abandonedadjectiveUS /əˈbændənd/
forsaken by owner or inhabitants
From this reading Seeing no one in the big auto, but observing that the lights were on, the authorities might have concluded that there had been an accident or that the car was abandoned and so had decided to drive it some place where it could be held pending an investigation.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury
From this reading Seeing no one in the big auto, but observing that the lights were on, the authorities might have concluded that there had been an accident or that the car was abandoned and so had decided to drive it some place where it could be held pending an investigation.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading TWO STRANGE MEN There were two theories to account for the taking away of the House on Wheels.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading Another and more plausible theory, was that ordinary thieves, happening upon the car, had decided to appropriate it for themselves.
appropriateverbUS /əˈproʊpriət/
give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause
From this reading Another and more plausible theory, was that ordinary thieves, happening upon the car, had decided to appropriate it for themselves.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
authoritiesnounUS /əˈθɔːrətiz/
the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit
From this reading One explanation was that the legal authorities of the place--state police or local traffic officers--had come upon the parked House while Tom and Ned were in the deserted mansion.
autonounUS /ˈɔːtoʊ/
a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading TWO STRANGE MEN There were two theories to account for the taking away of the House on Wheels.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Seeing no one in the big auto, but observing that the lights were on, the authorities might have concluded that there had been an accident or that the car was abandoned and so had decided to drive it some place where it could be held pending an investigation.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Seeing no one in the big auto, but observing that the lights were on, the authorities might have concluded that there had been an accident or that the car was abandoned and so had decided to drive it some place where it could be held pending an investigation.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Seeing no one in the big auto, but observing that the lights were on, the authorities might have concluded that there had been an accident or that the car was abandoned and so had decided to drive it some place where it could be held pending an investigation.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Seeing no one in the big auto, but observing that the lights were on, the authorities might have concluded that there had been an accident or that the car was abandoned and so had decided to drive it some place where it could be held pending an investigation.
a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
From this reading Seeing no one in the big auto, but observing that the lights were on, the authorities might have concluded that there had been an accident or that the car was abandoned and so had decided to drive it some place where it could be held pending an investigation.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading One explanation was that the legal authorities of the place--state police or local traffic officers--had come upon the parked House while Tom and Ned were in the deserted mansion.
having come or been brought to a conclusion
From this reading Seeing no one in the big auto, but observing that the lights were on, the authorities might have concluded that there had been an accident or that the car was abandoned and so had decided to drive it some place where it could be held pending an investigation.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Seeing no one in the big auto, but observing that the lights were on, the authorities might have concluded that there had been an accident or that the car was abandoned and so had decided to drive it some place where it could be held pending an investigation.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
recognizable; marked
From this reading Seeing no one in the big auto, but observing that the lights were on, the authorities might have concluded that there had been an accident or that the car was abandoned and so had decided to drive it some place where it could be held pending an investigation.
forsaken by owner or inhabitants
From this reading One explanation was that the legal authorities of the place--state police or local traffic officers--had come upon the parked House while Tom and Ned were in the deserted mansion.
operate or control a vehicle
From this reading Seeing no one in the big auto, but observing that the lights were on, the authorities might have concluded that there had been an accident or that the car was abandoned and so had decided to drive it some place where it could be held pending an investigation.
a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading One explanation was that the legal authorities of the place--state police or local traffic officers--had come upon the parked House while Tom and Ned were in the deserted mansion.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading TWO STRANGE MEN There were two theories to account for the taking away of the House on Wheels.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
happeningnounUS /ˈhæpənɪŋ/
an event that happens
From this reading Another and more plausible theory, was that ordinary thieves, happening upon the car, had decided to appropriate it for themselves.
only a very short time before
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Seeing no one in the big auto, but observing that the lights were on, the authorities might have concluded that there had been an accident or that the car was abandoned and so had decided to drive it some place where it could be held pending an investigation.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading Seeing no one in the big auto, but observing that the lights were on, the authorities might have concluded that there had been an accident or that the car was abandoned and so had decided to drive it some place where it could be held pending an investigation.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading TWO STRANGE MEN There were two theories to account for the taking away of the House on Wheels.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
investigationnounUS /ˌɪnvestəˈɡeɪʃən/
an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities
From this reading Seeing no one in the big auto, but observing that the lights were on, the authorities might have concluded that there had been an accident or that the car was abandoned and so had decided to drive it some place where it could be held pending an investigation.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Seeing no one in the big auto, but observing that the lights were on, the authorities might have concluded that there had been an accident or that the car was abandoned and so had decided to drive it some place where it could be held pending an investigation.
legaladjectiveUS /ˈliːɡəl/
established by or founded upon law or official or accepted rules
From this reading One explanation was that the legal authorities of the place--state police or local traffic officers--had come upon the parked House while Tom and Ned were in the deserted mansion.
plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation
From this reading Seeing no one in the big auto, but observing that the lights were on, the authorities might have concluded that there had been an accident or that the car was abandoned and so had decided to drive it some place where it could be held pending an investigation.
localadjectiveUS /ˈloʊkəl/
relating to or applicable to or concerned with the administration of a city or town or district rather than a larger area
From this reading One explanation was that the legal authorities of the place--state police or local traffic officers--had come upon the parked House while Tom and Ned were in the deserted mansion.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
mansionnounUS /ˈmænʃən/
(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided
From this reading One explanation was that the legal authorities of the place--state police or local traffic officers--had come upon the parked House while Tom and Ned were in the deserted mansion.
