used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A SUSPECT TALKS The next morning Tom was up at the crack of dawn, grimly determined to find an answer to the earthquake menace.
activitynounUS /ækˈtɪvəti/
any specific behavior
From this reading Earthquake activity, Tom knew, tends to occur in circular patterns, like bands around the earth--for instance, the circum-Pacific belt, and another belt extending eastward from the Mediterranean through Asia and on into the East Indies.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading He instructed the switchboard operator to shut off all incoming calls, then plunged into a study of the mystifying problem.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading Often these quake lines are visible as breaks or ruptures along the ground surface, called _fault traces_.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A SUSPECT TALKS The next morning Tom was up at the crack of dawn, grimly determined to find an answer to the earthquake menace.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Earthquake activity, Tom knew, tends to occur in circular patterns, like bands around the earth--for instance, the circum-Pacific belt, and another belt extending eastward from the Mediterranean through Asia and on into the East Indies.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading Earthquake activity, Tom knew, tends to occur in circular patterns, like bands around the earth--for instance, the circum-Pacific belt, and another belt extending eastward from the Mediterranean through Asia and on into the East Indies.
react verbally
From this reading A SUSPECT TALKS The next morning Tom was up at the crack of dawn, grimly determined to find an answer to the earthquake menace.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Often these quake lines are visible as breaks or ruptures along the ground surface, called _fault traces_.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading Earthquake activity, Tom knew, tends to occur in circular patterns, like bands around the earth--for instance, the circum-Pacific belt, and another belt extending eastward from the Mediterranean through Asia and on into the East Indies.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Often these quake lines are visible as breaks or ruptures along the ground surface, called _fault traces_.
AsianounUS /ˈeɪʒə/
the largest continent with 60% of the earth's population; it is joined to Europe on the west to form Eurasia; it is the site of some of the world's earliest civilizations
From this reading Earthquake activity, Tom knew, tends to occur in circular patterns, like bands around the earth--for instance, the circum-Pacific belt, and another belt extending eastward from the Mediterranean through Asia and on into the East Indies.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A SUSPECT TALKS The next morning Tom was up at the crack of dawn, grimly determined to find an answer to the earthquake menace.
goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment
From this reading He ate a hasty breakfast, then drove to his private laboratory at Enterprises.
bandsnounUS /bændz/
plural of “band” — an unofficial association of people or groups
From this reading Earthquake activity, Tom knew, tends to occur in circular patterns, like bands around the earth--for instance, the circum-Pacific belt, and another belt extending eastward from the Mediterranean through Asia and on into the East Indies.
beltnounUS /belt/
endless loop of flexible material between two rotating shafts or pulleys
From this reading Earthquake activity, Tom knew, tends to occur in circular patterns, like bands around the earth--for instance, the circum-Pacific belt, and another belt extending eastward from the Mediterranean through Asia and on into the East Indies.
eat an early morning meal
From this reading He ate a hasty breakfast, then drove to his private laboratory at Enterprises.
breaksnounUS /breɪks/
plural of “break” — some abrupt occurrence that interrupts an ongoing activity
From this reading Often these quake lines are visible as breaks or ruptures along the ground surface, called _fault traces_.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Often these quake lines are visible as breaks or ruptures along the ground surface, called _fault traces_.
plural of “call” — a telephone connection
From this reading He instructed the switchboard operator to shut off all incoming calls, then plunged into a study of the mystifying problem.
circularadjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrkjələr/
having the shape or form of a circle
From this reading Earthquake activity, Tom knew, tends to occur in circular patterns, like bands around the earth--for instance, the circum-Pacific belt, and another belt extending eastward from the Mediterranean through Asia and on into the East Indies.
circum-Pacific
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Earthquake activity, Tom knew, tends to occur in circular patterns, like bands around the earth--for instance, the circum-Pacific belt, and another belt extending eastward from the Mediterranean through Asia and on into the East Indies.
crackverbUS /kræk/
become fractured; break or crack on the surface only
From this reading A SUSPECT TALKS The next morning Tom was up at the crack of dawn, grimly determined to find an answer to the earthquake menace.
the first light of day
From this reading A SUSPECT TALKS The next morning Tom was up at the crack of dawn, grimly determined to find an answer to the earthquake menace.
characterized by great determination
From this reading A SUSPECT TALKS The next morning Tom was up at the crack of dawn, grimly determined to find an answer to the earthquake menace.
a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together
From this reading He ate a hasty breakfast, then drove to his private laboratory at Enterprises.
