Chapter XXIV · Chapter 24

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

From this reading A STRANGE DISCOVERY Once it became evident to the occupants of the airship what Tom Swift's plans were, they all prepared to help him.

on a ship, train, plane or other vehicle

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

a pass to a receiver downfield from the passer

From this reading Previous to the trip certain duties had been assigned to each one, duties which were to be exercised when Tom gave the exhibition of his new aerial fire-fighting apparatus at the set fire before the fire department of Denton.

a steerable self-propelled aircraft

From this reading A STRANGE DISCOVERY Once it became evident to the occupants of the airship what Tom Swift's plans were, they all prepared to help him.

(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 A STRANGE DISCOVERY Once it became evident to the occupants of the airship what Tom Swift's plans were, they all prepared to help him.

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

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

equipment designed to serve a specific function

From this reading Previous to the trip certain duties had been assigned to each one, duties which were to be exercised when Tom gave the exhibition of his new aerial fire-fighting apparatus at the set fire before the fire department of Denton.

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

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

appointed to a post or duty

From this reading Previous to the trip certain duties had been assigned to each one, duties which were to be exercised when Tom gave the exhibition of his new aerial fire-fighting apparatus at the set fire before the fire department of Denton.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Previous to the trip certain duties had been assigned to each one, duties which were to be exercised when Tom gave the exhibition of his new aerial fire-fighting apparatus at the set fire before the fire department of Denton.

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

From this reading Previous to the trip certain duties had been assigned to each one, duties which were to be exercised when Tom gave the exhibition of his new aerial fire-fighting apparatus at the set fire before the fire department of Denton.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading A STRANGE DISCOVERY Once it became evident to the occupants of the airship what Tom Swift's plans were, they all prepared to help him.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Previous to the trip certain duties had been assigned to each one, duties which were to be exercised when Tom gave the exhibition of his new aerial fire-fighting apparatus at the set fire before the fire department of Denton.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Previous to the trip certain duties had been assigned to each one, duties which were to be exercised when Tom gave the exhibition of his new aerial fire-fighting apparatus at the set fire before the fire department of Denton.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading So far the flames had confined themselves to this central part of the big structure, but it was only a question of time when they would spread out on all sides, licking up the remainder of the pile.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

the act of burning something

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading So far the flames had confined themselves to this central part of the big structure, but it was only a question of time when they would spread out on all sides, licking up the remainder of the pile.

serving as an essential component

From this reading So far the flames had confined themselves to this central part of the big structure, but it was only a question of time when they would spread out on all sides, licking up the remainder of the pile.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading Previous to the trip certain duties had been assigned to each one, duties which were to be exercised when Tom gave the exhibition of his new aerial fire-fighting apparatus at the set fire before the fire department of Denton.

not invading healthy tissue

From this reading So far the flames had confined themselves to this central part of the big structure, but it was only a question of time when they would spread out on all sides, licking up the remainder of the pile.

disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

seemingly without interruption

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

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

From this reading Previous to the trip certain duties had been assigned to each one, duties which were to be exercised when Tom gave the exhibition of his new aerial fire-fighting apparatus at the set fire before the fire department of Denton.

a specialized division of a large organization

From this reading Previous to the trip certain duties had been assigned to each one, duties which were to be exercised when Tom gave the exhibition of his new aerial fire-fighting apparatus at the set fire before the fire department of Denton.

without deviation

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

the quality of having an inferior or less favorable position

From this reading And, for the most part, the firemen on the ground were at a great disadvantage.

the act of discovering something

From this reading A STRANGE DISCOVERY Once it became evident to the occupants of the airship what Tom Swift's plans were, they all prepared to help him.

plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading Previous to the trip certain duties had been assigned to each one, duties which were to be exercised when Tom gave the exhibition of his new aerial fire-fighting apparatus at the set fire before the fire department of Denton.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Previous to the trip certain duties had been assigned to each one, duties which were to be exercised when Tom gave the exhibition of his new aerial fire-fighting apparatus at the set fire before the fire department of Denton.

lifting device consisting of a platform or cage that is raised and lowered mechanically in a vertical shaft in order to move people from one floor to another in a building

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading A STRANGE DISCOVERY Once it became evident to the occupants of the airship what Tom Swift's plans were, they all prepared to help him.

past form of “exercise” — put to use

From this reading Previous to the trip certain duties had been assigned to each one, duties which were to be exercised when Tom gave the exhibition of his new aerial fire-fighting apparatus at the set fire before the fire department of Denton.

the act of exhibiting

From this reading Previous to the trip certain duties had been assigned to each one, duties which were to be exercised when Tom gave the exhibition of his new aerial fire-fighting apparatus at the set fire before the fire department of Denton.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading So far the flames had confined themselves to this central part of the big structure, but it was only a question of time when they would spread out on all sides, licking up the remainder of the pile.

start firing a weapon

From this reading Previous to the trip certain duties had been assigned to each one, duties which were to be exercised when Tom gave the exhibition of his new aerial fire-fighting apparatus at the set fire before the fire department of Denton.

