used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A LITTLE ALIEN IN THE WILDERNESS It was too hot and clear and still that morning for the most expert of fishermen to cast his fly with any hope of success.
aerialnounUS /ˈeriəl/
a pass to a receiver downfield from the passer
From this reading The air was so drowsy that those sparks of concentrated energy, the dragonflies, forgot to chase their aerial quarry and slept, blazing like amethysts, rubies and emeralds, on the tops of the cattail rushes.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading The air was so drowsy that those sparks of concentrated energy, the dragonflies, forgot to chase their aerial quarry and slept, blazing like amethysts, rubies and emeralds, on the tops of the cattail rushes.
ALIENadjectiveUS /ˈeɪliən/
not contained in or deriving from the essential nature of something
From this reading A LITTLE ALIEN IN THE WILDERNESS It was too hot and clear and still that morning for the most expert of fishermen to cast his fly with any hope of success.
amethysts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The air was so drowsy that those sparks of concentrated energy, the dragonflies, forgot to chase their aerial quarry and slept, blazing like amethysts, rubies and emeralds, on the tops of the cattail rushes.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A LITTLE ALIEN IN THE WILDERNESS It was too hot and clear and still that morning for the most expert of fishermen to cast his fly with any hope of success.
Andy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Very lazily and without the slightest reluctance, Uncle Andy ruled in his line, secured his cast, and leaned his rod securely in a forked branch to await more favorable conditions for his pet pastime.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading A LITTLE ALIEN IN THE WILDERNESS It was too hot and clear and still that morning for the most expert of fishermen to cast his fly with any hope of success.
awaitverbUS /əˈweɪt/
look forward to the probable occurrence of
From this reading Very lazily and without the slightest reluctance, Uncle Andy ruled in his line, secured his cast, and leaned his rod securely in a forked branch to await more favorable conditions for his pet pastime.
blazingadjectiveUS /ˈbleɪzɪŋ/
shining intensely
From this reading Nowhere even the round ripple of a rising minnow broke the blazing sheen of the lake.
a division of some larger or more complex organization
From this reading Very lazily and without the slightest reluctance, Uncle Andy ruled in his line, secured his cast, and leaned his rod securely in a forked branch to await more favorable conditions for his pet pastime.
the front of the trunk from the neck to the abdomen
From this reading The broad pale-green lily pads lay motionless on the unruffled breast of Silverwater.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading The broad pale-green lily pads lay motionless on the unruffled breast of Silverwater.
lacking funds
From this reading Nowhere even the round ripple of a rising minnow broke the blazing sheen of the lake.
put or send forth
From this reading A LITTLE ALIEN IN THE WILDERNESS It was too hot and clear and still that morning for the most expert of fishermen to cast his fly with any hope of success.
cattailnoun
tall erect herbs with sword-shaped leaves; cosmopolitan in fresh and salt marshes
From this reading The air was so drowsy that those sparks of concentrated energy, the dragonflies, forgot to chase their aerial quarry and slept, blazing like amethysts, rubies and emeralds, on the tops of the cattail rushes.
chaseverbUS /tʃeɪs/
go after with the intent to catch
From this reading The air was so drowsy that those sparks of concentrated energy, the dragonflies, forgot to chase their aerial quarry and slept, blazing like amethysts, rubies and emeralds, on the tops of the cattail rushes.
rid of obstructions
From this reading A LITTLE ALIEN IN THE WILDERNESS It was too hot and clear and still that morning for the most expert of fishermen to cast his fly with any hope of success.
concentratedadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːnsəntreɪtɪd/
gathered together or made less diffuse
From this reading The air was so drowsy that those sparks of concentrated energy, the dragonflies, forgot to chase their aerial quarry and slept, blazing like amethysts, rubies and emeralds, on the tops of the cattail rushes.
the prevailing context that influences the performance or the outcome of a process
From this reading Very lazily and without the slightest reluctance, Uncle Andy ruled in his line, secured his cast, and leaned his rod securely in a forked branch to await more favorable conditions for his pet pastime.
dragonflies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The air was so drowsy that those sparks of concentrated energy, the dragonflies, forgot to chase their aerial quarry and slept, blazing like amethysts, rubies and emeralds, on the tops of the cattail rushes.
drowsyadjectiveUS /ˈdraʊzi/
half asleep
From this reading The air was so drowsy that those sparks of concentrated energy, the dragonflies, forgot to chase their aerial quarry and slept, blazing like amethysts, rubies and emeralds, on the tops of the cattail rushes.
emeraldsnounUS /ˈemrəldz/
plural of “emerald” — a green transparent form of beryl; highly valued as a gemstone
From this reading The air was so drowsy that those sparks of concentrated energy, the dragonflies, forgot to chase their aerial quarry and slept, blazing like amethysts, rubies and emeralds, on the tops of the cattail rushes.
