used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading “What is it, doctor?” cried the Commissioner impatiently, as Dr Tighe ran up the steps towards him at a most unwonted pace.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading “Are you aware that the enemy will probably be inside the fort in a few minutes, and that I am just about to give the order to fire?”
advancingadjectiveUS /ədˈvænsɪŋ/
moving forward
From this reading He leaned over the sand-bags again to listen to the tramp of advancing feet.
anew
From this reading He leaned over the sand-bags again to listen to the tramp of advancing feet.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading “Are you aware that the enemy will probably be inside the fort in a few minutes, and that I am just about to give the order to fire?”
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading “It’s a boy--as fine a child as ever I saw in my life--and both likely to do well,” was the gasping response.
Areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading “Are you aware that the enemy will probably be inside the fort in a few minutes, and that I am just about to give the order to fire?”
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading “What is it, doctor?” cried the Commissioner impatiently, as Dr Tighe ran up the steps towards him at a most unwonted pace.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading “What is it, doctor?” cried the Commissioner impatiently, as Dr Tighe ran up the steps towards him at a most unwonted pace.
(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception
From this reading “Are you aware that the enemy will probably be inside the fort in a few minutes, and that I am just about to give the order to fire?”
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading “Are you aware that the enemy will probably be inside the fort in a few minutes, and that I am just about to give the order to fire?”
the two together, not just one
From this reading “It’s a boy--as fine a child as ever I saw in my life--and both likely to do well,” was the gasping response.
a youthful male person
From this reading “It’s a boy--as fine a child as ever I saw in my life--and both likely to do well,” was the gasping response.
Burgravenoun
a nobleman ruling a German castle and surrounding grounds by hereditary right
From this reading “What in the world do you mean by coming and telling me such a thing as that at this moment, sir?” demanded Mr Burgrave, whose habitual calmness was fast vanishing under the strain of the events of the night.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading “What in the world do you mean by coming and telling me such a thing as that at this moment, sir?” demanded Mr Burgrave, whose habitual calmness was fast vanishing under the strain of the events of the night.
calmnessnounUS /ˈkɑːmnəs/
steadiness of mind under stress
From this reading “What in the world do you mean by coming and telling me such a thing as that at this moment, sir?” demanded Mr Burgrave, whose habitual calmness was fast vanishing under the strain of the events of the night.
a young person of either sex
From this reading “It’s a boy--as fine a child as ever I saw in my life--and both likely to do well,” was the gasping response.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading “What in the world do you mean by coming and telling me such a thing as that at this moment, sir?” demanded Mr Burgrave, whose habitual calmness was fast vanishing under the strain of the events of the night.
CommissionernounUS /kəˈmɪʃənər/
a government administrator
From this reading “What is it, doctor?” cried the Commissioner impatiently, as Dr Tighe ran up the steps towards him at a most unwonted pace.
inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading “What is it, doctor?” cried the Commissioner impatiently, as Dr Tighe ran up the steps towards him at a most unwonted pace.
past form of “demand” — request urgently and forcefully
From this reading “What in the world do you mean by coming and telling me such a thing as that at this moment, sir?” demanded Mr Burgrave, whose habitual calmness was fast vanishing under the strain of the events of the night.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading “It’s a boy--as fine a child as ever I saw in my life--and both likely to do well,” was the gasping response.
a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading “What is it, doctor?” cried the Commissioner impatiently, as Dr Tighe ran up the steps towards him at a most unwonted pace.
Dr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “What is it, doctor?” cried the Commissioner impatiently, as Dr Tighe ran up the steps towards him at a most unwonted pace.
an opposing military force
From this reading “Are you aware that the enemy will probably be inside the fort in a few minutes, and that I am just about to give the order to fire?”
plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading “What in the world do you mean by coming and telling me such a thing as that at this moment, sir?” demanded Mr Burgrave, whose habitual calmness was fast vanishing under the strain of the events of the night.
at any time
From this reading “It’s a boy--as fine a child as ever I saw in my life--and both likely to do well,” was the gasping response.
quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)
From this reading “What in the world do you mean by coming and telling me such a thing as that at this moment, sir?” demanded Mr Burgrave, whose habitual calmness was fast vanishing under the strain of the events of the night.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading He leaned over the sand-bags again to listen to the tramp of advancing feet.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading “Are you aware that the enemy will probably be inside the fort in a few minutes, and that I am just about to give the order to fire?”