the force of workers available
From this reading TWO STRANGE MEN There were two theories to account for the taking away of the House on Wheels.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Seeing no one in the big auto, but observing that the lights were on, the authorities might have concluded that there had been an accident or that the car was abandoned and so had decided to drive it some place where it could be held pending an investigation.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Another and more plausible theory, was that ordinary thieves, happening upon the car, had decided to appropriate it for themselves.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
Ned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
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 These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
not any; not one
From this reading Seeing no one in the big auto, but observing that the lights were on, the authorities might have concluded that there had been an accident or that the car was abandoned and so had decided to drive it some place where it could be held pending an investigation.
observingadjectiveUS /əbˈzɜːrvɪŋ/
quick to notice; showing quick and keen perception
From this reading Seeing no one in the big auto, but observing that the lights were on, the authorities might have concluded that there had been an accident or that the car was abandoned and so had decided to drive it some place where it could be held pending an investigation.
inflected form of “occur” — come to pass
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading TWO STRANGE MEN There were two theories to account for the taking away of the House on Wheels.
plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading One explanation was that the legal authorities of the place--state police or local traffic officers--had come upon the parked House while Tom and Ned were in the deserted mansion.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading TWO STRANGE MEN There were two theories to account for the taking away of the House on Wheels.
on one occasion
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One explanation was that the legal authorities of the place--state police or local traffic officers--had come upon the parked House while Tom and Ned were in the deserted mansion.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading One explanation was that the legal authorities of the place--state police or local traffic officers--had come upon the parked House while Tom and Ned were in the deserted mansion.
a judge of a probate court
From this reading Another and more plausible theory, was that ordinary thieves, happening upon the car, had decided to appropriate it for themselves.
parkedadjectiveUS /pɑːrkt/
that have been left
From this reading One explanation was that the legal authorities of the place--state police or local traffic officers--had come upon the parked House while Tom and Ned were in the deserted mansion.
pendingadjectiveUS /ˈpendɪŋ/
awaiting conclusion or confirmation
From this reading Seeing no one in the big auto, but observing that the lights were on, the authorities might have concluded that there had been an accident or that the car was abandoned and so had decided to drive it some place where it could be held pending an investigation.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading One explanation was that the legal authorities of the place--state police or local traffic officers--had come upon the parked House while Tom and Ned were in the deserted mansion.
plausibleadjectiveUS /ˈplɔːzəbəl/
apparently reasonable and credible, and therefore convincing
From this reading Another and more plausible theory, was that ordinary thieves, happening upon the car, had decided to appropriate it for themselves.
the force of policemen and officers
From this reading One explanation was that the legal authorities of the place--state police or local traffic officers--had come upon the parked House while Tom and Ned were in the deserted mansion.
water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading Seeing no one in the big auto, but observing that the lights were on, the authorities might have concluded that there had been an accident or that the car was abandoned and so had decided to drive it some place where it could be held pending an investigation.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Seeing no one in the big auto, but observing that the lights were on, the authorities might have concluded that there had been an accident or that the car was abandoned and so had decided to drive it some place where it could be held pending an investigation.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Seeing no one in the big auto, but observing that the lights were on, the authorities might have concluded that there had been an accident or that the car was abandoned and so had decided to drive it some place where it could be held pending an investigation.
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading One explanation was that the legal authorities of the place--state police or local traffic officers--had come upon the parked House while Tom and Ned were in the deserted mansion.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading TWO STRANGE MEN There were two theories to account for the taking away of the House on Wheels.
moving very fast
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading TWO STRANGE MEN There were two theories to account for the taking away of the House on Wheels.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading One explanation was that the legal authorities of the place--state police or local traffic officers--had come upon the parked House while Tom and Ned were in the deserted mansion.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading TWO STRANGE MEN There were two theories to account for the taking away of the House on Wheels.
theftnounUS /θeft/
the act of taking something from someone unlawfully
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Another and more plausible theory, was that ordinary thieves, happening upon the car, had decided to appropriate it for themselves.
theoriesnounUS /ˈθɪriz/
plural of “theory” — a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena
From this reading TWO STRANGE MEN There were two theories to account for the taking away of the House on Wheels.
a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena
From this reading Another and more plausible theory, was that ordinary thieves, happening upon the car, had decided to appropriate it for themselves.
in or at that place or location
From this reading TWO STRANGE MEN There were two theories to account for the taking away of the House on Wheels.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
thievesnounUS /θiːvz/
plural of “thief” — a criminal who takes property belonging to someone else with the intention of keeping it or selling it
From this reading Another and more plausible theory, was that ordinary thieves, happening upon the car, had decided to appropriate it for themselves.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading TWO STRANGE MEN There were two theories to account for the taking away of the House on Wheels.
male cat
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
trafficnounUS /ˈtræfɪk/
the aggregation of things (pedestrians or vehicles) coming and going in a particular locality during a specified period of time
From this reading One explanation was that the legal authorities of the place--state police or local traffic officers--had come upon the parked House while Tom and Ned were in the deserted mansion.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading TWO STRANGE MEN There were two theories to account for the taking away of the House on Wheels.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading One explanation was that the legal authorities of the place--state police or local traffic officers--had come upon the parked House while Tom and Ned were in the deserted mansion.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading One explanation was that the legal authorities of the place--state police or local traffic officers--had come upon the parked House while Tom and Ned were in the deserted mansion.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading TWO STRANGE MEN There were two theories to account for the taking away of the House on Wheels.
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 TWO STRANGE MEN There were two theories to account for the taking away of the House on Wheels.
in or at the place that
From this reading Seeing no one in the big auto, but observing that the lights were on, the authorities might have concluded that there had been an accident or that the car was abandoned and so had decided to drive it some place where it could be held pending an investigation.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading One explanation was that the legal authorities of the place--state police or local traffic officers--had come upon the parked House while Tom and Ned were in the deserted mansion.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading These at once occurred to Tom Swift and Ned Newton as they stood in the rain and darkness near the auto, hardly able to believe their good luck which had brought them to the machine within half an hour of the theft.