(physics) a thermodynamic quantity equivalent to the capacity of a physical system to do work; the units of energy are joules or ergs
From this reading The air was so drowsy that those sparks of concentrated energy, the dragonflies, forgot to chase their aerial quarry and slept, blazing like amethysts, rubies and emeralds, on the tops of the cattail rushes.
divisible by two
From this reading Nowhere even the round ripple of a rising minnow broke the blazing sheen of the lake.
expertadjectiveUS /ˈekspərt/
having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
From this reading A LITTLE ALIEN IN THE WILDERNESS It was too hot and clear and still that morning for the most expert of fishermen to cast his fly with any hope of success.
favorableadjectiveUS /ˈfeɪvərəbəl/
encouraging or approving or pleasing
From this reading Very lazily and without the slightest reluctance, Uncle Andy ruled in his line, secured his cast, and leaned his rod securely in a forked branch to await more favorable conditions for his pet pastime.
fishermennounUS /ˈfɪʃərmɪn/
plural of “fisherman” — someone whose occupation is catching fish
From this reading A LITTLE ALIEN IN THE WILDERNESS It was too hot and clear and still that morning for the most expert of fishermen to cast his fly with any hope of success.
travel through the air; be airborne
From this reading A LITTLE ALIEN IN THE WILDERNESS It was too hot and clear and still that morning for the most expert of fishermen to cast his fly with any hope of success.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A LITTLE ALIEN IN THE WILDERNESS It was too hot and clear and still that morning for the most expert of fishermen to cast his fly with any hope of success.
inflected form of “forget” — dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
From this reading The air was so drowsy that those sparks of concentrated energy, the dragonflies, forgot to chase their aerial quarry and slept, blazing like amethysts, rubies and emeralds, on the tops of the cattail rushes.
forkedadjectiveUS /fɔːrkt/
resembling a fork; divided or separated into two branches
From this reading Very lazily and without the slightest reluctance, Uncle Andy ruled in his line, secured his cast, and leaned his rod securely in a forked branch to await more favorable conditions for his pet pastime.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A LITTLE ALIEN IN THE WILDERNESS It was too hot and clear and still that morning for the most expert of fishermen to cast his fly with any hope of success.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading A LITTLE ALIEN IN THE WILDERNESS It was too hot and clear and still that morning for the most expert of fishermen to cast his fly with any hope of success.
used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
From this reading A LITTLE ALIEN IN THE WILDERNESS It was too hot and clear and still that morning for the most expert of fishermen to cast his fly with any hope of success.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A LITTLE ALIEN IN THE WILDERNESS It was too hot and clear and still that morning for the most expert of fishermen to cast his fly with any hope of success.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A LITTLE ALIEN IN THE WILDERNESS It was too hot and clear and still that morning for the most expert of fishermen to cast his fly with any hope of success.
a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land
From this reading Nowhere even the round ripple of a rising minnow broke the blazing sheen of the lake.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading The broad pale-green lily pads lay motionless on the unruffled breast of Silverwater.
lazilyadverbUS /ˈlæzəli/
in a slow and lazy manner
From this reading Very lazily and without the slightest reluctance, Uncle Andy ruled in his line, secured his cast, and leaned his rod securely in a forked branch to await more favorable conditions for his pet pastime.
past form of “lean” — to incline or bend from a vertical position
From this reading Very lazily and without the slightest reluctance, Uncle Andy ruled in his line, secured his cast, and leaned his rod securely in a forked branch to await more favorable conditions for his pet pastime.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading The air was so drowsy that those sparks of concentrated energy, the dragonflies, forgot to chase their aerial quarry and slept, blazing like amethysts, rubies and emeralds, on the tops of the cattail rushes.
lilynounUS /ˈlɪli/
any liliaceous plant of the genus Lilium having showy pendulous flowers
From this reading The broad pale-green lily pads lay motionless on the unruffled breast of Silverwater.
