Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
38
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How could his would-be assassin have come into possession of a “police positive,” a .38 manufactured for the department alone?
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
alonenounUS /alone/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading How could his would-be assassin have come into possession of a “police positive,” a .38 manufactured for the department alone?
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
assassin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How could his would-be assassin have come into possession of a “police positive,” a .38 manufactured for the department alone?
away
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
Ballard's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While he was pondering this the telephone rang and Jimmie Ballard’s voice came to him over the wire.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading This had proved on examination to be a replica of his own old service one.
bedroom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
beneathprepositionUS /bɪˈniːθ/
Directly under; in or to a lower position than.
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
beyondprepositionUS /bɪˈɑːnd/
on the far side of; further than
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
boots
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
bulk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While he was pondering this the telephone rang and Jimmie Ballard’s voice came to him over the wire.
carefully
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
case
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
chat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
closet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading How could his would-be assassin have come into possession of a “police positive,” a .38 manufactured for the department alone?
concentration
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading How could his would-be assassin have come into possession of a “police positive,” a .38 manufactured for the department alone?
death-dealing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
Dennis
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
departed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
department
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How could his would-be assassin have come into possession of a “police positive,” a .38 manufactured for the department alone?
disorganized
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
early
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
emotions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
examination
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This had proved on examination to be a replica of his own old service one.
finally
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
fire
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
fireplace
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
FOREWARNED
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading How could his would-be assassin have come into possession of a “police positive,” a .38 manufactured for the department alone?
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How could his would-be assassin have come into possession of a “police positive,” a .38 manufactured for the department alone?
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading How could his would-be assassin have come into possession of a “police positive,” a .38 manufactured for the department alone?
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
Jimmie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While he was pondering this the telephone rang and Jimmie Ballard’s voice came to him over the wire.
kept
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
lacerated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
lamp
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
latter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
lay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
lighted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
locked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
manufactured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How could his would-be assassin have come into possession of a “police positive,” a .38 manufactured for the department alone?
McCarty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
moment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
oilnounUS /ɔɪl/
A viscous liquid derived from petroleum or plants, stored in large earthen jars.
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading This had proved on examination to be a replica of his own old service one.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading While he was pondering this the telephone rang and Jimmie Ballard’s voice came to him over the wire.
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This had proved on examination to be a replica of his own old service one.
paraphernalia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
pile
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
pipe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
police
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How could his would-be assassin have come into possession of a “police positive,” a .38 manufactured for the department alone?
pondering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While he was pondering this the telephone rang and Jimmie Ballard’s voice came to him over the wire.
positive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How could his would-be assassin have come into possession of a “police positive,” a .38 manufactured for the department alone?
possession
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How could his would-be assassin have come into possession of a “police positive,” a .38 manufactured for the department alone?
proved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This had proved on examination to be a replica of his own old service one.
rang
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While he was pondering this the telephone rang and Jimmie Ballard’s voice came to him over the wire.
removed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
replica
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This had proved on examination to be a replica of his own old service one.
resurrected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
revolver
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
seated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
service
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This had proved on examination to be a replica of his own old service one.
shock
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
sight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
soothed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
store-closet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
telephone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While he was pondering this the telephone rang and Jimmie Ballard’s voice came to him over the wire.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This had proved on examination to be a replica of his own old service one.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading This had proved on examination to be a replica of his own old service one.
together
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
visitor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
voice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While he was pondering this the telephone rang and Jimmie Ballard’s voice came to him over the wire.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading FOREWARNED Dennis’ lacerated emotions were finally soothed and after an old oil lamp was resurrected from the store-closet and lighted he seated himself for a pipe and a chat, but the shock had disorganized him beyond concentration on the case and he departed early for the fire house.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading While he was pondering this the telephone rang and Jimmie Ballard’s voice came to him over the wire.
wire
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While he was pondering this the telephone rang and Jimmie Ballard’s voice came to him over the wire.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading McCarty had carefully kept his bulk between his visitor and the sight of what lay in the fireplace and the moment the latter went away he removed the death-dealing paraphernalia and locked it in his bedroom closet beneath a pile of old boots, together with the revolver.
would-be
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How could his would-be assassin have come into possession of a “police positive,” a .38 manufactured for the department alone?
