Chapter V

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

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

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

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

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

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading It is true that most of the warblers, and a few other birds too, hunt for their food among the leaves, but with nothing like the vireo's painstaking care and thoroughness.

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

From this reading When Dame Nature, the most thorough of housekeepers, gave to the birds the task of restraining insects within bounds so that man and beast could live, she gave the care of foliage to the vireos.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

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

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading When Dame Nature, the most thorough of housekeepers, gave to the birds the task of restraining insects within bounds so that man and beast could live, she gave the care of foliage to the vireos.

plural of “beetle” — insect having biting mouthparts and front wings modified to form horny covers overlying the membranous rear wings

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

especially a leaf of grass or the broad portion of a leaf as distinct from the petiole

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

the line or plane indicating the limit or extent of something

From this reading When Dame Nature, the most thorough of housekeepers, gave to the birds the task of restraining insects within bounds so that man and beast could live, she gave the care of foliage to the vireos.

plural of “bug” — general term for any insect or similar creeping or crawling invertebrate

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It is true that most of the warblers, and a few other birds too, hunt for their food among the leaves, but with nothing like the vireo's painstaking care and thoroughness.

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading When Dame Nature, the most thorough of housekeepers, gave to the birds the task of restraining insects within bounds so that man and beast could live, she gave the care of foliage to the vireos.

plural of “caterpillar” — a wormlike and often brightly colored and hairy or spiny larva of a butterfly or moth

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

-ing form of “cock” — tilt or slant to one side

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

have or possess in combination

From this reading Singing as they go, no birds more successfully combine work and play.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading When Dame Nature, the most thorough of housekeepers, gave to the birds the task of restraining insects within bounds so that man and beast could live, she gave the care of foliage to the vireos.

too numerous to be counted

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

informal terms for a (young) woman

From this reading When Dame Nature, the most thorough of housekeepers, gave to the birds the task of restraining insects within bounds so that man and beast could live, she gave the care of foliage to the vireos.

carefully thought out in advance

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

plural of “destroyer” — a small fast lightly armored but heavily armed warship

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

-ing form of “explore” — inquire into

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

a social unit living together

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading When Dame Nature, the most thorough of housekeepers, gave to the birds the task of restraining insects within bounds so that man and beast could live, she gave the care of foliage to the vireos.

any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue

From this reading It is true that most of the warblers, and a few other birds too, hunt for their food among the leaves, but with nothing like the vireo's painstaking care and thoroughness.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It is true that most of the warblers, and a few other birds too, hunt for their food among the leaves, but with nothing like the vireo's painstaking care and thoroughness.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading When Dame Nature, the most thorough of housekeepers, gave to the birds the task of restraining insects within bounds so that man and beast could live, she gave the care of foliage to the vireos.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Singing as they go, no birds more successfully combine work and play.

shoot down, of birds

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

plural of “head” — the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

not accessible to view

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

plural of “housekeeper” — a servant who is employed to perform domestic task in a household

From this reading When Dame Nature, the most thorough of housekeepers, gave to the birds the task of restraining insects within bounds so that man and beast could live, she gave the care of foliage to the vireos.

pursue for food or sport (as of wild animals)

From this reading It is true that most of the warblers, and a few other birds too, hunt for their food among the leaves, but with nothing like the vireo's painstaking care and thoroughness.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

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

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

plural of “insect” — small air-breathing arthropod

From this reading When Dame Nature, the most thorough of housekeepers, gave to the birds the task of restraining insects within bounds so that man and beast could live, she gave the care of foliage to the vireos.

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

From this reading It is true that most of the warblers, and a few other birds too, hunt for their food among the leaves, but with nothing like the vireo's painstaking care and thoroughness.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

plural of “kind” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

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

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading It is true that most of the warblers, and a few other birds too, hunt for their food among the leaves, but with nothing like the vireo's painstaking care and thoroughness.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

in an unhurried way or at one's convenience

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading It is true that most of the warblers, and a few other birds too, hunt for their food among the leaves, but with nothing like the vireo's painstaking care and thoroughness.

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

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading When Dame Nature, the most thorough of housekeepers, gave to the birds the task of restraining insects within bounds so that man and beast could live, she gave the care of foliage to the vireos.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading When Dame Nature, the most thorough of housekeepers, gave to the birds the task of restraining insects within bounds so that man and beast could live, she gave the care of foliage to the vireos.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

characterized by method and orderliness

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Singing as they go, no birds more successfully combine work and play.

used to form the superlative

From this reading When Dame Nature, the most thorough of housekeepers, gave to the birds the task of restraining insects within bounds so that man and beast could live, she gave the care of foliage to the vireos.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading When Dame Nature, the most thorough of housekeepers, gave to the birds the task of restraining insects within bounds so that man and beast could live, she gave the care of foliage to the vireos.

easily agitated

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

not any; not one

From this reading Singing as they go, no birds more successfully combine work and play.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading It is true that most of the warblers, and a few other birds too, hunt for their food among the leaves, but with nothing like the vireo's painstaking care and thoroughness.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading It is true that most of the warblers, and a few other birds too, hunt for their food among the leaves, but with nothing like the vireo's painstaking care and thoroughness.

characterized by extreme care and great effort

From this reading It is true that most of the warblers, and a few other birds too, hunt for their food among the leaves, but with nothing like the vireo's painstaking care and thoroughness.

hit lightly with a picking motion

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

participate in games or sport

From this reading Singing as they go, no birds more successfully combine work and play.

