Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading He shielded his eyes against the sun, watching as men struggled with the last plastic girders to be strapped down, high above the dazzling ground of White Sands.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading He shielded his eyes against the sun, watching as men struggled with the last plastic girders to be strapped down, high above the dazzling ground of White Sands.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

(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 _He knew the theory of repairing the gizmo all right.

past form of “amble” — walk leisurely

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

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

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

any property detected by the olfactory system

From this reading He half-consciously separated the odors; the sweet, volatile scent of fuel, the sharp aroma of lingering exhaust gases from early morning test-firing, the delicate odor of silicon plastic which was being stowed as payload.

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

From this reading He half-consciously separated the odors; the sweet, volatile scent of fuel, the sharp aroma of lingering exhaust gases from early morning test-firing, the delicate odor of silicon plastic which was being stowed as payload.

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

From this reading He shielded his eyes against the sun, watching as men struggled with the last plastic girders to be strapped down, high above the dazzling ground of White Sands.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading He half-consciously separated the odors; the sweet, volatile scent of fuel, the sharp aroma of lingering exhaust gases from early morning test-firing, the delicate odor of silicon plastic which was being stowed as payload.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

amazingly impressive; suggestive of the flashing of lightning

From this reading He shielded his eyes against the sun, watching as men struggled with the last plastic girders to be strapped down, high above the dazzling ground of White Sands.

exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury

From this reading He half-consciously separated the odors; the sweet, volatile scent of fuel, the sharp aroma of lingering exhaust gases from early morning test-firing, the delicate odor of silicon plastic which was being stowed as payload.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading He shielded his eyes against the sun, watching as men struggled with the last plastic girders to be strapped down, high above the dazzling ground of White Sands.

free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

covered with a layer of dust

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading He half-consciously separated the odors; the sweet, volatile scent of fuel, the sharp aroma of lingering exhaust gases from early morning test-firing, the delicate odor of silicon plastic which was being stowed as payload.

wear out completely

From this reading He half-consciously separated the odors; the sweet, volatile scent of fuel, the sharp aroma of lingering exhaust gases from early morning test-firing, the delicate odor of silicon plastic which was being stowed as payload.

opinion or judgment

From this reading He shielded his eyes against the sun, watching as men struggled with the last plastic girders to be strapped down, high above the dazzling ground of White Sands.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He half-consciously separated the odors; the sweet, volatile scent of fuel, the sharp aroma of lingering exhaust gases from early morning test-firing, the delicate odor of silicon plastic which was being stowed as payload.

provide with a combustible substance that provides energy

From this reading He half-consciously separated the odors; the sweet, volatile scent of fuel, the sharp aroma of lingering exhaust gases from early morning test-firing, the delicate odor of silicon plastic which was being stowed as payload.

plural of “gas” — the state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states by: relatively low density and viscosity

From this reading He half-consciously separated the odors; the sweet, volatile scent of fuel, the sharp aroma of lingering exhaust gases from early morning test-firing, the delicate odor of silicon plastic which was being stowed as payload.

plural of “girder” — a beam made usually of steel; a main support in a structure

From this reading He shielded his eyes against the sun, watching as men struggled with the last plastic girders to be strapped down, high above the dazzling ground of White Sands.

something unspecified whose name is either forgotten or not known

From this reading _He knew the theory of repairing the gizmo all right.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading He shielded his eyes against the sun, watching as men struggled with the last plastic girders to be strapped down, high above the dazzling ground of White Sands.

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

From this reading He had that nicely taped.

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

From this reading He half-consciously separated the odors; the sweet, volatile scent of fuel, the sharp aroma of lingering exhaust gases from early morning test-firing, the delicate odor of silicon plastic which was being stowed as payload.

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

From this reading _He knew the theory of repairing the gizmo all right.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading He shielded his eyes against the sun, watching as men struggled with the last plastic girders to be strapped down, high above the dazzling ground of White Sands.

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

From this reading He shielded his eyes against the sun, watching as men struggled with the last plastic girders to be strapped down, high above the dazzling ground of White Sands.

an opening into or through something

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

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

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

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 theory of repairing the gizmo all right.

immediately past

From this reading He shielded his eyes against the sun, watching as men struggled with the last plastic girders to be strapped down, high above the dazzling ground of White Sands.

the act of tarrying

From this reading He half-consciously separated the odors; the sweet, volatile scent of fuel, the sharp aroma of lingering exhaust gases from early morning test-firing, the delicate odor of silicon plastic which was being stowed as payload.

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

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

weight to be borne or conveyed

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

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

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

the force of workers available

From this reading He shielded his eyes against the sun, watching as men struggled with the last plastic girders to be strapped down, high above the dazzling ground of White Sands.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading He half-consciously separated the odors; the sweet, volatile scent of fuel, the sharp aroma of lingering exhaust gases from early morning test-firing, the delicate odor of silicon plastic which was being stowed as payload.

in a nice way

From this reading He had that nicely taped.

any property detected by the olfactory system

From this reading He half-consciously separated the odors; the sweet, volatile scent of fuel, the sharp aroma of lingering exhaust gases from early morning test-firing, the delicate odor of silicon plastic which was being stowed as payload.

plural of “odor” — any property detected by the olfactory system

From this reading He half-consciously separated the odors; the sweet, volatile scent of fuel, the sharp aroma of lingering exhaust gases from early morning test-firing, the delicate odor of silicon plastic which was being stowed as payload.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _He knew the theory of repairing the gizmo all right.

