Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

any address at which you dwell more than temporarily

From this reading This desert, around which hovered gulls, sea-swallows, and sea-eagles, had been for several weeks the abode of the fugitives, Dion and Barine.

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

From this reading Not even the poorest crops would grow in soil so hostile to life, and those who chose it for a home were compelled to bring even the drinking-water from the continent.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading This desert, around which hovered gulls, sea-swallows, and sea-eagles, had been for several weeks the abode of the fugitives, Dion and Barine.

accomplishment of an objective

From this reading They still occupied the two rooms which had been assigned to them on their arrival.

appointed to a post or duty

From this reading They still occupied the two rooms which had been assigned to them on their arrival.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

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

From this reading This desert, around which hovered gulls, sea-swallows, and sea-eagles, had been for several weeks the abode of the fugitives, Dion and Barine.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading This desert, around which hovered gulls, sea-swallows, and sea-eagles, had been for several weeks the abode of the fugitives, Dion and Barine.

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

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading Not even the poorest crops would grow in soil so hostile to life, and those who chose it for a home were compelled to bring even the drinking-water from the continent.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading It was called the Serpent Island, though the inhabitants had long since rid it of these dangerous guests, which lived in great numbers in the neighbouring cliffs.

inflected form of “choose” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives

From this reading Not even the poorest crops would grow in soil so hostile to life, and those who chose it for a home were compelled to bring even the drinking-water from the continent.

plural of “cliff” — a steep high face of rock

From this reading It was called the Serpent Island, though the inhabitants had long since rid it of these dangerous guests, which lived in great numbers in the neighbouring cliffs.

inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something

From this reading Not even the poorest crops would grow in soil so hostile to life, and those who chose it for a home were compelled to bring even the drinking-water from the continent.

one of the large landmasses of the earth

From this reading Not even the poorest crops would grow in soil so hostile to life, and those who chose it for a home were compelled to bring even the drinking-water from the continent.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

plural of “crop” — the yield from plants in a single growing season

From this reading Not even the poorest crops would grow in soil so hostile to life, and those who chose it for a home were compelled to bring even the drinking-water from the continent.

involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm

From this reading It was called the Serpent Island, though the inhabitants had long since rid it of these dangerous guests, which lived in great numbers in the neighbouring cliffs.

leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch

From this reading This desert, around which hovered gulls, sea-swallows, and sea-eagles, had been for several weeks the abode of the fugitives, Dion and Barine.

providing no shelter or sustenance

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

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

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

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

From this reading This desert, around which hovered gulls, sea-swallows, and sea-eagles, had been for several weeks the abode of the fugitives, Dion and Barine.

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

From this reading Not even the poorest crops would grow in soil so hostile to life, and those who chose it for a home were compelled to bring even the drinking-water from the continent.

divisible by two

From this reading Not even the poorest crops would grow in soil so hostile to life, and those who chose it for a home were compelled to bring even the drinking-water from the continent.

having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Not even the poorest crops would grow in soil so hostile to life, and those who chose it for a home were compelled to bring even the drinking-water from the continent.

a person who has been freed from slavery

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Not even the poorest crops would grow in soil so hostile to life, and those who chose it for a home were compelled to bring even the drinking-water from the continent.

plural of “fugitive” — someone who flees from an uncongenial situation

From this reading This desert, around which hovered gulls, sea-swallows, and sea-eagles, had been for several weeks the abode of the fugitives, Dion and Barine.

a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

shoot down, of birds

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading It was called the Serpent Island, though the inhabitants had long since rid it of these dangerous guests, which lived in great numbers in the neighbouring cliffs.

inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading Not even the poorest crops would grow in soil so hostile to life, and those who chose it for a home were compelled to bring even the drinking-water from the continent.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading It was called the Serpent Island, though the inhabitants had long since rid it of these dangerous guests, which lived in great numbers in the neighbouring cliffs.

plural of “gull” — a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of

From this reading This desert, around which hovered gulls, sea-swallows, and sea-eagles, had been for several weeks the abode of the fugitives, Dion and Barine.

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

From this reading It was called the Serpent Island, though the inhabitants had long since rid it of these dangerous guests, which lived in great numbers in the neighbouring cliffs.

secretly shelter (as of fugitives or criminals)

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Not even the poorest crops would grow in soil so hostile to life, and those who chose it for a home were compelled to bring even the drinking-water from the continent.

characterized by enmity or ill will

From this reading Not even the poorest crops would grow in soil so hostile to life, and those who chose it for a home were compelled to bring even the drinking-water from the continent.

past form of “hover” — be undecided about something; waver between conflicting positions or courses of action

From this reading This desert, around which hovered gulls, sea-swallows, and sea-eagles, had been for several weeks the abode of the fugitives, Dion and Barine.

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

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place

From this reading It was called the Serpent Island, though the inhabitants had long since rid it of these dangerous guests, which lived in great numbers in the neighbouring cliffs.

