Chapter XXIII

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

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

later than; following

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

anew

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

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

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

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

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading Sydney heard his captain give the order to reload, and knew that within the minute another shell would be speeding toward the enemy.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

at or to or toward the back or rear

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Sydney heard his captain give the order to reload, and knew that within the minute another shell would be speeding toward the enemy.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading Sydney heard his captain give the order to reload, and knew that within the minute another shell would be speeding toward the enemy.

any of the Sino-Tibetan languages spoken in China; regarded as dialects of a single language (even though they are mutually unintelligible) because they share an ideographic writing system

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

a slow mode of locomotion on hands and knees or dragging the body

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

-ing form of “desert” — leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch

From this reading Were these men deserting their guns?

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading What did it mean?

complete or carry out

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

plural of “dot” — a very small circular shape

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

plural of “emplacement” — military installation consisting of a prepared position for siting a weapon

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

an opposing military force

From this reading Sydney heard his captain give the order to reload, and knew that within the minute another shell would be speeding toward the enemy.

with excitement; in an excited manner

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

showing the parts of something separated but in positions that show their correct relation to one another

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

having lost your job

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

plural of “fort” — a fortified military post where troops are stationed

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

-ing form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Sydney heard his captain give the order to reload, and knew that within the minute another shell would be speeding toward the enemy.

a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)

From this reading Were these men deserting their guns?

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

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Sydney heard his captain give the order to reload, and knew that within the minute another shell would be speeding toward the enemy.

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

From this reading Sydney heard his captain give the order to reload, and knew that within the minute another shell would be speeding toward the enemy.

a traditional Irish game resembling hockey; played by two teams of 15 players each

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading What did it mean?

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

extending out above or beyond a surface or boundary

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Sydney heard his captain give the order to reload, and knew that within the minute another shell would be speeding toward the enemy.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading What did it mean?

the force of workers available

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour

From this reading Sydney heard his captain give the order to reload, and knew that within the minute another shell would be speeding toward the enemy.

a rocket carrying a warhead of conventional or nuclear explosives; may be ballistic or directed by remote control

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

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

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

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

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading Sydney heard his captain give the order to reload, and knew that within the minute another shell would be speeding toward the enemy.

unpleasantly

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

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

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

never-ceasing

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

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

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

load anew

From this reading Sydney heard his captain give the order to reload, and knew that within the minute another shell would be speeding toward the enemy.

make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

plural of “rock” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

ammunition consisting of a cylindrical metal casing containing an explosive charge and a projectile; fired from a large gun

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

changing location rapidly

From this reading Sydney heard his captain give the order to reload, and knew that within the minute another shell would be speeding toward the enemy.

having your attention fixated as though by a spell

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

a smallest army unit

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

so remarkably different or sudden as to cause momentary shock or alarm

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

at a steady rate or pace

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

of considerable importance, size, or worth

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

acceptance of despair

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

the largest Australian city located in southeastern Australia on the Tasman Sea; state capital of New South Wales; Australia's chief port

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Sydney heard his captain give the order to reload, and knew that within the minute another shell would be speeding toward the enemy.

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

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Were these men deserting their guns?

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

propel through the air

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

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

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

doing arduous or unpleasant work

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

a United States unit of weight equivalent to 2000 pounds

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

in the direction of

From this reading Sydney heard his captain give the order to reload, and knew that within the minute another shell would be speeding toward the enemy.

extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

directed up

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

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

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

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

From this reading Were these men deserting their guns?

used to ask for information about something

From this reading What did it mean?

at the time that

From this reading When the roar of discharge shook the air he had seen these small black figures throw themselves behind the jutting rocks, and after the missile had exploded upon the parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous force a large gun backward from its substantial mountings, these persistent dots of men again appeared to view, creeping steadily upward.

during the time that

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE FORTS SURRENDER While Phil had been gazing spellbound at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with such startling effect, Sydney was watching excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Sydney heard his captain give the order to reload, and knew that within the minute another shell would be speeding toward the enemy.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Sydney heard his captain give the order to reload, and knew that within the minute another shell would be speeding toward the enemy.