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

From this reading Previous to the trip certain duties had been assigned to each one, duties which were to be exercised when Tom gave the exhibition of his new aerial fire-fighting apparatus at the set fire before the fire department of Denton.

plural of “fireman” — play in which children pretend to put out a fire

From this reading And, for the most part, the firemen on the ground were at a great disadvantage.

plural of “flame” — the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Previous to the trip certain duties had been assigned to each one, duties which were to be exercised when Tom gave the exhibition of his new aerial fire-fighting apparatus at the set fire before the fire department of Denton.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading And, for the most part, the firemen on the ground were at a great disadvantage.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading And, for the most part, the firemen on the ground were at a great disadvantage.

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

From this reading Previous to the trip certain duties had been assigned to each one, duties which were to be exercised when Tom gave the exhibition of his new aerial fire-fighting apparatus at the set fire before the fire department of Denton.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading A STRANGE DISCOVERY Once it became evident to the occupants of the airship what Tom Swift's plans were, they all prepared to help him.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

advanced in complexity or elaboration

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

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

From this reading A STRANGE DISCOVERY Once it became evident to the occupants of the airship what Tom Swift's plans were, they all prepared to help him.

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

From this reading Previous to the trip certain duties had been assigned to each one, duties which were to be exercised when Tom gave the exhibition of his new aerial fire-fighting apparatus at the set fire before the fire department of Denton.

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

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

someone who is the first to think of or make something

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A STRANGE DISCOVERY Once it became evident to the occupants of the airship what Tom Swift's plans were, they all prepared to help him.

the position of a prominent or well-known object in a particular landscape

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

an unsuccessful ending to a struggle or contest

From this reading So far the flames had confined themselves to this central part of the big structure, but it was only a question of time when they would spread out on all sides, licking up the remainder of the pile.

(Judeo-Christian and Islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of God; tempter of mankind; master of Hell

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

used to form the superlative

From this reading And, for the most part, the firemen on the ground were at a great disadvantage.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading Previous to the trip certain duties had been assigned to each one, duties which were to be exercised when Tom gave the exhibition of his new aerial fire-fighting apparatus at the set fire before the fire department of Denton.

not any; not one

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

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

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

plural of “occupant” — someone who lives at a particular place for a prolonged period or who was born there

From this reading A STRANGE DISCOVERY Once it became evident to the occupants of the airship what Tom Swift's plans were, they all prepared to help him.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A STRANGE DISCOVERY Once it became evident to the occupants of the airship what Tom Swift's plans were, they all prepared to help him.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading So far the flames had confined themselves to this central part of the big structure, but it was only a question of time when they would spread out on all sides, licking up the remainder of the pile.

on one occasion

From this reading A STRANGE DISCOVERY Once it became evident to the occupants of the airship what Tom Swift's plans were, they all prepared to help him.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Previous to the trip certain duties had been assigned to each one, duties which were to be exercised when Tom gave the exhibition of his new aerial fire-fighting apparatus at the set fire before the fire department of Denton.

and nothing more

From this reading So far the flames had confined themselves to this central part of the big structure, but it was only a question of time when they would spread out on all sides, licking up the remainder of the pile.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading So far the flames had confined themselves to this central part of the big structure, but it was only a question of time when they would spread out on all sides, licking up the remainder of the pile.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading So far the flames had confined themselves to this central part of the big structure, but it was only a question of time when they would spread out on all sides, licking up the remainder of the pile.

a collection of objects laid on top of each other

From this reading So far the flames had confined themselves to this central part of the big structure, but it was only a question of time when they would spread out on all sides, licking up the remainder of the pile.

plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished

From this reading A STRANGE DISCOVERY Once it became evident to the occupants of the airship what Tom Swift's plans were, they all prepared to help him.