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

From this reading It was called the Serpent Island, though the inhabitants had long since rid it of these dangerous guests, which lived in great numbers in the neighbouring cliffs.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was called the Serpent Island, though the inhabitants had long since rid it of these dangerous guests, which lived in great numbers in the neighbouring cliffs.

large or big relative to something else

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Not even the poorest crops would grow in soil so hostile to life, and those who chose it for a home were compelled to bring even the drinking-water from the continent.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading It was called the Serpent Island, though the inhabitants had long since rid it of these dangerous guests, which lived in great numbers in the neighbouring cliffs.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading It was called the Serpent Island, though the inhabitants had long since rid it of these dangerous guests, which lived in great numbers in the neighbouring cliffs.

plural of “mus” — type genus of the Muridae: common house mice; the tips of the upper incisors have a square notch

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

-ing form of “neighbour” — live or be located as a neighbor

From this reading It was called the Serpent Island, though the inhabitants had long since rid it of these dangerous guests, which lived in great numbers in the neighbouring cliffs.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States north of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Not even the poorest crops would grow in soil so hostile to life, and those who chose it for a home were compelled to bring even the drinking-water from the continent.

the fourth book of the Old Testament; contains a record of the number of Israelites who followed Moses out of Egypt

From this reading It was called the Serpent Island, though the inhabitants had long since rid it of these dangerous guests, which lived in great numbers in the neighbouring cliffs.

held or filled or in use

From this reading They still occupied the two rooms which had been assigned to them on their arrival.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading They still occupied the two rooms which had been assigned to them on their arrival.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

superlative of “poor” — deserving or inciting pity

From this reading Not even the poorest crops would grow in soil so hostile to life, and those who chose it for a home were compelled to bring even the drinking-water from the continent.

something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

king of Epirus; defeated the Romans in two battles in spite of staggering losses (319-272 BC)

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

relieve from

From this reading It was called the Serpent Island, though the inhabitants had long since rid it of these dangerous guests, which lived in great numbers in the neighbouring cliffs.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading They still occupied the two rooms which had been assigned to them on their arrival.

only a very short time before

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

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

From this reading This desert, around which hovered gulls, sea-swallows, and sea-eagles, had been for several weeks the abode of the fugitives, Dion and Barine.

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

From this reading This desert, around which hovered gulls, sea-swallows, and sea-eagles, had been for several weeks the abode of the fugitives, Dion and Barine.

limbless scaly elongate reptile; some are venomous

From this reading It was called the Serpent Island, though the inhabitants had long since rid it of these dangerous guests, which lived in great numbers in the neighbouring cliffs.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading This desert, around which hovered gulls, sea-swallows, and sea-eagles, had been for several weeks the abode of the fugitives, Dion and Barine.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading It was called the Serpent Island, though the inhabitants had long since rid it of these dangerous guests, which lived in great numbers in the neighbouring cliffs.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Not even the poorest crops would grow in soil so hostile to life, and those who chose it for a home were compelled to bring even the drinking-water from the continent.

the state of being covered with unclean things

From this reading Not even the poorest crops would grow in soil so hostile to life, and those who chose it for a home were compelled to bring even the drinking-water from the continent.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

not in physical motion

From this reading They still occupied the two rooms which had been assigned to them on their arrival.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

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

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading They still occupied the two rooms which had been assigned to them on their arrival.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading They still occupied the two rooms which had been assigned to them on their arrival.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading It was called the Serpent Island, though the inhabitants had long since rid it of these dangerous guests, which lived in great numbers in the neighbouring cliffs.

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

From this reading They still occupied the two rooms which had been assigned to them on their arrival.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This desert, around which hovered gulls, sea-swallows, and sea-eagles, had been for several weeks the abode of the fugitives, Dion and Barine.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Not even the poorest crops would grow in soil so hostile to life, and those who chose it for a home were compelled to bring even the drinking-water from the continent.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading It was called the Serpent Island, though the inhabitants had long since rid it of these dangerous guests, which lived in great numbers in the neighbouring cliffs.

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

From this reading Not even the poorest crops would grow in soil so hostile to life, and those who chose it for a home were compelled to bring even the drinking-water from the continent.

a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

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

From this reading They still occupied the two rooms which had been assigned to them on their arrival.

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

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading This desert, around which hovered gulls, sea-swallows, and sea-eagles, had been for several weeks the abode of the fugitives, Dion and Barine.

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

From this reading Not even the poorest crops would grow in soil so hostile to life, and those who chose it for a home were compelled to bring even the drinking-water from the continent.

in or at the place that

From this reading The property of the freedman Pyrrhus was a flat rock in the northern part of the harbour, scarcely larger than the garden of Didymus at the Corner of the Muses, a desolate spot where neither tree nor blade of grass grew.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading It was called the Serpent Island, though the inhabitants had long since rid it of these dangerous guests, which lived in great numbers in the neighbouring cliffs.

which person or people

From this reading Not even the poorest crops would grow in soil so hostile to life, and those who chose it for a home were compelled to bring even the drinking-water from the continent.

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

From this reading Not even the poorest crops would grow in soil so hostile to life, and those who chose it for a home were compelled to bring even the drinking-water from the continent.