used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Backed against a bowlder near the spring, it was well protected from the wind, but had been fanned into a blaze that must have diffused a good deal of warmth in all directions.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading HERBERT noticed, as he went forward, that the fire was sinking so low as to show that it had not been looked after for some time.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Backed against a bowlder near the spring, it was well protected from the wind, but had been fanned into a blaze that must have diffused a good deal of warmth in all directions.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading Backed against a bowlder near the spring, it was well protected from the wind, but had been fanned into a blaze that must have diffused a good deal of warmth in all directions.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading He expected to find him resting comfortably near at hand, swathed in one of the thick blankets capable of shutting out every kind of cold except that of a norther, which will force its way through almost anything.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading AN ASTOUNDING DISCOVERY.
any thing at all
From this reading He expected to find him resting comfortably near at hand, swathed in one of the thick blankets capable of shutting out every kind of cold except that of a norther, which will force its way through almost anything.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading HERBERT noticed, as he went forward, that the fire was sinking so low as to show that it had not been looked after for some time.
ASTOUNDINGadjectiveUS /əˈstaʊndɪŋ/
bewildering or striking dumb with wonder
From this reading AN ASTOUNDING DISCOVERY.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He expected to find him resting comfortably near at hand, swathed in one of the thick blankets capable of shutting out every kind of cold except that of a norther, which will force its way through almost anything.
BackedadjectiveUS /bækt/
having a back or backing, usually of a specified type
From this reading Backed against a bowlder near the spring, it was well protected from the wind, but had been fanned into a blaze that must have diffused a good deal of warmth in all directions.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading HERBERT noticed, as he went forward, that the fire was sinking so low as to show that it had not been looked after for some time.
blanketsnounUS /ˈblæŋkəts/
plural of “blanket” — bedding that keeps a person warm in bed
From this reading He expected to find him resting comfortably near at hand, swathed in one of the thick blankets capable of shutting out every kind of cold except that of a norther, which will force its way through almost anything.
blazenounUS /bleɪz/
a strong flame that burns brightly
From this reading Backed against a bowlder near the spring, it was well protected from the wind, but had been fanned into a blaze that must have diffused a good deal of warmth in all directions.
bowldernoun
a large smooth mass of rock detached from its place of origin
From this reading Backed against a bowlder near the spring, it was well protected from the wind, but had been fanned into a blaze that must have diffused a good deal of warmth in all directions.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Backed against a bowlder near the spring, it was well protected from the wind, but had been fanned into a blaze that must have diffused a good deal of warmth in all directions.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading The first mild surprise came to the youth when, on coming close to the smouldering camp fire, he failed to see Nick.
temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers
From this reading The first mild surprise came to the youth when, on coming close to the smouldering camp fire, he failed to see Nick.
(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability
From this reading He expected to find him resting comfortably near at hand, swathed in one of the thick blankets capable of shutting out every kind of cold except that of a norther, which will force its way through almost anything.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading The first mild surprise came to the youth when, on coming close to the smouldering camp fire, he failed to see Nick.
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading He expected to find him resting comfortably near at hand, swathed in one of the thick blankets capable of shutting out every kind of cold except that of a norther, which will force its way through almost anything.
comfortablyadverbUS /ˈkʌmfərtəbli/
in mental comfort; without stress
From this reading He expected to find him resting comfortably near at hand, swathed in one of the thick blankets capable of shutting out every kind of cold except that of a norther, which will force its way through almost anything.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading The first mild surprise came to the youth when, on coming close to the smouldering camp fire, he failed to see Nick.
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
From this reading Backed against a bowlder near the spring, it was well protected from the wind, but had been fanned into a blaze that must have diffused a good deal of warmth in all directions.
diffusedadjectiveUS /dɪˈfjuːzd/
(of light rays) subjected to scattering by reflection from a rough surface or transmission through a translucent material
From this reading Backed against a bowlder near the spring, it was well protected from the wind, but had been fanned into a blaze that must have diffused a good deal of warmth in all directions.
plural of “direction” — a line leading to a place or point
From this reading Backed against a bowlder near the spring, it was well protected from the wind, but had been fanned into a blaze that must have diffused a good deal of warmth in all directions.
the act of discovering something
From this reading AN ASTOUNDING DISCOVERY.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading He expected to find him resting comfortably near at hand, swathed in one of the thick blankets capable of shutting out every kind of cold except that of a norther, which will force its way through almost anything.
apart from; not including
From this reading He expected to find him resting comfortably near at hand, swathed in one of the thick blankets capable of shutting out every kind of cold except that of a norther, which will force its way through almost anything.
