used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The grand jury sat upon the Whittaker case and returned a true bill against Emerson Mead, indicting him for the murder of Will Whittaker.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading The grand jury sat upon the Whittaker case and returned a true bill against Emerson Mead, indicting him for the murder of Will Whittaker.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Everybody knew that his usual practice in shooting was to fire three quick shots, so rapidly that the three explosions were almost a continuous sound, pause an instant, and then, if necessary, fire three more in the same way.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Everybody knew that his usual practice in shooting was to fire three quick shots, so rapidly that the three explosions were almost a continuous sound, pause an instant, and then, if necessary, fire three more in the same way.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The grand jury sat upon the Whittaker case and returned a true bill against Emerson Mead, indicting him for the murder of Will Whittaker.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading The three bullets were pretty sure to go where he meant they should, and if he wished he could put them so close together that the ragged edges of the holes touched one another, as did those in the back of Whittaker's corpse.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The three bullets were pretty sure to go where he meant they should, and if he wished he could put them so close together that the ragged edges of the holes touched one another, as did those in the back of Whittaker's corpse.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Mead was confined in the jail at Las Plumas to await his trial, which would not take place until the following autumn.
the season when the leaves fall from the trees
From this reading Mead was confined in the jail at Las Plumas to await his trial, which would not take place until the following autumn.
awaitverbUS /əˈweɪt/
look forward to the probable occurrence of
From this reading Mead was confined in the jail at Las Plumas to await his trial, which would not take place until the following autumn.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading The three bullets were pretty sure to go where he meant they should, and if he wished he could put them so close together that the ragged edges of the holes touched one another, as did those in the back of Whittaker's corpse.
past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true
From this reading The finding of Will Whittaker's body convinced many who had formerly believed in his innocence that Mead was guilty.
a statute in draft before it becomes law
From this reading The grand jury sat upon the Whittaker case and returned a true bill against Emerson Mead, indicting him for the murder of Will Whittaker.
the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading The finding of Will Whittaker's body convinced many who had formerly believed in his innocence that Mead was guilty.
bulletsnounUS /ˈbʊləts/
plural of “bullet” — a projectile that is fired from a gun
From this reading The three bullets were pretty sure to go where he meant they should, and if he wished he could put them so close together that the ragged edges of the holes touched one another, as did those in the back of Whittaker's corpse.
an occurrence of something
From this reading The grand jury sat upon the Whittaker case and returned a true bill against Emerson Mead, indicting him for the murder of Will Whittaker.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading The three bullets were pretty sure to go where he meant they should, and if he wished he could put them so close together that the ragged edges of the holes touched one another, as did those in the back of Whittaker's corpse.
confinedadjectiveUS /kənˈfaɪnd/
not invading healthy tissue
From this reading Mead was confined in the jail at Las Plumas to await his trial, which would not take place until the following autumn.
continuousadjectiveUS /kənˈtɪnjuːəs/
continuing in time or space without interruption
From this reading Everybody knew that his usual practice in shooting was to fire three quick shots, so rapidly that the three explosions were almost a continuous sound, pause an instant, and then, if necessary, fire three more in the same way.
persuaded of; very sure
From this reading The finding of Will Whittaker's body convinced many who had formerly believed in his innocence that Mead was guilty.
corpsenounUS /kɔːrps/
the dead body of a human being
From this reading The three bullets were pretty sure to go where he meant they should, and if he wished he could put them so close together that the ragged edges of the holes touched one another, as did those in the back of Whittaker's corpse.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The three bullets were pretty sure to go where he meant they should, and if he wished he could put them so close together that the ragged edges of the holes touched one another, as did those in the back of Whittaker's corpse.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The three bullets were pretty sure to go where he meant they should, and if he wished he could put them so close together that the ragged edges of the holes touched one another, as did those in the back of Whittaker's corpse.
edgesnounUS /ˈedʒəz/
plural of “edge” — the boundary of a surface
From this reading The three bullets were pretty sure to go where he meant they should, and if he wished he could put them so close together that the ragged edges of the holes touched one another, as did those in the back of Whittaker's corpse.
