Chapter V

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

From this reading TWO GOOD SAMARITANS It is a matter of history--that big rain of a certain year.

the clay from which adobe bricks are made

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

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

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

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

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

expected hopefully

From this reading At the most, he anticipated nothing worse than half an hour’s shower, and so he merely built up his fire and put some dry moss and grass to one side under his cloak, and prepared to sleep on the ground.

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

From this reading As he reached the place where he had picketed his horse and built his fire, a drop of water splashed on his cheek.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

for the reason that

From this reading Returning from his ineffectual serenade, the caballero observed that the stars were disappearing, but believed it was because of a fog that came from the sea.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading Returning from his ineffectual serenade, the caballero observed that the stars were disappearing, but believed it was because of a fog that came from the sea.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading TWO GOOD SAMARITANS It is a matter of history--that big rain of a certain year.

rub with a brush, or as if with a brush

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness

From this reading As he reached the place where he had picketed his horse and built his fire, a drop of water splashed on his cheek.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Returning from his ineffectual serenade, the caballero observed that the stars were disappearing, but believed it was because of a fog that came from the sea.

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

From this reading Returning from his ineffectual serenade, the caballero observed that the stars were disappearing, but believed it was because of a fog that came from the sea.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Returning from his ineffectual serenade, the caballero observed that the stars were disappearing, but believed it was because of a fog that came from the sea.

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading TWO GOOD SAMARITANS It is a matter of history--that big rain of a certain year.

either side of the face below the eyes

From this reading As he reached the place where he had picketed his horse and built his fire, a drop of water splashed on his cheek.

anything that covers or conceals

From this reading At the most, he anticipated nothing worse than half an hour’s shower, and so he merely built up his fire and put some dry moss and grass to one side under his cloak, and prepared to sleep on the ground.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

the act of leaving secretly or without explanation

From this reading Returning from his ineffectual serenade, the caballero observed that the stars were disappearing, but believed it was because of a fog that came from the sea.

abundantly covered or supplied with; often used in combination

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

let fall to the ground

From this reading As he reached the place where he had picketed his horse and built his fire, a drop of water splashed on his cheek.

free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

start firing a weapon

From this reading As he reached the place where he had picketed his horse and built his fire, a drop of water splashed on his cheek.

plural of “flood” — the rising of a body of water and its overflowing onto normally dry land

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

droplets of water vapor suspended in the air near the ground

From this reading Returning from his ineffectual serenade, the caballero observed that the stars were disappearing, but believed it was because of a fog that came from the sea.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading TWO GOOD SAMARITANS It is a matter of history--that big rain of a certain year.

shoot down, of birds

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading At the most, he anticipated nothing worse than half an hour’s shower, and so he merely built up his fire and put some dry moss and grass to one side under his cloak, and prepared to sleep on the ground.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading At the most, he anticipated nothing worse than half an hour’s shower, and so he merely built up his fire and put some dry moss and grass to one side under his cloak, and prepared to sleep on the ground.

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

From this reading As he reached the place where he had picketed his horse and built his fire, a drop of water splashed on his cheek.

plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

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

From this reading Returning from his ineffectual serenade, the caballero observed that the stars were disappearing, but believed it was because of a fog that came from the sea.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading TWO GOOD SAMARITANS It is a matter of history--that big rain of a certain year.

solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading As he reached the place where he had picketed his horse and built his fire, a drop of water splashed on his cheek.

possessive form of “hour” — a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading At the most, he anticipated nothing worse than half an hour’s shower, and so he merely built up his fire and put some dry moss and grass to one side under his cloak, and prepared to sleep on the ground.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

plural of “hut” — temporary military shelter

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

not producing an intended effect

From this reading Returning from his ineffectual serenade, the caballero observed that the stars were disappearing, but believed it was because of a fog that came from the sea.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

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

From this reading TWO GOOD SAMARITANS It is a matter of history--that big rain of a certain year.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading TWO GOOD SAMARITANS It is a matter of history--that big rain of a certain year.

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

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

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 torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading TWO GOOD SAMARITANS It is a matter of history--that big rain of a certain year.

threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

and nothing more

From this reading At the most, he anticipated nothing worse than half an hour’s shower, and so he merely built up his fire and put some dry moss and grass to one side under his cloak, and prepared to sleep on the ground.

tiny leafy-stemmed flowerless plants

From this reading At the most, he anticipated nothing worse than half an hour’s shower, and so he merely built up his fire and put some dry moss and grass to one side under his cloak, and prepared to sleep on the ground.

used to form the superlative

From this reading At the most, he anticipated nothing worse than half an hour’s shower, and so he merely built up his fire and put some dry moss and grass to one side under his cloak, and prepared to sleep on the ground.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading At the most, he anticipated nothing worse than half an hour’s shower, and so he merely built up his fire and put some dry moss and grass to one side under his cloak, and prepared to sleep on the ground.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading Returning from his ineffectual serenade, the caballero observed that the stars were disappearing, but believed it was because of a fog that came from the sea.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading TWO GOOD SAMARITANS It is a matter of history--that big rain of a certain year.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading At the most, he anticipated nothing worse than half an hour’s shower, and so he merely built up his fire and put some dry moss and grass to one side under his cloak, and prepared to sleep on the ground.

