used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
abilitynounUS /əˈbɪlətiː/
the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading From time to time, he glanced out the window, and though the driving snow shut off any glimpse of the landscape, he could tell, by a sort of instinct, just where the train was.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He recognized the clatter of the switches at Roxabel as the train swept over them; then, from the peculiar echo, he knew that it had entered a cut and that Musselman was near.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He recognized the clatter of the switches at Roxabel as the train swept over them; then, from the peculiar echo, he knew that it had entered a cut and that Musselman was near.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading From time to time, he glanced out the window, and though the driving snow shut off any glimpse of the landscape, he could tell, by a sort of instinct, just where the train was.
clatternounUS /ˈklætər/
a rattling noise (often produced by rapid movement)
From this reading He recognized the clatter of the switches at Roxabel as the train swept over them; then, from the peculiar echo, he knew that it had entered a cut and that Musselman was near.
conductornounUS /kənˈdʌktər/
the person who leads a musical group
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
consoledverbUS /kənˈsoʊld/
past form of “console” — give moral or emotional strength to
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading From time to time, he glanced out the window, and though the driving snow shut off any glimpse of the landscape, he could tell, by a sort of instinct, just where the train was.
separate with or as if with an instrument
From this reading He recognized the clatter of the switches at Roxabel as the train swept over them; then, from the peculiar echo, he knew that it had entered a cut and that Musselman was near.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
having the power of driving or impelling
From this reading From time to time, he glanced out the window, and though the driving snow shut off any glimpse of the landscape, he could tell, by a sort of instinct, just where the train was.
echoverbUS /ˈekoʊ/
to say again or imitate
From this reading He recognized the clatter of the switches at Roxabel as the train swept over them; then, from the peculiar echo, he knew that it had entered a cut and that Musselman was near.
encouragedadjectiveUS /enˈkɜːrɪdʒd/
inspired with confidence
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading He recognized the clatter of the switches at Roxabel as the train swept over them; then, from the peculiar echo, he knew that it had entered a cut and that Musselman was near.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading He knew the rattle of every switch, the position of every light.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From time to time, he glanced out the window, and though the driving snow shut off any glimpse of the landscape, he could tell, by a sort of instinct, just where the train was.
past form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading From time to time, he glanced out the window, and though the driving snow shut off any glimpse of the landscape, he could tell, by a sort of instinct, just where the train was.
a quick look
From this reading From time to time, he glanced out the window, and though the driving snow shut off any glimpse of the landscape, he could tell, by a sort of instinct, just where the train was.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The quick rattle of a target told him that the train had passed Harper's.
Harper'snounUS /ˈhɑːrpərz/
possessive form of “harper” — someone who plays the harp
From this reading The quick rattle of a target told him that the train had passed Harper's.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading From time to time, he glanced out the window, and though the driving snow shut off any glimpse of the landscape, he could tell, by a sort of instinct, just where the train was.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The quick rattle of a target told him that the train had passed Harper's.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli
From this reading From time to time, he glanced out the window, and though the driving snow shut off any glimpse of the landscape, he could tell, by a sort of instinct, just where the train was.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He recognized the clatter of the switches at Roxabel as the train swept over them; then, from the peculiar echo, he knew that it had entered a cut and that Musselman was near.
and nothing more
From this reading From time to time, he glanced out the window, and though the driving snow shut off any glimpse of the landscape, he could tell, by a sort of instinct, just where the train was.
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 He knew the rattle of every switch, the position of every light.
landscapenounUS /ˈlændskeɪp/
an expanse of scenery that can be seen in a single view
From this reading From time to time, he glanced out the window, and though the driving snow shut off any glimpse of the landscape, he could tell, by a sort of instinct, just where the train was.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading He knew the rattle of every switch, the position of every light.
