used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
accompanyverbUS /əˈkʌmpəni/
be present or associated with an event or entity
From this reading The statement by the Professor that the hole into which George fell, some months before, contained asphaltum, hinted at a possible source of petroleum, and through the persistent efforts of George, the Professor agreed to accompany him to the place to make an investigation.
united by being of the same opinion
From this reading The statement by the Professor that the hole into which George fell, some months before, contained asphaltum, hinted at a possible source of petroleum, and through the persistent efforts of George, the Professor agreed to accompany him to the place to make an investigation.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The statement by the Professor that the hole into which George fell, some months before, contained asphaltum, hinted at a possible source of petroleum, and through the persistent efforts of George, the Professor agreed to accompany him to the place to make an investigation.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Thus far the only light available was obtained from candles made from the fat of the animals, and it was not the kind of illuminating material they had been used to.
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
plural of “animal” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading Thus far the only light available was obtained from candles made from the fat of the animals, and it was not the kind of illuminating material they had been used to.
asphaltum
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The statement by the Professor that the hole into which George fell, some months before, contained asphaltum, hinted at a possible source of petroleum, and through the persistent efforts of George, the Professor agreed to accompany him to the place to make an investigation.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The statement by the Professor that the hole into which George fell, some months before, contained asphaltum, hinted at a possible source of petroleum, and through the persistent efforts of George, the Professor agreed to accompany him to the place to make an investigation.
availableadjectiveUS /əˈveɪləbəl/
obtainable or accessible and ready for use or service
From this reading Thus far the only light available was obtained from candles made from the fat of the animals, and it was not the kind of illuminating material they had been used to.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading With this end in view he made secret preparations, particularly in constructing a lamp which would not be liable to overturn or be put out by wind or in falling.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Thus far the only light available was obtained from candles made from the fat of the animals, and it was not the kind of illuminating material they had been used to.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The statement by the Professor that the hole into which George fell, some months before, contained asphaltum, hinted at a possible source of petroleum, and through the persistent efforts of George, the Professor agreed to accompany him to the place to make an investigation.
(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 When people knew nothing better than tallow candles, that light was satisfactory, but when petroleum was once used tallow candles were entirely unsuitable and too primitive.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading When people knew nothing better than tallow candles, that light was satisfactory, but when petroleum was once used tallow candles were entirely unsuitable and too primitive.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading With this end in view he made secret preparations, particularly in constructing a lamp which would not be liable to overturn or be put out by wind or in falling.
candlesnounUS /ˈkændəlz/
plural of “candle” — stick of wax with a wick in the middle
From this reading Thus far the only light available was obtained from candles made from the fat of the animals, and it was not the kind of illuminating material they had been used to.
a geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
unvarying in nature
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
constructingverbUS /kənˈstrʌktɪŋ/
-ing form of “construct” — make by combining materials and parts
From this reading With this end in view he made secret preparations, particularly in constructing a lamp which would not be liable to overturn or be put out by wind or in falling.
gotten under control
From this reading The statement by the Professor that the hole into which George fell, some months before, contained asphaltum, hinted at a possible source of petroleum, and through the persistent efforts of George, the Professor agreed to accompany him to the place to make an investigation.
characterized by great determination
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading The statement by the Professor that the hole into which George fell, some months before, contained asphaltum, hinted at a possible source of petroleum, and through the persistent efforts of George, the Professor agreed to accompany him to the place to make an investigation.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading With this end in view he made secret preparations, particularly in constructing a lamp which would not be liable to overturn or be put out by wind or in falling.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading When people knew nothing better than tallow candles, that light was satisfactory, but when petroleum was once used tallow candles were entirely unsuitable and too primitive.
decreasing in amount or degree
From this reading With this end in view he made secret preparations, particularly in constructing a lamp which would not be liable to overturn or be put out by wind or in falling.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading Thus far the only light available was obtained from candles made from the fat of the animals, and it was not the kind of illuminating material they had been used to.
having an (over)abundance of flesh
From this reading Thus far the only light available was obtained from candles made from the fat of the animals, and it was not the kind of illuminating material they had been used to.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading The statement by the Professor that the hole into which George fell, some months before, contained asphaltum, hinted at a possible source of petroleum, and through the persistent efforts of George, the Professor agreed to accompany him to the place to make an investigation.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Thus far the only light available was obtained from candles made from the fat of the animals, and it was not the kind of illuminating material they had been used to.
Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Thus far the only light available was obtained from candles made from the fat of the animals, and it was not the kind of illuminating material they had been used to.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading With this end in view he made secret preparations, particularly in constructing a lamp which would not be liable to overturn or be put out by wind or in falling.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The statement by the Professor that the hole into which George fell, some months before, contained asphaltum, hinted at a possible source of petroleum, and through the persistent efforts of George, the Professor agreed to accompany him to the place to make an investigation.
hintedverbUS /ˈhɪntəd/
past form of “hint” — drop a hint; intimate by a hint
From this reading The statement by the Professor that the hole into which George fell, some months before, contained asphaltum, hinted at a possible source of petroleum, and through the persistent efforts of George, the Professor agreed to accompany him to the place to make an investigation.
an opening into or through something
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
illuminatingadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈluːməneɪtɪŋ/
tending to increase knowledge or dissipate ignorance
From this reading Thus far the only light available was obtained from candles made from the fat of the animals, and it was not the kind of illuminating material they had been used to.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading With this end in view he made secret preparations, particularly in constructing a lamp which would not be liable to overturn or be put out by wind or in falling.
inhabitedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈhæbətəd/
having inhabitants; lived in
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The statement by the Professor that the hole into which George fell, some months before, contained asphaltum, hinted at a possible source of petroleum, and through the persistent efforts of George, the Professor agreed to accompany him to the place to make an investigation.
INVESTIGATINGnounUS /ˌɪnˈvestəɡeɪtɪŋ/
the work of inquiring into something thoroughly and systematically
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
investigationnounUS /ˌɪnvestəˈɡeɪʃən/
an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities
From this reading The statement by the Professor that the hole into which George fell, some months before, contained asphaltum, hinted at a possible source of petroleum, and through the persistent efforts of George, the Professor agreed to accompany him to the place to make an investigation.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading Thus far the only light available was obtained from candles made from the fat of the animals, and it was not the kind of illuminating material they had been used to.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading When people knew nothing better than tallow candles, that light was satisfactory, but when petroleum was once used tallow candles were entirely unsuitable and too primitive.
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
an artificial source of visible illumination
From this reading With this end in view he made secret preparations, particularly in constructing a lamp which would not be liable to overturn or be put out by wind or in falling.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
liableadjectiveUS /ˈlaɪəbəl/
at risk of or subject to experiencing something usually unpleasant
From this reading With this end in view he made secret preparations, particularly in constructing a lamp which would not be liable to overturn or be put out by wind or in falling.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading Thus far the only light available was obtained from candles made from the fat of the animals, and it was not the kind of illuminating material they had been used to.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading With this end in view he made secret preparations, particularly in constructing a lamp which would not be liable to overturn or be put out by wind or in falling.
engage in
From this reading The statement by the Professor that the hole into which George fell, some months before, contained asphaltum, hinted at a possible source of petroleum, and through the persistent efforts of George, the Professor agreed to accompany him to the place to make an investigation.
marineadjectiveUS /mərˈiːn/
of or relating to the sea
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
concerned with worldly rather than spiritual interests
From this reading Thus far the only light available was obtained from candles made from the fat of the animals, and it was not the kind of illuminating material they had been used to.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading The statement by the Professor that the hole into which George fell, some months before, contained asphaltum, hinted at a possible source of petroleum, and through the persistent efforts of George, the Professor agreed to accompany him to the place to make an investigation.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading With this end in view he made secret preparations, particularly in constructing a lamp which would not be liable to overturn or be put out by wind or in falling.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading When people knew nothing better than tallow candles, that light was satisfactory, but when petroleum was once used tallow candles were entirely unsuitable and too primitive.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
past form of “obtain” — come into possession of
From this reading Thus far the only light available was obtained from candles made from the fat of the animals, and it was not the kind of illuminating material they had been used to.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Thus far the only light available was obtained from candles made from the fat of the animals, and it was not the kind of illuminating material they had been used to.
on one occasion
From this reading When people knew nothing better than tallow candles, that light was satisfactory, but when petroleum was once used tallow candles were entirely unsuitable and too primitive.
and nothing more
From this reading Thus far the only light available was obtained from candles made from the fat of the animals, and it was not the kind of illuminating material they had been used to.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
overturnverbUS /ˈoʊvərtɜːrn/
turn from an upright or normal position
From this reading With this end in view he made secret preparations, particularly in constructing a lamp which would not be liable to overturn or be put out by wind or in falling.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading When people knew nothing better than tallow candles, that light was satisfactory, but when petroleum was once used tallow candles were entirely unsuitable and too primitive.
persistentadjectiveUS /pərˈsɪstənt/
never-ceasing
From this reading The statement by the Professor that the hole into which George fell, some months before, contained asphaltum, hinted at a possible source of petroleum, and through the persistent efforts of George, the Professor agreed to accompany him to the place to make an investigation.
