Chapter XIII · Forebodings of Storm

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

From this reading There were the spicy fragrance of pine and hemlock, and the fresh smell of warming mould and bursting buds, while the perfume of wild flowers added a moiety to the spring time odor.

past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading There were the spicy fragrance of pine and hemlock, and the fresh smell of warming mould and bursting buds, while the perfume of wild flowers added a moiety to the spring time odor.

later than; following

From this reading After many days of fair promises tardily fulfilled, spring had come.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

possessing life

From this reading The shad trees shone like snowdrifts in the gray woods, and the yellow catkins were alive with humming bees.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading Amid the pleasant sights of nature’s progress, Nathan and his friend sat near the door, taking off and stretching on pliant bows the skins of the last catch of muskrats.

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

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

plural of “bee” — any of numerous hairy-bodied insects including social and solitary species

From this reading The shad trees shone like snowdrifts in the gray woods, and the yellow catkins were alive with humming bees.

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

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

plural of “blackbird” — any bird of the family Icteridae whose male is black or predominantly black

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

very lively and profitable

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

plural of “bow” — a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces

From this reading Amid the pleasant sights of nature’s progress, Nathan and his friend sat near the door, taking off and stretching on pliant bows the skins of the last catch of muskrats.

plural of “bud” — a partially opened flower

From this reading There were the spicy fragrance of pine and hemlock, and the fresh smell of warming mould and bursting buds, while the perfume of wild flowers added a moiety to the spring time odor.

-ing form of “burst” — come open suddenly and violently, as if from internal pressure

From this reading There were the spicy fragrance of pine and hemlock, and the fresh smell of warming mould and bursting buds, while the perfume of wild flowers added a moiety to the spring time odor.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading Amid the pleasant sights of nature’s progress, Nathan and his friend sat near the door, taking off and stretching on pliant bows the skins of the last catch of muskrats.

plural of “catkin” — a cylindrical spikelike inflorescence

From this reading The shad trees shone like snowdrifts in the gray woods, and the yellow catkins were alive with humming bees.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading After many days of fair promises tardily fulfilled, spring had come.

the residue that remains after animal fat has been rendered

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

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

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading After many days of fair promises tardily fulfilled, spring had come.

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

From this reading Amid the pleasant sights of nature’s progress, Nathan and his friend sat near the door, taking off and stretching on pliant bows the skins of the last catch of muskrats.

plural of “duck” — small wild or domesticated web-footed broad-billed swimming bird usually having a depressed body and short legs

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading After many days of fair promises tardily fulfilled, spring had come.

plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading There were the spicy fragrance of pine and hemlock, and the fresh smell of warming mould and bursting buds, while the perfume of wild flowers added a moiety to the spring time odor.

a distinctive odor that is pleasant

From this reading There were the spicy fragrance of pine and hemlock, and the fresh smell of warming mould and bursting buds, while the perfume of wild flowers added a moiety to the spring time odor.

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading There were the spicy fragrance of pine and hemlock, and the fresh smell of warming mould and bursting buds, while the perfume of wild flowers added a moiety to the spring time odor.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Amid the pleasant sights of nature’s progress, Nathan and his friend sat near the door, taking off and stretching on pliant bows the skins of the last catch of muskrats.

plural of “frog” — any of various tailless stout-bodied amphibians with long hind limbs for leaping; semiaquatic and terrestrial species

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

completed to perfection

From this reading After many days of fair promises tardily fulfilled, spring had come.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading The shad trees shone like snowdrifts in the gray woods, and the yellow catkins were alive with humming bees.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading After many days of fair promises tardily fulfilled, spring had come.

unpleasantly stern

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

poisonous drug derived from an Eurasian plant of the genus Conium

From this reading There were the spicy fragrance of pine and hemlock, and the fresh smell of warming mould and bursting buds, while the perfume of wild flowers added a moiety to the spring time odor.

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

From this reading Amid the pleasant sights of nature’s progress, Nathan and his friend sat near the door, taking off and stretching on pliant bows the skins of the last catch of muskrats.

a humming noise

From this reading The shad trees shone like snowdrifts in the gray woods, and the yellow catkins were alive with humming bees.

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

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

immediately past

From this reading Amid the pleasant sights of nature’s progress, Nathan and his friend sat near the door, taking off and stretching on pliant bows the skins of the last catch of muskrats.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The shad trees shone like snowdrifts in the gray woods, and the yellow catkins were alive with humming bees.

existing as or having characteristics of a liquid; especially tending to flow

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

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 After many days of fair promises tardily fulfilled, spring had come.

a musical composition consisting of a series of songs or other musical pieces from various sources

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

one of two (approximately) equal parts

From this reading There were the spicy fragrance of pine and hemlock, and the fresh smell of warming mould and bursting buds, while the perfume of wild flowers added a moiety to the spring time odor.

form in clay, wax, etc

From this reading There were the spicy fragrance of pine and hemlock, and the fresh smell of warming mould and bursting buds, while the perfume of wild flowers added a moiety to the spring time odor.

a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

plural of “muskrat” — the brown fur of a muskrat

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

a large indefinite number

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

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

From this reading Amid the pleasant sights of nature’s progress, Nathan and his friend sat near the door, taking off and stretching on pliant bows the skins of the last catch of muskrats.

possessive form of “nature” — the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading Amid the pleasant sights of nature’s progress, Nathan and his friend sat near the door, taking off and stretching on pliant bows the skins of the last catch of muskrats.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading Amid the pleasant sights of nature’s progress, Nathan and his friend sat near the door, taking off and stretching on pliant bows the skins of the last catch of muskrats.

