Chapter XXVII · Chapter 27

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

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

(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 There was ample opportunity for discussing it, since all firing had ceased, while under a flag of truce an envoy from General Shafter demanded the surrender of Santiago.

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

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

more than enough in size or scope or capacity

From this reading There was ample opportunity for discussing it, since all firing had ceased, while under a flag of truce an envoy from General Shafter demanded the surrender of Santiago.

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

From this reading There was ample opportunity for discussing it, since all firing had ceased, while under a flag of truce an envoy from General Shafter demanded the surrender of Santiago.

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

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading How this rumor started no one knew, but it spread like wildfire, and was generally believed.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

a war measure that isolates some area of importance to the enemy

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

come to the boiling point and change from a liquid to vapor

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading How this rumor started no one knew, but it spread like wildfire, and was generally believed.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

a race between candidates for elective office

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading There was ample opportunity for discussing it, since all firing had ceased, while under a flag of truce an envoy from General Shafter demanded the surrender of Santiago.

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

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

a beverage consisting of an infusion of ground coffee beans

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

plural of “cup” — a small open container usually used for drinking; usually has a handle

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

run or move very quickly or hastily

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

past form of “demand” — request urgently and forcefully

From this reading There was ample opportunity for discussing it, since all firing had ceased, while under a flag of truce an envoy from General Shafter demanded the surrender of Santiago.

-ing form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing

From this reading There was ample opportunity for discussing it, since all firing had ceased, while under a flag of truce an envoy from General Shafter demanded the surrender of Santiago.

an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading It was a very novel sensation, and they enjoyed it.

a diplomat having less authority than an ambassador

From this reading There was ample opportunity for discussing it, since all firing had ceased, while under a flag of truce an envoy from General Shafter demanded the surrender of Santiago.

construct, build, or erect

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

having escaped, especially from confinement

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

past form of “evade” — avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

divisible by two

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

start firing a weapon

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

plural of “fire” — the event of something burning (often destructive)

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

the act of firing weapons or artillery at an enemy

From this reading There was ample opportunity for discussing it, since all firing had ceased, while under a flag of truce an envoy from General Shafter demanded the surrender of Santiago.

emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design

From this reading There was ample opportunity for discussing it, since all firing had ceased, while under a flag of truce an envoy from General Shafter demanded the surrender of Santiago.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading There was ample opportunity for discussing it, since all firing had ceased, while under a flag of truce an envoy from General Shafter demanded the surrender of Santiago.

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading There was ample opportunity for discussing it, since all firing had ceased, while under a flag of truce an envoy from General Shafter demanded the surrender of Santiago.

usually; as a rule

From this reading How this rumor started no one knew, but it spread like wildfire, and was generally believed.

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

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings)

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

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

From this reading How this rumor started no one knew, but it spread like wildfire, and was generally believed.

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

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading How this rumor started no one knew, but it spread like wildfire, and was generally believed.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading How this rumor started no one knew, but it spread like wildfire, and was generally believed.

immediately past

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

the act of departing

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading How this rumor started no one knew, but it spread like wildfire, and was generally believed.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

engage in

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

the force of workers available

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

(of soil) soft and watery

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

not any; not one

From this reading How this rumor started no one knew, but it spread like wildfire, and was generally believed.

an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story

From this reading It was a very novel sensation, and they enjoyed it.

-ing form of “occupy” — keep busy with

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading How this rumor started no one knew, but it spread like wildfire, and was generally believed.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading There was ample opportunity for discussing it, since all firing had ceased, while under a flag of truce an envoy from General Shafter demanded the surrender of Santiago.

above and across; more than

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

past form of “render” — cause to become

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

plural of “rifle” — a shoulder firearm with a long barrel and a rifled bore

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

gossip (usually a mixture of truth and untruth) passed around by word of mouth

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

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

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

city in the northern Dominican Republic

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

an unelaborated elementary awareness of stimulation

From this reading It was a very novel sensation, and they enjoyed it.

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

From this reading There was ample opportunity for discussing it, since all firing had ceased, while under a flag of truce an envoy from General Shafter demanded the surrender of Santiago.

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

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

plural of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading There was ample opportunity for discussing it, since all firing had ceased, while under a flag of truce an envoy from General Shafter demanded the surrender of Santiago.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

the Romance language spoken in most of Spain and the countries colonized by Spain

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading How this rumor started no one knew, but it spread like wildfire, and was generally believed.

be standing; be upright

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading How this rumor started no one knew, but it spread like wildfire, and was generally believed.

occupy a large, elongated area

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

acceptance of despair

From this reading There was ample opportunity for discussing it, since all firing had ceased, while under a flag of truce an envoy from General Shafter demanded the surrender of Santiago.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

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

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was ample opportunity for discussing it, since all firing had ceased, while under a flag of truce an envoy from General Shafter demanded the surrender of Santiago.

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

From this reading It was a very novel sensation, and they enjoyed it.

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

From this reading How this rumor started no one knew, but it spread like wildfire, and was generally believed.

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

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

plural of “trench” — a ditch dug as a fortification having a parapet of the excavated earth

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

a state of peace agreed to between opponents so they can discuss peace terms

From this reading There was ample opportunity for discussing it, since all firing had ceased, while under a flag of truce an envoy from General Shafter demanded the surrender of Santiago.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading There was ample opportunity for discussing it, since all firing had ceased, while under a flag of truce an envoy from General Shafter demanded the surrender of Santiago.

experiencing or marked by or causing sadness or sorrow or discontent

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

not injured or harmed

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

precisely as stated

From this reading LAST SHOT OF THE CAMPAIGN The American army occupying the muddy trenches before Santiago had been rendered very unhappy that morning by a rumor that Cervera's ships had made a dash from the harbor, evaded the blockade, and escaped almost unharmed.

move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

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

From this reading How this rumor started no one knew, but it spread like wildfire, and was generally believed.

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

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

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

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.

during the time that

From this reading There was ample opportunity for discussing it, since all firing had ceased, while under a flag of truce an envoy from General Shafter demanded the surrender of Santiago.

a raging and rapidly spreading conflagration

From this reading How this rumor started no one knew, but it spread like wildfire, and was generally believed.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading So the men in the trenches were free to stand erect and stretch themselves, to wander about, leaving their rifles in position between the sand-bags, and even to make little fires, over which to boil cups of coffee, all without drawing the fire of a single Spanish sharp-shooter.