used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He was oddly improved somehow, his sister thought, considering how short a time she had been away from the Hill.
(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 She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
in addition
From this reading She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading ON THE EDGE OF THE PRECIPICE Tony, getting off the train at Dunbury on Saturday, found her brothers waiting for her with the car, and the kiddies on the back seat, "for ballast" as Ted said.
apprizing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With one quick apprizing glance the girl took in the two young men.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading ON THE EDGE OF THE PRECIPICE Tony, getting off the train at Dunbury on Saturday, found her brothers waiting for her with the car, and the kiddies on the back seat, "for ballast" as Ted said.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading ON THE EDGE OF THE PRECIPICE Tony, getting off the train at Dunbury on Saturday, found her brothers waiting for her with the car, and the kiddies on the back seat, "for ballast" as Ted said.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading He was oddly improved somehow, his sister thought, considering how short a time she had been away from the Hill.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading ON THE EDGE OF THE PRECIPICE Tony, getting off the train at Dunbury on Saturday, found her brothers waiting for her with the car, and the kiddies on the back seat, "for ballast" as Ted said.
ballastnounUS /ˈbæləst/
any heavy material used to stabilize a ship or airship
From this reading ON THE EDGE OF THE PRECIPICE Tony, getting off the train at Dunbury on Saturday, found her brothers waiting for her with the car, and the kiddies on the back seat, "for ballast" as Ted said.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He was oddly improved somehow, his sister thought, considering how short a time she had been away from the Hill.
plural of “brother” — a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading ON THE EDGE OF THE PRECIPICE Tony, getting off the train at Dunbury on Saturday, found her brothers waiting for her with the car, and the kiddies on the back seat, "for ballast" as Ted said.
an orange of low brightness and saturation
From this reading Ted was brown and healthy looking, clear-eyed, steady-nerved, for once, without the inevitable cigarette in his mouth.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
From this reading ON THE EDGE OF THE PRECIPICE Tony, getting off the train at Dunbury on Saturday, found her brothers waiting for her with the car, and the kiddies on the back seat, "for ballast" as Ted said.
chancesnounUS /ˈtʃænsəz/
plural of “chance” — a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
cigarettenounUS /ˌsɪɡərˈet/
finely ground tobacco wrapped in paper; for smoking
From this reading Ted was brown and healthy looking, clear-eyed, steady-nerved, for once, without the inevitable cigarette in his mouth.
clear-eyedadjective
mentally acute or penetratingly discerning
From this reading Ted was brown and healthy looking, clear-eyed, steady-nerved, for once, without the inevitable cigarette in his mouth.
-ing form of “consider” — deem to be
From this reading He was oddly improved somehow, his sister thought, considering how short a time she had been away from the Hill.
curvesnounUS /kɜːrvz/
plural of “curve” — the trace of a point whose direction of motion changes
From this reading She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together
From this reading She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
Dunbury
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ON THE EDGE OF THE PRECIPICE Tony, getting off the train at Dunbury on Saturday, found her brothers waiting for her with the car, and the kiddies on the back seat, "for ballast" as Ted said.
the boundary of a surface
From this reading ON THE EDGE OF THE PRECIPICE Tony, getting off the train at Dunbury on Saturday, found her brothers waiting for her with the car, and the kiddies on the back seat, "for ballast" as Ted said.
the organ of sight
From this reading She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
start firing a weapon
From this reading She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading ON THE EDGE OF THE PRECIPICE Tony, getting off the train at Dunbury on Saturday, found her brothers waiting for her with the car, and the kiddies on the back seat, "for ballast" as Ted said.
set up or found
From this reading ON THE EDGE OF THE PRECIPICE Tony, getting off the train at Dunbury on Saturday, found her brothers waiting for her with the car, and the kiddies on the back seat, "for ballast" as Ted said.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He was oddly improved somehow, his sister thought, considering how short a time she had been away from the Hill.
