used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading As it was, he had to let a little air out of the tires, to reduce the shocks caused by contact with the rough ballast and uneven ties.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading IN DEADLY PERIL It was after he reached the Western deserts that Bert experienced the hardest going.
anew
From this reading The roads, if mere trails could be dignified by that name, were unspeakably bad, and time and again he was forced to ride on the railroad embankment, between the tracks.
a person or thing that is a resource that helps make something easier or possible to do
From this reading Without some such aid, he felt his task would be well nigh hopeless.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading As it was, he had to let a little air out of the tires, to reduce the shocks caused by contact with the rough ballast and uneven ties.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The roads, if mere trails could be dignified by that name, were unspeakably bad, and time and again he was forced to ride on the railroad embankment, between the tracks.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As it was, he had to let a little air out of the tires, to reduce the shocks caused by contact with the rough ballast and uneven ties.
having undesirable or negative qualities
From this reading The roads, if mere trails could be dignified by that name, were unspeakably bad, and time and again he was forced to ride on the railroad embankment, between the tracks.
ballastnounUS /ˈbæləst/
any heavy material used to stabilize a ship or airship
From this reading As it was, he had to let a little air out of the tires, to reduce the shocks caused by contact with the rough ballast and uneven ties.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The roads, if mere trails could be dignified by that name, were unspeakably bad, and time and again he was forced to ride on the railroad embankment, between the tracks.
Bert
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN DEADLY PERIL It was after he reached the Western deserts that Bert experienced the hardest going.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading The roads, if mere trails could be dignified by that name, were unspeakably bad, and time and again he was forced to ride on the railroad embankment, between the tracks.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The roads, if mere trails could be dignified by that name, were unspeakably bad, and time and again he was forced to ride on the railroad embankment, between the tracks.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading As it was, he had to let a little air out of the tires, to reduce the shocks caused by contact with the rough ballast and uneven ties.
contactnounUS /ˈkɑːntækt/
close interaction
From this reading As it was, he had to let a little air out of the tires, to reduce the shocks caused by contact with the rough ballast and uneven ties.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The roads, if mere trails could be dignified by that name, were unspeakably bad, and time and again he was forced to ride on the railroad embankment, between the tracks.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading Of course, progress in this manner was necessarily slow, and again and again Bert had occasion to feel grateful for the wonderful springing system of his mount.
causing or capable of causing death
From this reading IN DEADLY PERIL It was after he reached the Western deserts that Bert experienced the hardest going.
desertsnounUS /ˈdezərts/
plural of “desert” — arid land with little or no vegetation
From this reading IN DEADLY PERIL It was after he reached the Western deserts that Bert experienced the hardest going.
dignifiedadjectiveUS /ˈdɪɡnəfaɪd/
having or expressing dignity; especially formality or stateliness in bearing or appearance
From this reading The roads, if mere trails could be dignified by that name, were unspeakably bad, and time and again he was forced to ride on the railroad embankment, between the tracks.
embankmentnounUS /emˈbæŋkmənt/
a long artificial mound of stone or earth; built to hold back water or to support a road or as protection
From this reading The roads, if mere trails could be dignified by that name, were unspeakably bad, and time and again he was forced to ride on the railroad embankment, between the tracks.
having experience; having knowledge or skill from observation or participation
From this reading IN DEADLY PERIL It was after he reached the Western deserts that Bert experienced the hardest going.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading Of course, progress in this manner was necessarily slow, and again and again Bert had occasion to feel grateful for the wonderful springing system of his mount.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading Without some such aid, he felt his task would be well nigh hopeless.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Of course, progress in this manner was necessarily slow, and again and again Bert had occasion to feel grateful for the wonderful springing system of his mount.
produced by or subjected to forcing
From this reading The roads, if mere trails could be dignified by that name, were unspeakably bad, and time and again he was forced to ride on the railroad embankment, between the tracks.
the act of departing
From this reading IN DEADLY PERIL It was after he reached the Western deserts that Bert experienced the hardest going.
