Chapter II · And There Was Light

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

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

(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 On the other hand, traits and tricks that appear to betray the characters, the inclinations and, most of all, the vocations of their owners may prove misleading clues, and very often do.

someone who pursues a study or sport as a pastime

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

in an amazing manner; to everyone's surprise

From this reading SO many things that at first seem amazingly complex turn out amazingly simple.

-ing form of “ambush” — wait in hiding to attack

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

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

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading On the other hand, traits and tricks that appear to betray the characters, the inclinations and, most of all, the vocations of their owners may prove misleading clues, and very often do.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading SO many things that at first seem amazingly complex turn out amazingly simple.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

see with attention

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

reveal unintentionally

From this reading On the other hand, traits and tricks that appear to betray the characters, the inclinations and, most of all, the vocations of their owners may prove misleading clues, and very often do.

(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 Elemental, you will remember, was a favourite word with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and one much employed by him in the elucidation of problems in criminology for the better enlightenment of his sincere but somewhat obvious-minded friend, the worthy Doctor Watson.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

plural of “character” — an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading On the other hand, traits and tricks that appear to betray the characters, the inclinations and, most of all, the vocations of their owners may prove misleading clues, and very often do.

plural of “clue” — a slight indication

From this reading On the other hand, traits and tricks that appear to betray the characters, the inclinations and, most of all, the vocations of their owners may prove misleading clues, and very often do.

a conceptual whole made up of complicated and related parts

From this reading SO many things that at first seem amazingly complex turn out amazingly simple.

the scientific study of crime and criminal behavior and law enforcement

From this reading Elemental, you will remember, was a favourite word with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and one much employed by him in the elucidation of problems in criminology for the better enlightenment of his sincere but somewhat obvious-minded friend, the worthy Doctor Watson.

followers of an exclusive system of beliefs and practices

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

plural of “deck” — any of various platforms built into a vessel

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

a reduction in the gross amount on which a tax is calculated; reduces taxes by the percentage fixed for the taxpayer's income bracket

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

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

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

of or carried on in waters of great depth

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

plural of “detective” — a police officer who investigates crimes

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

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

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

an army unit large enough to sustain combat

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading On the other hand, traits and tricks that appear to betray the characters, the inclinations and, most of all, the vocations of their owners may prove misleading clues, and very often do.

a licensed medical practitioner

From this reading Elemental, you will remember, was a favourite word with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and one much employed by him in the elucidation of problems in criminology for the better enlightenment of his sincere but somewhat obvious-minded friend, the worthy Doctor Watson.

relating to or being an element

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

the act of removing or getting rid of something

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

an act of explaining that serves to clear up and cast light on

From this reading Elemental, you will remember, was a favourite word with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and one much employed by him in the elucidation of problems in criminology for the better enlightenment of his sincere but somewhat obvious-minded friend, the worthy Doctor Watson.

having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary

From this reading Elemental, you will remember, was a favourite word with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and one much employed by him in the elucidation of problems in criminology for the better enlightenment of his sincere but somewhat obvious-minded friend, the worthy Doctor Watson.

education that results in understanding and the spread of knowledge

From this reading Elemental, you will remember, was a favourite word with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and one much employed by him in the elucidation of problems in criminology for the better enlightenment of his sincere but somewhat obvious-minded friend, the worthy Doctor Watson.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

a competitor thought likely to win

From this reading Elemental, you will remember, was a favourite word with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and one much employed by him in the elucidation of problems in criminology for the better enlightenment of his sincere but somewhat obvious-minded friend, the worthy Doctor Watson.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading SO many things that at first seem amazingly complex turn out amazingly simple.

the rising of a body of water and its overflowing onto normally dry land

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Elemental, you will remember, was a favourite word with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and one much employed by him in the elucidation of problems in criminology for the better enlightenment of his sincere but somewhat obvious-minded friend, the worthy Doctor Watson.

a group of symbols that make a mathematical statement

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Elemental, you will remember, was a favourite word with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and one much employed by him in the elucidation of problems in criminology for the better enlightenment of his sincere but somewhat obvious-minded friend, the worthy Doctor Watson.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

the rate of moving (especially walking or running)

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading On the other hand, traits and tricks that appear to betray the characters, the inclinations and, most of all, the vocations of their owners may prove misleading clues, and very often do.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

