Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

quickly and without warning

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

engaged in or accustomed to close observation

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

possessing life

From this reading Sinclair, in person, was overseeing the making up of his wrecking train, and the yard, usually quiet at that hour of the morning, was alive with the hurry of men and engines.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading In the trainmaster's room of the weather-beaten headquarters building, nicknamed by railroad men "The Wickiup," early comers--sleepy-faced, keen-eyed trainmen--lounged on the tables and in chairs discussing the reports from Point of Rocks, and among them crew-callers and messengers moved in and out.

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

From this reading Sinclair, in person, was overseeing the making up of his wrecking train, and the yard, usually quiet at that hour of the morning, was alive with the hurry of men and engines.

United States author whose works were frequently autobiographical (1876-1941)

From this reading At one end of the room, heedless of the strain on the division, press despatches and cablegrams clicked in monotonous relay over commercial wires; while at the other, operators were taking from the despatchers' room the train orders and the hurried dispositions made for the wreck emergency by Anderson, the assistant superintendent.

a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose

From this reading At one end of the room, heedless of the strain on the division, press despatches and cablegrams clicked in monotonous relay over commercial wires; while at the other, operators were taking from the despatchers' room the train orders and the hurried dispositions made for the wreck emergency by Anderson, the assistant superintendent.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading News of the wreck at Smoky Creek reached Medicine Bend from Point of Rocks at five o'clock.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

form a curve

From this reading News of the wreck at Smoky Creek reached Medicine Bend from Point of Rocks at five o'clock.

a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

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

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

a strong flame that burns brightly

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading In the trainmaster's room of the weather-beaten headquarters building, nicknamed by railroad men "The Wickiup," early comers--sleepy-faced, keen-eyed trainmen--lounged on the tables and in chairs discussing the reports from Point of Rocks, and among them crew-callers and messengers moved in and out.

come open suddenly and violently, as if from internal pressure

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading In the trainmaster's room of the weather-beaten headquarters building, nicknamed by railroad men "The Wickiup," early comers--sleepy-faced, keen-eyed trainmen--lounged on the tables and in chairs discussing the reports from Point of Rocks, and among them crew-callers and messengers moved in and out.

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

From this reading At one end of the room, heedless of the strain on the division, press despatches and cablegrams clicked in monotonous relay over commercial wires; while at the other, operators were taking from the despatchers' room the train orders and the hurried dispositions made for the wreck emergency by Anderson, the assistant superintendent.

plural of “call” — a telephone connection

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

plural of “chair” — a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading In the trainmaster's room of the weather-beaten headquarters building, nicknamed by railroad men "The Wickiup," early comers--sleepy-faced, keen-eyed trainmen--lounged on the tables and in chairs discussing the reports from Point of Rocks, and among them crew-callers and messengers moved in and out.

past form of “click” — move or strike with a noise

From this reading At one end of the room, heedless of the strain on the division, press despatches and cablegrams clicked in monotonous relay over commercial wires; while at the other, operators were taking from the despatchers' room the train orders and the hurried dispositions made for the wreck emergency by Anderson, the assistant superintendent.

plural of “clip” — a metal frame or container holding cartridges; can be inserted into an automatic gun

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

plural of “comer” — someone with a promising future

From this reading In the trainmaster's room of the weather-beaten headquarters building, nicknamed by railroad men "The Wickiup," early comers--sleepy-faced, keen-eyed trainmen--lounged on the tables and in chairs discussing the reports from Point of Rocks, and among them crew-callers and messengers moved in and out.

connected with or engaged in or sponsored by or used in commerce or commercial enterprises

From this reading At one end of the room, heedless of the strain on the division, press despatches and cablegrams clicked in monotonous relay over commercial wires; while at the other, operators were taking from the despatchers' room the train orders and the hurried dispositions made for the wreck emergency by Anderson, the assistant superintendent.

fall or come down violently

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)

From this reading News of the wreck at Smoky Creek reached Medicine Bend from Point of Rocks at five o'clock.

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

From this reading In the trainmaster's room of the weather-beaten headquarters building, nicknamed by railroad men "The Wickiup," early comers--sleepy-faced, keen-eyed trainmen--lounged on the tables and in chairs discussing the reports from Point of Rocks, and among them crew-callers and messengers moved in and out.

a flow of electricity through a conductor

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

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

From this reading At one end of the room, heedless of the strain on the division, press despatches and cablegrams clicked in monotonous relay over commercial wires; while at the other, operators were taking from the despatchers' room the train orders and the hurried dispositions made for the wreck emergency by Anderson, the assistant superintendent.