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading Earthquake activity, Tom knew, tends to occur in circular patterns, like bands around the earth--for instance, the circum-Pacific belt, and another belt extending eastward from the Mediterranean through Asia and on into the East Indies.
earthquakenounUS /ˈɜːrθkweɪk/
shaking and vibration at the surface of the earth resulting from underground movement along a fault plane or from volcanic activity
From this reading A SUSPECT TALKS The next morning Tom was up at the crack of dawn, grimly determined to find an answer to the earthquake menace.
the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
From this reading Earthquake activity, Tom knew, tends to occur in circular patterns, like bands around the earth--for instance, the circum-Pacific belt, and another belt extending eastward from the Mediterranean through Asia and on into the East Indies.
eastwardadjectiveUS /ˈiːstwərd/
moving toward the east
From this reading Earthquake activity, Tom knew, tends to occur in circular patterns, like bands around the earth--for instance, the circum-Pacific belt, and another belt extending eastward from the Mediterranean through Asia and on into the East Indies.
EnterprisesnounUS /ˈentərpraɪzɪz/
plural of “enterprise” — a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)
From this reading He ate a hasty breakfast, then drove to his private laboratory at Enterprises.
extendingverbUS /ɪkˈstendɪŋ/
-ing form of “extend” — extend in scope or range or area
From this reading Earthquake activity, Tom knew, tends to occur in circular patterns, like bands around the earth--for instance, the circum-Pacific belt, and another belt extending eastward from the Mediterranean through Asia and on into the East Indies.
a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
From this reading Often these quake lines are visible as breaks or ruptures along the ground surface, called _fault traces_.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading A SUSPECT TALKS The next morning Tom was up at the crack of dawn, grimly determined to find an answer to the earthquake menace.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Earthquake activity, Tom knew, tends to occur in circular patterns, like bands around the earth--for instance, the circum-Pacific belt, and another belt extending eastward from the Mediterranean through Asia and on into the East Indies.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Earthquake activity, Tom knew, tends to occur in circular patterns, like bands around the earth--for instance, the circum-Pacific belt, and another belt extending eastward from the Mediterranean through Asia and on into the East Indies.
grimlyadverbUS /ˈɡrɪmli/
in a grim implacable manner
From this reading A SUSPECT TALKS The next morning Tom was up at the crack of dawn, grimly determined to find an answer to the earthquake menace.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading Often these quake lines are visible as breaks or ruptures along the ground surface, called _fault traces_.
hastyadjectiveUS /ˈheɪsti/
excessively quick
From this reading He ate a hasty breakfast, then drove to his private laboratory at Enterprises.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He ate a hasty breakfast, then drove to his private laboratory at Enterprises.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He ate a hasty breakfast, then drove to his private laboratory at Enterprises.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Earthquake activity, Tom knew, tends to occur in circular patterns, like bands around the earth--for instance, the circum-Pacific belt, and another belt extending eastward from the Mediterranean through Asia and on into the East Indies.
incomingadjectiveUS /ˈɪnkʌmɪŋ/
arriving at a place or position
From this reading He instructed the switchboard operator to shut off all incoming calls, then plunged into a study of the mystifying problem.
IndiesnounUS /ˈɪndiz/
plural of “indie” — a pop group not affiliated with a major record company
From this reading Earthquake activity, Tom knew, tends to occur in circular patterns, like bands around the earth--for instance, the circum-Pacific belt, and another belt extending eastward from the Mediterranean through Asia and on into the East Indies.
an occurrence of something
From this reading Earthquake activity, Tom knew, tends to occur in circular patterns, like bands around the earth--for instance, the circum-Pacific belt, and another belt extending eastward from the Mediterranean through Asia and on into the East Indies.
instructedverbUS /ˌɪnˈstrʌktəd/
past form of “instruct” — impart skills or knowledge to
From this reading He instructed the switchboard operator to shut off all incoming calls, then plunged into a study of the mystifying problem.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading He instructed the switchboard operator to shut off all incoming calls, then plunged into a study of the mystifying problem.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Earthquake activity, Tom knew, tends to occur in circular patterns, like bands around the earth--for instance, the circum-Pacific belt, and another belt extending eastward from the Mediterranean through Asia and on into the East Indies.
laboratorynounUS /ˈlæbrətɔːri/
a workplace for the conduct of scientific research
From this reading He ate a hasty breakfast, then drove to his private laboratory at Enterprises.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Earthquake activity, Tom knew, tends to occur in circular patterns, like bands around the earth--for instance, the circum-Pacific belt, and another belt extending eastward from the Mediterranean through Asia and on into the East Indies.
plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading Often these quake lines are visible as breaks or ruptures along the ground surface, called _fault traces_.
MediterraneannounUS /ˌmedətərˈeɪniən/
the largest inland sea; between Europe and Africa and Asia
From this reading Earthquake activity, Tom knew, tends to occur in circular patterns, like bands around the earth--for instance, the circum-Pacific belt, and another belt extending eastward from the Mediterranean through Asia and on into the East Indies.
menaceverbUS /ˈmenəs/
pose a threat to; present a danger to
From this reading A SUSPECT TALKS The next morning Tom was up at the crack of dawn, grimly determined to find an answer to the earthquake menace.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading A SUSPECT TALKS The next morning Tom was up at the crack of dawn, grimly determined to find an answer to the earthquake menace.
