used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading _The science of language--an overly-neglected field for the extrapolations of science-fiction--is put to brilliant use in this powerful story.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
BabelnounUS /ˈbæbəl/
(Genesis 11:1-11) a tower built by Noah's descendants (probably in Babylon) who intended it to reach up to heaven; God foiled them by confusing their language so they could no longer understand one another
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
backgroundnounUS /ˈbækɡraʊnd/
a person's social heritage: previous experience or training
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
blaredverbUS /blerd/
past form of “blare” — make a strident sound
From this reading _Talk or Die!_ blared the newspaper headlines.
of surpassing excellence
From this reading _The science of language--an overly-neglected field for the extrapolations of science-fiction--is put to brilliant use in this powerful story.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
an occurrence of something
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
climbingnounUS /ˈklaɪmɪŋ/
an event that involves rising to a higher point (as in altitude or temperature or intensity etc.)
From this reading The suicide rate was up and still climbing.
past form of “deliver” — deliver (a speech, oration, or idea)
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life
From this reading _Talk or Die!_ blared the newspaper headlines.
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
EverydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
extrapolations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _The science of language--an overly-neglected field for the extrapolations of science-fiction--is put to brilliant use in this powerful story.
a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed
From this reading _The science of language--an overly-neglected field for the extrapolations of science-fiction--is put to brilliant use in this powerful story.
focusedadjectiveUS /ˈfoʊkəst/
being in focus or brought into focus
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading _The science of language--an overly-neglected field for the extrapolations of science-fiction--is put to brilliant use in this powerful story.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
galacticadjectiveUS /ɡəˈlæktɪk/
of or relating to a galaxy (especially our galaxy the Milky Way)
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
plural of “go” — a time period for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else)
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
headlinesnounUS /ˈhedlaɪnz/
plural of “headline” — the heading or caption of a newspaper article
From this reading _Talk or Die!_ blared the newspaper headlines.
the quality of being humane
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading _The science of language--an overly-neglected field for the extrapolations of science-fiction--is put to brilliant use in this powerful story.
invadernounUS /ˌɪnˈveɪdər/
someone who enters by force in order to conquer
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _The science of language--an overly-neglected field for the extrapolations of science-fiction--is put to brilliant use in this powerful story.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols
From this reading _The science of language--an overly-neglected field for the extrapolations of science-fiction--is put to brilliant use in this powerful story.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements
From this reading _Talk or Die!_ blared the newspaper headlines.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
occupantsnounUS /ˈɑːkjəpənts/
plural of “occupant” — someone who lives at a particular place for a prolonged period or who was born there
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _The science of language--an overly-neglected field for the extrapolations of science-fiction--is put to brilliant use in this powerful story.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading _Talk or Die!_ blared the newspaper headlines.
overly-neglected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _The science of language--an overly-neglected field for the extrapolations of science-fiction--is put to brilliant use in this powerful story.
perilnounUS /ˈperəl/
a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
having great power or force or potency or effect
From this reading _The science of language--an overly-neglected field for the extrapolations of science-fiction--is put to brilliant use in this powerful story.
a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading _The science of language--an overly-neglected field for the extrapolations of science-fiction--is put to brilliant use in this powerful story.
a magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit
From this reading The suicide rate was up and still climbing.
recallverbUS /ˈriːkɔːl/
recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
To recall to mind.
From this reading TRY to REMEMBER!
a particular branch of scientific knowledge
From this reading _The science of language--an overly-neglected field for the extrapolations of science-fiction--is put to brilliant use in this powerful story.
science-fiction
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _The science of language--an overly-neglected field for the extrapolations of science-fiction--is put to brilliant use in this powerful story.
the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
spaceshipnounUS /ˈspeɪsʃɪp/
a spacecraft designed to carry a crew into interstellar space (especially in science fiction)
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
not in physical motion
From this reading The suicide rate was up and still climbing.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading _The science of language--an overly-neglected field for the extrapolations of science-fiction--is put to brilliant use in this powerful story.
suicidenounUS /ˈsuːəsaɪd/
the act of killing yourself
From this reading The suicide rate was up and still climbing.
exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading _Talk or Die!_ blared the newspaper headlines.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _The science of language--an overly-neglected field for the extrapolations of science-fiction--is put to brilliant use in this powerful story.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading _The science of language--an overly-neglected field for the extrapolations of science-fiction--is put to brilliant use in this powerful story.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading TRY to REMEMBER!
make an effort or attempt
From this reading TRY to REMEMBER!
ultimateadjectiveUS /ˈʌltəmət/
furthest or highest in degree or order; utmost or extreme
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
ultimatumnounUS /ˌʌltəˈmeɪtəm/
a final peremptory demand
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
the cognitive condition of someone who understands
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The suicide rate was up and still climbing.
the act of using
From this reading _The science of language--an overly-neglected field for the extrapolations of science-fiction--is put to brilliant use in this powerful story.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
in or at the place that
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
the words that are spoken
From this reading Against a background of ultimate peril from a galactic invader, man (in this case, woman) goes back beyond Babel to recall for humanity the places of the soul, where words are not enough._ Every mind on earth capable of understanding the problem was focused on the spaceship and the ultimatum delivered by its occupants.