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

From this reading At one end of the room, heedless of the strain on the division, press despatches and cablegrams clicked in monotonous relay over commercial wires; while at the other, operators were taking from the despatchers' room the train orders and the hurried dispositions made for the wreck emergency by Anderson, the assistant superintendent.

-ing form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing

From this reading In the trainmaster's room of the weather-beaten headquarters building, nicknamed by railroad men "The Wickiup," early comers--sleepy-faced, keen-eyed trainmen--lounged on the tables and in chairs discussing the reports from Point of Rocks, and among them crew-callers and messengers moved in and out.

plural of “disposition” — your usual mood

From this reading At one end of the room, heedless of the strain on the division, press despatches and cablegrams clicked in monotonous relay over commercial wires; while at the other, operators were taking from the despatchers' room the train orders and the hurried dispositions made for the wreck emergency by Anderson, the assistant superintendent.

an army unit large enough to sustain combat

From this reading At one end of the room, heedless of the strain on the division, press despatches and cablegrams clicked in monotonous relay over commercial wires; while at the other, operators were taking from the despatchers' room the train orders and the hurried dispositions made for the wreck emergency by Anderson, the assistant superintendent.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading In the trainmaster's room of the weather-beaten headquarters building, nicknamed by railroad men "The Wickiup," early comers--sleepy-faced, keen-eyed trainmen--lounged on the tables and in chairs discussing the reports from Point of Rocks, and among them crew-callers and messengers moved in and out.

a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action

From this reading At one end of the room, heedless of the strain on the division, press despatches and cablegrams clicked in monotonous relay over commercial wires; while at the other, operators were taking from the despatchers' room the train orders and the hurried dispositions made for the wreck emergency by Anderson, the assistant superintendent.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading At one end of the room, heedless of the strain on the division, press despatches and cablegrams clicked in monotonous relay over commercial wires; while at the other, operators were taking from the despatchers' room the train orders and the hurried dispositions made for the wreck emergency by Anderson, the assistant superintendent.

plural of “engine” — motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work

From this reading Sinclair, in person, was overseeing the making up of his wrecking train, and the yard, usually quiet at that hour of the morning, was alive with the hurry of men and engines.

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading News of the wreck at Smoky Creek reached Medicine Bend from Point of Rocks at five o'clock.

moving swiftly

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading At one end of the room, heedless of the strain on the division, press despatches and cablegrams clicked in monotonous relay over commercial wires; while at the other, operators were taking from the despatchers' room the train orders and the hurried dispositions made for the wreck emergency by Anderson, the assistant superintendent.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading News of the wreck at Smoky Creek reached Medicine Bend from Point of Rocks at five o'clock.

a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

(usually plural) the office that serves as the administrative center of an enterprise

From this reading In the trainmaster's room of the weather-beaten headquarters building, nicknamed by railroad men "The Wickiup," early comers--sleepy-faced, keen-eyed trainmen--lounged on the tables and in chairs discussing the reports from Point of Rocks, and among them crew-callers and messengers moved in and out.

marked by or paying little heed or attention

From this reading At one end of the room, heedless of the strain on the division, press despatches and cablegrams clicked in monotonous relay over commercial wires; while at the other, operators were taking from the despatchers' room the train orders and the hurried dispositions made for the wreck emergency by Anderson, the assistant superintendent.

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

From this reading Sinclair, in person, was overseeing the making up of his wrecking train, and the yard, usually quiet at that hour of the morning, was alive with the hurry of men and engines.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading Sinclair, in person, was overseeing the making up of his wrecking train, and the yard, usually quiet at that hour of the morning, was alive with the hurry of men and engines.

moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste

From this reading At one end of the room, heedless of the strain on the division, press despatches and cablegrams clicked in monotonous relay over commercial wires; while at the other, operators were taking from the despatchers' room the train orders and the hurried dispositions made for the wreck emergency by Anderson, the assistant superintendent.

a condition of urgency making it necessary to hurry

From this reading Sinclair, in person, was overseeing the making up of his wrecking train, and the yard, usually quiet at that hour of the morning, was alive with the hurry of men and engines.