petroleumnounUS /pəˈtroʊliəm/
a dark oil consisting mainly of hydrocarbons
From this reading When people knew nothing better than tallow candles, that light was satisfactory, but when petroleum was once used tallow candles were entirely unsuitable and too primitive.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading The statement by the Professor that the hole into which George fell, some months before, contained asphaltum, hinted at a possible source of petroleum, and through the persistent efforts of George, the Professor agreed to accompany him to the place to make an investigation.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading The statement by the Professor that the hole into which George fell, some months before, contained asphaltum, hinted at a possible source of petroleum, and through the persistent efforts of George, the Professor agreed to accompany him to the place to make an investigation.
preparationsnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading With this end in view he made secret preparations, particularly in constructing a lamp which would not be liable to overturn or be put out by wind or in falling.
primitiveadjectiveUS /ˈprɪmətɪv/
belonging to an early stage of technical development; characterized by simplicity and (often) crudeness
From this reading When people knew nothing better than tallow candles, that light was satisfactory, but when petroleum was once used tallow candles were entirely unsuitable and too primitive.
someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university
From this reading The statement by the Professor that the hole into which George fell, some months before, contained asphaltum, hinted at a possible source of petroleum, and through the persistent efforts of George, the Professor agreed to accompany him to the place to make an investigation.
PROSPECTOR'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading With this end in view he made secret preparations, particularly in constructing a lamp which would not be liable to overturn or be put out by wind or in falling.
satisfactoryadjectiveUS /ˌsætəˈsfæktri/
giving satisfaction
From this reading When people knew nothing better than tallow candles, that light was satisfactory, but when petroleum was once used tallow candles were entirely unsuitable and too primitive.
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading With this end in view he made secret preparations, particularly in constructing a lamp which would not be liable to overturn or be put out by wind or in falling.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
comparatives of “soon” or “early”
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
the place where something begins, where it springs into being
From this reading The statement by the Professor that the hole into which George fell, some months before, contained asphaltum, hinted at a possible source of petroleum, and through the persistent efforts of George, the Professor agreed to accompany him to the place to make an investigation.
a message that is stated or declared; a communication (oral or written) setting forth particulars or facts etc
From this reading The statement by the Professor that the hole into which George fell, some months before, contained asphaltum, hinted at a possible source of petroleum, and through the persistent efforts of George, the Professor agreed to accompany him to the place to make an investigation.
tallownounUS /ˈtæloʊ/
obtained from suet and used in making soap, candles and lubricants
From this reading When people knew nothing better than tallow candles, that light was satisfactory, but when petroleum was once used tallow candles were entirely unsuitable and too primitive.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading When people knew nothing better than tallow candles, that light was satisfactory, but when petroleum was once used tallow candles were entirely unsuitable and too primitive.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Thus far the only light available was obtained from candles made from the fat of the animals, and it was not the kind of illuminating material they had been used to.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading With this end in view he made secret preparations, particularly in constructing a lamp which would not be liable to overturn or be put out by wind or in falling.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading The statement by the Professor that the hole into which George fell, some months before, contained asphaltum, hinted at a possible source of petroleum, and through the persistent efforts of George, the Professor agreed to accompany him to the place to make an investigation.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading Thus far the only light available was obtained from candles made from the fat of the animals, and it was not the kind of illuminating material they had been used to.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading When people knew nothing better than tallow candles, that light was satisfactory, but when petroleum was once used tallow candles were entirely unsuitable and too primitive.
topicnounUS /ˈtɑːpɪk/
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
unsuitableadjectiveUS /ənˈsuːtəbəl/
not meant or adapted for a particular purpose
From this reading When people knew nothing better than tallow candles, that light was satisfactory, but when petroleum was once used tallow candles were entirely unsuitable and too primitive.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading Thus far the only light available was obtained from candles made from the fat of the animals, and it was not the kind of illuminating material they had been used to.
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading With this end in view he made secret preparations, particularly in constructing a lamp which would not be liable to overturn or be put out by wind or in falling.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading When people knew nothing better than tallow candles, that light was satisfactory, but when petroleum was once used tallow candles were entirely unsuitable and too primitive.
at the time that
From this reading When people knew nothing better than tallow candles, that light was satisfactory, but when petroleum was once used tallow candles were entirely unsuitable and too primitive.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading With this end in view he made secret preparations, particularly in constructing a lamp which would not be liable to overturn or be put out by wind or in falling.
which person or people
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading With this end in view he made secret preparations, particularly in constructing a lamp which would not be liable to overturn or be put out by wind or in falling.
in the company of; together with
From this reading INVESTIGATING THE PROSPECTOR'S HOLE The knowledge that some marine animal inhabited the cave was now a constant topic, particularly with George, who was determined, sooner or later, to find out something more about it.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading With this end in view he made secret preparations, particularly in constructing a lamp which would not be liable to overturn or be put out by wind or in falling.