mystifyingadjectiveUS /ˈmɪstəfaɪɪŋ/
of an obscure nature
From this reading He instructed the switchboard operator to shut off all incoming calls, then plunged into a study of the mystifying problem.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading A SUSPECT TALKS The next morning Tom was up at the crack of dawn, grimly determined to find an answer to the earthquake menace.
occurverbUS /əˈkɜːr/
come to pass
From this reading Earthquake activity, Tom knew, tends to occur in circular patterns, like bands around the earth--for instance, the circum-Pacific belt, and another belt extending eastward from the Mediterranean through Asia and on into the East Indies.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A SUSPECT TALKS The next morning Tom was up at the crack of dawn, grimly determined to find an answer to the earthquake menace.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading He instructed the switchboard operator to shut off all incoming calls, then plunged into a study of the mystifying problem.
many times at short intervals
From this reading Often these quake lines are visible as breaks or ruptures along the ground surface, called _fault traces_.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Earthquake activity, Tom knew, tends to occur in circular patterns, like bands around the earth--for instance, the circum-Pacific belt, and another belt extending eastward from the Mediterranean through Asia and on into the East Indies.
operatornounUS /ˈɑːpəreɪtər/
(mathematics) a symbol or function representing a mathematical operation
From this reading He instructed the switchboard operator to shut off all incoming calls, then plunged into a study of the mystifying problem.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Often these quake lines are visible as breaks or ruptures along the ground surface, called _fault traces_.
patternsnounUS /ˈpætərnz/
plural of “pattern” — a perceptual structure
From this reading Earthquake activity, Tom knew, tends to occur in circular patterns, like bands around the earth--for instance, the circum-Pacific belt, and another belt extending eastward from the Mediterranean through Asia and on into the East Indies.
past form of “plunge” — thrust or throw into
From this reading He instructed the switchboard operator to shut off all incoming calls, then plunged into a study of the mystifying problem.
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading He ate a hasty breakfast, then drove to his private laboratory at Enterprises.
problemnounUS /ˈprɑːbləm/
a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved
From this reading He instructed the switchboard operator to shut off all incoming calls, then plunged into a study of the mystifying problem.
quakeverbUS /kweɪk/
shake with fast, tremulous movements
From this reading Often these quake lines are visible as breaks or ruptures along the ground surface, called _fault traces_.
rupturesnounUS /ˈrʌptʃərz/
plural of “rupture” — state of being torn or burst open
From this reading Often these quake lines are visible as breaks or ruptures along the ground surface, called _fault traces_.
move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut
From this reading He instructed the switchboard operator to shut off all incoming calls, then plunged into a study of the mystifying problem.
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading He instructed the switchboard operator to shut off all incoming calls, then plunged into a study of the mystifying problem.
the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary
From this reading Often these quake lines are visible as breaks or ruptures along the ground surface, called _fault traces_.
imagine to be the case or true or probable
From this reading A SUSPECT TALKS The next morning Tom was up at the crack of dawn, grimly determined to find an answer to the earthquake menace.
switchboardnounUS /ˈswɪtʃbɔːrd/
telephone central where circuits are completed with patchcords
From this reading He instructed the switchboard operator to shut off all incoming calls, then plunged into a study of the mystifying problem.
TALKSnounUS /tɔːks/
a discussion intended to produce an agreement
From this reading A SUSPECT TALKS The next morning Tom was up at the crack of dawn, grimly determined to find an answer to the earthquake menace.
tendsverbUS /tendz/
third-person singular of “tend” — have a tendency or disposition to do or be something; be inclined
From this reading Earthquake activity, Tom knew, tends to occur in circular patterns, like bands around the earth--for instance, the circum-Pacific belt, and another belt extending eastward from the Mediterranean through Asia and on into the East Indies.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A SUSPECT TALKS The next morning Tom was up at the crack of dawn, grimly determined to find an answer to the earthquake menace.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading He ate a hasty breakfast, then drove to his private laboratory at Enterprises.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Often these quake lines are visible as breaks or ruptures along the ground surface, called _fault traces_.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Earthquake activity, Tom knew, tends to occur in circular patterns, like bands around the earth--for instance, the circum-Pacific belt, and another belt extending eastward from the Mediterranean through Asia and on into the East Indies.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A SUSPECT TALKS The next morning Tom was up at the crack of dawn, grimly determined to find an answer to the earthquake menace.
male cat
From this reading A SUSPECT TALKS The next morning Tom was up at the crack of dawn, grimly determined to find an answer to the earthquake menace.
tracesnounUS /ˈtreɪsəz/
plural of “trace” — a just detectable amount
From this reading Often these quake lines are visible as breaks or ruptures along the ground surface, called _fault traces_.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading A SUSPECT TALKS The next morning Tom was up at the crack of dawn, grimly determined to find an answer to the earthquake menace.
capable of being seen; or open to easy view
From this reading Often these quake lines are visible as breaks or ruptures along the ground surface, called _fault traces_.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A SUSPECT TALKS The next morning Tom was up at the crack of dawn, grimly determined to find an answer to the earthquake menace.
