Chapter III · Chapter 3

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

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The few farms and ranches round about were scattered widely, and life thereon was a grim struggle against heartbreak, by reason of the gaunt, gray, ever-present specter of the drought.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading The few farms and ranches round about were scattered widely, and life thereon was a grim struggle against heartbreak, by reason of the gaunt, gray, ever-present specter of the drought.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

a quantity of money

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

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

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

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

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

endless loop of flexible material between two rotating shafts or pulleys

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

a smith who forges and shapes iron with a hammer and anvil

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

the organic process of bearing flowers

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The few farms and ranches round about were scattered widely, and life thereon was a grim struggle against heartbreak, by reason of the gaunt, gray, ever-present specter of the drought.

plural of “canyon” — a ravine formed by a river in an area with little rainfall

From this reading In such times even the steep, tortuous canyons dried out and there was neither shade nor moisture in them.

carefully weighed

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

past form of “consist” — originate

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

not still wet

From this reading In such times even the steep, tortuous canyons dried out and there was neither shade nor moisture in them.

a shortage of rainfall

From this reading The few farms and ranches round about were scattered widely, and life thereon was a grim struggle against heartbreak, by reason of the gaunt, gray, ever-present specter of the drought.

plural of “drought” — a shortage of rainfall

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

past form of “drown” — cover completely or make imperceptible

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

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

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

the condition of not containing or being covered by a liquid (especially water)

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

divisible by two

From this reading In such times even the steep, tortuous canyons dried out and there was neither shade nor moisture in them.

being always present

From this reading The few farms and ranches round about were scattered widely, and life thereon was a grim struggle against heartbreak, by reason of the gaunt, gray, ever-present specter of the drought.

of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

plural of “extreme” — the furthest or highest degree of something

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

plural of “farm” — workplace consisting of farm buildings and cultivated land as a unit

From this reading The few farms and ranches round about were scattered widely, and life thereon was a grim struggle against heartbreak, by reason of the gaunt, gray, ever-present specter of the drought.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading The few farms and ranches round about were scattered widely, and life thereon was a grim struggle against heartbreak, by reason of the gaunt, gray, ever-present specter of the drought.

containing flint

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold

From this reading The few farms and ranches round about were scattered widely, and life thereon was a grim struggle against heartbreak, by reason of the gaunt, gray, ever-present specter of the drought.

shoot down, of birds

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading The few farms and ranches round about were scattered widely, and life thereon was a grim struggle against heartbreak, by reason of the gaunt, gray, ever-present specter of the drought.

not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty

From this reading The few farms and ranches round about were scattered widely, and life thereon was a grim struggle against heartbreak, by reason of the gaunt, gray, ever-present specter of the drought.

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

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

intense sorrow caused by loss of a loved one (especially by death)

From this reading The few farms and ranches round about were scattered widely, and life thereon was a grim struggle against heartbreak, by reason of the gaunt, gray, ever-present specter of the drought.

a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

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

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

-ing form of “hitch” — to hook or entangle

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

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

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

introducing a different topic

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

an event that causes someone to die

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading The few farms and ranches round about were scattered widely, and life thereon was a grim struggle against heartbreak, by reason of the gaunt, gray, ever-present specter of the drought.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

small in range or scope

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

commodities offered for sale

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

move about in a confused manner

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

wetness caused by water

From this reading In such times even the steep, tortuous canyons dried out and there was neither shade nor moisture in them.

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading In such times even the steep, tortuous canyons dried out and there was neither shade nor moisture in them.

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

From this reading In such times even the steep, tortuous canyons dried out and there was neither shade nor moisture in them.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

plural of “open” — a clear or unobstructed space or expanse of land or water

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading In such times even the steep, tortuous canyons dried out and there was neither shade nor moisture in them.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

established beyond doubt

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

send out rays or waves

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

a barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

plural of “rain” — water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

plural of “ranch” — farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle)

From this reading The few farms and ranches round about were scattered widely, and life thereon was a grim struggle against heartbreak, by reason of the gaunt, gray, ever-present specter of the drought.

a member of the Texas state highway patrol; formerly a mounted lawman who maintained order on the frontier

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

not often

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading The few farms and ranches round about were scattered widely, and life thereon was a grim struggle against heartbreak, by reason of the gaunt, gray, ever-present specter of the drought.

past form of “refuse” — show unwillingness towards

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

the extended spatial location of something

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

plural of “roll” — rotary motion of an object around its own axis

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading The few farms and ranches round about were scattered widely, and life thereon was a grim struggle against heartbreak, by reason of the gaunt, gray, ever-present specter of the drought.

worn and broken down by hard use

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

lacking in magnitude or quantity

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

occurring or distributed over widely spaced and irregular intervals in time or space

From this reading The few farms and ranches round about were scattered widely, and life thereon was a grim struggle against heartbreak, by reason of the gaunt, gray, ever-present specter of the drought.

relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body

From this reading In such times even the steep, tortuous canyons dried out and there was neither shade nor moisture in them.

do one's shopping

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

(used especially of vegetation) having lost all moisture

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

a mental representation of some haunting experience

From this reading The few farms and ranches round about were scattered widely, and life thereon was a grim struggle against heartbreak, by reason of the gaunt, gray, ever-present specter of the drought.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

an alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

having a sharp inclination

From this reading In such times even the steep, tortuous canyons dried out and there was neither shade nor moisture in them.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

make a strenuous or labored effort

From this reading The few farms and ranches round about were scattered widely, and life thereon was a grim struggle against heartbreak, by reason of the gaunt, gray, ever-present specter of the drought.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading In such times even the steep, tortuous canyons dried out and there was neither shade nor moisture in them.

the second largest state; located in southwestern United States on the Gulf of Mexico

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

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

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading In such times even the steep, tortuous canyons dried out and there was neither shade nor moisture in them.

in or at that place or location

From this reading In such times even the steep, tortuous canyons dried out and there was neither shade nor moisture in them.

on that

From this reading The few farms and ranches round about were scattered widely, and life thereon was a grim struggle against heartbreak, by reason of the gaunt, gray, ever-present specter of the drought.

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

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading In such times even the steep, tortuous canyons dried out and there was neither shade nor moisture in them.

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

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

relating to or resulting from the action of a torrent

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

highly complex or intricate and occasionally devious

From this reading In such times even the steep, tortuous canyons dried out and there was neither shade nor moisture in them.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

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 Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

not common or ordinarily encountered; unusually great in amount or remarkable in character or kind

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

having no beneficial use or incapable of functioning usefully

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

acting with or marked by or resulting from great force or energy or emotional intensity

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

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

From this reading In such times even the steep, tortuous canyons dried out and there was neither shade nor moisture in them.

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

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.

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

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

the condition of containing or being covered by a liquid (especially water)

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

at the time that

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

in or at the place that

From this reading Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--where killing droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on end the low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill.

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

From this reading Of late this particular region had proven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme dryness during which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled and died, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, more rarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneath torrential rains.

to a great degree

From this reading The few farms and ranches round about were scattered widely, and life thereon was a grim struggle against heartbreak, by reason of the gaunt, gray, ever-present specter of the drought.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, a blacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount of merchandise that passed through it.