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading Very lazily and without the slightest reluctance, Uncle Andy ruled in his line, secured his cast, and leaned his rod securely in a forked branch to await more favorable conditions for his pet pastime.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A LITTLE ALIEN IN THE WILDERNESS It was too hot and clear and still that morning for the most expert of fishermen to cast his fly with any hope of success.
minnownounUS /ˈmɪnoʊ/
very small European freshwater fish common in gravelly streams
From this reading Nowhere even the round ripple of a rising minnow broke the blazing sheen of the lake.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Very lazily and without the slightest reluctance, Uncle Andy ruled in his line, secured his cast, and leaned his rod securely in a forked branch to await more favorable conditions for his pet pastime.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading A LITTLE ALIEN IN THE WILDERNESS It was too hot and clear and still that morning for the most expert of fishermen to cast his fly with any hope of success.
used to form the superlative
From this reading A LITTLE ALIEN IN THE WILDERNESS It was too hot and clear and still that morning for the most expert of fishermen to cast his fly with any hope of success.
not in physical motion
From this reading The broad pale-green lily pads lay motionless on the unruffled breast of Silverwater.
NowherenounUS /ˈnoʊwer/
an insignificant place
From this reading Nowhere even the round ripple of a rising minnow broke the blazing sheen of the lake.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A LITTLE ALIEN IN THE WILDERNESS It was too hot and clear and still that morning for the most expert of fishermen to cast his fly with any hope of success.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The broad pale-green lily pads lay motionless on the unruffled breast of Silverwater.
padsnounUS /pædz/
plural of “pad” — a number of sheets of paper fastened together along one edge
From this reading The broad pale-green lily pads lay motionless on the unruffled breast of Silverwater.
pale-green
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The broad pale-green lily pads lay motionless on the unruffled breast of Silverwater.
pastimenounUS /ˈpæstaɪm/
a diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly)
From this reading Very lazily and without the slightest reluctance, Uncle Andy ruled in his line, secured his cast, and leaned his rod securely in a forked branch to await more favorable conditions for his pet pastime.
petnounUS /pet/
a domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement
From this reading Very lazily and without the slightest reluctance, Uncle Andy ruled in his line, secured his cast, and leaned his rod securely in a forked branch to await more favorable conditions for his pet pastime.
quarrynounUS /ˈkwɔːri/
a person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence
From this reading The air was so drowsy that those sparks of concentrated energy, the dragonflies, forgot to chase their aerial quarry and slept, blazing like amethysts, rubies and emeralds, on the tops of the cattail rushes.
reluctancenounUS /rɪˈlʌktəns/
(physics) opposition to magnetic flux (analogous to electric resistance)
From this reading Very lazily and without the slightest reluctance, Uncle Andy ruled in his line, secured his cast, and leaned his rod securely in a forked branch to await more favorable conditions for his pet pastime.
ripplenounUS /ˈrɪpəl/
a small wave on the surface of a liquid
From this reading Nowhere even the round ripple of a rising minnow broke the blazing sheen of the lake.
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading Nowhere even the round ripple of a rising minnow broke the blazing sheen of the lake.
rodnounUS /rɑːd/
a long thin implement made of metal or wood
From this reading Very lazily and without the slightest reluctance, Uncle Andy ruled in his line, secured his cast, and leaned his rod securely in a forked branch to await more favorable conditions for his pet pastime.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading Nowhere even the round ripple of a rising minnow broke the blazing sheen of the lake.
rubiesnounUS /ˈruːbiz/
plural of “ruby” — a transparent piece of ruby that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
From this reading The air was so drowsy that those sparks of concentrated energy, the dragonflies, forgot to chase their aerial quarry and slept, blazing like amethysts, rubies and emeralds, on the tops of the cattail rushes.
ruledadjectiveUS /ruːld/
subject to a ruling authority
From this reading Very lazily and without the slightest reluctance, Uncle Andy ruled in his line, secured his cast, and leaned his rod securely in a forked branch to await more favorable conditions for his pet pastime.
rushesnounUS /ˈrʌʃəz/
plural of “rush” — the act of moving hurriedly and in a careless manner
From this reading The air was so drowsy that those sparks of concentrated energy, the dragonflies, forgot to chase their aerial quarry and slept, blazing like amethysts, rubies and emeralds, on the tops of the cattail rushes.
securedverbUS /sɪˈkjʊrd/
past form of “secure” — get by special effort
From this reading Very lazily and without the slightest reluctance, Uncle Andy ruled in his line, secured his cast, and leaned his rod securely in a forked branch to await more favorable conditions for his pet pastime.
securelyadverbUS /sɪˈkjʊrli/
in a secure manner; in a manner free from danger
From this reading Very lazily and without the slightest reluctance, Uncle Andy ruled in his line, secured his cast, and leaned his rod securely in a forked branch to await more favorable conditions for his pet pastime.
sheennounUS /ʃiːn/
the visual property of something that shines with reflected light
From this reading Nowhere even the round ripple of a rising minnow broke the blazing sheen of the lake.
