Chapter XIII · Chapter 13

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

From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

having companions or an escort

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

the state or quality of being recognized or acknowledged

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

a component that is added to something to improve it

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.

(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 These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

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

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

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

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

-ing form of “assist” — give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.

something causing misery or death

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

a youthful male person

From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

plural of “calculation” — the procedure of calculating; determining something by mathematical or logical methods

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

rid of obstructions

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

feeling or showing worry or solicitude

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

the act of constructing something

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

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

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

a natural object that covers or envelops

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

plural of “defect” — an imperfection in a bodily system

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

an isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

the ratio of the output to the input of any system

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

absolutely necessary; vitally necessary

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

divisible by two

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

very good; of the highest quality

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

money paid out; an amount spent

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

plural of “fact” — a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

a social unit living together

From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

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

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

written or drawn or engraved

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

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

From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

commodities (goods or services) bought from a foreign country

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

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

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

-ing form of “include” — have as a part, be made up out of

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

of a quantity not able to fulfill a need or requirement

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

the basic unit of thermodynamic temperature adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

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

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

concerned with worldly rather than spiritual interests

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

using (or as if using) mechanisms or tools or devices

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

possessive form of “mill” — a plant consisting of one or more buildings with facilities for manufacturing

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.

Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.

From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.

not any; not one

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

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

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

and nothing more

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

not taken into account

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.

a useful or valuable quality

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

of or concerned with or related to the future

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

walk as if unable to control one's movements

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

plural of “report” — a written document describing the findings of some individual or group

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

past form of “resent” — feel bitter or indignant about

From this reading In a vague way, Rourke sensed this and resented it.

descriptive of any event or stimulus or process that has an effect on the effects of events or stimuli or process that occurred previously

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

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

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

Identical; not different.

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

detected by instinct or inference rather than by recognized perceptual cues

From this reading In a vague way, Rourke sensed this and resented it.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

be seated

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

having a supporting base

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

plural of “superior” — one of greater rank or station or quality

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

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

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

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

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

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

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

in or at that place or location

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

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

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

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

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

being five more than twenty

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

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

From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.

not giving satisfaction

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

not clearly expressed or understood

From this reading In a vague way, Rourke sensed this and resented it.

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

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading In a vague way, Rourke sensed this and resented it.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

in contrast with the fact that

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

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

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

during the time that

From this reading In addition, while they were absolutely of no import in so far as the actual work of construction was concerned--and that was really all that interested Rourke--they were an essential part of the system which made it possible for him to do the work at all--a point which he did not seem to be able to get clear.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading As I learned afterward, he had nearly his whole family, at least a boy and two girls, assisting him nights on this part of the work.

in the company of; together with

From this reading At the same time, there was an unsatisfactory side to this office technicalia, and it was this: If a man could only sit down and reel off a graphic account of all that he was doing, accompanied by facts and figures, he was in excellent standing with his superiors, no matter what his mechanical defects might be; whereas, if his reports were not clear, or were insufficient, the efficiency of his work might well be overlooked.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.

an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value

From this reading These same o.k.s plus about twenty-five long-drawn-out reports or calculations, retroactive and prospective, covering every possible detail of his work from the acknowledgment of all material received up to and including the expenditure of even so much as one mill's worth of paper, were the bane of my good foreman's life.