used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading “What’s that you say?” he asked, nerving himself to carry on an ordinary conversation about a most extraordinary topic.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading After the first shock of hearing so unexpectedly about the stolen chest of secrets, Mr. Swift was ready to take active measures to trace the voice coming out of the machine.
something done (usually as opposed to something said)
From this reading Though age and illness had to some extent dimmed and enfeebled the powers of the man, still it needed but this spark—that strange telephone message—to galvanize him into action.
tending to become more severe or wider in scope
From this reading Which is to say that in his youth Barton Swift had been fully as active and quick as was now the young inventor.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After the first shock of hearing so unexpectedly about the stolen chest of secrets, Mr. Swift was ready to take active measures to trace the voice coming out of the machine.
how long something has existed
From this reading Though age and illness had to some extent dimmed and enfeebled the powers of the man, still it needed but this spark—that strange telephone message—to galvanize him into action.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading “What’s that you say?” he asked, nerving himself to carry on an ordinary conversation about a most extraordinary topic.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading BARTON SWIFT was the true father of his energetic son, and Tom inherited his qualities from his father.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Which is to say that in his youth Barton Swift had been fully as active and quick as was now the young inventor.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading “What’s that you say?” he asked, nerving himself to carry on an ordinary conversation about a most extraordinary topic.
BARTON
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BARTON SWIFT was the true father of his energetic son, and Tom inherited his qualities from his father.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Which is to say that in his youth Barton Swift had been fully as active and quick as was now the young inventor.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Though age and illness had to some extent dimmed and enfeebled the powers of the man, still it needed but this spark—that strange telephone message—to galvanize him into action.
move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading “What’s that you say?” he asked, nerving himself to carry on an ordinary conversation about a most extraordinary topic.
the part of the human torso between the neck and the diaphragm or the corresponding part in other vertebrates
From this reading After the first shock of hearing so unexpectedly about the stolen chest of secrets, Mr. Swift was ready to take active measures to trace the voice coming out of the machine.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading After the first shock of hearing so unexpectedly about the stolen chest of secrets, Mr. Swift was ready to take active measures to trace the voice coming out of the machine.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading “What’s that you say?” he asked, nerving himself to carry on an ordinary conversation about a most extraordinary topic.
dimmedadjectiveUS /dɪmd/
made dim or less bright
From this reading Though age and illness had to some extent dimmed and enfeebled the powers of the man, still it needed but this spark—that strange telephone message—to galvanize him into action.
energeticadjectiveUS /ˌenərˈdʒetɪk/
possessing or exerting or displaying energy
From this reading BARTON SWIFT was the true father of his energetic son, and Tom inherited his qualities from his father.
enfeebledverbUS /enˈfiːbəld/
past form of “enfeeble” — make weak
From this reading Though age and illness had to some extent dimmed and enfeebled the powers of the man, still it needed but this spark—that strange telephone message—to galvanize him into action.
the point or degree to which something extends
From this reading Though age and illness had to some extent dimmed and enfeebled the powers of the man, still it needed but this spark—that strange telephone message—to galvanize him into action.
beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable
From this reading “What’s that you say?” he asked, nerving himself to carry on an ordinary conversation about a most extraordinary topic.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading BARTON SWIFT was the true father of his energetic son, and Tom inherited his qualities from his father.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading After the first shock of hearing so unexpectedly about the stolen chest of secrets, Mr. Swift was ready to take active measures to trace the voice coming out of the machine.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading BARTON SWIFT was the true father of his energetic son, and Tom inherited his qualities from his father.
to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)
From this reading Which is to say that in his youth Barton Swift had been fully as active and quick as was now the young inventor.
galvanizeverbUS /ˈɡælvənaɪz/
to stimulate to action
From this reading Though age and illness had to some extent dimmed and enfeebled the powers of the man, still it needed but this spark—that strange telephone message—to galvanize him into action.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Which is to say that in his youth Barton Swift had been fully as active and quick as was now the young inventor.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “What’s that you say?” he asked, nerving himself to carry on an ordinary conversation about a most extraordinary topic.