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
engage in
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
Musselman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He recognized the clatter of the switches at Roxabel as the train swept over them; then, from the peculiar echo, he knew that it had entered a cut and that Musselman was near.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading He recognized the clatter of the switches at Roxabel as the train swept over them; then, from the peculiar echo, he knew that it had entered a cut and that Musselman was near.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading From time to time, he glanced out the window, and though the driving snow shut off any glimpse of the landscape, he could tell, by a sort of instinct, just where the train was.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading From time to time, he glanced out the window, and though the driving snow shut off any glimpse of the landscape, he could tell, by a sort of instinct, just where the train was.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading He recognized the clatter of the switches at Roxabel as the train swept over them; then, from the peculiar echo, he knew that it had entered a cut and that Musselman was near.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading The quick rattle of a target told him that the train had passed Harper's.
plural of “passenger” — a traveler riding in a vehicle (a boat or bus or car or plane or train etc) who is not operating it
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading He recognized the clatter of the switches at Roxabel as the train swept over them; then, from the peculiar echo, he knew that it had entered a cut and that Musselman was near.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading He knew the rattle of every switch, the position of every light.
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
accomplished rapidly and without delay
From this reading The quick rattle of a target told him that the train had passed Harper's.
rattleverbUS /ˈrætəl/
make short successive sounds
From this reading He knew the rattle of every switch, the position of every light.
generally approved or compelling recognition
From this reading He recognized the clatter of the switches at Roxabel as the train swept over them; then, from the peculiar echo, he knew that it had entered a cut and that Musselman was near.
to give an account or representation of in words
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
Roxabel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He recognized the clatter of the switches at Roxabel as the train swept over them; then, from the peculiar echo, he knew that it had entered a cut and that Musselman was near.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut
From this reading From time to time, he glanced out the window, and though the driving snow shut off any glimpse of the landscape, he could tell, by a sort of instinct, just where the train was.
smokernounUS /ˈsmoʊkər/
a person who smokes tobacco
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
From this reading From time to time, he glanced out the window, and though the driving snow shut off any glimpse of the landscape, he could tell, by a sort of instinct, just where the train was.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
possessing sweep
From this reading He recognized the clatter of the switches at Roxabel as the train swept over them; then, from the peculiar echo, he knew that it had entered a cut and that Musselman was near.
switchverbUS /swɪtʃ/
change over, change around, as to a new order or sequence
From this reading He knew the rattle of every switch, the position of every light.
switchesnounUS /ˈswɪtʃəz/
plural of “switch” — control consisting of a mechanical or electrical or electronic device for making or breaking or changing the connections in a circuit
From this reading He recognized the clatter of the switches at Roxabel as the train swept over them; then, from the peculiar echo, he knew that it had entered a cut and that Musselman was near.
targetnounUS /ˈtɑːrɡət/
a reference point to shoot at
From this reading The quick rattle of a target told him that the train had passed Harper's.
express in words
From this reading From time to time, he glanced out the window, and though the driving snow shut off any glimpse of the landscape, he could tell, by a sort of instinct, just where the train was.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The quick rattle of a target told him that the train had passed Harper's.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading He recognized the clatter of the switches at Roxabel as the train swept over them; then, from the peculiar echo, he knew that it had entered a cut and that Musselman was near.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading He recognized the clatter of the switches at Roxabel as the train swept over them; then, from the peculiar echo, he knew that it had entered a cut and that Musselman was near.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading From time to time, he glanced out the window, and though the driving snow shut off any glimpse of the landscape, he could tell, by a sort of instinct, just where the train was.
ticketsnounUS /ˈtɪkəts/
plural of “ticket” — a commercial document showing that the holder is entitled to something (as to ride on public transportation or to enter a public entertainment)
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading From time to time, he glanced out the window, and though the driving snow shut off any glimpse of the landscape, he could tell, by a sort of instinct, just where the train was.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading The quick rattle of a target told him that the train had passed Harper's.
create by training and teaching
From this reading From time to time, he glanced out the window, and though the driving snow shut off any glimpse of the landscape, he could tell, by a sort of instinct, just where the train was.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading From time to time, he glanced out the window, and though the driving snow shut off any glimpse of the landscape, he could tell, by a sort of instinct, just where the train was.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading A PRIVATE LINE The conductor of Number Two, having consoled and encouraged his passengers to the best of his ability, went forward into the smoker and sat down in a corner seat to sort his tickets and make up his report.
in or at the place that
From this reading From time to time, he glanced out the window, and though the driving snow shut off any glimpse of the landscape, he could tell, by a sort of instinct, just where the train was.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading From time to time, he glanced out the window, and though the driving snow shut off any glimpse of the landscape, he could tell, by a sort of instinct, just where the train was.
