used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading HARLAN JOINS THE GANG At the edge of the big level, where it merged into the floor of the basin, Harlan drew Purgatory to a halt.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading For an instant he sat in the saddle scrutinizing a section of buffalo grass that fringed a clump of willows near the almost dry bed of the river that doubled slightly as it came from the basin.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading For an instant he sat in the saddle scrutinizing a section of buffalo grass that fringed a clump of willows near the almost dry bed of the river that doubled slightly as it came from the basin.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He rode closer, cautiously, for the little trees formed a covert behind which any one of several dangers might lie concealed--and looked down at the grass.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading He rode closer, cautiously, for the little trees formed a covert behind which any one of several dangers might lie concealed--and looked down at the grass.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading Something in the appearance of the grass had attracted his attention--it was matted, as though something had lain or rolled in it.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading For an instant he sat in the saddle scrutinizing a section of buffalo grass that fringed a clump of willows near the almost dry bed of the river that doubled slightly as it came from the basin.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading HARLAN JOINS THE GANG At the edge of the big level, where it merged into the floor of the basin, Harlan drew Purgatory to a halt.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading Something in the appearance of the grass had attracted his attention--it was matted, as though something had lain or rolled in it.
past form of “attract” — direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes
From this reading Something in the appearance of the grass had attracted his attention--it was matted, as though something had lain or rolled in it.
basinnounUS /ˈbeɪsən/
a bowl-shaped vessel; usually used for holding food or liquids
From this reading HARLAN JOINS THE GANG At the edge of the big level, where it merged into the floor of the basin, Harlan drew Purgatory to a halt.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading For an instant he sat in the saddle scrutinizing a section of buffalo grass that fringed a clump of willows near the almost dry bed of the river that doubled slightly as it came from the basin.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading He rode closer, cautiously, for the little trees formed a covert behind which any one of several dangers might lie concealed--and looked down at the grass.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading HARLAN JOINS THE GANG At the edge of the big level, where it merged into the floor of the basin, Harlan drew Purgatory to a halt.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading As he examined the place his lips twisted into a grim smile, and his eyes grew bright with comprehension.
buffalonounUS /ˈbʌfəloʊ/
large shaggy-haired brown bison of North American plains
From this reading For an instant he sat in the saddle scrutinizing a section of buffalo grass that fringed a clump of willows near the almost dry bed of the river that doubled slightly as it came from the basin.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading For an instant he sat in the saddle scrutinizing a section of buffalo grass that fringed a clump of willows near the almost dry bed of the river that doubled slightly as it came from the basin.
cautiouslyadverbUS /ˈkɔːʃəsli/
as if with kid gloves; with caution or prudence or tact
From this reading He rode closer, cautiously, for the little trees formed a covert behind which any one of several dangers might lie concealed--and looked down at the grass.
(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance
From this reading He rode closer, cautiously, for the little trees formed a covert behind which any one of several dangers might lie concealed--and looked down at the grass.
clumpnounUS /klʌmp/
a grouping of a number of similar things
From this reading For an instant he sat in the saddle scrutinizing a section of buffalo grass that fringed a clump of willows near the almost dry bed of the river that doubled slightly as it came from the basin.
comprehensionnounUS /ˌkɑːmpriˈhenʃən/
an ability to understand the meaning or importance of something (or the knowledge acquired as a result)
From this reading As he examined the place his lips twisted into a grim smile, and his eyes grew bright with comprehension.
not accessible to view
From this reading He rode closer, cautiously, for the little trees formed a covert behind which any one of several dangers might lie concealed--and looked down at the grass.
covertnounUS /ˈkoʊvərt/
a flock of coots
From this reading He rode closer, cautiously, for the little trees formed a covert behind which any one of several dangers might lie concealed--and looked down at the grass.
dangersnounUS /ˈdeɪndʒərz/
plural of “danger” — the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading He rode closer, cautiously, for the little trees formed a covert behind which any one of several dangers might lie concealed--and looked down at the grass.
doubledadjectiveUS /ˈdʌbəld/
twice as great or many
From this reading For an instant he sat in the saddle scrutinizing a section of buffalo grass that fringed a clump of willows near the almost dry bed of the river that doubled slightly as it came from the basin.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading He rode closer, cautiously, for the little trees formed a covert behind which any one of several dangers might lie concealed--and looked down at the grass.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading HARLAN JOINS THE GANG At the edge of the big level, where it merged into the floor of the basin, Harlan drew Purgatory to a halt.
free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet
From this reading For an instant he sat in the saddle scrutinizing a section of buffalo grass that fringed a clump of willows near the almost dry bed of the river that doubled slightly as it came from the basin.
