used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
abysses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was still snowing with no sign of cessation, and the blizzard blanketed the earth to the depth of several feet, filling up the treacherous hollows, caverns and abysses and making travel almost impossible for man or animal.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading It was still snowing with no sign of cessation, and the blizzard blanketed the earth to the depth of several feet, filling up the treacherous hollows, caverns and abysses and making travel almost impossible for man or animal.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading They were strung along the eastern side of the gorge and at an altitude of two or three hundred feet from the bed of the pass or canyon.
altitudenounUS /ˈæltətuːd/
elevation especially above sea level or above the earth's surface
From this reading They were strung along the eastern side of the gorge and at an altitude of two or three hundred feet from the bed of the pass or canyon.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading They were strung along the eastern side of the gorge and at an altitude of two or three hundred feet from the bed of the pass or canyon.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading It was still snowing with no sign of cessation, and the blizzard blanketed the earth to the depth of several feet, filling up the treacherous hollows, caverns and abysses and making travel almost impossible for man or animal.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading IT had been snowing hard for twenty-four hours at Dead Man's Gulch.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading They were strung along the eastern side of the gorge and at an altitude of two or three hundred feet from the bed of the pass or canyon.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading IT had been snowing hard for twenty-four hours at Dead Man's Gulch.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
billionsnounUS /ˈbɪljənz/
plural of “billion” — the number that is represented as a one followed by 12 zeros; in the United Kingdom the usage followed in the United States is frequently seen
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
bitingadjectiveUS /ˈbaɪtɪŋ/
capable of wounding
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
blanketedadjectiveUS /ˈblæŋkətɪd/
covered with (or as if with) a blanket
From this reading It was still snowing with no sign of cessation, and the blizzard blanketed the earth to the depth of several feet, filling up the treacherous hollows, caverns and abysses and making travel almost impossible for man or animal.
blizzardnounUS /ˈblɪzərd/
a storm with widespread snowfall accompanied by strong winds
From this reading It was still snowing with no sign of cessation, and the blizzard blanketed the earth to the depth of several feet, filling up the treacherous hollows, caverns and abysses and making travel almost impossible for man or animal.
canyonnounUS /ˈkænjən/
a ravine formed by a river in an area with little rainfall
From this reading They were strung along the eastern side of the gorge and at an altitude of two or three hundred feet from the bed of the pass or canyon.
canyonsnounUS /ˈkænjənz/
plural of “canyon” — a ravine formed by a river in an area with little rainfall
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
cavernsnounUS /ˈkævərnz/
plural of “cavern” — any large dark enclosed space
From this reading It was still snowing with no sign of cessation, and the blizzard blanketed the earth to the depth of several feet, filling up the treacherous hollows, caverns and abysses and making travel almost impossible for man or animal.
cessationnounUS /ˌseˈseɪʃən/
a stopping
From this reading It was still snowing with no sign of cessation, and the blizzard blanketed the earth to the depth of several feet, filling up the treacherous hollows, caverns and abysses and making travel almost impossible for man or animal.
no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life
From this reading IT had been snowing hard for twenty-four hours at Dead Man's Gulch.
depthnounUS /depθ/
the extent downward or backward or inward
From this reading It was still snowing with no sign of cessation, and the blizzard blanketed the earth to the depth of several feet, filling up the treacherous hollows, caverns and abysses and making travel almost impossible for man or animal.
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading It was still snowing with no sign of cessation, and the blizzard blanketed the earth to the depth of several feet, filling up the treacherous hollows, caverns and abysses and making travel almost impossible for man or animal.
lying toward or situated in the east
From this reading They were strung along the eastern side of the gorge and at an altitude of two or three hundred feet from the bed of the pass or canyon.
eddied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
being one more than ten
From this reading The shanties of the miners in Dead Man's Gulch were just eleven in number.
featheryadjectiveUS /ˈfeðəri/
resembling or suggesting a feather or feathers
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading It was still snowing with no sign of cessation, and the blizzard blanketed the earth to the depth of several feet, filling up the treacherous hollows, caverns and abysses and making travel almost impossible for man or animal.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
fillingnounUS /ˈfɪlɪŋ/
any material that fills a space or container
From this reading It was still snowing with no sign of cessation, and the blizzard blanketed the earth to the depth of several feet, filling up the treacherous hollows, caverns and abysses and making travel almost impossible for man or animal.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading IT had been snowing hard for twenty-four hours at Dead Man's Gulch.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading They were strung along the eastern side of the gorge and at an altitude of two or three hundred feet from the bed of the pass or canyon.
galenounUS /ɡeɪl/
a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
gorgeverbUS /ɡɔːrdʒ/
overeat or eat immodestly; make a pig of oneself
From this reading They were strung along the eastern side of the gorge and at an altitude of two or three hundred feet from the bed of the pass or canyon.
gorgesnounUS /ˈɡɔːrdʒəz/
plural of “gorge” — a deep ravine (usually with a river running through it)
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
GulchnounUS /ɡʌltʃ/
a narrow gorge with a stream running through it
From this reading IT had been snowing hard for twenty-four hours at Dead Man's Gulch.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading IT had been snowing hard for twenty-four hours at Dead Man's Gulch.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading IT had been snowing hard for twenty-four hours at Dead Man's Gulch.
