adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Again he took out his pocket-knife, which was a large one with a handsome mother-o'-pearl handle.
AgainadverbUS /əˈɡen/
anew
From this reading Again he took out his pocket-knife, which was a large one with a handsome mother-o'-pearl handle.
AlthoughconjunctionUS /ˌɔːlˈðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Although Mr. Ho-Pin had examined this carefully, he had solved only half of its secrets.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Half an hour or more he spent in this fashion, without having discovered anything beyond the secret of the observation trap.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He opened the entire knife as though it had been a box, and revealed within it a tiny set of appliances designed principally for the desecration of locks!
anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/
any thing at all
From this reading Half an hour or more he spent in this fashion, without having discovered anything beyond the secret of the observation trap.
appliancesnounUS /əˈplaɪənsəz/
plural of “appliance” — a device or control that is very useful for a particular job
From this reading He opened the entire knife as though it had been a box, and revealed within it a tiny set of appliances designed principally for the desecration of locks!
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading M. Max extracted a little pair of tweezers from the slot in which they were lodged--as Ho-Pin had not neglected to do; but Ho-Pin, having looked at the tweezers, had returned them to their place: M. Max did not do so.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading M. Max extracted a little pair of tweezers from the slot in which they were lodged--as Ho-Pin had not neglected to do; but Ho-Pin, having looked at the tweezers, had returned them to their place: M. Max did not do so.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He opened the entire knife as though it had been a box, and revealed within it a tiny set of appliances designed principally for the desecration of locks!
beyondprepositionUS /bɪˈɑːnd/
on the far side of; further than
From this reading Half an hour or more he spent in this fashion, without having discovered anything beyond the secret of the observation trap.
boxnounUS /bɑːks/
a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid
From this reading He opened the entire knife as though it had been a box, and revealed within it a tiny set of appliances designed principally for the desecration of locks!
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading M. Max extracted a little pair of tweezers from the slot in which they were lodged--as Ho-Pin had not neglected to do; but Ho-Pin, having looked at the tweezers, had returned them to their place: M. Max did not do so.
carefullyadverbUS /ˈkerfəli/
taking care or paying attention
From this reading Although Mr. Ho-Pin had examined this carefully, he had solved only half of its secrets.
desecrationnounUS /desəˈkreɪʃən/
blasphemous behavior; the act of depriving something of its sacred character
From this reading He opened the entire knife as though it had been a box, and revealed within it a tiny set of appliances designed principally for the desecration of locks!
designedadjectiveUS /dɪˈzaɪnd/
done or made or performed with purpose and intent
From this reading He opened the entire knife as though it had been a box, and revealed within it a tiny set of appliances designed principally for the desecration of locks!
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading M. Max extracted a little pair of tweezers from the slot in which they were lodged--as Ho-Pin had not neglected to do; but Ho-Pin, having looked at the tweezers, had returned them to their place: M. Max did not do so.
discoveredadjectiveUS /dɪˈskʌvərd/
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading Half an hour or more he spent in this fashion, without having discovered anything beyond the secret of the observation trap.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading M. Max extracted a little pair of tweezers from the slot in which they were lodged--as Ho-Pin had not neglected to do; but Ho-Pin, having looked at the tweezers, had returned them to their place: M. Max did not do so.
entireadjectiveUS /ɪnˈtaɪər/
constituting the full quantity or extent; complete
From this reading He opened the entire knife as though it had been a box, and revealed within it a tiny set of appliances designed principally for the desecration of locks!
examinedverbUS /ɪɡˈzæmənd/
past form of “examine” — consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning
From this reading Although Mr. Ho-Pin had examined this carefully, he had solved only half of its secrets.
extractedverbUS /ekˈstræktɪd/
past form of “extract” — remove, usually with some force or effort; also used in an abstract sense
From this reading M. Max extracted a little pair of tweezers from the slot in which they were lodged--as Ho-Pin had not neglected to do; but Ho-Pin, having looked at the tweezers, had returned them to their place: M. Max did not do so.
fashionnounUS /ˈfæʃən/
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Half an hour or more he spent in this fashion, without having discovered anything beyond the secret of the observation trap.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He opened the entire knife as though it had been a box, and revealed within it a tiny set of appliances designed principally for the desecration of locks!
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading M. Max extracted a little pair of tweezers from the slot in which they were lodged--as Ho-Pin had not neglected to do; but Ho-Pin, having looked at the tweezers, had returned them to their place: M. Max did not do so.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Although Mr. Ho-Pin had examined this carefully, he had solved only half of its secrets.
HalfadjectiveUS /hæf/
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading Half an hour or more he spent in this fashion, without having discovered anything beyond the secret of the observation trap.
handleverbUS /ˈhændəl/
be in charge of, act on, or dispose of
From this reading Again he took out his pocket-knife, which was a large one with a handsome mother-o'-pearl handle.
handsomeadjectiveUS /ˈhænsəm/
pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion
From this reading Again he took out his pocket-knife, which was a large one with a handsome mother-o'-pearl handle.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Half an hour or more he spent in this fashion, without having discovered anything beyond the secret of the observation trap.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Half an hour or more he spent in this fashion, without having discovered anything beyond the secret of the observation trap.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Again he took out his pocket-knife, which was a large one with a handsome mother-o'-pearl handle.