feeling or showing gratitude
From this reading Of course, progress in this manner was necessarily slow, and again and again Bert had occasion to feel grateful for the wonderful springing system of his mount.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Of course, progress in this manner was necessarily slow, and again and again Bert had occasion to feel grateful for the wonderful springing system of his mount.
hardestadverbUS /ˈhɑːrdəst/
superlative of “hard” — with effort or force or vigor
From this reading IN DEADLY PERIL It was after he reached the Western deserts that Bert experienced the hardest going.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading IN DEADLY PERIL It was after he reached the Western deserts that Bert experienced the hardest going.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Of course, progress in this manner was necessarily slow, and again and again Bert had occasion to feel grateful for the wonderful springing system of his mount.
hopelessadjectiveUS /ˈhoʊpləs/
without hope because there seems to be no possibility of comfort or success
From this reading Without some such aid, he felt his task would be well nigh hopeless.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The roads, if mere trails could be dignified by that name, were unspeakably bad, and time and again he was forced to ride on the railroad embankment, between the tracks.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN DEADLY PERIL It was after he reached the Western deserts that Bert experienced the hardest going.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading IN DEADLY PERIL It was after he reached the Western deserts that Bert experienced the hardest going.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading As it was, he had to let a little air out of the tires, to reduce the shocks caused by contact with the rough ballast and uneven ties.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading As it was, he had to let a little air out of the tires, to reduce the shocks caused by contact with the rough ballast and uneven ties.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Of course, progress in this manner was necessarily slow, and again and again Bert had occasion to feel grateful for the wonderful springing system of his mount.
being nothing more than specified
From this reading The roads, if mere trails could be dignified by that name, were unspeakably bad, and time and again he was forced to ride on the railroad embankment, between the tracks.
attach to a support
From this reading Of course, progress in this manner was necessarily slow, and again and again Bert had occasion to feel grateful for the wonderful springing system of his mount.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading The roads, if mere trails could be dignified by that name, were unspeakably bad, and time and again he was forced to ride on the railroad embankment, between the tracks.
necessarilyadverbUS /ˌnesəˈserəli/
in an essential manner
From this reading Of course, progress in this manner was necessarily slow, and again and again Bert had occasion to feel grateful for the wonderful springing system of his mount.
nighadjectiveUS /naɪ/
not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances
From this reading Without some such aid, he felt his task would be well nigh hopeless.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading Of course, progress in this manner was necessarily slow, and again and again Bert had occasion to feel grateful for the wonderful springing system of his mount.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Of course, progress in this manner was necessarily slow, and again and again Bert had occasion to feel grateful for the wonderful springing system of his mount.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The roads, if mere trails could be dignified by that name, were unspeakably bad, and time and again he was forced to ride on the railroad embankment, between the tracks.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading As it was, he had to let a little air out of the tires, to reduce the shocks caused by contact with the rough ballast and uneven ties.
PERILnounUS /ˈperəl/
a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
From this reading IN DEADLY PERIL It was after he reached the Western deserts that Bert experienced the hardest going.
gradual improvement or growth or development
From this reading Of course, progress in this manner was necessarily slow, and again and again Bert had occasion to feel grateful for the wonderful springing system of his mount.
railroadnounUS /ˈreɪlroʊd/
line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight
From this reading The roads, if mere trails could be dignified by that name, were unspeakably bad, and time and again he was forced to ride on the railroad embankment, between the tracks.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading IN DEADLY PERIL It was after he reached the Western deserts that Bert experienced the hardest going.
reduceverbUS /rəˈduːs/
cut down on; make a reduction in
From this reading As it was, he had to let a little air out of the tires, to reduce the shocks caused by contact with the rough ballast and uneven ties.
sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
From this reading The roads, if mere trails could be dignified by that name, were unspeakably bad, and time and again he was forced to ride on the railroad embankment, between the tracks.
roadsnounUS /roʊdz/
a partly sheltered anchorage
From this reading The roads, if mere trails could be dignified by that name, were unspeakably bad, and time and again he was forced to ride on the railroad embankment, between the tracks.
