used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading In the full glare of the afternoon sun, the desert was disappointing in its monotony.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
eagerly desirous
From this reading The vast monotony of the desert had a hypnotic effect, and I was even anxious lest I might fall asleep and slip from my lofty perch.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
AREauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
in a state of sleep
From this reading The vast monotony of the desert had a hypnotic effect, and I was even anxious lest I might fall asleep and slip from my lofty perch.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading It was from the south, a quarter it had not blown from before, and it came in puffs like a breath from the opened door of a furnace; a dry fierce heat that burned one’s cheek and made the eyes smart.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
blownadjectiveUS /bloʊn/
being moved or acted upon by moving air or vapor
From this reading It was from the south, a quarter it had not blown from before, and it came in puffs like a breath from the opened door of a furnace; a dry fierce heat that burned one’s cheek and made the eyes smart.
the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading It was from the south, a quarter it had not blown from before, and it came in puffs like a breath from the opened door of a furnace; a dry fierce heat that burned one’s cheek and made the eyes smart.
treated by heating to a high temperature but below the melting or fusing point
From this reading It was from the south, a quarter it had not blown from before, and it came in puffs like a breath from the opened door of a furnace; a dry fierce heat that burned one’s cheek and made the eyes smart.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading It was from the south, a quarter it had not blown from before, and it came in puffs like a breath from the opened door of a furnace; a dry fierce heat that burned one’s cheek and made the eyes smart.
camel'snounUS /ˈkæməlz/
possessive form of “camel” — cud-chewing mammal used as a draft or saddle animal in desert regions
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
either side of the face below the eyes
From this reading It was from the south, a quarter it had not blown from before, and it came in puffs like a breath from the opened door of a furnace; a dry fierce heat that burned one’s cheek and made the eyes smart.
leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch
From this reading The vast monotony of the desert had a hypnotic effect, and I was even anxious lest I might fall asleep and slip from my lofty perch.
dignifiedadjectiveUS /ˈdɪɡnəfaɪd/
having or expressing dignity; especially formality or stateliness in bearing or appearance
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
disappointingadjectiveUS /ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntɪŋ/
not up to expectations
From this reading In the full glare of the afternoon sun, the desert was disappointing in its monotony.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading It was from the south, a quarter it had not blown from before, and it came in puffs like a breath from the opened door of a furnace; a dry fierce heat that burned one’s cheek and made the eyes smart.
free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet
From this reading It was from the south, a quarter it had not blown from before, and it came in puffs like a breath from the opened door of a furnace; a dry fierce heat that burned one’s cheek and made the eyes smart.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading The vast monotony of the desert had a hypnotic effect, and I was even anxious lest I might fall asleep and slip from my lofty perch.
divisible by two
From this reading The vast monotony of the desert had a hypnotic effect, and I was even anxious lest I might fall asleep and slip from my lofty perch.
opinion or judgment
From this reading It was from the south, a quarter it had not blown from before, and it came in puffs like a breath from the opened door of a furnace; a dry fierce heat that burned one’s cheek and made the eyes smart.
descend in free fall under the influence of gravity
From this reading The vast monotony of the desert had a hypnotic effect, and I was even anxious lest I might fall asleep and slip from my lofty perch.
marked by extreme and violent energy
From this reading It was from the south, a quarter it had not blown from before, and it came in puffs like a breath from the opened door of a furnace; a dry fierce heat that burned one’s cheek and made the eyes smart.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The vast monotony of the desert had a hypnotic effect, and I was even anxious lest I might fall asleep and slip from my lofty perch.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading In the full glare of the afternoon sun, the desert was disappointing in its monotony.
furnacenounUS /ˈfɜːrnəs/
an enclosed chamber in which heat is produced to heat buildings, destroy refuse, smelt or refine ores, etc.
From this reading It was from the south, a quarter it had not blown from before, and it came in puffs like a breath from the opened door of a furnace; a dry fierce heat that burned one’s cheek and made the eyes smart.
gaitnounUS /ɡeɪt/
the rate of moving (especially walking or running)
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
glarenounUS /ɡler/
a light within the field of vision that is brighter than the brightness to which the eyes are adapted
From this reading In the full glare of the afternoon sun, the desert was disappointing in its monotony.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The vast monotony of the desert had a hypnotic effect, and I was even anxious lest I might fall asleep and slip from my lofty perch.
a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature
From this reading The heat was most oppressive, and I noticed a new quality in the slight wind.
hypnoticadjectiveUS /hɪpˈnɑːtɪk/
of or relating to hypnosis
From this reading The vast monotony of the desert had a hypnotic effect, and I was even anxious lest I might fall asleep and slip from my lofty perch.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
imposesverbUS /ɪmˈpoʊzəz/
third-person singular of “impose” — compel to behave in a certain way
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
insecuritynounUS /ˌɪnsɪˈkjʊrɪti/
the state of being subject to danger or injury
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was from the south, a quarter it had not blown from before, and it came in puffs like a breath from the opened door of a furnace; a dry fierce heat that burned one’s cheek and made the eyes smart.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading In the full glare of the afternoon sun, the desert was disappointing in its monotony.