the act of acquiring something
From this reading ON THE EDGE OF THE PRECIPICE Tony, getting off the train at Dunbury on Saturday, found her brothers waiting for her with the car, and the kiddies on the back seat, "for ballast" as Ted said.
a young female
From this reading With one quick apprizing glance the girl took in the two young men.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading With one quick apprizing glance the girl took in the two young men.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He was oddly improved somehow, his sister thought, considering how short a time she had been away from the Hill.
hair-breadth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was oddly improved somehow, his sister thought, considering how short a time she had been away from the Hill.
healthyadjectiveUS /ˈhelθi/
having or indicating good health in body or mind; free from infirmity or disease
From this reading Ted was brown and healthy looking, clear-eyed, steady-nerved, for once, without the inevitable cigarette in his mouth.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading ON THE EDGE OF THE PRECIPICE Tony, getting off the train at Dunbury on Saturday, found her brothers waiting for her with the car, and the kiddies on the back seat, "for ballast" as Ted said.
a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading He was oddly improved somehow, his sister thought, considering how short a time she had been away from the Hill.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Ted was brown and healthy looking, clear-eyed, steady-nerved, for once, without the inevitable cigarette in his mouth.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was oddly improved somehow, his sister thought, considering how short a time she had been away from the Hill.
improvedadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpruːvd/
made more desirable or valuable or profitable; especially made ready for use or marketing
From this reading He was oddly improved somehow, his sister thought, considering how short a time she had been away from the Hill.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading With one quick apprizing glance the girl took in the two young men.
inevitableadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈnevətəbəl/
incapable of being avoided or prevented
From this reading Ted was brown and healthy looking, clear-eyed, steady-nerved, for once, without the inevitable cigarette in his mouth.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
kiddiesnounUS /ˈkɪdiz/
plural of “kiddy” — informal term for a young child
From this reading ON THE EDGE OF THE PRECIPICE Tony, getting off the train at Dunbury on Saturday, found her brothers waiting for her with the car, and the kiddies on the back seat, "for ballast" as Ted said.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading Ted was brown and healthy looking, clear-eyed, steady-nerved, for once, without the inevitable cigarette in his mouth.
the force of workers available
From this reading With one quick apprizing glance the girl took in the two young men.
full of or showing high-spirited merriment
From this reading She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
From this reading Ted was brown and healthy looking, clear-eyed, steady-nerved, for once, without the inevitable cigarette in his mouth.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
not any; not one
From this reading She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
a message that seems to convey no meaning
From this reading She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
being perceived or observed
From this reading She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
oddlyadverbUS /ˈɑːdli/
in a manner differing from the usual or expected
From this reading He was oddly improved somehow, his sister thought, considering how short a time she had been away from the Hill.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading ON THE EDGE OF THE PRECIPICE Tony, getting off the train at Dunbury on Saturday, found her brothers waiting for her with the car, and the kiddies on the back seat, "for ballast" as Ted said.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading ON THE EDGE OF THE PRECIPICE Tony, getting off the train at Dunbury on Saturday, found her brothers waiting for her with the car, and the kiddies on the back seat, "for ballast" as Ted said.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading ON THE EDGE OF THE PRECIPICE Tony, getting off the train at Dunbury on Saturday, found her brothers waiting for her with the car, and the kiddies on the back seat, "for ballast" as Ted said.
on one occasion
From this reading Ted was brown and healthy looking, clear-eyed, steady-nerved, for once, without the inevitable cigarette in his mouth.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading With one quick apprizing glance the girl took in the two young men.