EmersonnounUS /ˈemərsən/
United States writer and leading exponent of transcendentalism (1803-1882)
From this reading The grand jury sat upon the Whittaker case and returned a true bill against Emerson Mead, indicting him for the murder of Will Whittaker.
every person
From this reading Everybody knew that his usual practice in shooting was to fire three quick shots, so rapidly that the three explosions were almost a continuous sound, pause an instant, and then, if necessary, fire three more in the same way.
explosionsnounUS /ɪkˈsploʊʒənz/
plural of “explosion” — a violent release of energy caused by a chemical or nuclear reaction
From this reading Everybody knew that his usual practice in shooting was to fire three quick shots, so rapidly that the three explosions were almost a continuous sound, pause an instant, and then, if necessary, fire three more in the same way.
the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation
From this reading The finding of Will Whittaker's body convinced many who had formerly believed in his innocence that Mead was guilty.
start firing a weapon
From this reading Everybody knew that his usual practice in shooting was to fire three quick shots, so rapidly that the three explosions were almost a continuous sound, pause an instant, and then, if necessary, fire three more in the same way.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading Mead was confined in the jail at Las Plumas to await his trial, which would not take place until the following autumn.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The grand jury sat upon the Whittaker case and returned a true bill against Emerson Mead, indicting him for the murder of Will Whittaker.
at a previous time
From this reading The finding of Will Whittaker's body convinced many who had formerly believed in his innocence that Mead was guilty.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The three bullets were pretty sure to go where he meant they should, and if he wished he could put them so close together that the ragged edges of the holes touched one another, as did those in the back of Whittaker's corpse.
of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope
From this reading The grand jury sat upon the Whittaker case and returned a true bill against Emerson Mead, indicting him for the murder of Will Whittaker.
responsible for or chargeable with a reprehensible act
From this reading The finding of Will Whittaker's body convinced many who had formerly believed in his innocence that Mead was guilty.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The finding of Will Whittaker's body convinced many who had formerly believed in his innocence that Mead was guilty.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The three bullets were pretty sure to go where he meant they should, and if he wished he could put them so close together that the ragged edges of the holes touched one another, as did those in the back of Whittaker's corpse.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The grand jury sat upon the Whittaker case and returned a true bill against Emerson Mead, indicting him for the murder of Will Whittaker.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Mead was confined in the jail at Las Plumas to await his trial, which would not take place until the following autumn.
holesnounUS /hoʊlz/
plural of “hole” — an opening into or through something
From this reading The three bullets were pretty sure to go where he meant they should, and if he wished he could put them so close together that the ragged edges of the holes touched one another, as did those in the back of Whittaker's corpse.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Everybody knew that his usual practice in shooting was to fire three quick shots, so rapidly that the three explosions were almost a continuous sound, pause an instant, and then, if necessary, fire three more in the same way.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Mead was confined in the jail at Las Plumas to await his trial, which would not take place until the following autumn.
indictingverbUS /ˌɪnˈdaɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “indict” — accuse formally of a crime
From this reading The grand jury sat upon the Whittaker case and returned a true bill against Emerson Mead, indicting him for the murder of Will Whittaker.
the quality of innocent naivete
From this reading The finding of Will Whittaker's body convinced many who had formerly believed in his innocence that Mead was guilty.
a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
From this reading Everybody knew that his usual practice in shooting was to fire three quick shots, so rapidly that the three explosions were almost a continuous sound, pause an instant, and then, if necessary, fire three more in the same way.
jailnounUS /dʒeɪl/
a correctional institution used to detain persons who are in the lawful custody of the government (either accused persons awaiting trial or convicted persons serving a sentence)
From this reading Mead was confined in the jail at Las Plumas to await his trial, which would not take place until the following autumn.
jurynounUS /ˈdʒʊri/
a body of citizens sworn to give a true verdict according to the evidence presented in a court of law
From this reading The grand jury sat upon the Whittaker case and returned a true bill against Emerson Mead, indicting him for the murder of Will Whittaker.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Everybody knew that his usual practice in shooting was to fire three quick shots, so rapidly that the three explosions were almost a continuous sound, pause an instant, and then, if necessary, fire three more in the same way.
LasnounUS /lɑːs/
plural of “la” — a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth
From this reading Mead was confined in the jail at Las Plumas to await his trial, which would not take place until the following autumn.
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 The finding of Will Whittaker's body convinced many who had formerly believed in his innocence that Mead was guilty.
