Chapter IV

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

From this reading The latter, above Khartoum, is a majestic stream, increasing in volume as its sources are approached.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading The latter, above Khartoum, is a majestic stream, increasing in volume as its sources are approached.

the action of accomplishing something

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

Having no one else present.

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

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

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The Gazelle River, on the contrary, resembles a huge marsh, whose waters appear to lie stagnant and overgrown by vegetation.

past form of “approach” — move towards

From this reading The latter, above Khartoum, is a majestic stream, increasing in volume as its sources are approached.

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

From this reading The latter, above Khartoum, is a majestic stream, increasing in volume as its sources are approached.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

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

From this reading The Gazelle River, or Bahr-el-Gazal, up which they were sailing, bears no resemblance to the Nile.

English botanist who accompanied Captain Cook on his first voyage to the Pacific Ocean (1743-1820)

From this reading Its banks are occasionally encumbered with floating plants, but a powerful current runs through their midst, and leaves a superb passage way, often quite free and clear, to the vessels which navigate it.

plural of “bear” — massive plantigrade carnivorous or omnivorous mammals with long shaggy coats and strong claws

From this reading The Gazelle River, or Bahr-el-Gazal, up which they were sailing, bears no resemblance to the Nile.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Its banks are occasionally encumbered with floating plants, but a powerful current runs through their midst, and leaves a superb passage way, often quite free and clear, to the vessels which navigate it.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The Gazelle River, on the contrary, resembles a huge marsh, whose waters appear to lie stagnant and overgrown by vegetation.

rid of obstructions

From this reading Its banks are occasionally encumbered with floating plants, but a powerful current runs through their midst, and leaves a superb passage way, often quite free and clear, to the vessels which navigate it.

very opposed in nature or character or purpose

From this reading The Gazelle River, on the contrary, resembles a huge marsh, whose waters appear to lie stagnant and overgrown by vegetation.

plural of “course” — education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

a flow of electricity through a conductor

From this reading Its banks are occasionally encumbered with floating plants, but a powerful current runs through their midst, and leaves a superb passage way, often quite free and clear, to the vessels which navigate it.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

headed or intending to head in a certain direction; often used as a combining form as in “college-bound students”

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

one or the other of two

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

loaded to excess or impeded by a heavy load

From this reading Its banks are occasionally encumbered with floating plants, but a powerful current runs through their midst, and leaves a superb passage way, often quite free and clear, to the vessels which navigate it.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

borne up by or suspended in a liquid

From this reading Its banks are occasionally encumbered with floating plants, but a powerful current runs through their midst, and leaves a superb passage way, often quite free and clear, to the vessels which navigate it.

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading Its banks are occasionally encumbered with floating plants, but a powerful current runs through their midst, and leaves a superb passage way, often quite free and clear, to the vessels which navigate it.

small swift graceful antelope of Africa and Asia having lustrous eyes

From this reading The Gazelle River, or Bahr-el-Gazal, up which they were sailing, bears no resemblance to the Nile.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading The Gazelle River, on the contrary, resembles a huge marsh, whose waters appear to lie stagnant and overgrown by vegetation.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

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

From this reading The latter, above Khartoum, is a majestic stream, increasing in volume as its sources are approached.

becoming greater or larger

From this reading The latter, above Khartoum, is a majestic stream, increasing in volume as its sources are approached.

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

From this reading The latter, above Khartoum, is a majestic stream, increasing in volume as its sources are approached.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Its banks are occasionally encumbered with floating plants, but a powerful current runs through their midst, and leaves a superb passage way, often quite free and clear, to the vessels which navigate it.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The latter, above Khartoum, is a majestic stream, increasing in volume as its sources are approached.

the capital of Sudan located at the confluence of the Blue Nile and White Nile

From this reading The latter, above Khartoum, is a majestic stream, increasing in volume as its sources are approached.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading The latter, above Khartoum, is a majestic stream, increasing in volume as its sources are approached.

plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading Its banks are occasionally encumbered with floating plants, but a powerful current runs through their midst, and leaves a superb passage way, often quite free and clear, to the vessels which navigate it.

be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position

From this reading The Gazelle River, on the contrary, resembles a huge marsh, whose waters appear to lie stagnant and overgrown by vegetation.

majestic in manner or bearing; superior to mundane matters

From this reading The latter, above Khartoum, is a majestic stream, increasing in volume as its sources are approached.

low-lying wet land with grassy vegetation; usually is a transition zone between land and water

From this reading The Gazelle River, on the contrary, resembles a huge marsh, whose waters appear to lie stagnant and overgrown by vegetation.

the location of something surrounded by other things

From this reading Its banks are occasionally encumbered with floating plants, but a powerful current runs through their midst, and leaves a superb passage way, often quite free and clear, to the vessels which navigate it.

travel on water propelled by wind or by other means

From this reading Its banks are occasionally encumbered with floating plants, but a powerful current runs through their midst, and leaves a superb passage way, often quite free and clear, to the vessels which navigate it.

any bundle of nerve fibers running to various organs and tissues of the body

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

the world's longest river (4150 miles); flows northward through eastern Africa into the Mediterranean; the Nile River valley in Egypt was the site of the world's first great civilization