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

From this reading Sinclair, in person, was overseeing the making up of his wrecking train, and the yard, usually quiet at that hour of the morning, was alive with the hurry of men and engines.

arriving at a place or position

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

plural of “interval” — a definite length of time marked off by two instants

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

having keen eyesight

From this reading In the trainmaster's room of the weather-beaten headquarters building, nicknamed by railroad men "The Wickiup," early comers--sleepy-faced, keen-eyed trainmen--lounged on the tables and in chairs discussing the reports from Point of Rocks, and among them crew-callers and messengers moved in and out.

plural of “key” — metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

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

From this reading In the trainmaster's room of the weather-beaten headquarters building, nicknamed by railroad men "The Wickiup," early comers--sleepy-faced, keen-eyed trainmen--lounged on the tables and in chairs discussing the reports from Point of Rocks, and among them crew-callers and messengers moved in and out.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading At one end of the room, heedless of the strain on the division, press despatches and cablegrams clicked in monotonous relay over commercial wires; while at the other, operators were taking from the despatchers' room the train orders and the hurried dispositions made for the wreck emergency by Anderson, the assistant superintendent.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading Sinclair, in person, was overseeing the making up of his wrecking train, and the yard, usually quiet at that hour of the morning, was alive with the hurry of men and engines.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

the branches of medical science that deal with nonsurgical techniques

From this reading News of the wreck at Smoky Creek reached Medicine Bend from Point of Rocks at five o'clock.

the force of workers available

From this reading Sinclair, in person, was overseeing the making up of his wrecking train, and the yard, usually quiet at that hour of the morning, was alive with the hurry of men and engines.

plural of “message” — a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

plural of “messenger” — a person who carries a message

From this reading In the trainmaster's room of the weather-beaten headquarters building, nicknamed by railroad men "The Wickiup," early comers--sleepy-faced, keen-eyed trainmen--lounged on the tables and in chairs discussing the reports from Point of Rocks, and among them crew-callers and messengers moved in and out.

tediously repetitious or lacking in variety

From this reading At one end of the room, heedless of the strain on the division, press despatches and cablegrams clicked in monotonous relay over commercial wires; while at the other, operators were taking from the despatchers' room the train orders and the hurried dispositions made for the wreck emergency by Anderson, the assistant superintendent.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading Sinclair, in person, was overseeing the making up of his wrecking train, and the yard, usually quiet at that hour of the morning, was alive with the hurry of men and engines.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading In the trainmaster's room of the weather-beaten headquarters building, nicknamed by railroad men "The Wickiup," early comers--sleepy-faced, keen-eyed trainmen--lounged on the tables and in chairs discussing the reports from Point of Rocks, and among them crew-callers and messengers moved in and out.

information about recent and important events

From this reading News of the wreck at Smoky Creek reached Medicine Bend from Point of Rocks at five o'clock.

past form of “nickname” — give a nickname to

From this reading In the trainmaster's room of the weather-beaten headquarters building, nicknamed by railroad men "The Wickiup," early comers--sleepy-faced, keen-eyed trainmen--lounged on the tables and in chairs discussing the reports from Point of Rocks, and among them crew-callers and messengers moved in and out.

according to the clock

From this reading News of the wreck at Smoky Creek reached Medicine Bend from Point of Rocks at five o'clock.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading News of the wreck at Smoky Creek reached Medicine Bend from Point of Rocks at five o'clock.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading In the trainmaster's room of the weather-beaten headquarters building, nicknamed by railroad men "The Wickiup," early comers--sleepy-faced, keen-eyed trainmen--lounged on the tables and in chairs discussing the reports from Point of Rocks, and among them crew-callers and messengers moved in and out.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading At one end of the room, heedless of the strain on the division, press despatches and cablegrams clicked in monotonous relay over commercial wires; while at the other, operators were taking from the despatchers' room the train orders and the hurried dispositions made for the wreck emergency by Anderson, the assistant superintendent.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

plural of “operator” — (mathematics) a symbol or function representing a mathematical operation

