Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A Goon, a Governmental Opposer of Neutrality, was a fearful sight.
All
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
apex
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
arms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The metal arms were multi-jointed and dextrous to a fantastic degree, despite the clumsy look of the thick tripodal fingers at the ends of the arms.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The metal arms were multi-jointed and dextrous to a fantastic degree, despite the clumsy look of the thick tripodal fingers at the ends of the arms.
base
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
bathed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
blurry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He knew he was supposed to recognize in them the ultimate in police efficiency, but they still gave him chills.
chills
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew he was supposed to recognize in them the ultimate in police efficiency, but they still gave him chills.
clumsyadjectiveUS /ˈklʌmzi/
awkward in movement or handling things
From this reading The metal arms were multi-jointed and dextrous to a fantastic degree, despite the clumsy look of the thick tripodal fingers at the ends of the arms.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
degree
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The metal arms were multi-jointed and dextrous to a fantastic degree, despite the clumsy look of the thick tripodal fingers at the ends of the arms.
despiteprepositionUS /dɪˈspaɪt/
although something is true; in spite of
From this reading The metal arms were multi-jointed and dextrous to a fantastic degree, despite the clumsy look of the thick tripodal fingers at the ends of the arms.
dextrous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The metal arms were multi-jointed and dextrous to a fantastic degree, despite the clumsy look of the thick tripodal fingers at the ends of the arms.
didn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lloyd didn't like Goons.
Earth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
efficiency
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew he was supposed to recognize in them the ultimate in police efficiency, but they still gave him chills.
eight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
ends
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The metal arms were multi-jointed and dextrous to a fantastic degree, despite the clumsy look of the thick tripodal fingers at the ends of the arms.
equal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
fantastic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The metal arms were multi-jointed and dextrous to a fantastic degree, despite the clumsy look of the thick tripodal fingers at the ends of the arms.
fearful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A Goon, a Governmental Opposer of Neutrality, was a fearful sight.
feet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
fingers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The metal arms were multi-jointed and dextrous to a fantastic degree, despite the clumsy look of the thick tripodal fingers at the ends of the arms.
force-fields
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
gave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew he was supposed to recognize in them the ultimate in police efficiency, but they still gave him chills.
Goon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A Goon, a Governmental Opposer of Neutrality, was a fearful sight.
Goons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lloyd didn't like Goons.
Governmental
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A Goon, a Governmental Opposer of Neutrality, was a fearful sight.
grey
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He knew he was supposed to recognize in them the ultimate in police efficiency, but they still gave him chills.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He knew he was supposed to recognize in them the ultimate in police efficiency, but they still gave him chills.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He knew he was supposed to recognize in them the ultimate in police efficiency, but they still gave him chills.
knew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew he was supposed to recognize in them the ultimate in police efficiency, but they still gave him chills.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lloyd didn't like Goons.
Lloyd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lloyd didn't like Goons.
looknounUS /look/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The metal arms were multi-jointed and dextrous to a fantastic degree, despite the clumsy look of the thick tripodal fingers at the ends of the arms.
metal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
micrometer-breadth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
monstrous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
multi-jointed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The metal arms were multi-jointed and dextrous to a fantastic degree, despite the clumsy look of the thick tripodal fingers at the ends of the arms.
Neutrality
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A Goon, a Governmental Opposer of Neutrality, was a fearful sight.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A Goon, a Governmental Opposer of Neutrality, was a fearful sight.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
Opposer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A Goon, a Governmental Opposer of Neutrality, was a fearful sight.
penetrate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
police
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew he was supposed to recognize in them the ultimate in police efficiency, but they still gave him chills.
ponderous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
power
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
protective
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
pulsations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
recognize
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew he was supposed to recognize in them the ultimate in police efficiency, but they still gave him chills.
sight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A Goon, a Governmental Opposer of Neutrality, was a fearful sight.
size
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
stillnounUS /still/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He knew he was supposed to recognize in them the ultimate in police efficiency, but they still gave him chills.
supposed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew he was supposed to recognize in them the ultimate in police efficiency, but they still gave him chills.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading He knew he was supposed to recognize in them the ultimate in police efficiency, but they still gave him chills.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading He knew he was supposed to recognize in them the ultimate in police efficiency, but they still gave him chills.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He knew he was supposed to recognize in them the ultimate in police efficiency, but they still gave him chills.
thick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He knew he was supposed to recognize in them the ultimate in police efficiency, but they still gave him chills.
tripodal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The metal arms were multi-jointed and dextrous to a fantastic degree, despite the clumsy look of the thick tripodal fingers at the ends of the arms.
ultimate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew he was supposed to recognize in them the ultimate in police efficiency, but they still gave him chills.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He knew he was supposed to recognize in them the ultimate in police efficiency, but they still gave him chills.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
wheels
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading All were of a size, equal to a micrometer-breadth, a monstrous eight feet of thick metal and ponderous wheels, bathed from base to apex in the blurry grey pulsations of their protective force-fields, through which no power on Earth could penetrate.