From this reading The Gazelle River, or Bahr-el-Gazal, up which they were sailing, bears no resemblance to the Nile.

not any; not one

From this reading The Gazelle River, or Bahr-el-Gazal, up which they were sailing, bears no resemblance to the Nile.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

plural of “obstacle” — something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading Its banks are occasionally encumbered with floating plants, but a powerful current runs through their midst, and leaves a superb passage way, often quite free and clear, to the vessels which navigate it.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

many times at short intervals

From this reading Its banks are occasionally encumbered with floating plants, but a powerful current runs through their midst, and leaves a superb passage way, often quite free and clear, to the vessels which navigate it.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

covered with growing plants

From this reading The Gazelle River, on the contrary, resembles a huge marsh, whose waters appear to lie stagnant and overgrown by vegetation.

the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading Its banks are occasionally encumbered with floating plants, but a powerful current runs through their midst, and leaves a superb passage way, often quite free and clear, to the vessels which navigate it.

fraught with danger

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

plural of “plant” — buildings for carrying on industrial labor

From this reading Its banks are occasionally encumbered with floating plants, but a powerful current runs through their midst, and leaves a superb passage way, often quite free and clear, to the vessels which navigate it.

having great power or force or potency or effect

From this reading Its banks are occasionally encumbered with floating plants, but a powerful current runs through their midst, and leaves a superb passage way, often quite free and clear, to the vessels which navigate it.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Its banks are occasionally encumbered with floating plants, but a powerful current runs through their midst, and leaves a superb passage way, often quite free and clear, to the vessels which navigate it.

similarity in appearance or external or superficial details

From this reading The Gazelle River, or Bahr-el-Gazal, up which they were sailing, bears no resemblance to the Nile.

third-person singular of “resemble” — appear like; be similar or bear a likeness to

From this reading The Gazelle River, on the contrary, resembles a huge marsh, whose waters appear to lie stagnant and overgrown by vegetation.

to go back over again

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading The Gazelle River, or Bahr-el-Gazal, up which they were sailing, bears no resemblance to the Nile.

plural of “run” — a score in baseball made by a runner touching all four bases safely

From this reading Its banks are occasionally encumbered with floating plants, but a powerful current runs through their midst, and leaves a superb passage way, often quite free and clear, to the vessels which navigate it.

the work of a sailor

From this reading The Gazelle River, or Bahr-el-Gazal, up which they were sailing, bears no resemblance to the Nile.

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

plural of “source” — the place where something begins, where it springs into being

From this reading The latter, above Khartoum, is a majestic stream, increasing in volume as its sources are approached.

not circulating or flowing

From this reading The Gazelle River, on the contrary, resembles a huge marsh, whose waters appear to lie stagnant and overgrown by vegetation.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading The latter, above Khartoum, is a majestic stream, increasing in volume as its sources are approached.

of surpassing excellence

From this reading Its banks are occasionally encumbered with floating plants, but a powerful current runs through their midst, and leaves a superb passage way, often quite free and clear, to the vessels which navigate it.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

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

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The Gazelle River, or Bahr-el-Gazal, up which they were sailing, bears no resemblance to the Nile.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Its banks are occasionally encumbered with floating plants, but a powerful current runs through their midst, and leaves a superb passage way, often quite free and clear, to the vessels which navigate it.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

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

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

plural of “traveller” — a person who changes location

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading The Gazelle River, or Bahr-el-Gazal, up which they were sailing, bears no resemblance to the Nile.

all the plant life in a particular region or period

From this reading The Gazelle River, on the contrary, resembles a huge marsh, whose waters appear to lie stagnant and overgrown by vegetation.

precisely as stated

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

plural of “vessel” — a tube in which a body fluid circulates

From this reading Its banks are occasionally encumbered with floating plants, but a powerful current runs through their midst, and leaves a superb passage way, often quite free and clear, to the vessels which navigate it.

the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading The latter, above Khartoum, is a majestic stream, increasing in volume as its sources are approached.

notify of danger, potential harm, or risk

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

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

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

United States actress and singer (1896-1977)

From this reading The Gazelle River, on the contrary, resembles a huge marsh, whose waters appear to lie stagnant and overgrown by vegetation.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Its banks are occasionally encumbered with floating plants, but a powerful current runs through their midst, and leaves a superb passage way, often quite free and clear, to the vessels which navigate it.

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

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading The Gazelle River, or Bahr-el-Gazal, up which they were sailing, bears no resemblance to the Nile.

an old and formal word for “while”

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

belonging to which person

From this reading The Gazelle River, on the contrary, resembles a huge marsh, whose waters appear to lie stagnant and overgrown by vegetation.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Its banks are occasionally encumbered with floating plants, but a powerful current runs through their midst, and leaves a superb passage way, often quite free and clear, to the vessels which navigate it.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.

but in spite of that

From this reading Serious difficulties and obstacles without number were destined to present themselves on the very first day, as if to warn the travellers that two courses alone were open to them—either to retrace their steps whilst there was yet time, or to nerve themselves to the accomplishment of their perilous undertaking.