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

plural of “order” — (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading At one end of the room, heedless of the strain on the division, press despatches and cablegrams clicked in monotonous relay over commercial wires; while at the other, operators were taking from the despatchers' room the train orders and the hurried dispositions made for the wreck emergency by Anderson, the assistant superintendent.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading At one end of the room, heedless of the strain on the division, press despatches and cablegrams clicked in monotonous relay over commercial wires; while at the other, operators were taking from the despatchers' room the train orders and the hurried dispositions made for the wreck emergency by Anderson, the assistant superintendent.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading In the trainmaster's room of the weather-beaten headquarters building, nicknamed by railroad men "The Wickiup," early comers--sleepy-faced, keen-eyed trainmen--lounged on the tables and in chairs discussing the reports from Point of Rocks, and among them crew-callers and messengers moved in and out.

above and across; more than

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

-ing form of “oversee” — watch and direct

From this reading Sinclair, in person, was overseeing the making up of his wrecking train, and the yard, usually quiet at that hour of the morning, was alive with the hurry of men and engines.

plural of “pen” — a writing implement with a point from which ink flows

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

a human being

From this reading Sinclair, in person, was overseeing the making up of his wrecking train, and the yard, usually quiet at that hour of the morning, was alive with the hurry of men and engines.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading News of the wreck at Smoky Creek reached Medicine Bend from Point of Rocks at five o'clock.

exert pressure or force to or upon

From this reading At one end of the room, heedless of the strain on the division, press despatches and cablegrams clicked in monotonous relay over commercial wires; while at the other, operators were taking from the despatchers' room the train orders and the hurried dispositions made for the wreck emergency by Anderson, the assistant superintendent.

past form of “push” — move with force

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading Sinclair, in person, was overseeing the making up of his wrecking train, and the yard, usually quiet at that hour of the morning, was alive with the hurry of men and engines.

line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight

From this reading In the trainmaster's room of the weather-beaten headquarters building, nicknamed by railroad men "The Wickiup," early comers--sleepy-faced, keen-eyed trainmen--lounged on the tables and in chairs discussing the reports from Point of Rocks, and among them crew-callers and messengers moved in and out.

past form of “rain” — precipitate as rain

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

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

From this reading News of the wreck at Smoky Creek reached Medicine Bend from Point of Rocks at five o'clock.

the act of passing something along from one person or group to another

From this reading At one end of the room, heedless of the strain on the division, press despatches and cablegrams clicked in monotonous relay over commercial wires; while at the other, operators were taking from the despatchers' room the train orders and the hurried dispositions made for the wreck emergency by Anderson, the assistant superintendent.

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

From this reading In the trainmaster's room of the weather-beaten headquarters building, nicknamed by railroad men "The Wickiup," early comers--sleepy-faced, keen-eyed trainmen--lounged on the tables and in chairs discussing the reports from Point of Rocks, and among them crew-callers and messengers moved in and out.

plural of “rock” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading News of the wreck at Smoky Creek reached Medicine Bend from Point of Rocks at five o'clock.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading In the trainmaster's room of the weather-beaten headquarters building, nicknamed by railroad men "The Wickiup," early comers--sleepy-faced, keen-eyed trainmen--lounged on the tables and in chairs discussing the reports from Point of Rocks, and among them crew-callers and messengers moved in and out.

plural of “screen” — a white or silvered surface where pictures can be projected for viewing

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

a garment worn on the upper half of the body

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

United States writer whose novels argued for social reform (1878-1968)

From this reading Sinclair, in person, was overseeing the making up of his wrecking train, and the yard, usually quiet at that hour of the morning, was alive with the hurry of men and engines.

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

From this reading In the trainmaster's room of the weather-beaten headquarters building, nicknamed by railroad men "The Wickiup," early comers--sleepy-faced, keen-eyed trainmen--lounged on the tables and in chairs discussing the reports from Point of Rocks, and among them crew-callers and messengers moved in and out.

plural of “sleeve” — the part of a garment that is attached at the armhole and that provides a cloth covering for the arm

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

marked by or emitting or filled with smoke

From this reading News of the wreck at Smoky Creek reached Medicine Bend from Point of Rocks at five o'clock.

lacking hair on the face

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

(physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces

From this reading At one end of the room, heedless of the strain on the division, press despatches and cablegrams clicked in monotonous relay over commercial wires; while at the other, operators were taking from the despatchers' room the train orders and the hurried dispositions made for the wreck emergency by Anderson, the assistant superintendent.

a person who directs and manages an organization

From this reading At one end of the room, heedless of the strain on the division, press despatches and cablegrams clicked in monotonous relay over commercial wires; while at the other, operators were taking from the despatchers' room the train orders and the hurried dispositions made for the wreck emergency by Anderson, the assistant superintendent.

plural of “table” — a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading In the trainmaster's room of the weather-beaten headquarters building, nicknamed by railroad men "The Wickiup," early comers--sleepy-faced, keen-eyed trainmen--lounged on the tables and in chairs discussing the reports from Point of Rocks, and among them crew-callers and messengers moved in and out.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Sinclair, in person, was overseeing the making up of his wrecking train, and the yard, usually quiet at that hour of the morning, was alive with the hurry of men and engines.