MeadnounUS /miːd/
United States anthropologist noted for her claims about adolescence and sexual behavior in Polynesian cultures (1901-1978)
From this reading The grand jury sat upon the Whittaker case and returned a true bill against Emerson Mead, indicting him for the murder of Will Whittaker.
inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading The three bullets were pretty sure to go where he meant they should, and if he wished he could put them so close together that the ragged edges of the holes touched one another, as did those in the back of Whittaker's corpse.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Everybody knew that his usual practice in shooting was to fire three quick shots, so rapidly that the three explosions were almost a continuous sound, pause an instant, and then, if necessary, fire three more in the same way.
kill intentionally and with premeditation
From this reading The grand jury sat upon the Whittaker case and returned a true bill against Emerson Mead, indicting him for the murder of Will Whittaker.
absolutely essential
From this reading Everybody knew that his usual practice in shooting was to fire three quick shots, so rapidly that the three explosions were almost a continuous sound, pause an instant, and then, if necessary, fire three more in the same way.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Mead was confined in the jail at Las Plumas to await his trial, which would not take place until the following autumn.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The grand jury sat upon the Whittaker case and returned a true bill against Emerson Mead, indicting him for the murder of Will Whittaker.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The three bullets were pretty sure to go where he meant they should, and if he wished he could put them so close together that the ragged edges of the holes touched one another, as did those in the back of Whittaker's corpse.
a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something
From this reading Everybody knew that his usual practice in shooting was to fire three quick shots, so rapidly that the three explosions were almost a continuous sound, pause an instant, and then, if necessary, fire three more in the same way.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Mead was confined in the jail at Las Plumas to await his trial, which would not take place until the following autumn.
Plumas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mead was confined in the jail at Las Plumas to await his trial, which would not take place until the following autumn.
a customary way of operation or behavior
From this reading Everybody knew that his usual practice in shooting was to fire three quick shots, so rapidly that the three explosions were almost a continuous sound, pause an instant, and then, if necessary, fire three more in the same way.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading The three bullets were pretty sure to go where he meant they should, and if he wished he could put them so close together that the ragged edges of the holes touched one another, as did those in the back of Whittaker's corpse.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading The three bullets were pretty sure to go where he meant they should, and if he wished he could put them so close together that the ragged edges of the holes touched one another, as did those in the back of Whittaker's corpse.
accomplished rapidly and without delay
From this reading Everybody knew that his usual practice in shooting was to fire three quick shots, so rapidly that the three explosions were almost a continuous sound, pause an instant, and then, if necessary, fire three more in the same way.
raggedadjectiveUS /ˈræɡəd/
being or dressed in clothes that are worn or torn
From this reading The three bullets were pretty sure to go where he meant they should, and if he wished he could put them so close together that the ragged edges of the holes touched one another, as did those in the back of Whittaker's corpse.
with speed
From this reading Everybody knew that his usual practice in shooting was to fire three quick shots, so rapidly that the three explosions were almost a continuous sound, pause an instant, and then, if necessary, fire three more in the same way.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading The grand jury sat upon the Whittaker case and returned a true bill against Emerson Mead, indicting him for the murder of Will Whittaker.
Identical; not different.
From this reading Everybody knew that his usual practice in shooting was to fire three quick shots, so rapidly that the three explosions were almost a continuous sound, pause an instant, and then, if necessary, fire three more in the same way.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading The grand jury sat upon the Whittaker case and returned a true bill against Emerson Mead, indicting him for the murder of Will Whittaker.
shootingnounUS /ˈʃuːtɪŋ/
the act of firing a projectile
From this reading Everybody knew that his usual practice in shooting was to fire three quick shots, so rapidly that the three explosions were almost a continuous sound, pause an instant, and then, if necessary, fire three more in the same way.
shotsnounUS /ʃɑːts/
plural of “shot” — the act of firing a projectile
From this reading Everybody knew that his usual practice in shooting was to fire three quick shots, so rapidly that the three explosions were almost a continuous sound, pause an instant, and then, if necessary, fire three more in the same way.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading The three bullets were pretty sure to go where he meant they should, and if he wished he could put them so close together that the ragged edges of the holes touched one another, as did those in the back of Whittaker's corpse.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Everybody knew that his usual practice in shooting was to fire three quick shots, so rapidly that the three explosions were almost a continuous sound, pause an instant, and then, if necessary, fire three more in the same way.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading Everybody knew that his usual practice in shooting was to fire three quick shots, so rapidly that the three explosions were almost a continuous sound, pause an instant, and then, if necessary, fire three more in the same way.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading The three bullets were pretty sure to go where he meant they should, and if he wished he could put them so close together that the ragged edges of the holes touched one another, as did those in the back of Whittaker's corpse.