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

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

utter a sound, as with obvious effort

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Elemental, you will remember, was a favourite word with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and one much employed by him in the elucidation of problems in criminology for the better enlightenment of his sincere but somewhat obvious-minded friend, the worthy Doctor Watson.

plural of “hip” — either side of the body below the waist and above the thigh

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

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

From this reading Elemental, you will remember, was a favourite word with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and one much employed by him in the elucidation of problems in criminology for the better enlightenment of his sincere but somewhat obvious-minded friend, the worthy Doctor Watson.

a fictitious detective in stories by A. Conan Doyle

From this reading Elemental, you will remember, was a favourite word with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and one much employed by him in the elucidation of problems in criminology for the better enlightenment of his sincere but somewhat obvious-minded friend, the worthy Doctor Watson.

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

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

plural of “inclination” — an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others

From this reading On the other hand, traits and tricks that appear to betray the characters, the inclinations and, most of all, the vocations of their owners may prove misleading clues, and very often do.

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

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

staying power

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading SO many things that at first seem amazingly complex turn out amazingly simple.

be amazed at

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

hide under a false appearance

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading On the other hand, traits and tricks that appear to betray the characters, the inclinations and, most of all, the vocations of their owners may prove misleading clues, and very often do.

designed to deceive or mislead either deliberately or inadvertently

From this reading On the other hand, traits and tricks that appear to betray the characters, the inclinations and, most of all, the vocations of their owners may prove misleading clues, and very often do.

used to form the superlative

From this reading On the other hand, traits and tricks that appear to betray the characters, the inclinations and, most of all, the vocations of their owners may prove misleading clues, and very often do.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Elemental, you will remember, was a favourite word with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and one much employed by him in the elucidation of problems in criminology for the better enlightenment of his sincere but somewhat obvious-minded friend, the worthy Doctor Watson.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Elemental, you will remember, was a favourite word with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and one much employed by him in the elucidation of problems in criminology for the better enlightenment of his sincere but somewhat obvious-minded friend, the worthy Doctor Watson.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

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

From this reading Elemental, you will remember, was a favourite word with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and one much employed by him in the elucidation of problems in criminology for the better enlightenment of his sincere but somewhat obvious-minded friend, the worthy Doctor Watson.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

many times at short intervals

From this reading On the other hand, traits and tricks that appear to betray the characters, the inclinations and, most of all, the vocations of their owners may prove misleading clues, and very often do.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the other hand, traits and tricks that appear to betray the characters, the inclinations and, most of all, the vocations of their owners may prove misleading clues, and very often do.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Elemental, you will remember, was a favourite word with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and one much employed by him in the elucidation of problems in criminology for the better enlightenment of his sincere but somewhat obvious-minded friend, the worthy Doctor Watson.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading On the other hand, traits and tricks that appear to betray the characters, the inclinations and, most of all, the vocations of their owners may prove misleading clues, and very often do.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading SO many things that at first seem amazingly complex turn out amazingly simple.

plural of “owner” — (law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

From this reading On the other hand, traits and tricks that appear to betray the characters, the inclinations and, most of all, the vocations of their owners may prove misleading clues, and very often do.

doubt or uncertainty as to whether something is the case

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

plural of “problem” — a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved

From this reading Elemental, you will remember, was a favourite word with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and one much employed by him in the elucidation of problems in criminology for the better enlightenment of his sincere but somewhat obvious-minded friend, the worthy Doctor Watson.

plural of “process” — a particular course of action intended to achieve a result

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

be shown or be found to be

From this reading On the other hand, traits and tricks that appear to betray the characters, the inclinations and, most of all, the vocations of their owners may prove misleading clues, and very often do.

restricted to something

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

To recall to mind.

From this reading Elemental, you will remember, was a favourite word with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and one much employed by him in the elucidation of problems in criminology for the better enlightenment of his sincere but somewhat obvious-minded friend, the worthy Doctor Watson.

past form of “reveal” — make visible

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

uttered with a trill

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

any member of a ship's crew

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

express in words

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

a white or silvered surface where pictures can be projected for viewing

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

plural of “scupper” — drain that allows water on the deck of a vessel to flow overboard

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading SO many things that at first seem amazingly complex turn out amazingly simple.

