness of the large central hall of the house.

having the identity known or established

From this reading IDENTIFIED DETECTIVE FERGUSON laid an impatient finger on the bell of the front door of the Hale residence and, removing his hat, fanned himself vigorously.

of the present time and place

From this reading What untoward circumstances had required his immediate presence at three in the morning at the home of Robert Hale, eminent scientist and respected citizen of the National Capital?

restless or short-tempered under delay or opposition

From this reading IDENTIFIED DETECTIVE FERGUSON laid an impatient finger on the bell of the front door of the Hale residence and, removing his hat, fanned himself vigorously.

requiring attention or action

From this reading Coroner Penfield’s message had been imperative and, the Headquarters’ car having been out on an errand, he had commandeered a “bike” which a patrolman had left in the outer hallway, and had pedaled uptown as rapidly as possible.

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

From this reading Coroner Penfield’s message had been imperative and, the Headquarters’ car having been out on an errand, he had commandeered a “bike” which a patrolman had left in the outer hallway, and had pedaled uptown as rapidly as possible.

possessing or displaying a distinctive feature to a heightened degree

From this reading The unwonted exertion, as well as his intense curiosity, had both served to excite him.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The detective’s wonderment grew as the front door flew back and he stepped over its threshold into the semidarkness of the large central hall of the house.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The detective’s wonderment grew as the front door flew back and he stepped over its threshold into the semidarkness of the large central hall of the house.

set down according to a plan

From this reading IDENTIFIED DETECTIVE FERGUSON laid an impatient finger on the bell of the front door of the Hale residence and, removing his hat, fanned himself vigorously.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The detective’s wonderment grew as the front door flew back and he stepped over its threshold into the semidarkness of the large central hall of the house.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading Coroner Penfield’s message had been imperative and, the Headquarters’ car having been out on an errand, he had commandeered a “bike” which a patrolman had left in the outer hallway, and had pedaled uptown as rapidly as possible.

a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled

From this reading Coroner Penfield’s message had been imperative and, the Headquarters’ car having been out on an errand, he had commandeered a “bike” which a patrolman had left in the outer hallway, and had pedaled uptown as rapidly as possible.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading What untoward circumstances had required his immediate presence at three in the morning at the home of Robert Hale, eminent scientist and respected citizen of the National Capital?

of or relating to or belonging to a nation or country

From this reading What untoward circumstances had required his immediate presence at three in the morning at the home of Robert Hale, eminent scientist and respected citizen of the National Capital?

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading IDENTIFIED DETECTIVE FERGUSON laid an impatient finger on the bell of the front door of the Hale residence and, removing his hat, fanned himself vigorously.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading IDENTIFIED DETECTIVE FERGUSON laid an impatient finger on the bell of the front door of the Hale residence and, removing his hat, fanned himself vigorously.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Coroner Penfield’s message had been imperative and, the Headquarters’ car having been out on an errand, he had commandeered a “bike” which a patrolman had left in the outer hallway, and had pedaled uptown as rapidly as possible.

being on the outside or further from a center

From this reading Coroner Penfield’s message had been imperative and, the Headquarters’ car having been out on an errand, he had commandeered a “bike” which a patrolman had left in the outer hallway, and had pedaled uptown as rapidly as possible.

above and across; more than

From this reading The detective’s wonderment grew as the front door flew back and he stepped over its threshold into the semidarkness of the large central hall of the house.

a policeman who patrols a given region

From this reading Coroner Penfield’s message had been imperative and, the Headquarters’ car having been out on an errand, he had commandeered a “bike” which a patrolman had left in the outer hallway, and had pedaled uptown as rapidly as possible.

past form of “pedal” — ride a bicycle

From this reading Coroner Penfield’s message had been imperative and, the Headquarters’ car having been out on an errand, he had commandeered a “bike” which a patrolman had left in the outer hallway, and had pedaled uptown as rapidly as possible.