past form of “picket” — serve as pickets or post pickets

From this reading As he reached the place where he had picketed his horse and built his fire, a drop of water splashed on his cheek.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading As he reached the place where he had picketed his horse and built his fire, a drop of water splashed on his cheek.

past form of “pour” — cause to run

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

made ready or fit or suitable beforehand

From this reading At the most, he anticipated nothing worse than half an hour’s shower, and so he merely built up his fire and put some dry moss and grass to one side under his cloak, and prepared to sleep on the ground.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading At the most, he anticipated nothing worse than half an hour’s shower, and so he merely built up his fire and put some dry moss and grass to one side under his cloak, and prepared to sleep on the ground.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading TWO GOOD SAMARITANS It is a matter of history--that big rain of a certain year.

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

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading As he reached the place where he had picketed his horse and built his fire, a drop of water splashed on his cheek.

tending to return to an earlier state

From this reading Returning from his ineffectual serenade, the caballero observed that the stars were disappearing, but believed it was because of a fog that came from the sea.

destruction achieved by causing something to be wrecked or ruined

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

plural of “samaritan” — a member of the people inhabiting Samaria in biblical times

From this reading TWO GOOD SAMARITANS It is a matter of history--that big rain of a certain year.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading Returning from his ineffectual serenade, the caballero observed that the stars were disappearing, but believed it was because of a fog that came from the sea.

a musical composition in several movements; has no fixed form

From this reading Returning from his ineffectual serenade, the caballero observed that the stars were disappearing, but believed it was because of a fog that came from the sea.

a plumbing fixture that sprays water over you

From this reading At the most, he anticipated nothing worse than half an hour’s shower, and so he merely built up his fire and put some dry moss and grass to one side under his cloak, and prepared to sleep on the ground.

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

From this reading At the most, he anticipated nothing worse than half an hour’s shower, and so he merely built up his fire and put some dry moss and grass to one side under his cloak, and prepared to sleep on the ground.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended

From this reading At the most, he anticipated nothing worse than half an hour’s shower, and so he merely built up his fire and put some dry moss and grass to one side under his cloak, and prepared to sleep on the ground.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading At the most, he anticipated nothing worse than half an hour’s shower, and so he merely built up his fire and put some dry moss and grass to one side under his cloak, and prepared to sleep on the ground.

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

From this reading At the most, he anticipated nothing worse than half an hour’s shower, and so he merely built up his fire and put some dry moss and grass to one side under his cloak, and prepared to sleep on the ground.

(of a fluid) having been propelled about in flying drops or masses

From this reading As he reached the place where he had picketed his horse and built his fire, a drop of water splashed on his cheek.

plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior

From this reading Returning from his ineffectual serenade, the caballero observed that the stars were disappearing, but believed it was because of a fog that came from the sea.

plural of “stream” — a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

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

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading At the most, he anticipated nothing worse than half an hour’s shower, and so he merely built up his fire and put some dry moss and grass to one side under his cloak, and prepared to sleep on the ground.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading TWO GOOD SAMARITANS It is a matter of history--that big rain of a certain year.

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

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

very small

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

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

From this reading At the most, he anticipated nothing worse than half an hour’s shower, and so he merely built up his fire and put some dry moss and grass to one side under his cloak, and prepared to sleep on the ground.

plural of “torrent” — a heavy rain

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

characterized by unrest or disorder or insubordination

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

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

From this reading TWO GOOD SAMARITANS It is a matter of history--that big rain of a certain year.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading At the most, he anticipated nothing worse than half an hour’s shower, and so he merely built up his fire and put some dry moss and grass to one side under his cloak, and prepared to sleep on the ground.

-ing form of “undermine” — destroy property or hinder normal operations

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

not expected or anticipated

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

up to a particular time

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

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

From this reading At the most, he anticipated nothing worse than half an hour’s shower, and so he merely built up his fire and put some dry moss and grass to one side under his cloak, and prepared to sleep on the ground.

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

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

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 As he reached the place where he had picketed his horse and built his fire, a drop of water splashed on his cheek.

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

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

prolific English writer best known for his science-fiction novels; he also wrote on contemporary social problems and wrote popular accounts of history and science (1866-1946)

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

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

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.

in or at the place that

From this reading As he reached the place where he had picketed his horse and built his fire, a drop of water splashed on his cheek.

(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability

From this reading At the most, he anticipated nothing worse than half an hour’s shower, and so he merely built up his fire and put some dry moss and grass to one side under his cloak, and prepared to sleep on the ground.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading TWO GOOD SAMARITANS It is a matter of history--that big rain of a certain year.

of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk

From this reading The torrents poured from the sky at an unexpected time until the country was drenched and tiny streams swollen, and watercourses that had been dry were turned into turbulent yellow floods that carried on the surface brush and grass and logs from the hills, menacing many a rancho, undermining huts and adobe houses, ruining wells.