KHAMSINnoun
an oppressively hot southerly wind from the Sahara that blows across Egypt in the spring
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
in order that something should not happen
From this reading The vast monotony of the desert had a hypnotic effect, and I was even anxious lest I might fall asleep and slip from my lofty perch.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading It was from the south, a quarter it had not blown from before, and it came in puffs like a breath from the opened door of a furnace; a dry fierce heat that burned one’s cheek and made the eyes smart.
loftyadjectiveUS /ˈlɔːfti/
of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style
From this reading The vast monotony of the desert had a hypnotic effect, and I was even anxious lest I might fall asleep and slip from my lofty perch.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading It was from the south, a quarter it had not blown from before, and it came in puffs like a breath from the opened door of a furnace; a dry fierce heat that burned one’s cheek and made the eyes smart.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading The vast monotony of the desert had a hypnotic effect, and I was even anxious lest I might fall asleep and slip from my lofty perch.
monotonynounUS /məˈnɑːtəni/
the quality of wearisome constancy, routine, and lack of variety
From this reading The vast monotony of the desert had a hypnotic effect, and I was even anxious lest I might fall asleep and slip from my lofty perch.
used to form the superlative
From this reading The heat was most oppressive, and I noticed a new quality in the slight wind.
the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading The heat was most oppressive, and I noticed a new quality in the slight wind.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It was from the south, a quarter it had not blown from before, and it came in puffs like a breath from the opened door of a furnace; a dry fierce heat that burned one’s cheek and made the eyes smart.
being perceived or observed
From this reading The heat was most oppressive, and I noticed a new quality in the slight wind.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
one's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was from the south, a quarter it had not blown from before, and it came in puffs like a breath from the opened door of a furnace; a dry fierce heat that burned one’s cheek and made the eyes smart.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading It was from the south, a quarter it had not blown from before, and it came in puffs like a breath from the opened door of a furnace; a dry fierce heat that burned one’s cheek and made the eyes smart.
oppressiveadjectiveUS /əˈpresɪv/
weighing heavily on the senses or spirit
From this reading The heat was most oppressive, and I noticed a new quality in the slight wind.
perchnounUS /pɜːrtʃ/
support consisting of a branch or rod that serves as a resting place (especially for a bird)
From this reading The vast monotony of the desert had a hypnotic effect, and I was even anxious lest I might fall asleep and slip from my lofty perch.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
progressionnounUS /prəˈɡreʃən/
a series with a definite pattern of advance
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
puffsnounUS /pʌfs/
plural of “puff” — a short light gust of air
From this reading It was from the south, a quarter it had not blown from before, and it came in puffs like a breath from the opened door of a furnace; a dry fierce heat that burned one’s cheek and made the eyes smart.
an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone
From this reading The heat was most oppressive, and I noticed a new quality in the slight wind.
one of four equal parts
From this reading It was from the south, a quarter it had not blown from before, and it came in puffs like a breath from the opened door of a furnace; a dry fierce heat that burned one’s cheek and made the eyes smart.
rockingverbUS /ˈrɑːkɪŋ/
-ing form of “rock” — move back and forth or sideways
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)
From this reading The heat was most oppressive, and I noticed a new quality in the slight wind.
move stealthily
From this reading The vast monotony of the desert had a hypnotic effect, and I was even anxious lest I might fall asleep and slip from my lofty perch.
not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
smartadjectiveUS /smɑːrt/
showing mental alertness and calculation and resourcefulness
From this reading It was from the south, a quarter it had not blown from before, and it came in puffs like a breath from the opened door of a furnace; a dry fierce heat that burned one’s cheek and made the eyes smart.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
soothingadjectiveUS /ˈsuːðɪŋ/
affording physical relief
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading It was from the south, a quarter it had not blown from before, and it came in puffs like a breath from the opened door of a furnace; a dry fierce heat that burned one’s cheek and made the eyes smart.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading In the full glare of the afternoon sun, the desert was disappointing in its monotony.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was from the south, a quarter it had not blown from before, and it came in puffs like a breath from the opened door of a furnace; a dry fierce heat that burned one’s cheek and made the eyes smart.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading The vast monotony of the desert had a hypnotic effect, and I was even anxious lest I might fall asleep and slip from my lofty perch.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The vast monotony of the desert had a hypnotic effect, and I was even anxious lest I might fall asleep and slip from my lofty perch.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading WE ARE CAUGHT IN A KHAMSIN As I got used to the apparent insecurity of my position and the rocking motion which the camel’s gait imposes on one, I began to find something soothing in the slow but dignified progression.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading The heat was most oppressive, and I noticed a new quality in the slight wind.
