used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading STARTING THE PUMP The bush was dim with steamy shade when Austin and Jefferson plodded along a little path behind the beach where the oil was stored.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading They were draped with creepers, and here and there an orchid flung its fantastic blossoms about a rotting limb, while the path twisted in and out among them and through tangled thickets.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading It was then the hottest part of the afternoon, and save for the soft fall of the men's footsteps everything was still.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading STARTING THE PUMP The bush was dim with steamy shade when Austin and Jefferson plodded along a little path behind the beach where the oil was stored.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading It was with difficulty they made their way, for the soil was firmer there, and a dense undergrowth sprang up among the big cottonwoods which replaced the mangroves.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading They were draped with creepers, and here and there an orchid flung its fantastic blossoms about a rotting limb, while the path twisted in and out among them and through tangled thickets.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading STARTING THE PUMP The bush was dim with steamy shade when Austin and Jefferson plodded along a little path behind the beach where the oil was stored.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The atmosphere was very like that of a Turkish bath, and as Austin stumbled along the perspiration dripped from him.
a particular environment or surrounding influence
From this reading The atmosphere was very like that of a Turkish bath, and as Austin stumbled along the perspiration dripped from him.
AustinnounUS /ˈɔːstən/
state capital of Texas on the Colorado River; site of the University of Texas
From this reading STARTING THE PUMP The bush was dim with steamy shade when Austin and Jefferson plodded along a little path behind the beach where the oil was stored.
bathnounUS /bæθ/
a vessel containing liquid in which something is immersed (as to process it or to maintain it at a constant temperature or to lubricate it)
From this reading The atmosphere was very like that of a Turkish bath, and as Austin stumbled along the perspiration dripped from him.
an area of sand sloping down to the water of a sea or lake
From this reading STARTING THE PUMP The bush was dim with steamy shade when Austin and Jefferson plodded along a little path behind the beach where the oil was stored.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading STARTING THE PUMP The bush was dim with steamy shade when Austin and Jefferson plodded along a little path behind the beach where the oil was stored.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It was with difficulty they made their way, for the soil was firmer there, and a dense undergrowth sprang up among the big cottonwoods which replaced the mangroves.
blossomsnounUS /ˈblɑːsəmz/
plural of “blossom” — reproductive organ of angiosperm plants especially one having showy or colorful parts
From this reading They were draped with creepers, and here and there an orchid flung its fantastic blossoms about a rotting limb, while the path twisted in and out among them and through tangled thickets.
a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems
From this reading STARTING THE PUMP The bush was dim with steamy shade when Austin and Jefferson plodded along a little path behind the beach where the oil was stored.
cottonwoodsnounUS /ˈkɑːtənwʊdz/
plural of “cottonwood” — any of several North American trees of the genus Populus having a tuft of cottony hairs on the seed
From this reading It was with difficulty they made their way, for the soil was firmer there, and a dense undergrowth sprang up among the big cottonwoods which replaced the mangroves.
creepers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were draped with creepers, and here and there an orchid flung its fantastic blossoms about a rotting limb, while the path twisted in and out among them and through tangled thickets.
denseadjectiveUS /dens/
permitting little if any light to pass through because of denseness of matter
From this reading It was with difficulty they made their way, for the soil was firmer there, and a dense undergrowth sprang up among the big cottonwoods which replaced the mangroves.
an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading It was with difficulty they made their way, for the soil was firmer there, and a dense undergrowth sprang up among the big cottonwoods which replaced the mangroves.
lacking in light; not bright or harsh
From this reading STARTING THE PUMP The bush was dim with steamy shade when Austin and Jefferson plodded along a little path behind the beach where the oil was stored.
drapedadjectiveUS /dreɪpt/
covered with or as if with clothes or a wrap or cloak
From this reading They were draped with creepers, and here and there an orchid flung its fantastic blossoms about a rotting limb, while the path twisted in and out among them and through tangled thickets.
