used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After some search he found a spot where two ledges of rock ran parallel to each other, with a passage of some six feet between them, on each side of which they rose perpendicularly some twelve feet in height.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading AN EGYPTIAN TOMB.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The fissures ran nearly north and south, and therefore, except for an hour at noon, the bottom was entirely in shade.
ArabsnounUS /ˈærəbz/
plural of “arab” — a member of a Semitic people originally from the Arabian peninsula and surrounding territories who speaks Arabic and who inhabits much of the Middle East and northern Africa
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The fissures ran nearly north and south, and therefore, except for an hour at noon, the bottom was entirely in shade.
completely unclothed
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading After some search he found a spot where two ledges of rock ran parallel to each other, with a passage of some six feet between them, on each side of which they rose perpendicularly some twelve feet in height.
blanketnounUS /ˈblæŋkət/
bedding that keeps a person warm in bed
From this reading It was within half a mile of the spot where they encamped for the night; and returning, the sheik was carried there at once, and was laid on the blanket.
the lower side of anything
From this reading The fissures ran nearly north and south, and therefore, except for an hour at noon, the bottom was entirely in shade.
eat an early morning meal
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading It was within half a mile of the spot where they encamped for the night; and returning, the sheik was carried there at once, and was laid on the blanket.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading After some search he found a spot where two ledges of rock ran parallel to each other, with a passage of some six feet between them, on each side of which they rose perpendicularly some twelve feet in height.
EdgarnounUS /ˈedɡər/
the younger brother of Edwy who became king of Northumbria when it renounced Edwy; on Edwy's death he succeeded to the throne of England (944-975)
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
EGYPTIANnounUS /ɪˈdʒɪpʃən/
a native or inhabitant of Egypt
From this reading AN EGYPTIAN TOMB.
encampedverbUS /ɪnˈkæmpt/
past form of “encamp” — live in or as if in a tent
From this reading It was within half a mile of the spot where they encamped for the night; and returning, the sheik was carried there at once, and was laid on the blanket.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading The fissures ran nearly north and south, and therefore, except for an hour at noon, the bottom was entirely in shade.
apart from; not including
From this reading The fissures ran nearly north and south, and therefore, except for an hour at noon, the bottom was entirely in shade.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading After some search he found a spot where two ledges of rock ran parallel to each other, with a passage of some six feet between them, on each side of which they rose perpendicularly some twelve feet in height.
fissuresnounUS /ˈfɪʃərz/
plural of “fissure” — a long narrow depression in a surface
From this reading The fissures ran nearly north and south, and therefore, except for an hour at noon, the bottom was entirely in shade.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
set up or found
From this reading After some search he found a spot where two ledges of rock ran parallel to each other, with a passage of some six feet between them, on each side of which they rose perpendicularly some twelve feet in height.
to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading It was within half a mile of the spot where they encamped for the night; and returning, the sheik was carried there at once, and was laid on the blanket.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading After some search he found a spot where two ledges of rock ran parallel to each other, with a passage of some six feet between them, on each side of which they rose perpendicularly some twelve feet in height.
a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
the vertical dimension of extension; distance from the base of something to the top
From this reading After some search he found a spot where two ledges of rock ran parallel to each other, with a passage of some six feet between them, on each side of which they rose perpendicularly some twelve feet in height.
plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading The fissures ran nearly north and south, and therefore, except for an hour at noon, the bottom was entirely in shade.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
set down according to a plan
From this reading It was within half a mile of the spot where they encamped for the night; and returning, the sheik was carried there at once, and was laid on the blanket.
ledgesnounUS /ˈledʒɪz/
plural of “ledge” — a projecting ridge on a mountain or submerged under water
From this reading After some search he found a spot where two ledges of rock ran parallel to each other, with a passage of some six feet between them, on each side of which they rose perpendicularly some twelve feet in height.
be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
mid-day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading It was within half a mile of the spot where they encamped for the night; and returning, the sheik was carried there at once, and was laid on the blanket.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading The fissures ran nearly north and south, and therefore, except for an hour at noon, the bottom was entirely in shade.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading It was within half a mile of the spot where they encamped for the night; and returning, the sheik was carried there at once, and was laid on the blanket.
the middle of the day
From this reading The fissures ran nearly north and south, and therefore, except for an hour at noon, the bottom was entirely in shade.
the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading The fissures ran nearly north and south, and therefore, except for an hour at noon, the bottom was entirely in shade.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
on one occasion
From this reading It was within half a mile of the spot where they encamped for the night; and returning, the sheik was carried there at once, and was laid on the blanket.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading After some search he found a spot where two ledges of rock ran parallel to each other, with a passage of some six feet between them, on each side of which they rose perpendicularly some twelve feet in height.