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

From this reading Coroner Penfield’s message had been imperative and, the Headquarters’ car having been out on an errand, he had commandeered a “bike” which a patrolman had left in the outer hallway, and had pedaled uptown as rapidly as possible.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading Coroner Penfield’s message had been imperative and, the Headquarters’ car having been out on an errand, he had commandeered a “bike” which a patrolman had left in the outer hallway, and had pedaled uptown as rapidly as possible.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading What untoward circumstances had required his immediate presence at three in the morning at the home of Robert Hale, eminent scientist and respected citizen of the National Capital?

with speed

From this reading Coroner Penfield’s message had been imperative and, the Headquarters’ car having been out on an errand, he had commandeered a “bike” which a patrolman had left in the outer hallway, and had pedaled uptown as rapidly as possible.

-ing form of “remove” — remove something concrete, as by lifting, pushing, or taking off, or remove something abstract

From this reading IDENTIFIED DETECTIVE FERGUSON laid an impatient finger on the bell of the front door of the Hale residence and, removing his hat, fanned himself vigorously.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading What untoward circumstances had required his immediate presence at three in the morning at the home of Robert Hale, eminent scientist and respected citizen of the National Capital?

any address at which you dwell more than temporarily

From this reading IDENTIFIED DETECTIVE FERGUSON laid an impatient finger on the bell of the front door of the Hale residence and, removing his hat, fanned himself vigorously.

receiving deferential regard

From this reading What untoward circumstances had required his immediate presence at three in the morning at the home of Robert Hale, eminent scientist and respected citizen of the National Capital?

United States parliamentary authority and author (in 1876) of Robert's Rules of Order (1837-1923)

From this reading What untoward circumstances had required his immediate presence at three in the morning at the home of Robert Hale, eminent scientist and respected citizen of the National Capital?

a person with advanced knowledge of one or more sciences

From this reading What untoward circumstances had required his immediate presence at three in the morning at the home of Robert Hale, eminent scientist and respected citizen of the National Capital?

partial darkness

From this reading The detective’s wonderment grew as the front door flew back and he stepped over its threshold into the semidarkness of the large central hall of the house.

past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading The unwonted exertion, as well as his intense curiosity, had both served to excite him.

inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step

From this reading The detective’s wonderment grew as the front door flew back and he stepped over its threshold into the semidarkness of the large central hall of the house.

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

From this reading IDENTIFIED DETECTIVE FERGUSON laid an impatient finger on the bell of the front door of the Hale residence and, removing his hat, fanned himself vigorously.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading What untoward circumstances had required his immediate presence at three in the morning at the home of Robert Hale, eminent scientist and respected citizen of the National Capital?

the starting point for a new state or experience

From this reading The detective’s wonderment grew as the front door flew back and he stepped over its threshold into the semidarkness of the large central hall of the house.

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

From this reading The unwonted exertion, as well as his intense curiosity, had both served to excite him.

not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society

From this reading What untoward circumstances had required his immediate presence at three in the morning at the home of Robert Hale, eminent scientist and respected citizen of the National Capital?

unaccustomed or unusual

From this reading The unwonted exertion, as well as his intense curiosity, had both served to excite him.

a residential part of town away from the central commercial district

From this reading Coroner Penfield’s message had been imperative and, the Headquarters’ car having been out on an errand, he had commandeered a “bike” which a patrolman had left in the outer hallway, and had pedaled uptown as rapidly as possible.

with vigor; in a vigorous manner

From this reading IDENTIFIED DETECTIVE FERGUSON laid an impatient finger on the bell of the front door of the Hale residence and, removing his hat, fanned himself vigorously.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading The unwonted exertion, as well as his intense curiosity, had both served to excite him.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading What untoward circumstances had required his immediate presence at three in the morning at the home of Robert Hale, eminent scientist and respected citizen of the National Capital?

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

From this reading Coroner Penfield’s message had been imperative and, the Headquarters’ car having been out on an errand, he had commandeered a “bike” which a patrolman had left in the outer hallway, and had pedaled uptown as rapidly as possible.

the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading The detective’s wonderment grew as the front door flew back and he stepped over its threshold into the semidarkness of the large central hall of the house.