plural of “note” — a brief written record

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

any property detected by the olfactory system

From this reading There were the spicy fragrance of pine and hemlock, and the fresh smell of warming mould and bursting buds, while the perfume of wild flowers added a moiety to the spring time odor.

plural of “odor” — any property detected by the olfactory system

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading After many days of fair promises tardily fulfilled, spring had come.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Amid the pleasant sights of nature’s progress, Nathan and his friend sat near the door, taking off and stretching on pliant bows the skins of the last catch of muskrats.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Amid the pleasant sights of nature’s progress, Nathan and his friend sat near the door, taking off and stretching on pliant bows the skins of the last catch of muskrats.

a distinctive odor that is pleasant

From this reading There were the spicy fragrance of pine and hemlock, and the fresh smell of warming mould and bursting buds, while the perfume of wild flowers added a moiety to the spring time odor.

a coniferous tree

From this reading There were the spicy fragrance of pine and hemlock, and the fresh smell of warming mould and bursting buds, while the perfume of wild flowers added a moiety to the spring time odor.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading Amid the pleasant sights of nature’s progress, Nathan and his friend sat near the door, taking off and stretching on pliant bows the skins of the last catch of muskrats.

capable of being influenced or formed

From this reading Amid the pleasant sights of nature’s progress, Nathan and his friend sat near the door, taking off and stretching on pliant bows the skins of the last catch of muskrats.

gradual improvement or growth or development

From this reading Amid the pleasant sights of nature’s progress, Nathan and his friend sat near the door, taking off and stretching on pliant bows the skins of the last catch of muskrats.

plural of “promise” — a verbal commitment by one person to another agreeing to do (or not to do) something in the future

From this reading After many days of fair promises tardily fulfilled, spring had come.

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

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading Amid the pleasant sights of nature’s progress, Nathan and his friend sat near the door, taking off and stretching on pliant bows the skins of the last catch of muskrats.

bony flesh of herring-like fish usually caught during their migration to fresh water for spawning; especially of Atlantic coast

From this reading The shad trees shone like snowdrifts in the gray woods, and the yellow catkins were alive with humming bees.

inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light

From this reading The shad trees shone like snowdrifts in the gray woods, and the yellow catkins were alive with humming bees.

an optical instrument for aiding the eye in aiming, as on a firearm or surveying instrument

From this reading Amid the pleasant sights of nature’s progress, Nathan and his friend sat near the door, taking off and stretching on pliant bows the skins of the last catch of muskrats.

plural of “skin” — a natural protective body covering and site of the sense of touch

From this reading Amid the pleasant sights of nature’s progress, Nathan and his friend sat near the door, taking off and stretching on pliant bows the skins of the last catch of muskrats.

the sensation that results when olfactory receptors in the nose are stimulated by particular chemicals in gaseous form

From this reading There were the spicy fragrance of pine and hemlock, and the fresh smell of warming mould and bursting buds, while the perfume of wild flowers added a moiety to the spring time odor.

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

From this reading The shad trees shone like snowdrifts in the gray woods, and the yellow catkins were alive with humming bees.

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

producing a burning sensation on the taste nerves

From this reading There were the spicy fragrance of pine and hemlock, and the fresh smell of warming mould and bursting buds, while the perfume of wild flowers added a moiety to the spring time odor.

the act of splashing a (liquid) substance on a surface

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

the season of growth

From this reading After many days of fair promises tardily fulfilled, spring had come.

act of expanding by lengthening or widening

From this reading Amid the pleasant sights of nature’s progress, Nathan and his friend sat near the door, taking off and stretching on pliant bows the skins of the last catch of muskrats.

past form of “swarm” — be teeming, be abuzz

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading Amid the pleasant sights of nature’s progress, Nathan and his friend sat near the door, taking off and stretching on pliant bows the skins of the last catch of muskrats.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading After many days of fair promises tardily fulfilled, spring had come.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

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

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There were the spicy fragrance of pine and hemlock, and the fresh smell of warming mould and bursting buds, while the perfume of wild flowers added a moiety to the spring time odor.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading There were the spicy fragrance of pine and hemlock, and the fresh smell of warming mould and bursting buds, while the perfume of wild flowers added a moiety to the spring time odor.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading There were the spicy fragrance of pine and hemlock, and the fresh smell of warming mould and bursting buds, while the perfume of wild flowers added a moiety to the spring time odor.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

imparting heat

From this reading There were the spicy fragrance of pine and hemlock, and the fresh smell of warming mould and bursting buds, while the perfume of wild flowers added a moiety to the spring time odor.

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

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

United States actress and singer (1896-1977)

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

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

From this reading There were the spicy fragrance of pine and hemlock, and the fresh smell of warming mould and bursting buds, while the perfume of wild flowers added a moiety to the spring time odor.

during the time that

From this reading There were the spicy fragrance of pine and hemlock, and the fresh smell of warming mould and bursting buds, while the perfume of wild flowers added a moiety to the spring time odor.

-ing form of “whimper” — cry weakly or softly

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading The soft air was full of its sounds and odors, the medley of harsh and liquid notes of the myriad blackbirds that swarmed in the trees along the creek, the crackling croak of the frogs, the whimpering call of the muskrats, the booming of bitterns, the splashing and quacking of wild ducks, and the murmur of running waters.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The shad trees shone like snowdrifts in the gray woods, and the yellow catkins were alive with humming bees.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading The shad trees shone like snowdrifts in the gray woods, and the yellow catkins were alive with humming bees.

of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk

From this reading The shad trees shone like snowdrifts in the gray woods, and the yellow catkins were alive with humming bees.