parallelnounUS /ˈperəlel/
something having the property of being analogous to something else
From this reading After some search he found a spot where two ledges of rock ran parallel to each other, with a passage of some six feet between them, on each side of which they rose perpendicularly some twelve feet in height.
the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading After some search he found a spot where two ledges of rock ran parallel to each other, with a passage of some six feet between them, on each side of which they rose perpendicularly some twelve feet in height.
perpendicularlyadverb
straight up or down without a break
From this reading After some search he found a spot where two ledges of rock ran parallel to each other, with a passage of some six feet between them, on each side of which they rose perpendicularly some twelve feet in height.
preparingverbUS /priˈperɪŋ/
-ing form of “prepare” — make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading After some search he found a spot where two ledges of rock ran parallel to each other, with a passage of some six feet between them, on each side of which they rose perpendicularly some twelve feet in height.
tending to return to an earlier state
From this reading It was within half a mile of the spot where they encamped for the night; and returning, the sheik was carried there at once, and was laid on the blanket.
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading After some search he found a spot where two ledges of rock ran parallel to each other, with a passage of some six feet between them, on each side of which they rose perpendicularly some twelve feet in height.
plural of “rock” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading After some search he found a spot where two ledges of rock ran parallel to each other, with a passage of some six feet between them, on each side of which they rose perpendicularly some twelve feet in height.
sandsnounUS /sændz/
the region of the shore of a lake or sea or ocean
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of
From this reading After some search he found a spot where two ledges of rock ran parallel to each other, with a passage of some six feet between them, on each side of which they rose perpendicularly some twelve feet in height.
searchedverbUS /sɜːrtʃt/
past form of “search” — try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body
From this reading The fissures ran nearly north and south, and therefore, except for an hour at noon, the bottom was entirely in shade.
sheiknounUS /ʃiːk/
the leader of an Arab village or family
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading After some search he found a spot where two ledges of rock ran parallel to each other, with a passage of some six feet between them, on each side of which they rose perpendicularly some twelve feet in height.
the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
From this reading After some search he found a spot where two ledges of rock ran parallel to each other, with a passage of some six feet between them, on each side of which they rose perpendicularly some twelve feet in height.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading After some search he found a spot where two ledges of rock ran parallel to each other, with a passage of some six feet between them, on each side of which they rose perpendicularly some twelve feet in height.
the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading The fissures ran nearly north and south, and therefore, except for an hour at noon, the bottom was entirely in shade.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading After some search he found a spot where two ledges of rock ran parallel to each other, with a passage of some six feet between them, on each side of which they rose perpendicularly some twelve feet in height.
in or at that place or location
From this reading It was within half a mile of the spot where they encamped for the night; and returning, the sheik was carried there at once, and was laid on the blanket.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading The fissures ran nearly north and south, and therefore, except for an hour at noon, the bottom was entirely in shade.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading After some search he found a spot where two ledges of rock ran parallel to each other, with a passage of some six feet between them, on each side of which they rose perpendicularly some twelve feet in height.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading After some search he found a spot where two ledges of rock ran parallel to each other, with a passage of some six feet between them, on each side of which they rose perpendicularly some twelve feet in height.
TOMBnounUS /tuːm/
a place for the burial of a corpse (especially beneath the ground and marked by a tombstone)
From this reading AN EGYPTIAN TOMB.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading After some search he found a spot where two ledges of rock ran parallel to each other, with a passage of some six feet between them, on each side of which they rose perpendicularly some twelve feet in height.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading After some search he found a spot where two ledges of rock ran parallel to each other, with a passage of some six feet between them, on each side of which they rose perpendicularly some twelve feet in height.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
in or at the place that
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading After some search he found a spot where two ledges of rock ran parallel to each other, with a passage of some six feet between them, on each side of which they rose perpendicularly some twelve feet in height.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading While the Arabs were preparing breakfast, Edgar searched for a spot where the sheik could lie in shelter during the mid-day heat; for, hot as it was on the desert sands, the heat was fully as great on the bare rocks of the hills.
in the company of; together with
From this reading After some search he found a spot where two ledges of rock ran parallel to each other, with a passage of some six feet between them, on each side of which they rose perpendicularly some twelve feet in height.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading It was within half a mile of the spot where they encamped for the night; and returning, the sheik was carried there at once, and was laid on the blanket.