drippedverbUS /drɪpt/
inflected form of “drip” — fall in drops
From this reading The atmosphere was very like that of a Turkish bath, and as Austin stumbled along the perspiration dripped from him.
all things; all of a situation
From this reading It was then the hottest part of the afternoon, and save for the soft fall of the men's footsteps everything was still.
descend in free fall under the influence of gravity
From this reading It was then the hottest part of the afternoon, and save for the soft fall of the men's footsteps everything was still.
fantasticadjectiveUS /fænˈtæstɪk/
ludicrously odd
From this reading They were draped with creepers, and here and there an orchid flung its fantastic blossoms about a rotting limb, while the path twisted in and out among them and through tangled thickets.
firmeradjectiveUS /ˈfɜːrmər/
comparative of “firm” — marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
From this reading It was with difficulty they made their way, for the soil was firmer there, and a dense undergrowth sprang up among the big cottonwoods which replaced the mangroves.
inflected form of “fling” — throw with force or recklessness
From this reading They were draped with creepers, and here and there an orchid flung its fantastic blossoms about a rotting limb, while the path twisted in and out among them and through tangled thickets.
plural of “footstep” — the sound of a step of someone walking
From this reading It was then the hottest part of the afternoon, and save for the soft fall of the men's footsteps everything was still.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was with difficulty they made their way, for the soil was firmer there, and a dense undergrowth sprang up among the big cottonwoods which replaced the mangroves.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The atmosphere was very like that of a Turkish bath, and as Austin stumbled along the perspiration dripped from him.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading They were draped with creepers, and here and there an orchid flung its fantastic blossoms about a rotting limb, while the path twisted in and out among them and through tangled thickets.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The atmosphere was very like that of a Turkish bath, and as Austin stumbled along the perspiration dripped from him.
hottestadjectiveUS /ˈhɑːtəst/
superlative of “hot” — used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
From this reading It was then the hottest part of the afternoon, and save for the soft fall of the men's footsteps everything was still.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading They were draped with creepers, and here and there an orchid flung its fantastic blossoms about a rotting limb, while the path twisted in and out among them and through tangled thickets.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was with difficulty they made their way, for the soil was firmer there, and a dense undergrowth sprang up among the big cottonwoods which replaced the mangroves.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading They were draped with creepers, and here and there an orchid flung its fantastic blossoms about a rotting limb, while the path twisted in and out among them and through tangled thickets.
JeffersonnounUS /ˈdʒefərsən/
3rd President of the United States; chief drafter of the Declaration of Independence; made the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and sent out the Lewis and Clark Expedition to explore it (1743-1826)
From this reading STARTING THE PUMP The bush was dim with steamy shade when Austin and Jefferson plodded along a little path behind the beach where the oil was stored.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading The atmosphere was very like that of a Turkish bath, and as Austin stumbled along the perspiration dripped from him.
limbnounUS /lɪm/
one of the jointed appendages of an animal used for locomotion or grasping: arm; leg; wing; flipper
From this reading They were draped with creepers, and here and there an orchid flung its fantastic blossoms about a rotting limb, while the path twisted in and out among them and through tangled thickets.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading STARTING THE PUMP The bush was dim with steamy shade when Austin and Jefferson plodded along a little path behind the beach where the oil was stored.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading It was with difficulty they made their way, for the soil was firmer there, and a dense undergrowth sprang up among the big cottonwoods which replaced the mangroves.
mangroves
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was with difficulty they made their way, for the soil was firmer there, and a dense undergrowth sprang up among the big cottonwoods which replaced the mangroves.
men'snounUS /menz/
a public toilet for men
From this reading It was then the hottest part of the afternoon, and save for the soft fall of the men's footsteps everything was still.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was then the hottest part of the afternoon, and save for the soft fall of the men's footsteps everything was still.
A viscous liquid derived from petroleum or plants, stored in large earthen jars.
