used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But as he rose to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading But as he rose to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading But as he rose to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The unknown prowler had stumbled over the fireplace in his retreat, and the stolen gun had been exploded by striking the stones.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading STORMY WEATHER It was Ned's intention, when he crawled out of the tent, to dodge behind the nearest tree, where he could see without being seen.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading STORMY WEATHER It was Ned's intention, when he crawled out of the tent, to dodge behind the nearest tree, where he could see without being seen.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But as he rose to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The unknown prowler had stumbled over the fireplace in his retreat, and the stolen gun had been exploded by striking the stones.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading But as he rose to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.
to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle
From this reading For two or three seconds there was nothing to indicate that the thief had been hit by the charge.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading STORMY WEATHER It was Ned's intention, when he crawled out of the tent, to dodge behind the nearest tree, where he could see without being seen.
crawledverbUS /krɔːld/
past form of “crawl” — move slowly; in the case of people or animals with the body near the ground
From this reading STORMY WEATHER It was Ned's intention, when he crawled out of the tent, to dodge behind the nearest tree, where he could see without being seen.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading But as he rose to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading But as he rose to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.
dodgeverbUS /dɑːdʒ/
make a sudden movement in a new direction so as to avoid
From this reading STORMY WEATHER It was Ned's intention, when he crawled out of the tent, to dodge behind the nearest tree, where he could see without being seen.
embersnounUS /ˈembərz/
plural of “ember” — a hot fragment of wood or coal that is left from a fire and is glowing or smoldering
From this reading But as he rose to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.
explodedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsploʊdəd/
showing the parts of something separated but in positions that show their correct relation to one another
From this reading The unknown prowler had stumbled over the fireplace in his retreat, and the stolen gun had been exploded by striking the stones.
deficient in magnitude; barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness or loudness etc
From this reading But as he rose to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.
descend in free fall under the influence of gravity
From this reading But as he rose to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading But as he rose to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading But as he rose to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.
start firing a weapon
From this reading But as he rose to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.
fireplacenounUS /ˈfaɪərpleɪs/
an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built
From this reading The unknown prowler had stumbled over the fireplace in his retreat, and the stolen gun had been exploded by striking the stones.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For two or three seconds there was nothing to indicate that the thief had been hit by the charge.
a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
From this reading The unknown prowler had stumbled over the fireplace in his retreat, and the stolen gun had been exploded by striking the stones.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The unknown prowler had stumbled over the fireplace in his retreat, and the stolen gun had been exploded by striking the stones.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading STORMY WEATHER It was Ned's intention, when he crawled out of the tent, to dodge behind the nearest tree, where he could see without being seen.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading But as he rose to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading But as he rose to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.
cause to move by striking
From this reading For two or three seconds there was nothing to indicate that the thief had been hit by the charge.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading But as he rose to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.
indicateverbUS /ˈɪndəkeɪt/
be a signal for or a symptom of
From this reading For two or three seconds there was nothing to indicate that the thief had been hit by the charge.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading Ned understood the situation instantly.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading STORMY WEATHER It was Ned's intention, when he crawled out of the tent, to dodge behind the nearest tree, where he could see without being seen.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading STORMY WEATHER It was Ned's intention, when he crawled out of the tent, to dodge behind the nearest tree, where he could see without being seen.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading But as he rose to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.
(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance
From this reading STORMY WEATHER It was Ned's intention, when he crawled out of the tent, to dodge behind the nearest tree, where he could see without being seen.
Ned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ned understood the situation instantly.
Ned's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STORMY WEATHER It was Ned's intention, when he crawled out of the tent, to dodge behind the nearest tree, where he could see without being seen.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading For two or three seconds there was nothing to indicate that the thief had been hit by the charge.
obscuredverbUS /əbsˈkjʊrd/
past form of “obscure” — make less visible or unclear
From this reading But as he rose to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading STORMY WEATHER It was Ned's intention, when he crawled out of the tent, to dodge behind the nearest tree, where he could see without being seen.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading For two or three seconds there was nothing to indicate that the thief had been hit by the charge.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading STORMY WEATHER It was Ned's intention, when he crawled out of the tent, to dodge behind the nearest tree, where he could see without being seen.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The unknown prowler had stumbled over the fireplace in his retreat, and the stolen gun had been exploded by striking the stones.
prowlernounUS /ˈpraʊlər/
someone who prowls or sneaks about; usually with unlawful intentions
From this reading The unknown prowler had stumbled over the fireplace in his retreat, and the stolen gun had been exploded by striking the stones.