PRECIPICEnounUS /ˈpresəpəs/
a very steep cliff
From this reading ON THE EDGE OF THE PRECIPICE Tony, getting off the train at Dunbury on Saturday, found her brothers waiting for her with the car, and the kiddies on the back seat, "for ballast" as Ted said.
accomplished rapidly and without delay
From this reading With one quick apprizing glance the girl took in the two young men.
recklesslyadverbUS /ˈrekləsli/
in a reckless manner
From this reading She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
From this reading She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream
From this reading She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading ON THE EDGE OF THE PRECIPICE Tony, getting off the train at Dunbury on Saturday, found her brothers waiting for her with the car, and the kiddies on the back seat, "for ballast" as Ted said.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading ON THE EDGE OF THE PRECIPICE Tony, getting off the train at Dunbury on Saturday, found her brothers waiting for her with the car, and the kiddies on the back seat, "for ballast" as Ted said.
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading ON THE EDGE OF THE PRECIPICE Tony, getting off the train at Dunbury on Saturday, found her brothers waiting for her with the car, and the kiddies on the back seat, "for ballast" as Ted said.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was oddly improved somehow, his sister thought, considering how short a time she had been away from the Hill.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading He was oddly improved somehow, his sister thought, considering how short a time she had been away from the Hill.
a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading He was oddly improved somehow, his sister thought, considering how short a time she had been away from the Hill.
slidverbUS /slɪd/
inflected form of “slide” — move obliquely or sideways, usually in an uncontrolled manner
From this reading She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
in some unspecified way or manner; or by some unspecified means
From this reading He was oddly improved somehow, his sister thought, considering how short a time she had been away from the Hill.
the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
speededverbUS /ˈspiːdɪd/
past form of “speed” — move hurridly
From this reading She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
steady-nerved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ted was brown and healthy looking, clear-eyed, steady-nerved, for once, without the inevitable cigarette in his mouth.
TednounUS /ted/
a tough youth of 1950's and 1960's wearing Edwardian style clothes
From this reading ON THE EDGE OF THE PRECIPICE Tony, getting off the train at Dunbury on Saturday, found her brothers waiting for her with the car, and the kiddies on the back seat, "for ballast" as Ted said.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading ON THE EDGE OF THE PRECIPICE Tony, getting off the train at Dunbury on Saturday, found her brothers waiting for her with the car, and the kiddies on the back seat, "for ballast" as Ted said.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading He was oddly improved somehow, his sister thought, considering how short a time she had been away from the Hill.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading He was oddly improved somehow, his sister thought, considering how short a time she had been away from the Hill.
Tony
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ON THE EDGE OF THE PRECIPICE Tony, getting off the train at Dunbury on Saturday, found her brothers waiting for her with the car, and the kiddies on the back seat, "for ballast" as Ted said.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading With one quick apprizing glance the girl took in the two young men.
create by training and teaching
From this reading ON THE EDGE OF THE PRECIPICE Tony, getting off the train at Dunbury on Saturday, found her brothers waiting for her with the car, and the kiddies on the back seat, "for ballast" as Ted said.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading With one quick apprizing glance the girl took in the two young men.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
vehiclesnounUS /ˈviːhɪkəlz/
plural of “vehicle” — a conveyance that transports people or objects
From this reading She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading ON THE EDGE OF THE PRECIPICE Tony, getting off the train at Dunbury on Saturday, found her brothers waiting for her with the car, and the kiddies on the back seat, "for ballast" as Ted said.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Ted was brown and healthy looking, clear-eyed, steady-nerved, for once, without the inevitable cigarette in his mouth.
in the company of; together with
From this reading ON THE EDGE OF THE PRECIPICE Tony, getting off the train at Dunbury on Saturday, found her brothers waiting for her with the car, and the kiddies on the back seat, "for ballast" as Ted said.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Ted was brown and healthy looking, clear-eyed, steady-nerved, for once, without the inevitable cigarette in his mouth.
wontnounUS /woʊnt/
an established custom
From this reading She noticed also that he drove the car much less recklessly than was his wont, took no chances on curves, slid by no vehicles at hair-breadth space, speeded not at all, and though he kept up a running fire of merry nonsense, had his eye on the road as he drove.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading With one quick apprizing glance the girl took in the two young men.