From this reading STARTING THE PUMP The bush was dim with steamy shade when Austin and Jefferson plodded along a little path behind the beach where the oil was stored.
orchidnounUS /ˈɔːrkəd/
any of numerous plants of the orchid family usually having flowers of unusual shapes and beautiful colors
From this reading They were draped with creepers, and here and there an orchid flung its fantastic blossoms about a rotting limb, while the path twisted in and out among them and through tangled thickets.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading They were draped with creepers, and here and there an orchid flung its fantastic blossoms about a rotting limb, while the path twisted in and out among them and through tangled thickets.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading It was then the hottest part of the afternoon, and save for the soft fall of the men's footsteps everything was still.
a course of conduct
From this reading STARTING THE PUMP The bush was dim with steamy shade when Austin and Jefferson plodded along a little path behind the beach where the oil was stored.
perspirationnounUS /ˌpɜːrspərˈeɪʃən/
salty fluid secreted by sweat glands
From this reading The atmosphere was very like that of a Turkish bath, and as Austin stumbled along the perspiration dripped from him.
ploddedverbUS /ˈplɑːdɪd/
inflected form of “plod” — walk heavily and firmly, as when weary, or through mud
From this reading STARTING THE PUMP The bush was dim with steamy shade when Austin and Jefferson plodded along a little path behind the beach where the oil was stored.
PUMPverbUS /pʌmp/
operate like a pump; move up and down, like a handle or a pedal
From this reading STARTING THE PUMP The bush was dim with steamy shade when Austin and Jefferson plodded along a little path behind the beach where the oil was stored.
replacedverbUS /ˌriːˈpleɪst/
past form of “replace” — substitute a person or thing for (another that is broken or inefficient or lost or no longer working or yielding what is expected)
From this reading It was with difficulty they made their way, for the soil was firmer there, and a dense undergrowth sprang up among the big cottonwoods which replaced the mangroves.
rottingnounUS /ˈrɑːtɪŋ/
(biology) the process of decay caused by bacterial or fungal action
From this reading They were draped with creepers, and here and there an orchid flung its fantastic blossoms about a rotting limb, while the path twisted in and out among them and through tangled thickets.
except for; apart from
From this reading It was then the hottest part of the afternoon, and save for the soft fall of the men's footsteps everything was still.
relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body
From this reading STARTING THE PUMP The bush was dim with steamy shade when Austin and Jefferson plodded along a little path behind the beach where the oil was stored.
yielding readily to pressure or weight
From this reading It was then the hottest part of the afternoon, and save for the soft fall of the men's footsteps everything was still.
the state of being covered with unclean things
From this reading It was with difficulty they made their way, for the soil was firmer there, and a dense undergrowth sprang up among the big cottonwoods which replaced the mangroves.
inflected form of “spring” — move forward by leaps and bounds
From this reading It was with difficulty they made their way, for the soil was firmer there, and a dense undergrowth sprang up among the big cottonwoods which replaced the mangroves.
(especially of eyes) bulging or protruding as with fear
From this reading STARTING THE PUMP The bush was dim with steamy shade when Austin and Jefferson plodded along a little path behind the beach where the oil was stored.
steamyadjectiveUS /ˈstiːmi/
filled with steam or emitting moisture in the form of vapor or mist
From this reading STARTING THE PUMP The bush was dim with steamy shade when Austin and Jefferson plodded along a little path behind the beach where the oil was stored.
not in physical motion
From this reading It was then the hottest part of the afternoon, and save for the soft fall of the men's footsteps everything was still.
storedverbUS /stɔːrd/
past form of “store” — keep or lay aside for future use
From this reading STARTING THE PUMP The bush was dim with steamy shade when Austin and Jefferson plodded along a little path behind the beach where the oil was stored.
stumbledverbUS /ˈstʌmbəld/
past form of “stumble” — walk unsteadily
From this reading The atmosphere was very like that of a Turkish bath, and as Austin stumbled along the perspiration dripped from him.