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading He expected to find him resting comfortably near at hand, swathed in one of the thick blankets capable of shutting out every kind of cold except that of a norther, which will force its way through almost anything.
past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone
From this reading The first mild surprise came to the youth when, on coming close to the smouldering camp fire, he failed to see Nick.
fannedadjectiveUS /fænd/
especially spread in a fan shape
From this reading Backed against a bowlder near the spring, it was well protected from the wind, but had been fanned into a blaze that must have diffused a good deal of warmth in all directions.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading He expected to find him resting comfortably near at hand, swathed in one of the thick blankets capable of shutting out every kind of cold except that of a norther, which will force its way through almost anything.
start firing a weapon
From this reading HERBERT noticed, as he went forward, that the fire was sinking so low as to show that it had not been looked after for some time.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading The first mild surprise came to the youth when, on coming close to the smouldering camp fire, he failed to see Nick.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading HERBERT noticed, as he went forward, that the fire was sinking so low as to show that it had not been looked after for some time.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading He expected to find him resting comfortably near at hand, swathed in one of the thick blankets capable of shutting out every kind of cold except that of a norther, which will force its way through almost anything.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading HERBERT noticed, as he went forward, that the fire was sinking so low as to show that it had not been looked after for some time.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Backed against a bowlder near the spring, it was well protected from the wind, but had been fanned into a blaze that must have diffused a good deal of warmth in all directions.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Backed against a bowlder near the spring, it was well protected from the wind, but had been fanned into a blaze that must have diffused a good deal of warmth in all directions.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading HERBERT noticed, as he went forward, that the fire was sinking so low as to show that it had not been looked after for some time.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading He expected to find him resting comfortably near at hand, swathed in one of the thick blankets capable of shutting out every kind of cold except that of a norther, which will force its way through almost anything.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Backed against a bowlder near the spring, it was well protected from the wind, but had been fanned into a blaze that must have diffused a good deal of warmth in all directions.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading HERBERT noticed, as he went forward, that the fire was sinking so low as to show that it had not been looked after for some time.
HERBERTnounUS /ˈhɜːrbərt/
United States musician and composer and conductor noted for his comic operas (1859-1924)
From this reading HERBERT noticed, as he went forward, that the fire was sinking so low as to show that it had not been looked after for some time.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He expected to find him resting comfortably near at hand, swathed in one of the thick blankets capable of shutting out every kind of cold except that of a norther, which will force its way through almost anything.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Backed against a bowlder near the spring, it was well protected from the wind, but had been fanned into a blaze that must have diffused a good deal of warmth in all directions.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Backed against a bowlder near the spring, it was well protected from the wind, but had been fanned into a blaze that must have diffused a good deal of warmth in all directions.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading HERBERT noticed, as he went forward, that the fire was sinking so low as to show that it had not been looked after for some time.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading He expected to find him resting comfortably near at hand, swathed in one of the thick blankets capable of shutting out every kind of cold except that of a norther, which will force its way through almost anything.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading He expected to find him resting comfortably near at hand, swathed in one of the thick blankets capable of shutting out every kind of cold except that of a norther, which will force its way through almost anything.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading HERBERT noticed, as he went forward, that the fire was sinking so low as to show that it had not been looked after for some time.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading HERBERT noticed, as he went forward, that the fire was sinking so low as to show that it had not been looked after for some time.
mildadjectiveUS /maɪld/
moderate in type or degree or effect or force; far from extreme
From this reading The first mild surprise came to the youth when, on coming close to the smouldering camp fire, he failed to see Nick.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Backed against a bowlder near the spring, it was well protected from the wind, but had been fanned into a blaze that must have diffused a good deal of warmth in all directions.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading Backed against a bowlder near the spring, it was well protected from the wind, but had been fanned into a blaze that must have diffused a good deal of warmth in all directions.
NickverbUS /nɪk/
cut slightly, with a razor
From this reading The first mild surprise came to the youth when, on coming close to the smouldering camp fire, he failed to see Nick.
northernounUS /ˈnɔːrðər/
a wind that blows from the north
From this reading He expected to find him resting comfortably near at hand, swathed in one of the thick blankets capable of shutting out every kind of cold except that of a norther, which will force its way through almost anything.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading HERBERT noticed, as he went forward, that the fire was sinking so low as to show that it had not been looked after for some time.
being perceived or observed
From this reading HERBERT noticed, as he went forward, that the fire was sinking so low as to show that it had not been looked after for some time.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Backed against a bowlder near the spring, it was well protected from the wind, but had been fanned into a blaze that must have diffused a good deal of warmth in all directions.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The first mild surprise came to the youth when, on coming close to the smouldering camp fire, he failed to see Nick.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He expected to find him resting comfortably near at hand, swathed in one of the thick blankets capable of shutting out every kind of cold except that of a norther, which will force its way through almost anything.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading He expected to find him resting comfortably near at hand, swathed in one of the thick blankets capable of shutting out every kind of cold except that of a norther, which will force its way through almost anything.
protectedadjectiveUS /prəˈtektɪd/
kept safe or defended from danger or injury or loss
From this reading Backed against a bowlder near the spring, it was well protected from the wind, but had been fanned into a blaze that must have diffused a good deal of warmth in all directions.
