Chapter XV

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

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading But as they lighted their way by means of their pocket flashlights and reached the spot, near two large, distinctive trees where they had halted the big auto, there was no question about it.

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

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

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

From this reading But as they lighted their way by means of their pocket flashlights and reached the spot, near two large, distinctive trees where they had halted the big auto, there was no question about it.

a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

From this reading For a moment they hoped that perhaps the lighting system had failed and that they could not see the big auto because it was shrouded in darkness.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Their car had been taken away!

for the reason that

From this reading For a moment they hoped that perhaps the lighting system had failed and that they could not see the big auto because it was shrouded in darkness.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Their car had been taken away!

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

From this reading For a moment they hoped that perhaps the lighting system had failed and that they could not see the big auto because it was shrouded in darkness.

a braking device consisting of a combination of interacting parts that work to slow a motor vehicle

From this reading It could not have rolled downhill, for it had been stopped on a level spot, and Tom had taken pains to set the brakes.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But as they lighted their way by means of their pocket flashlights and reached the spot, near two large, distinctive trees where they had halted the big auto, there was no question about it.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading But as they lighted their way by means of their pocket flashlights and reached the spot, near two large, distinctive trees where they had halted the big auto, there was no question about it.

a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

From this reading Their car had been taken away!

a tract of land with few or no trees in the middle of a wooded area

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

enjoying or affording comforting warmth and shelter especially in a small space

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading For a moment they hoped that perhaps the lighting system had failed and that they could not see the big auto because it was shrouded in darkness.

of a feature that helps to distinguish a person or thing

From this reading But as they lighted their way by means of their pocket flashlights and reached the spot, near two large, distinctive trees where they had halted the big auto, there was no question about it.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

sloping down rather steeply

From this reading It could not have rolled downhill, for it had been stopped on a level spot, and Tom had taken pains to set the brakes.

past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone

From this reading For a moment they hoped that perhaps the lighting system had failed and that they could not see the big auto because it was shrouded in darkness.

come to understand

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

plural of “flashlight” — a small portable battery-powered electric lamp

From this reading But as they lighted their way by means of their pocket flashlights and reached the spot, near two large, distinctive trees where they had halted the big auto, there was no question about it.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For a moment they hoped that perhaps the lighting system had failed and that they could not see the big auto because it was shrouded in darkness.

a feeling of evil to come

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

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

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

past form of “halt” — cause to stop

From this reading But as they lighted their way by means of their pocket flashlights and reached the spot, near two large, distinctive trees where they had halted the big auto, there was no question about it.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading It could not have rolled downhill, for it had been stopped on a level spot, and Tom had taken pains to set the brakes.

a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

past form of “hope” — expect and wish

From this reading For a moment they hoped that perhaps the lighting system had failed and that they could not see the big auto because it was shrouded in darkness.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

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

From this reading For a moment they hoped that perhaps the lighting system had failed and that they could not see the big auto because it was shrouded in darkness.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading For a moment they hoped that perhaps the lighting system had failed and that they could not see the big auto because it was shrouded in darkness.

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

From this reading But as they lighted their way by means of their pocket flashlights and reached the spot, near two large, distinctive trees where they had halted the big auto, there was no question about it.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading It could not have rolled downhill, for it had been stopped on a level spot, and Tom had taken pains to set the brakes.

set afire or burning

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

having abundant light or illumination

From this reading For a moment they hoped that perhaps the lighting system had failed and that they could not see the big auto because it was shrouded in darkness.

(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading But as they lighted their way by means of their pocket flashlights and reached the spot, near two large, distinctive trees where they had halted the big auto, there was no question about it.

a particular point in time

From this reading For a moment they hoped that perhaps the lighting system had failed and that they could not see the big auto because it was shrouded in darkness.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading But as they lighted their way by means of their pocket flashlights and reached the spot, near two large, distinctive trees where they had halted the big auto, there was no question about it.

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

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

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 ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

not any; not one

From this reading But as they lighted their way by means of their pocket flashlights and reached the spot, near two large, distinctive trees where they had halted the big auto, there was no question about it.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

burdened psychologically or mentally

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

an effortful attempt to attain a goal

From this reading It could not have rolled downhill, for it had been stopped on a level spot, and Tom had taken pains to set the brakes.

by chance

From this reading For a moment they hoped that perhaps the lighting system had failed and that they could not see the big auto because it was shrouded in darkness.

a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles

From this reading But as they lighted their way by means of their pocket flashlights and reached the spot, near two large, distinctive trees where they had halted the big auto, there was no question about it.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading But as they lighted their way by means of their pocket flashlights and reached the spot, near two large, distinctive trees where they had halted the big auto, there was no question about it.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading But as they lighted their way by means of their pocket flashlights and reached the spot, near two large, distinctive trees where they had halted the big auto, there was no question about it.

especially of petals or leaves in bud; having margins rolled inward

From this reading It could not have rolled downhill, for it had been stopped on a level spot, and Tom had taken pains to set the brakes.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading For a moment they hoped that perhaps the lighting system had failed and that they could not see the big auto because it was shrouded in darkness.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading It could not have rolled downhill, for it had been stopped on a level spot, and Tom had taken pains to set the brakes.

past form of “shroud” — cover as if with a shroud

From this reading For a moment they hoped that perhaps the lighting system had failed and that they could not see the big auto because it was shrouded in darkness.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading But as they lighted their way by means of their pocket flashlights and reached the spot, near two large, distinctive trees where they had halted the big auto, there was no question about it.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

(of a nose) blocked

From this reading It could not have rolled downhill, for it had been stopped on a level spot, and Tom had taken pains to set the brakes.

moving very fast

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity

From this reading For a moment they hoped that perhaps the lighting system had failed and that they could not see the big auto because it was shrouded in darkness.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading Their car had been taken away!

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading For a moment they hoped that perhaps the lighting system had failed and that they could not see the big auto because it was shrouded in darkness.

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

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

in or at that place or location

From this reading But as they lighted their way by means of their pocket flashlights and reached the spot, near two large, distinctive trees where they had halted the big auto, there was no question about it.

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

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

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

From this reading It could not have rolled downhill, for it had been stopped on a level spot, and Tom had taken pains to set the brakes.

male cat

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

in the direction of

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

a track or mark left by something that has passed

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading But as they lighted their way by means of their pocket flashlights and reached the spot, near two large, distinctive trees where they had halted the big auto, there was no question about it.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading But as they lighted their way by means of their pocket flashlights and reached the spot, near two large, distinctive trees where they had halted the big auto, there was no question about it.

having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

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

From this reading For a moment they hoped that perhaps the lighting system had failed and that they could not see the big auto because it was shrouded in darkness.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading But as they lighted their way by means of their pocket flashlights and reached the spot, near two large, distinctive trees where they had halted the big auto, there was no question about it.

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 ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

in or at the place that

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

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

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.

in the company of; together with

From this reading ON THE TRAIL Their hearts oppressed with a sense of foreboding which they could not fathom, Tom Swift and Ned Newton hurried down the broad front steps of the old mansion, out into the wind and rain, and hurried toward the clearing where they had left the warm, lighted, and cozy House on Wheels.