the boundary of a surface
From this reading HARLAN JOINS THE GANG At the edge of the big level, where it merged into the floor of the basin, Harlan drew Purgatory to a halt.
past form of “examine” — consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning
From this reading As he examined the place his lips twisted into a grim smile, and his eyes grew bright with comprehension.
opinion or judgment
From this reading As he examined the place his lips twisted into a grim smile, and his eyes grew bright with comprehension.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading HARLAN JOINS THE GANG At the edge of the big level, where it merged into the floor of the basin, Harlan drew Purgatory to a halt.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For an instant he sat in the saddle scrutinizing a section of buffalo grass that fringed a clump of willows near the almost dry bed of the river that doubled slightly as it came from the basin.
having or given a form or shape
From this reading He rode closer, cautiously, for the little trees formed a covert behind which any one of several dangers might lie concealed--and looked down at the grass.
fringedadjective
surrounded as with a border or fringe; sometimes used in combination
From this reading For an instant he sat in the saddle scrutinizing a section of buffalo grass that fringed a clump of willows near the almost dry bed of the river that doubled slightly as it came from the basin.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading For an instant he sat in the saddle scrutinizing a section of buffalo grass that fringed a clump of willows near the almost dry bed of the river that doubled slightly as it came from the basin.
GANGnounUS /ɡæŋ/
an association of criminals
From this reading HARLAN JOINS THE GANG At the edge of the big level, where it merged into the floor of the basin, Harlan drew Purgatory to a halt.
shoot down, of birds
From this reading For an instant he sat in the saddle scrutinizing a section of buffalo grass that fringed a clump of willows near the almost dry bed of the river that doubled slightly as it came from the basin.
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading As he examined the place his lips twisted into a grim smile, and his eyes grew bright with comprehension.
not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
From this reading As he examined the place his lips twisted into a grim smile, and his eyes grew bright with comprehension.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Something in the appearance of the grass had attracted his attention--it was matted, as though something had lain or rolled in it.
haltverbUS /hɔːlt/
cause to stop
From this reading HARLAN JOINS THE GANG At the edge of the big level, where it merged into the floor of the basin, Harlan drew Purgatory to a halt.
HARLAN
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HARLAN JOINS THE GANG At the edge of the big level, where it merged into the floor of the basin, Harlan drew Purgatory to a halt.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading For an instant he sat in the saddle scrutinizing a section of buffalo grass that fringed a clump of willows near the almost dry bed of the river that doubled slightly as it came from the basin.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Something in the appearance of the grass had attracted his attention--it was matted, as though something had lain or rolled in it.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading For an instant he sat in the saddle scrutinizing a section of buffalo grass that fringed a clump of willows near the almost dry bed of the river that doubled slightly as it came from the basin.
a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
From this reading For an instant he sat in the saddle scrutinizing a section of buffalo grass that fringed a clump of willows near the almost dry bed of the river that doubled slightly as it came from the basin.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading HARLAN JOINS THE GANG At the edge of the big level, where it merged into the floor of the basin, Harlan drew Purgatory to a halt.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading HARLAN JOINS THE GANG At the edge of the big level, where it merged into the floor of the basin, Harlan drew Purgatory to a halt.
JOINSnounUS /dʒɔɪnz/
plural of “join” — the shape or manner in which things come together and a connection is made
From this reading HARLAN JOINS THE GANG At the edge of the big level, where it merged into the floor of the basin, Harlan drew Purgatory to a halt.
lainverbUS /leɪn/
inflected form of “lie” — be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position
From this reading Something in the appearance of the grass had attracted his attention--it was matted, as though something had lain or rolled in it.
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading HARLAN JOINS THE GANG At the edge of the big level, where it merged into the floor of the basin, Harlan drew Purgatory to a halt.
be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position
From this reading He rode closer, cautiously, for the little trees formed a covert behind which any one of several dangers might lie concealed--and looked down at the grass.
plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
From this reading As he examined the place his lips twisted into a grim smile, and his eyes grew bright with comprehension.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading He rode closer, cautiously, for the little trees formed a covert behind which any one of several dangers might lie concealed--and looked down at the grass.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading He rode closer, cautiously, for the little trees formed a covert behind which any one of several dangers might lie concealed--and looked down at the grass.
mattedadjective
tangled in a dense mass
From this reading Something in the appearance of the grass had attracted his attention--it was matted, as though something had lain or rolled in it.
