Chapter III · Chapter 3

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

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

far away from home or one's usual surroundings

From this reading Gnawing off soft clay promontories or cutting in behind them was a favorite pastime; and the sand and clay of its banks and the vast expanses of its bottoms coaxed it into capricious excursions afield.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading It threw up an island today to remove it next week or ten years later, and cut a new channel to close up an old one whenever the mood suited.

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

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

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

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

English botanist who accompanied Captain Cook on his first voyage to the Pacific Ocean (1743-1820)

From this reading Gnawing off soft clay promontories or cutting in behind them was a favorite pastime; and the sand and clay of its banks and the vast expanses of its bottoms coaxed it into capricious excursions afield.

gymnastic apparatus consisting of two parallel wooden rods supported on uprights

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

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

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading Gnawing off soft clay promontories or cutting in behind them was a favorite pastime; and the sand and clay of its banks and the vast expanses of its bottoms coaxed it into capricious excursions afield.

the lower side of anything

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

plural of “bottom” — the lower side of anything

From this reading Gnawing off soft clay promontories or cutting in behind them was a favorite pastime; and the sand and clay of its banks and the vast expanses of its bottoms coaxed it into capricious excursions afield.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

changeable

From this reading Gnawing off soft clay promontories or cutting in behind them was a favorite pastime; and the sand and clay of its banks and the vast expanses of its bottoms coaxed it into capricious excursions afield.

a path over which electrical signals can pass

From this reading It threw up an island today to remove it next week or ten years later, and cut a new channel to close up an old one whenever the mood suited.

official routes of communication

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

a very fine-grained soil that is plastic when moist but hard when fired

From this reading Gnawing off soft clay promontories or cutting in behind them was a favorite pastime; and the sand and clay of its banks and the vast expanses of its bottoms coaxed it into capricious excursions afield.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading It threw up an island today to remove it next week or ten years later, and cut a new channel to close up an old one whenever the mood suited.

past form of “coax” — influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering

From this reading Gnawing off soft clay promontories or cutting in behind them was a favorite pastime; and the sand and clay of its banks and the vast expanses of its bottoms coaxed it into capricious excursions afield.

carefully weighed

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading It threw up an island today to remove it next week or ten years later, and cut a new channel to close up an old one whenever the mood suited.

the activity of selecting the scenes to be shown and putting them together to create a film

From this reading Gnawing off soft clay promontories or cutting in behind them was a favorite pastime; and the sand and clay of its banks and the vast expanses of its bottoms coaxed it into capricious excursions afield.

causing or capable of causing death

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

be worthy or deserving

From this reading There were two tricks used on the river to get out of sandbar difficulties that deserve mention.

plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading There were two tricks used on the river to get out of sandbar difficulties that deserve mention.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

possessive form of “earth” — the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

divisible by two

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

plural of “excursion” — a journey taken for pleasure

From this reading Gnawing off soft clay promontories or cutting in behind them was a favorite pastime; and the sand and clay of its banks and the vast expanses of its bottoms coaxed it into capricious excursions afield.

plural of “expanse” — a wide scope

From this reading Gnawing off soft clay promontories or cutting in behind them was a favorite pastime; and the sand and clay of its banks and the vast expanses of its bottoms coaxed it into capricious excursions afield.

something regarded with special favor or liking

From this reading Gnawing off soft clay promontories or cutting in behind them was a favorite pastime; and the sand and clay of its banks and the vast expanses of its bottoms coaxed it into capricious excursions afield.

a formation of aircraft in flight

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

set up or found

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading There were two tricks used on the river to get out of sandbar difficulties that deserve mention.

-ing form of “gnaw” — bite or chew on with the teeth

From this reading Gnawing off soft clay promontories or cutting in behind them was a favorite pastime; and the sand and clay of its banks and the vast expanses of its bottoms coaxed it into capricious excursions afield.

only a very short time before

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

free from evil or guilt

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Gnawing off soft clay promontories or cutting in behind them was a favorite pastime; and the sand and clay of its banks and the vast expanses of its bottoms coaxed it into capricious excursions afield.

a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading It threw up an island today to remove it next week or ten years later, and cut a new channel to close up an old one whenever the mood suited.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

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

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading It threw up an island today to remove it next week or ten years later, and cut a new channel to close up an old one whenever the mood suited.

the act of putting something in a certain place

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

plural of “log” — a segment of the trunk of a tree when stripped of branches

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

make reference to

From this reading There were two tricks used on the river to get out of sandbar difficulties that deserve mention.

a major North American river and the chief river of the United States; rises in northern Minnesota and flows southward into the Gulf of Mexico

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

a midwestern state in central United States; a border state during the American Civil War, Missouri was admitted to the Confederacy without actually seceding from the Union

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading It threw up an island today to remove it next week or ten years later, and cut a new channel to close up an old one whenever the mood suited.