Ho-Pin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Although Mr. Ho-Pin had examined this carefully, he had solved only half of its secrets.
hournounUS /ˈaʊər/
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading Half an hour or more he spent in this fashion, without having discovered anything beyond the secret of the observation trap.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Half an hour or more he spent in this fashion, without having discovered anything beyond the secret of the observation trap.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He opened the entire knife as though it had been a box, and revealed within it a tiny set of appliances designed principally for the desecration of locks!
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Although Mr. Ho-Pin had examined this carefully, he had solved only half of its secrets.
knifenounUS /naɪf/
edge tool used as a cutting instrument; has a pointed blade with a sharp edge and a handle
From this reading He opened the entire knife as though it had been a box, and revealed within it a tiny set of appliances designed principally for the desecration of locks!
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Again he took out his pocket-knife, which was a large one with a handsome mother-o'-pearl handle.
littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading M. Max extracted a little pair of tweezers from the slot in which they were lodged--as Ho-Pin had not neglected to do; but Ho-Pin, having looked at the tweezers, had returned them to their place: M. Max did not do so.
locksnounUS /lɑːks/
plural of “lock” — a fastener fitted to a door or drawer to keep it firmly closed
From this reading He opened the entire knife as though it had been a box, and revealed within it a tiny set of appliances designed principally for the desecration of locks!
lodgedverbUS /lɑːdʒd/
past form of “lodge” — be a lodger; stay temporarily
From this reading M. Max extracted a little pair of tweezers from the slot in which they were lodged--as Ho-Pin had not neglected to do; but Ho-Pin, having looked at the tweezers, had returned them to their place: M. Max did not do so.
lookedverbUS /lʊkt/
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading M. Max extracted a little pair of tweezers from the slot in which they were lodged--as Ho-Pin had not neglected to do; but Ho-Pin, having looked at the tweezers, had returned them to their place: M. Max did not do so.
MnounUS /em/
the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)
From this reading M. Max extracted a little pair of tweezers from the slot in which they were lodged--as Ho-Pin had not neglected to do; but Ho-Pin, having looked at the tweezers, had returned them to their place: M. Max did not do so.
MaxnounUS /mæks/
street names for gamma hydroxybutyrate
From this reading M. Max extracted a little pair of tweezers from the slot in which they were lodged--as Ho-Pin had not neglected to do; but Ho-Pin, having looked at the tweezers, had returned them to their place: M. Max did not do so.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Half an hour or more he spent in this fashion, without having discovered anything beyond the secret of the observation trap.
mother-o
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Again he took out his pocket-knife, which was a large one with a handsome mother-o'-pearl handle.
MrnounUS /ˈmɪstər/
a form of address for a man
From this reading Although Mr. Ho-Pin had examined this carefully, he had solved only half of its secrets.
neglectedadjectiveUS /nəˈɡlektəd/
disregarded
From this reading M. Max extracted a little pair of tweezers from the slot in which they were lodged--as Ho-Pin had not neglected to do; but Ho-Pin, having looked at the tweezers, had returned them to their place: M. Max did not do so.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading M. Max extracted a little pair of tweezers from the slot in which they were lodged--as Ho-Pin had not neglected to do; but Ho-Pin, having looked at the tweezers, had returned them to their place: M. Max did not do so.
observationnounUS /ˌɑːbzərˈveɪʃən/
the act of making and recording a measurement
From this reading Half an hour or more he spent in this fashion, without having discovered anything beyond the secret of the observation trap.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Half an hour or more he spent in this fashion, without having discovered anything beyond the secret of the observation trap.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Again he took out his pocket-knife, which was a large one with a handsome mother-o'-pearl handle.
onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/
and nothing more
From this reading Although Mr. Ho-Pin had examined this carefully, he had solved only half of its secrets.
openedadjectiveUS /ˈoʊpənd/
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading He opened the entire knife as though it had been a box, and revealed within it a tiny set of appliances designed principally for the desecration of locks!
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Half an hour or more he spent in this fashion, without having discovered anything beyond the secret of the observation trap.
outadjectiveUS /aʊt/
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Again he took out his pocket-knife, which was a large one with a handsome mother-o'-pearl handle.
pairnounUS /per/
a set of two similar things considered as a unit
From this reading M. Max extracted a little pair of tweezers from the slot in which they were lodged--as Ho-Pin had not neglected to do; but Ho-Pin, having looked at the tweezers, had returned them to their place: M. Max did not do so.
pearlnounUS /pɜːrl/
a smooth lustrous round structure inside the shell of a clam or oyster; much valued as a jewel
From this reading Again he took out his pocket-knife, which was a large one with a handsome mother-o'-pearl handle.