(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence
From this reading After the first shock of hearing so unexpectedly about the stolen chest of secrets, Mr. Swift was ready to take active measures to trace the voice coming out of the machine.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Though age and illness had to some extent dimmed and enfeebled the powers of the man, still it needed but this spark—that strange telephone message—to galvanize him into action.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading “What’s that you say?” he asked, nerving himself to carry on an ordinary conversation about a most extraordinary topic.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading BARTON SWIFT was the true father of his energetic son, and Tom inherited his qualities from his father.
illnessnounUS /ˈɪlnəs/
impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism
From this reading Though age and illness had to some extent dimmed and enfeebled the powers of the man, still it needed but this spark—that strange telephone message—to galvanize him into action.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Which is to say that in his youth Barton Swift had been fully as active and quick as was now the young inventor.
inheritedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈherətɪd/
occurring among members of a family usually by heredity
From this reading BARTON SWIFT was the true father of his energetic son, and Tom inherited his qualities from his father.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Though age and illness had to some extent dimmed and enfeebled the powers of the man, still it needed but this spark—that strange telephone message—to galvanize him into action.
inventornounUS /ˌɪnˈventər/
someone who is the first to think of or make something
From this reading Which is to say that in his youth Barton Swift had been fully as active and quick as was now the young inventor.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Which is to say that in his youth Barton Swift had been fully as active and quick as was now the young inventor.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Though age and illness had to some extent dimmed and enfeebled the powers of the man, still it needed but this spark—that strange telephone message—to galvanize him into action.
any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks
From this reading After the first shock of hearing so unexpectedly about the stolen chest of secrets, Mr. Swift was ready to take active measures to trace the voice coming out of the machine.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Though age and illness had to some extent dimmed and enfeebled the powers of the man, still it needed but this spark—that strange telephone message—to galvanize him into action.
measuresnounUS /ˈmeʒərz/
plural of “measure” — any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading After the first shock of hearing so unexpectedly about the stolen chest of secrets, Mr. Swift was ready to take active measures to trace the voice coming out of the machine.
a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled
From this reading Though age and illness had to some extent dimmed and enfeebled the powers of the man, still it needed but this spark—that strange telephone message—to galvanize him into action.
used to form the superlative
From this reading “What’s that you say?” he asked, nerving himself to carry on an ordinary conversation about a most extraordinary topic.
a form of address for a man
From this reading After the first shock of hearing so unexpectedly about the stolen chest of secrets, Mr. Swift was ready to take active measures to trace the voice coming out of the machine.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading Though age and illness had to some extent dimmed and enfeebled the powers of the man, still it needed but this spark—that strange telephone message—to galvanize him into action.
nerving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “What’s that you say?” he asked, nerving himself to carry on an ordinary conversation about a most extraordinary topic.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Which is to say that in his youth Barton Swift had been fully as active and quick as was now the young inventor.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading BARTON SWIFT was the true father of his energetic son, and Tom inherited his qualities from his father.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading “What’s that you say?” he asked, nerving himself to carry on an ordinary conversation about a most extraordinary topic.
a judge of a probate court
From this reading “What’s that you say?” he asked, nerving himself to carry on an ordinary conversation about a most extraordinary topic.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading After the first shock of hearing so unexpectedly about the stolen chest of secrets, Mr. Swift was ready to take active measures to trace the voice coming out of the machine.
plural of “power” — possession of controlling influence
From this reading Though age and illness had to some extent dimmed and enfeebled the powers of the man, still it needed but this spark—that strange telephone message—to galvanize him into action.
plural of “quality” — an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone
From this reading BARTON SWIFT was the true father of his energetic son, and Tom inherited his qualities from his father.
accomplished rapidly and without delay
From this reading Which is to say that in his youth Barton Swift had been fully as active and quick as was now the young inventor.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading After the first shock of hearing so unexpectedly about the stolen chest of secrets, Mr. Swift was ready to take active measures to trace the voice coming out of the machine.
express in words
From this reading Which is to say that in his youth Barton Swift had been fully as active and quick as was now the young inventor.