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading “It’s a boy--as fine a child as ever I saw in my life--and both likely to do well,” was the gasping response.
start firing a weapon
From this reading “Are you aware that the enemy will probably be inside the fort in a few minutes, and that I am just about to give the order to fire?”
a fortified military post where troops are stationed
From this reading “Are you aware that the enemy will probably be inside the fort in a few minutes, and that I am just about to give the order to fire?”
gaspingverbUS /ˈɡæspɪŋ/
-ing form of “gasp” — breathe noisily, as when one is exhausted
From this reading “It’s a boy--as fine a child as ever I saw in my life--and both likely to do well,” was the gasping response.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading “Are you aware that the enemy will probably be inside the fort in a few minutes, and that I am just about to give the order to fire?”
habitualadjectiveUS /həˈbɪtʃuːəl/
commonly used or practiced; usual
From this reading “What in the world do you mean by coming and telling me such a thing as that at this moment, sir?” demanded Mr Burgrave, whose habitual calmness was fast vanishing under the strain of the events of the night.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He leaned over the sand-bags again to listen to the tramp of advancing feet.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “What is it, doctor?” cried the Commissioner impatiently, as Dr Tighe ran up the steps towards him at a most unwonted pace.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “It’s a boy--as fine a child as ever I saw in my life--and both likely to do well,” was the gasping response.
with impatience; in an impatient manner
From this reading “What is it, doctor?” cried the Commissioner impatiently, as Dr Tighe ran up the steps towards him at a most unwonted pace.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “It’s a boy--as fine a child as ever I saw in my life--and both likely to do well,” was the gasping response.
relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space
From this reading “Are you aware that the enemy will probably be inside the fort in a few minutes, and that I am just about to give the order to fire?”
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “What is it, doctor?” cried the Commissioner impatiently, as Dr Tighe ran up the steps towards him at a most unwonted pace.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “What is it, doctor?” cried the Commissioner impatiently, as Dr Tighe ran up the steps towards him at a most unwonted pace.
It's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “It’s a boy--as fine a child as ever I saw in my life--and both likely to do well,” was the gasping response.
and nothing more
From this reading “Are you aware that the enemy will probably be inside the fort in a few minutes, and that I am just about to give the order to fire?”
past form of “lean” — to incline or bend from a vertical position
From this reading He leaned over the sand-bags again to listen to the tramp of advancing feet.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading “It’s a boy--as fine a child as ever I saw in my life--and both likely to do well,” was the gasping response.
has a good chance of being the case or of coming about
From this reading “It’s a boy--as fine a child as ever I saw in my life--and both likely to do well,” was the gasping response.
hear with intention
From this reading He leaned over the sand-bags again to listen to the tramp of advancing feet.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “What in the world do you mean by coming and telling me such a thing as that at this moment, sir?” demanded Mr Burgrave, whose habitual calmness was fast vanishing under the strain of the events of the night.
mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading “What in the world do you mean by coming and telling me such a thing as that at this moment, sir?” demanded Mr Burgrave, whose habitual calmness was fast vanishing under the strain of the events of the night.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading “Are you aware that the enemy will probably be inside the fort in a few minutes, and that I am just about to give the order to fire?”
a particular point in time
From this reading “What in the world do you mean by coming and telling me such a thing as that at this moment, sir?” demanded Mr Burgrave, whose habitual calmness was fast vanishing under the strain of the events of the night.
used to form the superlative
From this reading “What is it, doctor?” cried the Commissioner impatiently, as Dr Tighe ran up the steps towards him at a most unwonted pace.
a form of address for a man
From this reading “What in the world do you mean by coming and telling me such a thing as that at this moment, sir?” demanded Mr Burgrave, whose habitual calmness was fast vanishing under the strain of the events of the night.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading “It’s a boy--as fine a child as ever I saw in my life--and both likely to do well,” was the gasping response.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading “What in the world do you mean by coming and telling me such a thing as that at this moment, sir?” demanded Mr Burgrave, whose habitual calmness was fast vanishing under the strain of the events of the night.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading “What in the world do you mean by coming and telling me such a thing as that at this moment, sir?” demanded Mr Burgrave, whose habitual calmness was fast vanishing under the strain of the events of the night.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading “Are you aware that the enemy will probably be inside the fort in a few minutes, and that I am just about to give the order to fire?”
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading He leaned over the sand-bags again to listen to the tramp of advancing feet.
the rate of moving (especially walking or running)
From this reading “What is it, doctor?” cried the Commissioner impatiently, as Dr Tighe ran up the steps towards him at a most unwonted pace.
with considerable certainty; without much doubt
From this reading “Are you aware that the enemy will probably be inside the fort in a few minutes, and that I am just about to give the order to fire?”