placenounUS /pleɪs/
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading M. Max extracted a little pair of tweezers from the slot in which they were lodged--as Ho-Pin had not neglected to do; but Ho-Pin, having looked at the tweezers, had returned them to their place: M. Max did not do so.
pocket-knife
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Again he took out his pocket-knife, which was a large one with a handsome mother-o'-pearl handle.
principallyadverbUS /ˈprɪnsɪpli/
for the most part
From this reading He opened the entire knife as though it had been a box, and revealed within it a tiny set of appliances designed principally for the desecration of locks!
returnedverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrnd/
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading M. Max extracted a little pair of tweezers from the slot in which they were lodged--as Ho-Pin had not neglected to do; but Ho-Pin, having looked at the tweezers, had returned them to their place: M. Max did not do so.
revealedverbUS /rɪˈviːld/
past form of “reveal” — make visible
From this reading He opened the entire knife as though it had been a box, and revealed within it a tiny set of appliances designed principally for the desecration of locks!
secretnounUS /ˈsiː.krət/
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading Half an hour or more he spent in this fashion, without having discovered anything beyond the secret of the observation trap.
secretsnounUS /ˈsiːkrəts/
plural of “secret” — something that should remain hidden from others (especially information that is not to be passed on)
From this reading Although Mr. Ho-Pin had examined this carefully, he had solved only half of its secrets.
setverbUS /set/
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading He opened the entire knife as though it had been a box, and revealed within it a tiny set of appliances designed principally for the desecration of locks!
slotnounUS /slɑːt/
a position in a grammatical linguistic construction in which a variety of alternative units are interchangeable
From this reading M. Max extracted a little pair of tweezers from the slot in which they were lodged--as Ho-Pin had not neglected to do; but Ho-Pin, having looked at the tweezers, had returned them to their place: M. Max did not do so.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading M. Max extracted a little pair of tweezers from the slot in which they were lodged--as Ho-Pin had not neglected to do; but Ho-Pin, having looked at the tweezers, had returned them to their place: M. Max did not do so.
solvedadjectiveUS /sɑːlvd/
explained or answered
From this reading Although Mr. Ho-Pin had examined this carefully, he had solved only half of its secrets.
spentadjectiveUS /spent/
depleted of energy, force, or strength
From this reading Half an hour or more he spent in this fashion, without having discovered anything beyond the secret of the observation trap.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Half an hour or more he spent in this fashion, without having discovered anything beyond the secret of the observation trap.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading M. Max extracted a little pair of tweezers from the slot in which they were lodged--as Ho-Pin had not neglected to do; but Ho-Pin, having looked at the tweezers, had returned them to their place: M. Max did not do so.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading M. Max extracted a little pair of tweezers from the slot in which they were lodged--as Ho-Pin had not neglected to do; but Ho-Pin, having looked at the tweezers, had returned them to their place: M. Max did not do so.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading M. Max extracted a little pair of tweezers from the slot in which they were lodged--as Ho-Pin had not neglected to do; but Ho-Pin, having looked at the tweezers, had returned them to their place: M. Max did not do so.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Half an hour or more he spent in this fashion, without having discovered anything beyond the secret of the observation trap.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading He opened the entire knife as though it had been a box, and revealed within it a tiny set of appliances designed principally for the desecration of locks!
tinyadjectiveUS /ˈtaɪni/
very small
From this reading He opened the entire knife as though it had been a box, and revealed within it a tiny set of appliances designed principally for the desecration of locks!
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading M. Max extracted a little pair of tweezers from the slot in which they were lodged--as Ho-Pin had not neglected to do; but Ho-Pin, having looked at the tweezers, had returned them to their place: M. Max did not do so.
tookverbUS /tʊk/
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Again he took out his pocket-knife, which was a large one with a handsome mother-o'-pearl handle.
trapnounUS /træp/
a device in which something (usually an animal) can be caught and penned
From this reading Half an hour or more he spent in this fashion, without having discovered anything beyond the secret of the observation trap.
tweezersnounUS /ˈtwiːzərz/
plural of “tweezer” — a hand tool for holding consisting of a compound lever for grasping
From this reading M. Max extracted a little pair of tweezers from the slot in which they were lodged--as Ho-Pin had not neglected to do; but Ho-Pin, having looked at the tweezers, had returned them to their place: M. Max did not do so.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Again he took out his pocket-knife, which was a large one with a handsome mother-o'-pearl handle.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading M. Max extracted a little pair of tweezers from the slot in which they were lodged--as Ho-Pin had not neglected to do; but Ho-Pin, having looked at the tweezers, had returned them to their place: M. Max did not do so.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Again he took out his pocket-knife, which was a large one with a handsome mother-o'-pearl handle.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Again he took out his pocket-knife, which was a large one with a handsome mother-o'-pearl handle.
withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading He opened the entire knife as though it had been a box, and revealed within it a tiny set of appliances designed principally for the desecration of locks!
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Half an hour or more he spent in this fashion, without having discovered anything beyond the secret of the observation trap.