secretsnounUS /ˈsiːkrəts/
plural of “secret” — something that should remain hidden from others (especially information that is not to be passed on)
From this reading After the first shock of hearing so unexpectedly about the stolen chest of secrets, Mr. Swift was ready to take active measures to trace the voice coming out of the machine.
the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally
From this reading After the first shock of hearing so unexpectedly about the stolen chest of secrets, Mr. Swift was ready to take active measures to trace the voice coming out of the machine.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading After the first shock of hearing so unexpectedly about the stolen chest of secrets, Mr. Swift was ready to take active measures to trace the voice coming out of the machine.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Though age and illness had to some extent dimmed and enfeebled the powers of the man, still it needed but this spark—that strange telephone message—to galvanize him into action.
a male human offspring
From this reading BARTON SWIFT was the true father of his energetic son, and Tom inherited his qualities from his father.
sparknounUS /spɑːrk/
a momentary flash of light
From this reading Though age and illness had to some extent dimmed and enfeebled the powers of the man, still it needed but this spark—that strange telephone message—to galvanize him into action.
not in physical motion
From this reading Though age and illness had to some extent dimmed and enfeebled the powers of the man, still it needed but this spark—that strange telephone message—to galvanize him into action.
inflected form of “steal” — take without the owner's consent
From this reading After the first shock of hearing so unexpectedly about the stolen chest of secrets, Mr. Swift was ready to take active measures to trace the voice coming out of the machine.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading Though age and illness had to some extent dimmed and enfeebled the powers of the man, still it needed but this spark—that strange telephone message—to galvanize him into action.
moving very fast
From this reading BARTON SWIFT was the true father of his energetic son, and Tom inherited his qualities from his father.
carry out
From this reading After the first shock of hearing so unexpectedly about the stolen chest of secrets, Mr. Swift was ready to take active measures to trace the voice coming out of the machine.
telephonenounUS /ˈteləfoʊn/
electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds
From this reading Though age and illness had to some extent dimmed and enfeebled the powers of the man, still it needed but this spark—that strange telephone message—to galvanize him into action.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Which is to say that in his youth Barton Swift had been fully as active and quick as was now the young inventor.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading BARTON SWIFT was the true father of his energetic son, and Tom inherited his qualities from his father.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Though age and illness had to some extent dimmed and enfeebled the powers of the man, still it needed but this spark—that strange telephone message—to galvanize him into action.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Though age and illness had to some extent dimmed and enfeebled the powers of the man, still it needed but this spark—that strange telephone message—to galvanize him into action.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Which is to say that in his youth Barton Swift had been fully as active and quick as was now the young inventor.
male cat
From this reading BARTON SWIFT was the true father of his energetic son, and Tom inherited his qualities from his father.
topicnounUS /ˈtɑːpɪk/
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading “What’s that you say?” he asked, nerving himself to carry on an ordinary conversation about a most extraordinary topic.
a just detectable amount
From this reading After the first shock of hearing so unexpectedly about the stolen chest of secrets, Mr. Swift was ready to take active measures to trace the voice coming out of the machine.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading BARTON SWIFT was the true father of his energetic son, and Tom inherited his qualities from his father.
unexpectedlyadverbUS /ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪdli/
in a way that was not expected
From this reading After the first shock of hearing so unexpectedly about the stolen chest of secrets, Mr. Swift was ready to take active measures to trace the voice coming out of the machine.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading After the first shock of hearing so unexpectedly about the stolen chest of secrets, Mr. Swift was ready to take active measures to trace the voice coming out of the machine.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading BARTON SWIFT was the true father of his energetic son, and Tom inherited his qualities from his father.
What's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “What’s that you say?” he asked, nerving himself to carry on an ordinary conversation about a most extraordinary topic.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Which is to say that in his youth Barton Swift had been fully as active and quick as was now the young inventor.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “What’s that you say?” he asked, nerving himself to carry on an ordinary conversation about a most extraordinary topic.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Which is to say that in his youth Barton Swift had been fully as active and quick as was now the young inventor.
a young person (especially a young man or boy)
From this reading Which is to say that in his youth Barton Swift had been fully as active and quick as was now the young inventor.
