used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading It was just in time, for the front wheels were almost against a big rotten tree that the gale had blown down across the highway leading toward Dismal Mountain.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading "Close call, that!" commented Tom, as he leaned back after pulling hard on the emergency brake.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading It was just in time, for the front wheels were almost against a big rotten tree that the gale had blown down across the highway leading toward Dismal Mountain.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
alertadjectiveUS /əˈlɜːrt/
engaged in or accustomed to close observation
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading It was just in time, for the front wheels were almost against a big rotten tree that the gale had blown down across the highway leading toward Dismal Mountain.
ampleadjectiveUS /ˈæmpəl/
more than enough in size or scope or capacity
From this reading But Ned's quick eyes had sensed the danger and had given ample warning.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading But Ned's quick eyes had sensed the danger and had given ample warning.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
apparatusesnounUS /ˌæpərˈætəsəz/
plural of “apparatus” — equipment designed to serve a specific function
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading Tom's attention had been taken momentarily by some of his dashboard gages, so he had not seen the sway of the tree before it fell.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading "Close call, that!" commented Tom, as he leaned back after pulling hard on the emergency brake.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Tom's attention had been taken momentarily by some of his dashboard gages, so he had not seen the sway of the tree before it fell.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Tom's attention had been taken momentarily by some of his dashboard gages, so he had not seen the sway of the tree before it fell.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It was just in time, for the front wheels were almost against a big rotten tree that the gale had blown down across the highway leading toward Dismal Mountain.
blownadjectiveUS /bloʊn/
being moved or acted upon by moving air or vapor
From this reading It was just in time, for the front wheels were almost against a big rotten tree that the gale had blown down across the highway leading toward Dismal Mountain.
brakenounUS /breɪk/
a restraint used to slow or stop a vehicle
From this reading "Close call, that!" commented Tom, as he leaned back after pulling hard on the emergency brake.
the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Tom's attention had been taken momentarily by some of his dashboard gages, so he had not seen the sway of the tree before it fell.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading "Close call, that!" commented Tom, as he leaned back after pulling hard on the emergency brake.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading "Close call, that!" commented Tom, as he leaned back after pulling hard on the emergency brake.
commentedverbUS /ˈkɑːmentəd/
past form of “comment” — make or write a comment on
From this reading "Close call, that!" commented Tom, as he leaned back after pulling hard on the emergency brake.
complicatedadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmpləkeɪtəd/
difficult to analyze or understand
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading But Ned's quick eyes had sensed the danger and had given ample warning.
dashboardnounUS /ˈdæʃbɔːrd/
protective covering consisting of a panel to protect people from the splashing water or mud etc.
From this reading Tom's attention had been taken momentarily by some of his dashboard gages, so he had not seen the sway of the tree before it fell.
forsaken by owner or inhabitants
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
DismaladjectiveUS /ˈdɪzməl/
causing dejection
From this reading It was just in time, for the front wheels were almost against a big rotten tree that the gale had blown down across the highway leading toward Dismal Mountain.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading It was just in time, for the front wheels were almost against a big rotten tree that the gale had blown down across the highway leading toward Dismal Mountain.
having the power of driving or impelling
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
emergencynounUS /ɪˈmɜːrdʒənsi/
a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action
From this reading "Close call, that!" commented Tom, as he leaned back after pulling hard on the emergency brake.
at any time
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
exclamationnounUS /ˌekskləˈmeɪʃən/
an abrupt excited utterance
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
opinion or judgment
From this reading But Ned's quick eyes had sensed the danger and had given ample warning.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading Tom's attention had been taken momentarily by some of his dashboard gages, so he had not seen the sway of the tree before it fell.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was just in time, for the front wheels were almost against a big rotten tree that the gale had blown down across the highway leading toward Dismal Mountain.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading It was just in time, for the front wheels were almost against a big rotten tree that the gale had blown down across the highway leading toward Dismal Mountain.
gages
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tom's attention had been taken momentarily by some of his dashboard gages, so he had not seen the sway of the tree before it fell.
galenounUS /ɡeɪl/
a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale
From this reading It was just in time, for the front wheels were almost against a big rotten tree that the gale had blown down across the highway leading toward Dismal Mountain.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading But Ned's quick eyes had sensed the danger and had given ample warning.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was just in time, for the front wheels were almost against a big rotten tree that the gale had blown down across the highway leading toward Dismal Mountain.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading "Close call, that!" commented Tom, as he leaned back after pulling hard on the emergency brake.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Tom's attention had been taken momentarily by some of his dashboard gages, so he had not seen the sway of the tree before it fell.