having or caused by an irregular surface
From this reading As it was, he had to let a little air out of the tires, to reduce the shocks caused by contact with the rough ballast and uneven ties.
shocksnounUS /ʃɑːks/
plural of “shock” — the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally
From this reading As it was, he had to let a little air out of the tires, to reduce the shocks caused by contact with the rough ballast and uneven ties.
not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time
From this reading Of course, progress in this manner was necessarily slow, and again and again Bert had occasion to feel grateful for the wonderful springing system of his mount.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Without some such aid, he felt his task would be well nigh hopeless.
springingverbUS /ˈsprɪŋɪŋ/
-ing form of “spring” — move forward by leaps and bounds
From this reading Of course, progress in this manner was necessarily slow, and again and again Bert had occasion to feel grateful for the wonderful springing system of his mount.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Without some such aid, he felt his task would be well nigh hopeless.
instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity
From this reading Of course, progress in this manner was necessarily slow, and again and again Bert had occasion to feel grateful for the wonderful springing system of his mount.
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading Without some such aid, he felt his task would be well nigh hopeless.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading IN DEADLY PERIL It was after he reached the Western deserts that Bert experienced the hardest going.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IN DEADLY PERIL It was after he reached the Western deserts that Bert experienced the hardest going.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Of course, progress in this manner was necessarily slow, and again and again Bert had occasion to feel grateful for the wonderful springing system of his mount.
tiesnounUS /taɪz/
plural of “tie” — neckwear consisting of a long narrow piece of material worn (mostly by men) under a collar and tied in knot at the front
From this reading As it was, he had to let a little air out of the tires, to reduce the shocks caused by contact with the rough ballast and uneven ties.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The roads, if mere trails could be dignified by that name, were unspeakably bad, and time and again he was forced to ride on the railroad embankment, between the tracks.
tiresnounUS /ˈtaɪərz/
plural of “tire” — hoop that covers a wheel
From this reading As it was, he had to let a little air out of the tires, to reduce the shocks caused by contact with the rough ballast and uneven ties.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The roads, if mere trails could be dignified by that name, were unspeakably bad, and time and again he was forced to ride on the railroad embankment, between the tracks.
tracksnounUS /træks/
plural of “track” — a line or route along which something travels or moves
From this reading The roads, if mere trails could be dignified by that name, were unspeakably bad, and time and again he was forced to ride on the railroad embankment, between the tracks.
trailsnounUS /treɪlz/
plural of “trail” — a track or mark left by something that has passed
From this reading The roads, if mere trails could be dignified by that name, were unspeakably bad, and time and again he was forced to ride on the railroad embankment, between the tracks.
unevenadjectiveUS /əˈniːvən/
not even or uniform as e.g. in shape or texture
From this reading As it was, he had to let a little air out of the tires, to reduce the shocks caused by contact with the rough ballast and uneven ties.
unspeakablyadverb
to an inexpressible degree
From this reading The roads, if mere trails could be dignified by that name, were unspeakably bad, and time and again he was forced to ride on the railroad embankment, between the tracks.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading IN DEADLY PERIL It was after he reached the Western deserts that Bert experienced the hardest going.
(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 Without some such aid, he felt his task would be well nigh hopeless.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The roads, if mere trails could be dignified by that name, were unspeakably bad, and time and again he was forced to ride on the railroad embankment, between the tracks.
relating to or characteristic of the western parts of the world or the West as opposed to the eastern or oriental parts
From this reading IN DEADLY PERIL It was after he reached the Western deserts that Bert experienced the hardest going.
in the company of; together with
From this reading As it was, he had to let a little air out of the tires, to reduce the shocks caused by contact with the rough ballast and uneven ties.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Without some such aid, he felt his task would be well nigh hopeless.
extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers
From this reading Of course, progress in this manner was necessarily slow, and again and again Bert had occasion to feel grateful for the wonderful springing system of his mount.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Without some such aid, he felt his task would be well nigh hopeless.
