used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Although it had stopped raining, the night was dark, and great bonfires were lighted about the mouth of the slope.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading The miners were divided into gangs, headed by the mine boss and by Tom Evert, and their work was the fetching of the steam pumps from across the valley and setting them up near the mouth of the slope.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Although it had stopped raining, the night was dark, and great bonfires were lighted about the mouth of the slope.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading Around these fires the entire population of the village stood and discussed the situation; and by their light the workers were enabled to perform their tasks.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
blazenounUS /bleɪz/
a strong flame that burns brightly
From this reading These were placed in charge of the old breaker boss, Mr. Guffy, and his boys, who fed them with dry timbers, and kept up the brilliant blaze until daylight.
bonfiresnounUS /ˈbɑːnfaɪərz/
plural of “bonfire” — a large outdoor fire that is lighted as a signal or in celebration
From this reading Although it had stopped raining, the night was dark, and great bonfires were lighted about the mouth of the slope.
bossnounUS /bɑːs/
a person who exercises control over workers
From this reading These were placed in charge of the old breaker boss, Mr. Guffy, and his boys, who fed them with dry timbers, and kept up the brilliant blaze until daylight.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
breakernounUS /ˈbreɪkər/
a quarry worker who splits off blocks of stone
From this reading These were placed in charge of the old breaker boss, Mr. Guffy, and his boys, who fed them with dry timbers, and kept up the brilliant blaze until daylight.
of surpassing excellence
From this reading These were placed in charge of the old breaker boss, Mr. Guffy, and his boys, who fed them with dry timbers, and kept up the brilliant blaze until daylight.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Around these fires the entire population of the village stood and discussed the situation; and by their light the workers were enabled to perform their tasks.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle
From this reading These were placed in charge of the old breaker boss, Mr. Guffy, and his boys, who fed them with dry timbers, and kept up the brilliant blaze until daylight.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading Although it had stopped raining, the night was dark, and great bonfires were lighted about the mouth of the slope.
the time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside
From this reading These were placed in charge of the old breaker boss, Mr. Guffy, and his boys, who fed them with dry timbers, and kept up the brilliant blaze until daylight.
discussedverbUS /dɪˈskʌst/
past form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing
From this reading Around these fires the entire population of the village stood and discussed the situation; and by their light the workers were enabled to perform their tasks.
separated into parts or pieces
From this reading The miners were divided into gangs, headed by the mine boss and by Tom Evert, and their work was the fetching of the steam pumps from across the valley and setting them up near the mouth of the slope.
free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet
From this reading These were placed in charge of the old breaker boss, Mr. Guffy, and his boys, who fed them with dry timbers, and kept up the brilliant blaze until daylight.
enabledverbUS /eˈneɪbəld/
past form of “enable” — render capable or able for some task
From this reading Around these fires the entire population of the village stood and discussed the situation; and by their light the workers were enabled to perform their tasks.
constituting the full quantity or extent; complete
From this reading Around these fires the entire population of the village stood and discussed the situation; and by their light the workers were enabled to perform their tasks.
EvertnounUS /ɪˈvɜːrt/
United States tennis player who won women's singles titles in the United States and at Wimbledon (born in 1954)
From this reading The miners were divided into gangs, headed by the mine boss and by Tom Evert, and their work was the fetching of the steam pumps from across the valley and setting them up near the mouth of the slope.
an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
fednounUS /fed/
any federal law-enforcement officer
From this reading These were placed in charge of the old breaker boss, Mr. Guffy, and his boys, who fed them with dry timbers, and kept up the brilliant blaze until daylight.
fetchingadjectiveUS /ˈfetʃɪŋ/
very attractive; capturing interest
From this reading The miners were divided into gangs, headed by the mine boss and by Tom Evert, and their work was the fetching of the steam pumps from across the valley and setting them up near the mouth of the slope.
firesnounUS /ˈfaɪərz/
plural of “fire” — the event of something burning (often destructive)
From this reading Around these fires the entire population of the village stood and discussed the situation; and by their light the workers were enabled to perform their tasks.
floodedadjectiveUS /ˈflʌdəd/
covered with water
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
gangsnounUS /ɡæŋz/
plural of “gang” — an association of criminals
From this reading The miners were divided into gangs, headed by the mine boss and by Tom Evert, and their work was the fetching of the steam pumps from across the valley and setting them up near the mouth of the slope.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Although it had stopped raining, the night was dark, and great bonfires were lighted about the mouth of the slope.
Guffy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These were placed in charge of the old breaker boss, Mr. Guffy, and his boys, who fed them with dry timbers, and kept up the brilliant blaze until daylight.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Although it had stopped raining, the night was dark, and great bonfires were lighted about the mouth of the slope.
headedadjectiveUS /ˈhedəd/
having a heading or course in a certain direction
From this reading The miners were divided into gangs, headed by the mine boss and by Tom Evert, and their work was the fetching of the steam pumps from across the valley and setting them up near the mouth of the slope.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading These were placed in charge of the old breaker boss, Mr. Guffy, and his boys, who fed them with dry timbers, and kept up the brilliant blaze until daylight.
imprisonedadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈprɪzənd/
being in captivity
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The miners were divided into gangs, headed by the mine boss and by Tom Evert, and their work was the fetching of the steam pumps from across the valley and setting them up near the mouth of the slope.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Although it had stopped raining, the night was dark, and great bonfires were lighted about the mouth of the slope.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading These were placed in charge of the old breaker boss, Mr. Guffy, and his boys, who fed them with dry timbers, and kept up the brilliant blaze until daylight.
the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading Around these fires the entire population of the village stood and discussed the situation; and by their light the workers were enabled to perform their tasks.
