Chapter IX

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

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading It hardly seemed possible that one could imagine he had been bitten by a rattler when there was no snake within miles, for all they knew.

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

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

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

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading And when his hand had been injured at the same time—what other conclusion could be drawn?

the past participle of “be”

From this reading It hardly seemed possible that one could imagine he had been bitten by a rattler when there was no snake within miles, for all they knew.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Of course both Roy and Teddy knew that a snake’s bite would usually be nothing more than two small punctures in the flesh, yet if the hand was being withdrawn when the fangs hit it, the flesh could easily be torn.

to grip, cut off, or tear with or as if with the teeth or jaws

From this reading Of course both Roy and Teddy knew that a snake’s bite would usually be nothing more than two small punctures in the flesh, yet if the hand was being withdrawn when the fangs hit it, the flesh could easily be torn.

inflected form of “bite” — to grip, cut off, or tear with or as if with the teeth or jaws

From this reading It hardly seemed possible that one could imagine he had been bitten by a rattler when there was no snake within miles, for all they knew.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Of course both Roy and Teddy knew that a snake’s bite would usually be nothing more than two small punctures in the flesh, yet if the hand was being withdrawn when the fangs hit it, the flesh could easily be torn.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It hardly seemed possible that one could imagine he had been bitten by a rattler when there was no snake within miles, for all they knew.

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

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading Yet, the “whir-r-r” of that tin certainly did sound like the warning of a side-winder.

a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration

From this reading And when his hand had been injured at the same time—what other conclusion could be drawn?

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Of course both Roy and Teddy knew that a snake’s bite would usually be nothing more than two small punctures in the flesh, yet if the hand was being withdrawn when the fangs hit it, the flesh could easily be torn.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Yet, the “whir-r-r” of that tin certainly did sound like the warning of a side-winder.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading And when his hand had been injured at the same time—what other conclusion could be drawn?

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading Of course both Roy and Teddy knew that a snake’s bite would usually be nothing more than two small punctures in the flesh, yet if the hand was being withdrawn when the fangs hit it, the flesh could easily be torn.

plural of “fang” — a Bantu language spoken in Cameroon

From this reading Of course both Roy and Teddy knew that a snake’s bite would usually be nothing more than two small punctures in the flesh, yet if the hand was being withdrawn when the fangs hit it, the flesh could easily be torn.

the soft tissue of the body of a vertebrate: mainly muscle tissue and fat

From this reading Of course both Roy and Teddy knew that a snake’s bite would usually be nothing more than two small punctures in the flesh, yet if the hand was being withdrawn when the fangs hit it, the flesh could easily be torn.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It hardly seemed possible that one could imagine he had been bitten by a rattler when there was no snake within miles, for all they knew.

throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

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

From this reading It hardly seemed possible that one could imagine he had been bitten by a rattler when there was no snake within miles, for all they knew.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

only a very short time before

From this reading It hardly seemed possible that one could imagine he had been bitten by a rattler when there was no snake within miles, for all they knew.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

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

From this reading It hardly seemed possible that one could imagine he had been bitten by a rattler when there was no snake within miles, for all they knew.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

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

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

cause to move by striking

From this reading Of course both Roy and Teddy knew that a snake’s bite would usually be nothing more than two small punctures in the flesh, yet if the hand was being withdrawn when the fangs hit it, the flesh could easily be torn.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Of course both Roy and Teddy knew that a snake’s bite would usually be nothing more than two small punctures in the flesh, yet if the hand was being withdrawn when the fangs hit it, the flesh could easily be torn.

form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case

From this reading It hardly seemed possible that one could imagine he had been bitten by a rattler when there was no snake within miles, for all they knew.

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

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

harmed

From this reading And when his hand had been injured at the same time—what other conclusion could be drawn?

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It hardly seemed possible that one could imagine he had been bitten by a rattler when there was no snake within miles, for all they knew.

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 It hardly seemed possible that one could imagine he had been bitten by a rattler when there was no snake within miles, for all they knew.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Yet, the “whir-r-r” of that tin certainly did sound like the warning of a side-winder.

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

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading It hardly seemed possible that one could imagine he had been bitten by a rattler when there was no snake within miles, for all they knew.

a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

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

From this reading Of course both Roy and Teddy knew that a snake’s bite would usually be nothing more than two small punctures in the flesh, yet if the hand was being withdrawn when the fangs hit it, the flesh could easily be torn.