tangledadjectiveUS /ˈtæŋɡəld/
in a confused mass
From this reading They were draped with creepers, and here and there an orchid flung its fantastic blossoms about a rotting limb, while the path twisted in and out among them and through tangled thickets.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The atmosphere was very like that of a Turkish bath, and as Austin stumbled along the perspiration dripped from him.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading STARTING THE PUMP The bush was dim with steamy shade when Austin and Jefferson plodded along a little path behind the beach where the oil was stored.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It was with difficulty they made their way, for the soil was firmer there, and a dense undergrowth sprang up among the big cottonwoods which replaced the mangroves.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading They were draped with creepers, and here and there an orchid flung its fantastic blossoms about a rotting limb, while the path twisted in and out among them and through tangled thickets.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading It was then the hottest part of the afternoon, and save for the soft fall of the men's footsteps everything was still.
in or at that place or location
From this reading It was with difficulty they made their way, for the soil was firmer there, and a dense undergrowth sprang up among the big cottonwoods which replaced the mangroves.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was with difficulty they made their way, for the soil was firmer there, and a dense undergrowth sprang up among the big cottonwoods which replaced the mangroves.
thicketsnounUS /ˈθɪkəts/
plural of “thicket” — a dense growth of bushes
From this reading They were draped with creepers, and here and there an orchid flung its fantastic blossoms about a rotting limb, while the path twisted in and out among them and through tangled thickets.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading They were draped with creepers, and here and there an orchid flung its fantastic blossoms about a rotting limb, while the path twisted in and out among them and through tangled thickets.
TurkishadjectiveUS /ˈtɜːrkɪʃ/
of or relating to or characteristic of Turkey or its people or language
From this reading The atmosphere was very like that of a Turkish bath, and as Austin stumbled along the perspiration dripped from him.
twistedadjectiveUS /ˈtwɪstɪd/
having an intended meaning altered or misrepresented
From this reading They were draped with creepers, and here and there an orchid flung its fantastic blossoms about a rotting limb, while the path twisted in and out among them and through tangled thickets.
undergrowthnounUS /ˈʌndərɡroʊθ/
the brush (small trees and bushes and ferns etc.) growing beneath taller trees in a wood or forest
From this reading It was with difficulty they made their way, for the soil was firmer there, and a dense undergrowth sprang up among the big cottonwoods which replaced the mangroves.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading It was with difficulty they made their way, for the soil was firmer there, and a dense undergrowth sprang up among the big cottonwoods which replaced the mangroves.
precisely as stated
From this reading The atmosphere was very like that of a Turkish bath, and as Austin stumbled along the perspiration dripped from him.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading STARTING THE PUMP The bush was dim with steamy shade when Austin and Jefferson plodded along a little path behind the beach where the oil was stored.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading It was with difficulty they made their way, for the soil was firmer there, and a dense undergrowth sprang up among the big cottonwoods which replaced the mangroves.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They were draped with creepers, and here and there an orchid flung its fantastic blossoms about a rotting limb, while the path twisted in and out among them and through tangled thickets.
at the time that
From this reading STARTING THE PUMP The bush was dim with steamy shade when Austin and Jefferson plodded along a little path behind the beach where the oil was stored.
in or at the place that
From this reading STARTING THE PUMP The bush was dim with steamy shade when Austin and Jefferson plodded along a little path behind the beach where the oil was stored.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was with difficulty they made their way, for the soil was firmer there, and a dense undergrowth sprang up among the big cottonwoods which replaced the mangroves.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading They were draped with creepers, and here and there an orchid flung its fantastic blossoms about a rotting limb, while the path twisted in and out among them and through tangled thickets.
in the company of; together with
From this reading STARTING THE PUMP The bush was dim with steamy shade when Austin and Jefferson plodded along a little path behind the beach where the oil was stored.