-ing form of “rest” — not move; be in a resting position
From this reading He expected to find him resting comfortably near at hand, swathed in one of the thick blankets capable of shutting out every kind of cold except that of a norther, which will force its way through almost anything.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading The first mild surprise came to the youth when, on coming close to the smouldering camp fire, he failed to see Nick.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading HERBERT noticed, as he went forward, that the fire was sinking so low as to show that it had not been looked after for some time.
shuttingnounUS /ˈʃʌtɪŋ/
the act of closing something
From this reading He expected to find him resting comfortably near at hand, swathed in one of the thick blankets capable of shutting out every kind of cold except that of a norther, which will force its way through almost anything.
sinkingnounUS /ˈsɪŋkɪŋ/
a descent as through liquid (especially through water)
From this reading HERBERT noticed, as he went forward, that the fire was sinking so low as to show that it had not been looked after for some time.
smoulderingadjective
showing scarcely suppressed anger
From this reading The first mild surprise came to the youth when, on coming close to the smouldering camp fire, he failed to see Nick.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading HERBERT noticed, as he went forward, that the fire was sinking so low as to show that it had not been looked after for some time.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading HERBERT noticed, as he went forward, that the fire was sinking so low as to show that it had not been looked after for some time.
the season of growth
From this reading Backed against a bowlder near the spring, it was well protected from the wind, but had been fanned into a blaze that must have diffused a good deal of warmth in all directions.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading The first mild surprise came to the youth when, on coming close to the smouldering camp fire, he failed to see Nick.
swathedverbUS /swɑːðd/
past form of “swathe” — wrap in swaddling clothes
From this reading He expected to find him resting comfortably near at hand, swathed in one of the thick blankets capable of shutting out every kind of cold except that of a norther, which will force its way through almost anything.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading HERBERT noticed, as he went forward, that the fire was sinking so low as to show that it had not been looked after for some time.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading HERBERT noticed, as he went forward, that the fire was sinking so low as to show that it had not been looked after for some time.
not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions
From this reading He expected to find him resting comfortably near at hand, swathed in one of the thick blankets capable of shutting out every kind of cold except that of a norther, which will force its way through almost anything.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading He expected to find him resting comfortably near at hand, swathed in one of the thick blankets capable of shutting out every kind of cold except that of a norther, which will force its way through almost anything.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading HERBERT noticed, as he went forward, that the fire was sinking so low as to show that it had not been looked after for some time.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading HERBERT noticed, as he went forward, that the fire was sinking so low as to show that it had not been looked after for some time.
warmthnounUS /wɔːrmθ/
the sensation caused by heat energy
From this reading Backed against a bowlder near the spring, it was well protected from the wind, but had been fanned into a blaze that must have diffused a good deal of warmth in all directions.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading HERBERT noticed, as he went forward, that the fire was sinking so low as to show that it had not been looked after for some time.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading He expected to find him resting comfortably near at hand, swathed in one of the thick blankets capable of shutting out every kind of cold except that of a norther, which will force its way through almost anything.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading Backed against a bowlder near the spring, it was well protected from the wind, but had been fanned into a blaze that must have diffused a good deal of warmth in all directions.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading HERBERT noticed, as he went forward, that the fire was sinking so low as to show that it had not been looked after for some time.
at the time that
From this reading The first mild surprise came to the youth when, on coming close to the smouldering camp fire, he failed to see Nick.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He expected to find him resting comfortably near at hand, swathed in one of the thick blankets capable of shutting out every kind of cold except that of a norther, which will force its way through almost anything.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading He expected to find him resting comfortably near at hand, swathed in one of the thick blankets capable of shutting out every kind of cold except that of a norther, which will force its way through almost anything.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading Backed against a bowlder near the spring, it was well protected from the wind, but had been fanned into a blaze that must have diffused a good deal of warmth in all directions.
a young person (especially a young man or boy)
From this reading The first mild surprise came to the youth when, on coming close to the smouldering camp fire, he failed to see Nick.