-ing form of “munch” — chew noisily

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

not any; not one

From this reading It hardly seemed possible that one could imagine he had been bitten by a rattler when there was no snake within miles, for all they knew.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Of course both Roy and Teddy knew that a snake’s bite would usually be nothing more than two small punctures in the flesh, yet if the hand was being withdrawn when the fangs hit it, the flesh could easily be torn.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Yet, the “whir-r-r” of that tin certainly did sound like the warning of a side-winder.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading It hardly seemed possible that one could imagine he had been bitten by a rattler when there was no snake within miles, for all they knew.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading And when his hand had been injured at the same time—what other conclusion could be drawn?

capable of happening or existing

From this reading It hardly seemed possible that one could imagine he had been bitten by a rattler when there was no snake within miles, for all they knew.

plural of “puncture” — loss of air pressure in a tire when a hole is made by some sharp object

From this reading Of course both Roy and Teddy knew that a snake’s bite would usually be nothing more than two small punctures in the flesh, yet if the hand was being withdrawn when the fangs hit it, the flesh could easily be torn.

pit viper with horny segments at the end of the tail that rattle when shaken

From this reading It hardly seemed possible that one could imagine he had been bitten by a rattler when there was no snake within miles, for all they knew.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

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

From this reading Of course both Roy and Teddy knew that a snake’s bite would usually be nothing more than two small punctures in the flesh, yet if the hand was being withdrawn when the fangs hit it, the flesh could easily be torn.

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

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

Identical; not different.

From this reading And when his hand had been injured at the same time—what other conclusion could be drawn?

plural of “sandwich” — two (or more) slices of bread with a filling between them

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

cause friction

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading It hardly seemed possible that one could imagine he had been bitten by a rattler when there was no snake within miles, for all they knew.

move or cause to move back and forth

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

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

From this reading Yet, the “whir-r-r” of that tin certainly did sound like the warning of a side-winder.

a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Of course both Roy and Teddy knew that a snake’s bite would usually be nothing more than two small punctures in the flesh, yet if the hand was being withdrawn when the fangs hit it, the flesh could easily be torn.

limbless scaly elongate reptile; some are venomous

From this reading It hardly seemed possible that one could imagine he had been bitten by a rattler when there was no snake within miles, for all they knew.

possessive form of “snake” — limbless scaly elongate reptile; some are venomous

From this reading Of course both Roy and Teddy knew that a snake’s bite would usually be nothing more than two small punctures in the flesh, yet if the hand was being withdrawn when the fangs hit it, the flesh could easily be torn.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading Yet, the “whir-r-r” of that tin certainly did sound like the warning of a side-winder.

not in physical motion

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

plural of “suspicion” — an impression that something might be the case

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

plaything consisting of a child's toy bear (usually plush and stuffed with soft materials)

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Of course both Roy and Teddy knew that a snake’s bite would usually be nothing more than two small punctures in the flesh, yet if the hand was being withdrawn when the fangs hit it, the flesh could easily be torn.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

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

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

in or at that place or location

From this reading It hardly seemed possible that one could imagine he had been bitten by a rattler when there was no snake within miles, for all they knew.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading It hardly seemed possible that one could imagine he had been bitten by a rattler when there was no snake within miles, for all they knew.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading And when his hand had been injured at the same time—what other conclusion could be drawn?

a silvery malleable metallic element that resists corrosion; used in many alloys and to coat other metals to prevent corrosion; obtained chiefly from cassiterite where it occurs as tin oxide

From this reading Yet, the “whir-r-r” of that tin certainly did sound like the warning of a side-winder.

having edges that are jagged from injury

From this reading Of course both Roy and Teddy knew that a snake’s bite would usually be nothing more than two small punctures in the flesh, yet if the hand was being withdrawn when the fangs hit it, the flesh could easily be torn.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Of course both Roy and Teddy knew that a snake’s bite would usually be nothing more than two small punctures in the flesh, yet if the hand was being withdrawn when the fangs hit it, the flesh could easily be torn.

under normal conditions

From this reading Of course both Roy and Teddy knew that a snake’s bite would usually be nothing more than two small punctures in the flesh, yet if the hand was being withdrawn when the fangs hit it, the flesh could easily be torn.

a message informing of danger

From this reading Yet, the “whir-r-r” of that tin certainly did sound like the warning of a side-winder.

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

From this reading It hardly seemed possible that one could imagine he had been bitten by a rattler when there was no snake within miles, for all they knew.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading And when his hand had been injured at the same time—what other conclusion could be drawn?

at the time that

From this reading It hardly seemed possible that one could imagine he had been bitten by a rattler when there was no snake within miles, for all they knew.

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

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

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

From this reading Yet, the “whir-r-r” of that tin certainly did sound like the warning of a side-winder.

withdrawn from society; seeking solitude

From this reading Of course both Roy and Teddy knew that a snake’s bite would usually be nothing more than two small punctures in the flesh, yet if the hand was being withdrawn when the fangs hit it, the flesh could easily be torn.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading It hardly seemed possible that one could imagine he had been bitten by a rattler when there was no snake within miles, for all they knew.

the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

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

From this reading ROY’S SUSPICIONS As the Manley boys and their sister sat in the car munching sandwiches, now and then Teddy would glance at his hand, which still showed the red scratch, and shake his head in wonder that such a strange mistake could have happened.

but in spite of that

From this reading Yet, the “whir-r-r” of that tin certainly did sound like the warning of a side-winder.