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

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

worried and uneasy

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

-ing form of “restrain” — to close within bounds, or otherwise limit or deprive of free movement

From this reading When Dame Nature, the most thorough of housekeepers, gave to the birds the task of restraining insects within bounds so that man and beast could live, she gave the care of foliage to the vireos.

try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading When Dame Nature, the most thorough of housekeepers, gave to the birds the task of restraining insects within bounds so that man and beast could live, she gave the care of foliage to the vireos.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

the act of singing vocal music

From this reading Singing as they go, no birds more successfully combine work and play.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading When Dame Nature, the most thorough of housekeepers, gave to the birds the task of restraining insects within bounds so that man and beast could live, she gave the care of foliage to the vireos.

restricted to something

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

with success; in a successful manner

From this reading Singing as they go, no birds more successfully combine work and play.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading When Dame Nature, the most thorough of housekeepers, gave to the birds the task of restraining insects within bounds so that man and beast could live, she gave the care of foliage to the vireos.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

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

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading It is true that most of the warblers, and a few other birds too, hunt for their food among the leaves, but with nothing like the vireo's painstaking care and thoroughness.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

in or at that place or location

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Singing as they go, no birds more successfully combine work and play.

a special situation

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

painstakingly careful and accurate

From this reading When Dame Nature, the most thorough of housekeepers, gave to the birds the task of restraining insects within bounds so that man and beast could live, she gave the care of foliage to the vireos.

conscientiousness in performing all aspects of a task

From this reading It is true that most of the warblers, and a few other birds too, hunt for their food among the leaves, but with nothing like the vireo's painstaking care and thoroughness.

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

From this reading When Dame Nature, the most thorough of housekeepers, gave to the birds the task of restraining insects within bounds so that man and beast could live, she gave the care of foliage to the vireos.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading It is true that most of the warblers, and a few other birds too, hunt for their food among the leaves, but with nothing like the vireo's painstaking care and thoroughness.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading It is true that most of the warblers, and a few other birds too, hunt for their food among the leaves, but with nothing like the vireo's painstaking care and thoroughness.

branch out in a twiglike manner

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

not fit for habitation

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

any of various small insectivorous American birds chiefly olive-grey in color

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

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

From this reading It is true that most of the warblers, and a few other birds too, hunt for their food among the leaves, but with nothing like the vireo's painstaking care and thoroughness.

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

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

plural of “warbler” — a singer; usually a singer who adds embellishments to the song

From this reading It is true that most of the warblers, and a few other birds too, hunt for their food among the leaves, but with nothing like the vireo's painstaking care and thoroughness.

-ing form of “warble” — sing or play with trills, alternating with the half note above or below

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

plural of “weevil” — any of several families of mostly small beetles that feed on plants and plant products; especially snout beetles and seed beetles

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

at the time that

From this reading When Dame Nature, the most thorough of housekeepers, gave to the birds the task of restraining insects within bounds so that man and beast could live, she gave the care of foliage to the vireos.

in contrast with the fact that

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

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

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It is true that most of the warblers, and a few other birds too, hunt for their food among the leaves, but with nothing like the vireo's painstaking care and thoroughness.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Singing as they go, no birds more successfully combine work and play.

plural of “worm” — any of numerous relatively small elongated soft-bodied animals especially of the phyla Annelida and Chaetognatha and Nematoda and Nemertea and Platyhelminthes; also many insect larvae

From this reading The nervous, restless warblers flit from twig to twig without half exploring the foliage; whereas the deliberate, methodical vireos search leisurely above and below it, cocking their little heads so as to look up at the under side of the leaf above them and to peck off the destroyers hidden there--bugs of many kinds and countless little worms, caterpillars, weevils, inchworms, May beetles, and leaf-eating beetles.

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

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

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

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

a late time of life

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

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

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading THE VIREOS: ANOTHER STRICTLY AMERICAN FAMILY Red-Eyed Vireo White-Eyed Vireo Yellow-Throated Vireo Warbling Vireo {68} {69} THE VIREOS You know that if the birds should suddenly perish, there wouldn't be a leaf, a blade of grass, or any green thing left upon the earth within a few years--it would be uninhabitable.