hollowsnounUS /ˈhɑːloʊz/
plural of “hollow” — a cavity or space in something
From this reading It was still snowing with no sign of cessation, and the blizzard blanketed the earth to the depth of several feet, filling up the treacherous hollows, caverns and abysses and making travel almost impossible for man or animal.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading IT had been snowing hard for twenty-four hours at Dead Man's Gulch.
howledverbUS /haʊld/
past form of “howl” — emit long loud cries
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
ten 10s
From this reading They were strung along the eastern side of the gorge and at an altitude of two or three hundred feet from the bed of the pass or canyon.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading It was still snowing with no sign of cessation, and the blizzard blanketed the earth to the depth of several feet, filling up the treacherous hollows, caverns and abysses and making travel almost impossible for man or animal.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
made greater in size or amount or degree
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading IT had been snowing hard for twenty-four hours at Dead Man's Gulch.
and nothing more
From this reading The shanties of the miners in Dead Man's Gulch were just eleven in number.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading It was still snowing with no sign of cessation, and the blizzard blanketed the earth to the depth of several feet, filling up the treacherous hollows, caverns and abysses and making travel almost impossible for man or animal.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading It was still snowing with no sign of cessation, and the blizzard blanketed the earth to the depth of several feet, filling up the treacherous hollows, caverns and abysses and making travel almost impossible for man or animal.
Man'snounUS /mænz/
possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading IT had been snowing hard for twenty-four hours at Dead Man's Gulch.
minersnounUS /ˈmaɪnərz/
plural of “miner” — laborer who works in a mine
From this reading The shanties of the miners in Dead Man's Gulch were just eleven in number.
not any; not one
From this reading It was still snowing with no sign of cessation, and the blizzard blanketed the earth to the depth of several feet, filling up the treacherous hollows, caverns and abysses and making travel almost impossible for man or animal.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It was still snowing with no sign of cessation, and the blizzard blanketed the earth to the depth of several feet, filling up the treacherous hollows, caverns and abysses and making travel almost impossible for man or animal.
particlesnounUS /ˈpɑːrtəkəlz/
plural of “particle” — (nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
go across or through
From this reading They were strung along the eastern side of the gorge and at an altitude of two or three hundred feet from the bed of the pass or canyon.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading It was still snowing with no sign of cessation, and the blizzard blanketed the earth to the depth of several feet, filling up the treacherous hollows, caverns and abysses and making travel almost impossible for man or animal.
shantiesnounUS /ˈʃæntiz/
plural of “shanty” — small crude shelter used as a dwelling
From this reading The shanties of the miners in Dead Man's Gulch were just eleven in number.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading They were strung along the eastern side of the gorge and at an altitude of two or three hundred feet from the bed of the pass or canyon.
SierrasnounUS /siˈerəz/
plural of “sierra” — a range of mountains (usually with jagged peaks and irregular outline)
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading It was still snowing with no sign of cessation, and the blizzard blanketed the earth to the depth of several feet, filling up the treacherous hollows, caverns and abysses and making travel almost impossible for man or animal.
snowflakesnounUS /ˈsnoʊfleɪks/
plural of “snowflake” — a crystal of snow
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
snowingverbUS /ˈsnoʊɪŋ/
-ing form of “snow” — fall as snow
From this reading IT had been snowing hard for twenty-four hours at Dead Man's Gulch.
at a steady rate or pace
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
not in physical motion
From this reading It was still snowing with no sign of cessation, and the blizzard blanketed the earth to the depth of several feet, filling up the treacherous hollows, caverns and abysses and making travel almost impossible for man or animal.
strungadjectiveUS /strʌŋ/
that is on a string
From this reading They were strung along the eastern side of the gorge and at an altitude of two or three hundred feet from the bed of the pass or canyon.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading They were strung along the eastern side of the gorge and at an altitude of two or three hundred feet from the bed of the pass or canyon.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was still snowing with no sign of cessation, and the blizzard blanketed the earth to the depth of several feet, filling up the treacherous hollows, caverns and abysses and making travel almost impossible for man or animal.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading It was still snowing with no sign of cessation, and the blizzard blanketed the earth to the depth of several feet, filling up the treacherous hollows, caverns and abysses and making travel almost impossible for man or animal.
treacherousadjectiveUS /ˈtretʃərəs/
dangerously unstable and unpredictable
From this reading It was still snowing with no sign of cessation, and the blizzard blanketed the earth to the depth of several feet, filling up the treacherous hollows, caverns and abysses and making travel almost impossible for man or animal.
twenty-fouradjectiveUS /ˈtwentifɔːr/
being four more than twenty
From this reading IT had been snowing hard for twenty-four hours at Dead Man's Gulch.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading They were strung along the eastern side of the gorge and at an altitude of two or three hundred feet from the bed of the pass or canyon.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading It was still snowing with no sign of cessation, and the blizzard blanketed the earth to the depth of several feet, filling up the treacherous hollows, caverns and abysses and making travel almost impossible for man or animal.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The shanties of the miners in Dead Man's Gulch were just eleven in number.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
whirledverbUS /wɜːrld/
past form of “whirl” — turn in a twisting or spinning motion
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Beginning with a few feathery particles, they had steadily increased in number until the biting air was filled with billions of snowflakes, which whirled and eddied in the gale that howled through the gorges and canyons of the Sierras.