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

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading It threw up an island today to remove it next week or ten years later, and cut a new channel to close up an old one whenever the mood suited.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading It threw up an island today to remove it next week or ten years later, and cut a new channel to close up an old one whenever the mood suited.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

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

From this reading Gnawing off soft clay promontories or cutting in behind them was a favorite pastime; and the sand and clay of its banks and the vast expanses of its bottoms coaxed it into capricious excursions afield.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading It threw up an island today to remove it next week or ten years later, and cut a new channel to close up an old one whenever the mood suited.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading It threw up an island today to remove it next week or ten years later, and cut a new channel to close up an old one whenever the mood suited.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading There were two tricks used on the river to get out of sandbar difficulties that deserve mention.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

a diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly)

From this reading Gnawing off soft clay promontories or cutting in behind them was a favorite pastime; and the sand and clay of its banks and the vast expanses of its bottoms coaxed it into capricious excursions afield.

the guidance of ships or airplanes from place to place

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

bring about abruptly

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

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

From this reading Gnawing off soft clay promontories or cutting in behind them was a favorite pastime; and the sand and clay of its banks and the vast expanses of its bottoms coaxed it into capricious excursions afield.

showing reason or sound judgment

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

remove something concrete, as by lifting, pushing, or taking off, or remove something abstract

From this reading It threw up an island today to remove it next week or ten years later, and cut a new channel to close up an old one whenever the mood suited.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

possessing material wealth

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral

From this reading Gnawing off soft clay promontories or cutting in behind them was a favorite pastime; and the sand and clay of its banks and the vast expanses of its bottoms coaxed it into capricious excursions afield.

a bar of sand

From this reading There were two tricks used on the river to get out of sandbar difficulties that deserve mention.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

a person who settles in a new colony or moves into new country

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

continuously varying

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

plural of “shore” — the land along the edge of a body of water

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading Gnawing off soft clay promontories or cutting in behind them was a favorite pastime; and the sand and clay of its banks and the vast expanses of its bottoms coaxed it into capricious excursions afield.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

plural of “stage” — any distinct time period in a sequence of events

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

plural of “stump” — the base part of a tree that remains standing after the tree has been felled

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

beneath the surface of the water

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

meant or adapted for an occasion or use

From this reading It threw up an island today to remove it next week or ten years later, and cut a new channel to close up an old one whenever the mood suited.

the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading It threw up an island today to remove it next week or ten years later, and cut a new channel to close up an old one whenever the mood suited.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading There were two tricks used on the river to get out of sandbar difficulties that deserve mention.

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

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Gnawing off soft clay promontories or cutting in behind them was a favorite pastime; and the sand and clay of its banks and the vast expanses of its bottoms coaxed it into capricious excursions afield.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There were two tricks used on the river to get out of sandbar difficulties that deserve mention.

inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading It threw up an island today to remove it next week or ten years later, and cut a new channel to close up an old one whenever the mood suited.

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

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

the present time or age

From this reading It threw up an island today to remove it next week or ten years later, and cut a new channel to close up an old one whenever the mood suited.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

plural of “trick” — a cunning or deceitful action or device

From this reading There were two tricks used on the river to get out of sandbar difficulties that deserve mention.

not to be trusted

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading There were two tricks used on the river to get out of sandbar difficulties that deserve mention.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

not suspicious

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

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

From this reading It threw up an island today to remove it next week or ten years later, and cut a new channel to close up an old one whenever the mood suited.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading There were two tricks used on the river to get out of sandbar difficulties that deserve mention.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading Gnawing off soft clay promontories or cutting in behind them was a favorite pastime; and the sand and clay of its banks and the vast expanses of its bottoms coaxed it into capricious excursions afield.

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

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading It threw up an island today to remove it next week or ten years later, and cut a new channel to close up an old one whenever the mood suited.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading There were two tricks used on the river to get out of sandbar difficulties that deserve mention.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

at the time that

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

at any time that; every time that

From this reading It threw up an island today to remove it next week or ten years later, and cut a new channel to close up an old one whenever the mood suited.

disposed or inclined toward

From this reading More than one innocent and unsuspecting settler, locating what he considered to be a reasonable distance from its shores on some rich bottom, found his particular portion of the earth's surface under the river or on its further bank when he returned from a precipitate and entirely willing flight.

in the company of; together with

From this reading ARMIJO'S STRONG ARM Piloting on the Mississippi was tricky enough, with the shifting bars and the deadly, submerged logs, stumps, and trees; but the Missouri was in a class by itself; indeed, at various stages of high water it seemed hardly to know its own channels or, in some places, even its own bed.

a late time of life

From this reading It threw up an island today to remove it next week or ten years later, and cut a new channel to close up an old one whenever the mood suited.