the front part of a guided missile or rocket or torpedo that carries the nuclear or explosive charge or the chemical or biological agents

From this reading He half-consciously separated the odors; the sweet, volatile scent of fuel, the sharp aroma of lingering exhaust gases from early morning test-firing, the delicate odor of silicon plastic which was being stowed as payload.

capable of being molded or modeled (especially of earth or clay or other soft material)

From this reading He half-consciously separated the odors; the sweet, volatile scent of fuel, the sharp aroma of lingering exhaust gases from early morning test-firing, the delicate odor of silicon plastic which was being stowed as payload.

an inclined surface connecting two levels

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

-ing form of “repair” — restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken

From this reading _He knew the theory of repairing the gizmo all right.

precisely, exactly

From this reading _He knew the theory of repairing the gizmo all right.

the region of the shore of a lake or sea or ocean

From this reading He shielded his eyes against the sun, watching as men struggled with the last plastic girders to be strapped down, high above the dazzling ground of White Sands.

taking a small amount into the mouth to test its quality

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

A distinctive smell or aroma.

From this reading He half-consciously separated the odors; the sweet, volatile scent of fuel, the sharp aroma of lingering exhaust gases from early morning test-firing, the delicate odor of silicon plastic which was being stowed as payload.

being or feeling set or kept apart from others

From this reading He half-consciously separated the odors; the sweet, volatile scent of fuel, the sharp aroma of lingering exhaust gases from early morning test-firing, the delicate odor of silicon plastic which was being stowed as payload.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading He half-consciously separated the odors; the sweet, volatile scent of fuel, the sharp aroma of lingering exhaust gases from early morning test-firing, the delicate odor of silicon plastic which was being stowed as payload.

(used especially of machinery) protected by a shield to prevent injury

From this reading He shielded his eyes against the sun, watching as men struggled with the last plastic girders to be strapped down, high above the dazzling ground of White Sands.

a tetravalent nonmetallic element; next to oxygen it is the most abundant element in the earth's crust; occurs in clay and feldspar and granite and quartz and sand; used as a semiconductor in transistors

From this reading He half-consciously separated the odors; the sweet, volatile scent of fuel, the sharp aroma of lingering exhaust gases from early morning test-firing, the delicate odor of silicon plastic which was being stowed as payload.

past form of “smell” — inhale the odor of; perceive by the olfactory sense

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

a spacecraft designed to carry a crew into interstellar space (especially in science fiction)

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

a pressure suit worn by astronauts while in outer space

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

past form of “stow” — fill by packing tightly

From this reading He half-consciously separated the odors; the sweet, volatile scent of fuel, the sharp aroma of lingering exhaust gases from early morning test-firing, the delicate odor of silicon plastic which was being stowed as payload.

inflected form of “strap” — tie with a strap

From this reading He shielded his eyes against the sun, watching as men struggled with the last plastic girders to be strapped down, high above the dazzling ground of White Sands.

past form of “struggle” — make a strenuous or labored effort

From this reading He shielded his eyes against the sun, watching as men struggled with the last plastic girders to be strapped down, high above the dazzling ground of White Sands.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading He shielded his eyes against the sun, watching as men struggled with the last plastic girders to be strapped down, high above the dazzling ground of White Sands.

having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading He half-consciously separated the odors; the sweet, volatile scent of fuel, the sharp aroma of lingering exhaust gases from early morning test-firing, the delicate odor of silicon plastic which was being stowed as payload.

secured or held in place by tape

From this reading He had that nicely taped.

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

From this reading He half-consciously separated the odors; the sweet, volatile scent of fuel, the sharp aroma of lingering exhaust gases from early morning test-firing, the delicate odor of silicon plastic which was being stowed as payload.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He had that nicely taped.

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

From this reading _He knew the theory of repairing the gizmo all right.

a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena

From this reading _He knew the theory of repairing the gizmo all right.

in or at that place or location

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

-ing form of “thread” — to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

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

From this reading He shielded his eyes against the sun, watching as men struggled with the last plastic girders to be strapped down, high above the dazzling ground of White Sands.

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

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

clearly evident to the mind

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

evaporating readily at normal temperatures and pressures

From this reading He half-consciously separated the odors; the sweet, volatile scent of fuel, the sharp aroma of lingering exhaust gases from early morning test-firing, the delicate odor of silicon plastic which was being stowed as payload.

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

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading He shielded his eyes against the sun, watching as men struggled with the last plastic girders to be strapped down, high above the dazzling ground of White Sands.

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

From this reading He half-consciously separated the odors; the sweet, volatile scent of fuel, the sharp aroma of lingering exhaust gases from early morning test-firing, the delicate odor of silicon plastic which was being stowed as payload.

during the time that

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

a Caucasian

From this reading He shielded his eyes against the sun, watching as men struggled with the last plastic girders to be strapped down, high above the dazzling ground of White Sands.

ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He shielded his eyes against the sun, watching as men struggled with the last plastic girders to be strapped down, high above the dazzling ground of White Sands.

actively engaged in paid work

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.

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

From this reading But there was the little matter of threading a wire through a too-small hole while under zero-g, and working in a spacesuit!_ MacNamara ambled across the loading ramp, savoring the dry, dusty air that smelled unmistakable of spaceship.