someone who can be employed as a detective to collect information

From this reading Elemental, you will remember, was a favourite word with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and one much employed by him in the elucidation of problems in criminology for the better enlightenment of his sincere but somewhat obvious-minded friend, the worthy Doctor Watson.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading SO many things that at first seem amazingly complex turn out amazingly simple.

open and genuine; not deceitful

From this reading Elemental, you will remember, was a favourite word with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and one much employed by him in the elucidation of problems in criminology for the better enlightenment of his sincere but somewhat obvious-minded friend, the worthy Doctor Watson.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading SO many things that at first seem amazingly complex turn out amazingly simple.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading Elemental, you will remember, was a favourite word with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and one much employed by him in the elucidation of problems in criminology for the better enlightenment of his sincere but somewhat obvious-minded friend, the worthy Doctor Watson.

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

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

plural of “stand” — a support or foundation

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

having only essential or minimal features

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

an arithmetic operation in which the difference between two numbers is calculated

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

plural of “sway” — controlling influence

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading SO many things that at first seem amazingly complex turn out amazingly simple.

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

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading On the other hand, traits and tricks that appear to betray the characters, the inclinations and, most of all, the vocations of their owners may prove misleading clues, and very often do.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading SO many things that at first seem amazingly complex turn out amazingly simple.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading On the other hand, traits and tricks that appear to betray the characters, the inclinations and, most of all, the vocations of their owners may prove misleading clues, and very often do.

plural of “trait” — a distinguishing feature of your personal nature

From this reading On the other hand, traits and tricks that appear to betray the characters, the inclinations and, most of all, the vocations of their owners may prove misleading clues, and very often do.

a cunning or deceitful action or device

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

plural of “trick” — a cunning or deceitful action or device

From this reading On the other hand, traits and tricks that appear to betray the characters, the inclinations and, most of all, the vocations of their owners may prove misleading clues, and very often do.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading SO many things that at first seem amazingly complex turn out amazingly simple.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

precisely as stated

From this reading On the other hand, traits and tricks that appear to betray the characters, the inclinations and, most of all, the vocations of their owners may prove misleading clues, and very often do.

plural of “vocation” — the particular occupation for which you are trained

From this reading On the other hand, traits and tricks that appear to betray the characters, the inclinations and, most of all, the vocations of their owners may prove misleading clues, and very often do.

plural of “walk” — the act of traveling by foot

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

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

From this reading Elemental, you will remember, was a favourite word with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and one much employed by him in the elucidation of problems in criminology for the better enlightenment of his sincere but somewhat obvious-minded friend, the worthy Doctor Watson.

United States telephone engineer who assisted Alexander Graham Bell in his experiments (1854-1934)

From this reading Elemental, you will remember, was a favourite word with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and one much employed by him in the elucidation of problems in criminology for the better enlightenment of his sincere but somewhat obvious-minded friend, the worthy Doctor Watson.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

at the time that

From this reading The purely elemental has a trick of ambushing itself behind a screen of mystery; but when by deduction and elimination--in short, by the simple processes of subtraction and division--we have stripped away the mask, the fact stands so plainly revealed we marvel that we did not behold it from the beginning.

which person or people

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading Elemental, you will remember, was a favourite word with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and one much employed by him in the elucidation of problems in criminology for the better enlightenment of his sincere but somewhat obvious-minded friend, the worthy Doctor Watson.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Elemental, you will remember, was a favourite word with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and one much employed by him in the elucidation of problems in criminology for the better enlightenment of his sincere but somewhat obvious-minded friend, the worthy Doctor Watson.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading Elemental, you will remember, was a favourite word with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and one much employed by him in the elucidation of problems in criminology for the better enlightenment of his sincere but somewhat obvious-minded friend, the worthy Doctor Watson.

Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.

From this reading Elemental, you will remember, was a favourite word with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and one much employed by him in the elucidation of problems in criminology for the better enlightenment of his sincere but somewhat obvious-minded friend, the worthy Doctor Watson.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Elemental, you will remember, was a favourite word with Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and one much employed by him in the elucidation of problems in criminology for the better enlightenment of his sincere but somewhat obvious-minded friend, the worthy Doctor Watson.

used when the person spoken to is also the object of the action

From this reading You see a black man with a rolling gait, who spraddles his legs when he stands and sways his body on his hips when he walks; and, following the formula of the deductionist cult of amateur detectives, you say to yourself that here, beyond peradventure, is a deep-water sailor, used to decks that heave and scuppers that flood.