the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

made ready or fit or suitable beforehand

From this reading A STRANGE DISCOVERY Once it became evident to the occupants of the airship what Tom Swift's plans were, they all prepared to help him.

just preceding something else in time or order

From this reading Previous to the trip certain duties had been assigned to each one, duties which were to be exercised when Tom gave the exhibition of his new aerial fire-fighting apparatus at the set fire before the fire department of Denton.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading So far the flames had confined themselves to this central part of the big structure, but it was only a question of time when they would spread out on all sides, licking up the remainder of the pile.

something left after other parts have been taken away

From this reading So far the flames had confined themselves to this central part of the big structure, but it was only a question of time when they would spread out on all sides, licking up the remainder of the pile.

a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

done under pressure

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Previous to the trip certain duties had been assigned to each one, duties which were to be exercised when Tom gave the exhibition of his new aerial fire-fighting apparatus at the set fire before the fire department of Denton.

plural of “shaft” — a line that forms the length of an arrow pointer

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading So far the flames had confined themselves to this central part of the big structure, but it was only a question of time when they would spread out on all sides, licking up the remainder of the pile.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So far the flames had confined themselves to this central part of the big structure, but it was only a question of time when they would spread out on all sides, licking up the remainder of the pile.

propelled violently in a usually narrow stream

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading So far the flames had confined themselves to this central part of the big structure, but it was only a question of time when they would spread out on all sides, licking up the remainder of the pile.

a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

the post or function properly or customarily occupied or served by another

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

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

From this reading A STRANGE DISCOVERY Once it became evident to the occupants of the airship what Tom Swift's plans were, they all prepared to help him.

a thing constructed; a complex entity constructed of many parts

From this reading So far the flames had confined themselves to this central part of the big structure, but it was only a question of time when they would spread out on all sides, licking up the remainder of the pile.

possessive form of “swift” — United States meat-packer who began the use of refrigerated railroad cars (1839-1903)

From this reading A STRANGE DISCOVERY Once it became evident to the occupants of the airship what Tom Swift's plans were, they all prepared to help him.

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

From this reading A STRANGE DISCOVERY Once it became evident to the occupants of the airship what Tom Swift's plans were, they all prepared to help him.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading So far the flames had confined themselves to this central part of the big structure, but it was only a question of time when they would spread out on all sides, licking up the remainder of the pile.

in or at that place or location

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

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

From this reading A STRANGE DISCOVERY Once it became evident to the occupants of the airship what Tom Swift's plans were, they all prepared to help him.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading So far the flames had confined themselves to this central part of the big structure, but it was only a question of time when they would spread out on all sides, licking up the remainder of the pile.

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

From this reading A STRANGE DISCOVERY Once it became evident to the occupants of the airship what Tom Swift's plans were, they all prepared to help him.

male cat

From this reading A STRANGE DISCOVERY Once it became evident to the occupants of the airship what Tom Swift's plans were, they all prepared to help him.

in the direction of

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

a journey for some purpose (usually including the return)

From this reading Previous to the trip certain duties had been assigned to each one, duties which were to be exercised when Tom gave the exhibition of his new aerial fire-fighting apparatus at the set fire before the fire department of Denton.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading So far the flames had confined themselves to this central part of the big structure, but it was only a question of time when they would spread out on all sides, licking up the remainder of the pile.

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

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading A STRANGE DISCOVERY Once it became evident to the occupants of the airship what Tom Swift's plans were, they all prepared to help him.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading A STRANGE DISCOVERY Once it became evident to the occupants of the airship what Tom Swift's plans were, they all prepared to help him.

at the time that

From this reading Previous to the trip certain duties had been assigned to each one, duties which were to be exercised when Tom gave the exhibition of his new aerial fire-fighting apparatus at the set fire before the fire department of Denton.

in or at the place that

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

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

From this reading Previous to the trip certain duties had been assigned to each one, duties which were to be exercised when Tom gave the exhibition of his new aerial fire-fighting apparatus at the set fire before the fire department of Denton.

having wings or as if having wings of a specified kind

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.

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

From this reading So far the flames had confined themselves to this central part of the big structure, but it was only a question of time when they would spread out on all sides, licking up the remainder of the pile.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading This preparation now stood the young inventor in good stead, for there was no confusion aboard the Lucifer when she winged her way toward the burning Landmark Building, where the flames were continually spouting higher and higher as they rushed through the roof, directly above the stairway well and elevator shafts.