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading “What is it, doctor?” cried the Commissioner impatiently, as Dr Tighe ran up the steps towards him at a most unwonted pace.
responsenounUS /rɪˈspɑːns/
a result
From this reading “It’s a boy--as fine a child as ever I saw in my life--and both likely to do well,” was the gasping response.
sand-bags
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He leaned over the sand-bags again to listen to the tramp of advancing feet.
cut with a saw
From this reading “It’s a boy--as fine a child as ever I saw in my life--and both likely to do well,” was the gasping response.
term of address for a man
From this reading “What in the world do you mean by coming and telling me such a thing as that at this moment, sir?” demanded Mr Burgrave, whose habitual calmness was fast vanishing under the strain of the events of the night.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading “What is it, doctor?” cried the Commissioner impatiently, as Dr Tighe ran up the steps towards him at a most unwonted pace.
(physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces
From this reading “What in the world do you mean by coming and telling me such a thing as that at this moment, sir?” demanded Mr Burgrave, whose habitual calmness was fast vanishing under the strain of the events of the night.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading “What in the world do you mean by coming and telling me such a thing as that at this moment, sir?” demanded Mr Burgrave, whose habitual calmness was fast vanishing under the strain of the events of the night.
disclosing unintentionally something concealed
From this reading “What in the world do you mean by coming and telling me such a thing as that at this moment, sir?” demanded Mr Burgrave, whose habitual calmness was fast vanishing under the strain of the events of the night.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading “What in the world do you mean by coming and telling me such a thing as that at this moment, sir?” demanded Mr Burgrave, whose habitual calmness was fast vanishing under the strain of the events of the night.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading “What is it, doctor?” cried the Commissioner impatiently, as Dr Tighe ran up the steps towards him at a most unwonted pace.
a special situation
From this reading “What in the world do you mean by coming and telling me such a thing as that at this moment, sir?” demanded Mr Burgrave, whose habitual calmness was fast vanishing under the strain of the events of the night.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading “What in the world do you mean by coming and telling me such a thing as that at this moment, sir?” demanded Mr Burgrave, whose habitual calmness was fast vanishing under the strain of the events of the night.
Tighe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “What is it, doctor?” cried the Commissioner impatiently, as Dr Tighe ran up the steps towards him at a most unwonted pace.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “It’s a boy--as fine a child as ever I saw in my life--and both likely to do well,” was the gasping response.
in the direction of
From this reading “What is it, doctor?” cried the Commissioner impatiently, as Dr Tighe ran up the steps towards him at a most unwonted pace.
trampnounUS /træmp/
a vagrant
From this reading He leaned over the sand-bags again to listen to the tramp of advancing feet.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading “What in the world do you mean by coming and telling me such a thing as that at this moment, sir?” demanded Mr Burgrave, whose habitual calmness was fast vanishing under the strain of the events of the night.
unwontedadjective
unaccustomed or unusual
From this reading “What is it, doctor?” cried the Commissioner impatiently, as Dr Tighe ran up the steps towards him at a most unwonted pace.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading “What is it, doctor?” cried the Commissioner impatiently, as Dr Tighe ran up the steps towards him at a most unwonted pace.
vanishingnounUS /ˈvænɪʃɪŋ/
a sudden or mysterious disappearance
From this reading “What in the world do you mean by coming and telling me such a thing as that at this moment, sir?” demanded Mr Burgrave, whose habitual calmness was fast vanishing under the strain of the events of the night.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “It’s a boy--as fine a child as ever I saw in my life--and both likely to do well,” was the gasping response.
(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 “It’s a boy--as fine a child as ever I saw in my life--and both likely to do well,” was the gasping response.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading “What is it, doctor?” cried the Commissioner impatiently, as Dr Tighe ran up the steps towards him at a most unwonted pace.
belonging to which person
From this reading “What in the world do you mean by coming and telling me such a thing as that at this moment, sir?” demanded Mr Burgrave, whose habitual calmness was fast vanishing under the strain of the events of the night.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading “Are you aware that the enemy will probably be inside the fort in a few minutes, and that I am just about to give the order to fire?”
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading “What in the world do you mean by coming and telling me such a thing as that at this moment, sir?” demanded Mr Burgrave, whose habitual calmness was fast vanishing under the strain of the events of the night.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “What in the world do you mean by coming and telling me such a thing as that at this moment, sir?” demanded Mr Burgrave, whose habitual calmness was fast vanishing under the strain of the events of the night.