highwaynounUS /ˈhaɪweɪ/
a major road for any form of motor transport
From this reading It was just in time, for the front wheels were almost against a big rotten tree that the gale had blown down across the highway leading toward Dismal Mountain.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
low or inferior in station or quality
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was just in time, for the front wheels were almost against a big rotten tree that the gale had blown down across the highway leading toward Dismal Mountain.
and nothing more
From this reading It was just in time, for the front wheels were almost against a big rotten tree that the gale had blown down across the highway leading toward Dismal Mountain.
indicating the most important performer or role
From this reading It was just in time, for the front wheels were almost against a big rotten tree that the gale had blown down across the highway leading toward Dismal Mountain.
past form of “lean” — to incline or bend from a vertical position
From this reading "Close call, that!" commented Tom, as he leaned back after pulling hard on the emergency brake.
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
machinesnounUS /məˈʃiːnz/
plural of “machine” — any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
momentarilyadverbUS /ˌmoʊmənˈterəli/
for an instant or moment
From this reading Tom's attention had been taken momentarily by some of his dashboard gages, so he had not seen the sway of the tree before it fell.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
motorcyclenounUS /ˈmoʊtərsaɪkəl/
a motor vehicle with two wheels and a strong frame
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading It was just in time, for the front wheels were almost against a big rotten tree that the gale had blown down across the highway leading toward Dismal Mountain.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
Ned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
Ned's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But Ned's quick eyes had sensed the danger and had given ample warning.
NewtonnounUS /ˈnuːtən/
English mathematician and physicist; remembered for developing the calculus and for his law of gravitation and his three laws of motion (1642-1727)
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Tom's attention had been taken momentarily by some of his dashboard gages, so he had not seen the sway of the tree before it fell.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
the act of pulling; applying force to move something toward or with you
From this reading "Close call, that!" commented Tom, as he leaned back after pulling hard on the emergency brake.
accomplished rapidly and without delay
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
rottenadjectiveUS /ˈrɑːtən/
very bad
From this reading It was just in time, for the front wheels were almost against a big rotten tree that the gale had blown down across the highway leading toward Dismal Mountain.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Tom's attention had been taken momentarily by some of his dashboard gages, so he had not seen the sway of the tree before it fell.
sensedadjectiveUS /senst/
detected by instinct or inference rather than by recognized perceptual cues
From this reading But Ned's quick eyes had sensed the danger and had given ample warning.
skillfuladjectiveUS /ˈskɪlfəl/
having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Tom's attention had been taken momentarily by some of his dashboard gages, so he had not seen the sway of the tree before it fell.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Tom's attention had been taken momentarily by some of his dashboard gages, so he had not seen the sway of the tree before it fell.
come to a halt, stop moving
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
swayverbUS /sweɪ/
move back and forth or sideways
From this reading Tom's attention had been taken momentarily by some of his dashboard gages, so he had not seen the sway of the tree before it fell.
moving very fast
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading Tom's attention had been taken momentarily by some of his dashboard gages, so he had not seen the sway of the tree before it fell.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was just in time, for the front wheels were almost against a big rotten tree that the gale had blown down across the highway leading toward Dismal Mountain.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading It was just in time, for the front wheels were almost against a big rotten tree that the gale had blown down across the highway leading toward Dismal Mountain.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
male cat
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
Tom'snounUS /tɑːmz/
possessive form of “tom” — male cat
From this reading Tom's attention had been taken momentarily by some of his dashboard gages, so he had not seen the sway of the tree before it fell.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading It was just in time, for the front wheels were almost against a big rotten tree that the gale had blown down across the highway leading toward Dismal Mountain.
a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading It was just in time, for the front wheels were almost against a big rotten tree that the gale had blown down across the highway leading toward Dismal Mountain.
underseaadjectiveUS /ˌʌndərˈsiː/
beneath the surface of the sea
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
communicated in words
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
a message informing of danger
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was just in time, for the front wheels were almost against a big rotten tree that the gale had blown down across the highway leading toward Dismal Mountain.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was just in time, for the front wheels were almost against a big rotten tree that the gale had blown down across the highway leading toward Dismal Mountain.
WheelsnounUS /wiːlz/
plural of “wheel” — a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
at the time that
From this reading THE DESERTED HOUSE Tom Swift, ever on the alert when driving any of his machines, from the humble motorcycle to the more complicated apparatuses of the air or undersea, lived up to his name in bringing the House on Wheels to a quick but skillful stop as Ned Newton uttered the exclamation of warning.