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

From this reading News of the wreck at Smoky Creek reached Medicine Bend from Point of Rocks at five o'clock.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading In the trainmaster's room of the weather-beaten headquarters building, nicknamed by railroad men "The Wickiup," early comers--sleepy-faced, keen-eyed trainmen--lounged on the tables and in chairs discussing the reports from Point of Rocks, and among them crew-callers and messengers moved in and out.

create by training and teaching

From this reading Sinclair, in person, was overseeing the making up of his wrecking train, and the yard, usually quiet at that hour of the morning, was alive with the hurry of men and engines.

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

From this reading In the trainmaster's room of the weather-beaten headquarters building, nicknamed by railroad men "The Wickiup," early comers--sleepy-faced, keen-eyed trainmen--lounged on the tables and in chairs discussing the reports from Point of Rocks, and among them crew-callers and messengers moved in and out.

plural of “trainman” — an employee of a railroad

From this reading In the trainmaster's room of the weather-beaten headquarters building, nicknamed by railroad men "The Wickiup," early comers--sleepy-faced, keen-eyed trainmen--lounged on the tables and in chairs discussing the reports from Point of Rocks, and among them crew-callers and messengers moved in and out.

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

From this reading Sinclair, in person, was overseeing the making up of his wrecking train, and the yard, usually quiet at that hour of the morning, was alive with the hurry of men and engines.

under normal conditions

From this reading Sinclair, in person, was overseeing the making up of his wrecking train, and the yard, usually quiet at that hour of the morning, was alive with the hurry of men and engines.

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

From this reading Sinclair, in person, was overseeing the making up of his wrecking train, and the yard, usually quiet at that hour of the morning, was alive with the hurry of men and engines.

tanned and coarsened from being outdoors

From this reading In the trainmaster's room of the weather-beaten headquarters building, nicknamed by railroad men "The Wickiup," early comers--sleepy-faced, keen-eyed trainmen--lounged on the tables and in chairs discussing the reports from Point of Rocks, and among them crew-callers and messengers moved in and out.

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

From this reading At one end of the room, heedless of the strain on the division, press despatches and cablegrams clicked in monotonous relay over commercial wires; while at the other, operators were taking from the despatchers' room the train orders and the hurried dispositions made for the wreck emergency by Anderson, the assistant superintendent.

during the time that

From this reading At one end of the room, heedless of the strain on the division, press despatches and cablegrams clicked in monotonous relay over commercial wires; while at the other, operators were taking from the despatchers' room the train orders and the hurried dispositions made for the wreck emergency by Anderson, the assistant superintendent.

a lodge consisting of a frame covered with matting or brush; used by nomadic American Indians in the southwestern United States

From this reading In the trainmaster's room of the weather-beaten headquarters building, nicknamed by railroad men "The Wickiup," early comers--sleepy-faced, keen-eyed trainmen--lounged on the tables and in chairs discussing the reports from Point of Rocks, and among them crew-callers and messengers moved in and out.

plural of “wire” — ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Sinclair, in person, was overseeing the making up of his wrecking train, and the yard, usually quiet at that hour of the morning, was alive with the hurry of men and engines.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading From the door of the big operators' room, pushed at intervals abruptly open, burst a blaze of light and the current crash of many keys; within, behind glass screens, alert, smooth-faced boys in shirt sleeves rained calls over the wires or bent with flying pens above clips, taking incoming messages.

something or someone that has suffered ruin or dilapidation

From this reading News of the wreck at Smoky Creek reached Medicine Bend from Point of Rocks at five o'clock.

the event of a structure being completely demolished and leveled

From this reading Sinclair, in person, was overseeing the making up of his wrecking train, and the yard, usually quiet at that hour of the morning, was alive with the hurry of men and engines.

a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading Sinclair, in person, was overseeing the making up of his wrecking train, and the yard, usually quiet at that hour of the morning, was alive with the hurry of men and engines.