mergedadjectiveUS /mɜːrdʒd/
formed or united into a whole
From this reading HARLAN JOINS THE GANG At the edge of the big level, where it merged into the floor of the basin, Harlan drew Purgatory to a halt.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading He rode closer, cautiously, for the little trees formed a covert behind which any one of several dangers might lie concealed--and looked down at the grass.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading For an instant he sat in the saddle scrutinizing a section of buffalo grass that fringed a clump of willows near the almost dry bed of the river that doubled slightly as it came from the basin.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading HARLAN JOINS THE GANG At the edge of the big level, where it merged into the floor of the basin, Harlan drew Purgatory to a halt.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He rode closer, cautiously, for the little trees formed a covert behind which any one of several dangers might lie concealed--and looked down at the grass.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Something in the appearance of the grass had attracted his attention--it was matted, as though something had lain or rolled in it.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading As he examined the place his lips twisted into a grim smile, and his eyes grew bright with comprehension.
PurgatorynounUS /ˈpɜːrɡətɔːri/
a temporary condition of torment or suffering
From this reading HARLAN JOINS THE GANG At the edge of the big level, where it merged into the floor of the basin, Harlan drew Purgatory to a halt.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading For an instant he sat in the saddle scrutinizing a section of buffalo grass that fringed a clump of willows near the almost dry bed of the river that doubled slightly as it came from the basin.
inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
From this reading He rode closer, cautiously, for the little trees formed a covert behind which any one of several dangers might lie concealed--and looked down at the grass.
especially of petals or leaves in bud; having margins rolled inward
From this reading Something in the appearance of the grass had attracted his attention--it was matted, as though something had lain or rolled in it.
put a saddle on
From this reading For an instant he sat in the saddle scrutinizing a section of buffalo grass that fringed a clump of willows near the almost dry bed of the river that doubled slightly as it came from the basin.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading For an instant he sat in the saddle scrutinizing a section of buffalo grass that fringed a clump of willows near the almost dry bed of the river that doubled slightly as it came from the basin.
scrutinizingverbUS /ˈskruːtənaɪzɪŋ/
-ing form of “scrutinize” — to look at critically or searchingly, or in minute detail
From this reading For an instant he sat in the saddle scrutinizing a section of buffalo grass that fringed a clump of willows near the almost dry bed of the river that doubled slightly as it came from the basin.
sectionnounUS /ˈsekʃən/
a self-contained part of a larger composition (written or musical)
From this reading For an instant he sat in the saddle scrutinizing a section of buffalo grass that fringed a clump of willows near the almost dry bed of the river that doubled slightly as it came from the basin.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading He rode closer, cautiously, for the little trees formed a covert behind which any one of several dangers might lie concealed--and looked down at the grass.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading For an instant he sat in the saddle scrutinizing a section of buffalo grass that fringed a clump of willows near the almost dry bed of the river that doubled slightly as it came from the basin.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading As he examined the place his lips twisted into a grim smile, and his eyes grew bright with comprehension.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Something in the appearance of the grass had attracted his attention--it was matted, as though something had lain or rolled in it.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading For an instant he sat in the saddle scrutinizing a section of buffalo grass that fringed a clump of willows near the almost dry bed of the river that doubled slightly as it came from the basin.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading HARLAN JOINS THE GANG At the edge of the big level, where it merged into the floor of the basin, Harlan drew Purgatory to a halt.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Something in the appearance of the grass had attracted his attention--it was matted, as though something had lain or rolled in it.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading HARLAN JOINS THE GANG At the edge of the big level, where it merged into the floor of the basin, Harlan drew Purgatory to a halt.
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading He rode closer, cautiously, for the little trees formed a covert behind which any one of several dangers might lie concealed--and looked down at the grass.
twistedadjectiveUS /ˈtwɪstɪd/
having an intended meaning altered or misrepresented
From this reading As he examined the place his lips twisted into a grim smile, and his eyes grew bright with comprehension.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Something in the appearance of the grass had attracted his attention--it was matted, as though something had lain or rolled in it.
in or at the place that
From this reading HARLAN JOINS THE GANG At the edge of the big level, where it merged into the floor of the basin, Harlan drew Purgatory to a halt.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He rode closer, cautiously, for the little trees formed a covert behind which any one of several dangers might lie concealed--and looked down at the grass.
willowsnounUS /ˈwɪloʊz/
plural of “willow” — any of numerous deciduous trees and shrubs of the genus Salix
From this reading For an instant he sat in the saddle scrutinizing a section of buffalo grass that fringed a clump of willows near the almost dry bed of the river that doubled slightly as it came from the basin.
in the company of; together with
From this reading As he examined the place his lips twisted into a grim smile, and his eyes grew bright with comprehension.