set afire or burning
From this reading Although it had stopped raining, the night was dark, and great bonfires were lighted about the mouth of the slope.
the force of workers available
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
the one or ones belonging to the person speaking
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
minersnounUS /ˈmaɪnərz/
plural of “miner” — laborer who works in a mine
From this reading The miners were divided into gangs, headed by the mine boss and by Tom Evert, and their work was the fetching of the steam pumps from across the valley and setting them up near the mouth of the slope.
a particular point in time
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
From this reading Although it had stopped raining, the night was dark, and great bonfires were lighted about the mouth of the slope.
a form of address for a man
From this reading These were placed in charge of the old breaker boss, Mr. Guffy, and his boys, who fed them with dry timbers, and kept up the brilliant blaze until daylight.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading The miners were divided into gangs, headed by the mine boss and by Tom Evert, and their work was the fetching of the steam pumps from across the valley and setting them up near the mouth of the slope.
information about recent and important events
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Although it had stopped raining, the night was dark, and great bonfires were lighted about the mouth of the slope.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading These were placed in charge of the old breaker boss, Mr. Guffy, and his boys, who fed them with dry timbers, and kept up the brilliant blaze until daylight.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
performverbUS /pərˈfɔːrm/
carry out or perform an action
From this reading Around these fires the entire population of the village stood and discussed the situation; and by their light the workers were enabled to perform their tasks.
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading These were placed in charge of the old breaker boss, Mr. Guffy, and his boys, who fed them with dry timbers, and kept up the brilliant blaze until daylight.
populationnounUS /ˌpɑːpjəˈleɪʃən/
the people who inhabit a territory or state
From this reading Around these fires the entire population of the village stood and discussed the situation; and by their light the workers were enabled to perform their tasks.
preparationsnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
plural of “prisoner” — a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
pumpsnounUS /pʌmps/
plural of “pump” — a mechanical device that moves fluid or gas by pressure or suction
From this reading The miners were divided into gangs, headed by the mine boss and by Tom Evert, and their work was the fetching of the steam pumps from across the valley and setting them up near the mouth of the slope.
past form of “push” — move with force
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
rainingadjectiveUS /ˈreɪnɪŋ/
falling in drops or as if falling like rain
From this reading Although it had stopped raining, the night was dark, and great bonfires were lighted about the mouth of the slope.
RESCUEverbUS /ˈreskjuː/
free from harm or evil
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
the context and environment in which something is set
From this reading The miners were divided into gangs, headed by the mine boss and by Tom Evert, and their work was the fetching of the steam pumps from across the valley and setting them up near the mouth of the slope.
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading Around these fires the entire population of the village stood and discussed the situation; and by their light the workers were enabled to perform their tasks.
an elevated geological formation
From this reading Although it had stopped raining, the night was dark, and great bonfires were lighted about the mouth of the slope.
steamverbUS /stiːm/
travel by means of steam power
From this reading The miners were divided into gangs, headed by the mine boss and by Tom Evert, and their work was the fetching of the steam pumps from across the valley and setting them up near the mouth of the slope.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Around these fires the entire population of the village stood and discussed the situation; and by their light the workers were enabled to perform their tasks.
(of a nose) blocked
From this reading Although it had stopped raining, the night was dark, and great bonfires were lighted about the mouth of the slope.
tasksnounUS /tæsks/
plural of “task” — any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading Around these fires the entire population of the village stood and discussed the situation; and by their light the workers were enabled to perform their tasks.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading These were placed in charge of the old breaker boss, Mr. Guffy, and his boys, who fed them with dry timbers, and kept up the brilliant blaze until daylight.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading These were placed in charge of the old breaker boss, Mr. Guffy, and his boys, who fed them with dry timbers, and kept up the brilliant blaze until daylight.
timbersnounUS /ˈtɪmbərz/
plural of “timber” — the wood of trees cut and prepared for use as building material
From this reading These were placed in charge of the old breaker boss, Mr. Guffy, and his boys, who fed them with dry timbers, and kept up the brilliant blaze until daylight.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
male cat
From this reading The miners were divided into gangs, headed by the mine boss and by Tom Evert, and their work was the fetching of the steam pumps from across the valley and setting them up near the mouth of the slope.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading These were placed in charge of the old breaker boss, Mr. Guffy, and his boys, who fed them with dry timbers, and kept up the brilliant blaze until daylight.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading These were placed in charge of the old breaker boss, Mr. Guffy, and his boys, who fed them with dry timbers, and kept up the brilliant blaze until daylight.
a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river
From this reading The miners were divided into gangs, headed by the mine boss and by Tom Evert, and their work was the fetching of the steam pumps from across the valley and setting them up near the mouth of the slope.
vigornounUS /ˈvɪɡər/
forceful exertion
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
a community of people smaller than a town
From this reading Around these fires the entire population of the village stood and discussed the situation; and by their light the workers were enabled to perform their tasks.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Although it had stopped raining, the night was dark, and great bonfires were lighted about the mouth of the slope.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
which person or people
From this reading These were placed in charge of the old breaker boss, Mr. Guffy, and his boys, who fed them with dry timbers, and kept up the brilliant blaze until daylight.
in the company of; together with
From this reading TO THE RESCUE!--A MESSAGE FROM THE PRISONERS From the moment the news came that nine men and boys were imprisoned in the flooded mine, preparations for their rescue, or at least of learning their fate, were pushed with all vigor.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading The miners were divided into gangs, headed by the mine boss and by Tom Evert, and their work was the fetching of the steam pumps from across the valley and setting them up near the mouth of the slope.
workersnounUS /ˈwɜːrkərz/
plural of “worker” — a person who works at a specific occupation
From this reading Around these fires the entire population of the village stood and discussed the situation; and by their light the workers were enabled to perform their tasks.