Randy's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But as he rose to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.
to give an account or representation of in words
From this reading But as he rose to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.
(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat
From this reading The unknown prowler had stumbled over the fireplace in his retreat, and the stolen gun had been exploded by striking the stones.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading But as he rose to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading But as he rose to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.
secondsnounUS /ˈsekəndz/
plural of “second” — 1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading For two or three seconds there was nothing to indicate that the thief had been hit by the charge.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading STORMY WEATHER It was Ned's intention, when he crawled out of the tent, to dodge behind the nearest tree, where he could see without being seen.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading STORMY WEATHER It was Ned's intention, when he crawled out of the tent, to dodge behind the nearest tree, where he could see without being seen.
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading Ned understood the situation instantly.
inflected form of “steal” — take without the owner's consent
From this reading The unknown prowler had stumbled over the fireplace in his retreat, and the stolen gun had been exploded by striking the stones.
plural of “stone” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading The unknown prowler had stumbled over the fireplace in his retreat, and the stolen gun had been exploded by striking the stones.
STORMYadjectiveUS /ˈstɔːrmi/
(especially of weather) affected or characterized by storms or commotion
From this reading STORMY WEATHER It was Ned's intention, when he crawled out of the tent, to dodge behind the nearest tree, where he could see without being seen.
sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect
From this reading The unknown prowler had stumbled over the fireplace in his retreat, and the stolen gun had been exploded by striking the stones.
(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming
From this reading But as he rose to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.
stumbledverbUS /ˈstʌmbəld/
past form of “stumble” — walk unsteadily
From this reading The unknown prowler had stumbled over the fireplace in his retreat, and the stolen gun had been exploded by striking the stones.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading But as he rose to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading But as he rose to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.
a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)
From this reading STORMY WEATHER It was Ned's intention, when he crawled out of the tent, to dodge behind the nearest tree, where he could see without being seen.
an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety
From this reading But as he rose to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading For two or three seconds there was nothing to indicate that the thief had been hit by the charge.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading STORMY WEATHER It was Ned's intention, when he crawled out of the tent, to dodge behind the nearest tree, where he could see without being seen.
in or at that place or location
From this reading For two or three seconds there was nothing to indicate that the thief had been hit by the charge.
thiefnounUS /θiːf/
a criminal who takes property belonging to someone else with the intention of keeping it or selling it
From this reading For two or three seconds there was nothing to indicate that the thief had been hit by the charge.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading For two or three seconds there was nothing to indicate that the thief had been hit by the charge.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading STORMY WEATHER It was Ned's intention, when he crawled out of the tent, to dodge behind the nearest tree, where he could see without being seen.
a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading STORMY WEATHER It was Ned's intention, when he crawled out of the tent, to dodge behind the nearest tree, where he could see without being seen.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading For two or three seconds there was nothing to indicate that the thief had been hit by the charge.
fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation
From this reading Ned understood the situation instantly.
not known
From this reading The unknown prowler had stumbled over the fireplace in his retreat, and the stolen gun had been exploded by striking the stones.
past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
From this reading But as he rose to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading STORMY WEATHER It was Ned's intention, when he crawled out of the tent, to dodge behind the nearest tree, where he could see without being seen.
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading STORMY WEATHER It was Ned's intention, when he crawled out of the tent, to dodge behind the nearest tree, where he could see without being seen.
at the time that
From this reading STORMY WEATHER It was Ned's intention, when he crawled out of the tent, to dodge behind the nearest tree, where he could see without being seen.
in or at the place that
From this reading STORMY WEATHER It was Ned's intention, when he crawled out of the tent, to dodge behind the nearest tree, where he could see without being seen.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading But as he rose to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading STORMY WEATHER It was Ned's intention, when he crawled out of the tent, to dodge behind the nearest tree, where he could see without being seen.