carry out
From this reading Mead was confined in the jail at Las Plumas to await his trial, which would not take place until the following autumn.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The finding of Will Whittaker's body convinced many who had formerly believed in his innocence that Mead was guilty.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The grand jury sat upon the Whittaker case and returned a true bill against Emerson Mead, indicting him for the murder of Will Whittaker.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The three bullets were pretty sure to go where he meant they should, and if he wished he could put them so close together that the ragged edges of the holes touched one another, as did those in the back of Whittaker's corpse.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Everybody knew that his usual practice in shooting was to fire three quick shots, so rapidly that the three explosions were almost a continuous sound, pause an instant, and then, if necessary, fire three more in the same way.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The three bullets were pretty sure to go where he meant they should, and if he wished he could put them so close together that the ragged edges of the holes touched one another, as did those in the back of Whittaker's corpse.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading The three bullets were pretty sure to go where he meant they should, and if he wished he could put them so close together that the ragged edges of the holes touched one another, as did those in the back of Whittaker's corpse.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Everybody knew that his usual practice in shooting was to fire three quick shots, so rapidly that the three explosions were almost a continuous sound, pause an instant, and then, if necessary, fire three more in the same way.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Mead was confined in the jail at Las Plumas to await his trial, which would not take place until the following autumn.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading The three bullets were pretty sure to go where he meant they should, and if he wished he could put them so close together that the ragged edges of the holes touched one another, as did those in the back of Whittaker's corpse.
having come into contact
From this reading The three bullets were pretty sure to go where he meant they should, and if he wished he could put them so close together that the ragged edges of the holes touched one another, as did those in the back of Whittaker's corpse.
the act of testing something
From this reading Mead was confined in the jail at Las Plumas to await his trial, which would not take place until the following autumn.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading The grand jury sat upon the Whittaker case and returned a true bill against Emerson Mead, indicting him for the murder of Will Whittaker.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading Mead was confined in the jail at Las Plumas to await his trial, which would not take place until the following autumn.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The grand jury sat upon the Whittaker case and returned a true bill against Emerson Mead, indicting him for the murder of Will Whittaker.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading Everybody knew that his usual practice in shooting was to fire three quick shots, so rapidly that the three explosions were almost a continuous sound, pause an instant, and then, if necessary, fire three more in the same way.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mead was confined in the jail at Las Plumas to await his trial, which would not take place until the following autumn.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Everybody knew that his usual practice in shooting was to fire three quick shots, so rapidly that the three explosions were almost a continuous sound, pause an instant, and then, if necessary, fire three more in the same way.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Everybody knew that his usual practice in shooting was to fire three quick shots, so rapidly that the three explosions were almost a continuous sound, pause an instant, and then, if necessary, fire three more in the same way.
in or at the place that
From this reading The three bullets were pretty sure to go where he meant they should, and if he wished he could put them so close together that the ragged edges of the holes touched one another, as did those in the back of Whittaker's corpse.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Mead was confined in the jail at Las Plumas to await his trial, which would not take place until the following autumn.
Whittaker
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The grand jury sat upon the Whittaker case and returned a true bill against Emerson Mead, indicting him for the murder of Will Whittaker.
Whittaker's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The finding of Will Whittaker's body convinced many who had formerly believed in his innocence that Mead was guilty.
which person or people
From this reading The finding of Will Whittaker's body convinced many who had formerly believed in his innocence that Mead was guilty.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading The grand jury sat upon the Whittaker case and returned a true bill against Emerson Mead, indicting him for the murder of Will Whittaker.
past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish
From this reading The three bullets were pretty sure to go where he meant they should, and if he wished he could put them so close together that the ragged edges of the holes touched one another, as did those in the back of Whittaker's corpse.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Mead was confined in the jail at Las Plumas to await his trial, which would not take place until the following autumn.