Silverwater
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The broad pale-green lily pads lay motionless on the unruffled breast of Silverwater.
inflected form of “sleep” — be asleep
From this reading The air was so drowsy that those sparks of concentrated energy, the dragonflies, forgot to chase their aerial quarry and slept, blazing like amethysts, rubies and emeralds, on the tops of the cattail rushes.
superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some
From this reading Very lazily and without the slightest reluctance, Uncle Andy ruled in his line, secured his cast, and leaned his rod securely in a forked branch to await more favorable conditions for his pet pastime.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The air was so drowsy that those sparks of concentrated energy, the dragonflies, forgot to chase their aerial quarry and slept, blazing like amethysts, rubies and emeralds, on the tops of the cattail rushes.
sparksnounUS /spɑːrks/
plural of “spark” — a momentary flash of light
From this reading The air was so drowsy that those sparks of concentrated energy, the dragonflies, forgot to chase their aerial quarry and slept, blazing like amethysts, rubies and emeralds, on the tops of the cattail rushes.
not in physical motion
From this reading A LITTLE ALIEN IN THE WILDERNESS It was too hot and clear and still that morning for the most expert of fishermen to cast his fly with any hope of success.
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading A LITTLE ALIEN IN THE WILDERNESS It was too hot and clear and still that morning for the most expert of fishermen to cast his fly with any hope of success.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A LITTLE ALIEN IN THE WILDERNESS It was too hot and clear and still that morning for the most expert of fishermen to cast his fly with any hope of success.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A LITTLE ALIEN IN THE WILDERNESS It was too hot and clear and still that morning for the most expert of fishermen to cast his fly with any hope of success.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The air was so drowsy that those sparks of concentrated energy, the dragonflies, forgot to chase their aerial quarry and slept, blazing like amethysts, rubies and emeralds, on the tops of the cattail rushes.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading The air was so drowsy that those sparks of concentrated energy, the dragonflies, forgot to chase their aerial quarry and slept, blazing like amethysts, rubies and emeralds, on the tops of the cattail rushes.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A LITTLE ALIEN IN THE WILDERNESS It was too hot and clear and still that morning for the most expert of fishermen to cast his fly with any hope of success.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading A LITTLE ALIEN IN THE WILDERNESS It was too hot and clear and still that morning for the most expert of fishermen to cast his fly with any hope of success.
topsadjectiveUS /tɑːps/
of the highest quality
From this reading The air was so drowsy that those sparks of concentrated energy, the dragonflies, forgot to chase their aerial quarry and slept, blazing like amethysts, rubies and emeralds, on the tops of the cattail rushes.
the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading Very lazily and without the slightest reluctance, Uncle Andy ruled in his line, secured his cast, and leaned his rod securely in a forked branch to await more favorable conditions for his pet pastime.
unruffledadjectiveUS /ənˈrʌfəld/
free from emotional agitation or nervous tension
From this reading The broad pale-green lily pads lay motionless on the unruffled breast of Silverwater.
precisely as stated
From this reading Very lazily and without the slightest reluctance, Uncle Andy ruled in his line, secured his cast, and leaned his rod securely in a forked branch to await more favorable conditions for his pet pastime.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A LITTLE ALIEN IN THE WILDERNESS It was too hot and clear and still that morning for the most expert of fishermen to cast his fly with any hope of success.
WILDERNESSnounUS /ˈwɪldərnəs/
(politics) a state of disfavor
From this reading A LITTLE ALIEN IN THE WILDERNESS It was too hot and clear and still that morning for the most expert of fishermen to cast his fly with any hope of success.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A LITTLE ALIEN IN THE WILDERNESS It was too hot and clear and still that morning for the most expert of fishermen to cast his fly with any hope of success.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Very lazily and without the slightest reluctance, Uncle Andy ruled in his line, secured his cast, and leaned his rod securely in a forked branch to await more favorable conditions for his pet pastime.
