used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Without uttering a word, he rose on perceiving the young officer was awake and lifted his gun to move on.
aboundedverbUS /əˈbaʊndɪd/
past form of “abound” — be abundant or plentiful; exist in large quantities
From this reading It was a task of some difficulty, for it abounded in rocks and often there was no foothold at the sides, the water laving the cliffs that formed the banks.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Had it not been that the season was an unusually dry one, leaving the river bed largely bare, Morton could not have kept up with his companion.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It was a task of some difficulty, for it abounded in rocks and often there was no foothold at the sides, the water laving the cliffs that formed the banks.
awakeadjectiveUS /əˈweɪk/
not in a state of sleep; completely conscious
From this reading Without uttering a word, he rose on perceiving the young officer was awake and lifted his gun to move on.
English botanist who accompanied Captain Cook on his first voyage to the Pacific Ocean (1743-1820)
From this reading It was a task of some difficulty, for it abounded in rocks and often there was no foothold at the sides, the water laving the cliffs that formed the banks.
completely unclothed
From this reading Had it not been that the season was an unusually dry one, leaving the river bed largely bare, Morton could not have kept up with his companion.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading Morton obeyed the mute sign and they began to descend the bed of the stream.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Had it not been that the season was an unusually dry one, leaving the river bed largely bare, Morton could not have kept up with his companion.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Morton obeyed the mute sign and they began to descend the bed of the stream.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
cladadjectiveUS /klæd/
wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
clasping
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
cliffsnounUS /klɪfs/
plural of “cliff” — a steep high face of rock
From this reading It was a task of some difficulty, for it abounded in rocks and often there was no foothold at the sides, the water laving the cliffs that formed the banks.
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading Had it not been that the season was an unusually dry one, leaving the river bed largely bare, Morton could not have kept up with his companion.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Had it not been that the season was an unusually dry one, leaving the river bed largely bare, Morton could not have kept up with his companion.
dellnounUS /del/
a small wooded hollow
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
descendverbUS /dɪˈsend/
move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way
From this reading Morton obeyed the mute sign and they began to descend the bed of the stream.
an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading It was a task of some difficulty, for it abounded in rocks and often there was no foothold at the sides, the water laving the cliffs that formed the banks.
free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet
From this reading Had it not been that the season was an unusually dry one, leaving the river bed largely bare, Morton could not have kept up with his companion.
opinion or judgment
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
footholdnounUS /ˈfʊthoʊld/
an area in hostile territory that has been captured and is held awaiting further troops and supplies
From this reading It was a task of some difficulty, for it abounded in rocks and often there was no foothold at the sides, the water laving the cliffs that formed the banks.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
having or given a form or shape
From this reading It was a task of some difficulty, for it abounded in rocks and often there was no foothold at the sides, the water laving the cliffs that formed the banks.
set up or found
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
gorgeverbUS /ɡɔːrdʒ/
overeat or eat immodestly; make a pig of oneself
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
From this reading Without uttering a word, he rose on perceiving the young officer was awake and lifted his gun to move on.
Hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Had it not been that the season was an unusually dry one, leaving the river bed largely bare, Morton could not have kept up with his companion.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Had it not been that the season was an unusually dry one, leaving the river bed largely bare, Morton could not have kept up with his companion.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
HemlocknounUS /ˈhemlɑːk/
poisonous drug derived from an Eurasian plant of the genus Conium
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was a task of some difficulty, for it abounded in rocks and often there was no foothold at the sides, the water laving the cliffs that formed the banks.
of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a task of some difficulty, for it abounded in rocks and often there was no foothold at the sides, the water laving the cliffs that formed the banks.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading Had it not been that the season was an unusually dry one, leaving the river bed largely bare, Morton could not have kept up with his companion.
plural of “knee” — hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
largelyadverbUS /ˈlɑːrdʒli/
in large part; mainly or chiefly
From this reading Had it not been that the season was an unusually dry one, leaving the river bed largely bare, Morton could not have kept up with his companion.
laving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a task of some difficulty, for it abounded in rocks and often there was no foothold at the sides, the water laving the cliffs that formed the banks.
the act of departing
From this reading Had it not been that the season was an unusually dry one, leaving the river bed largely bare, Morton could not have kept up with his companion.
held up in the air
From this reading Without uttering a word, he rose on perceiving the young officer was awake and lifted his gun to move on.
provided with artificial light
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
the natural satellite of the Earth
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
MortonnounUS /ˈmɔːrtən/
United States jazz musician who moved from ragtime to New Orleans jazz (1885-1941)
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Without uttering a word, he rose on perceiving the young officer was awake and lifted his gun to move on.
muteadjectiveUS /mjuːt/
expressed without speech
From this reading Morton obeyed the mute sign and they began to descend the bed of the stream.
not any; not one
From this reading It was a task of some difficulty, for it abounded in rocks and often there was no foothold at the sides, the water laving the cliffs that formed the banks.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Had it not been that the season was an unusually dry one, leaving the river bed largely bare, Morton could not have kept up with his companion.
past form of “obey” — be obedient to
From this reading Morton obeyed the mute sign and they began to descend the bed of the stream.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Morton obeyed the mute sign and they began to descend the bed of the stream.
any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading Without uttering a word, he rose on perceiving the young officer was awake and lifted his gun to move on.
many times at short intervals
From this reading It was a task of some difficulty, for it abounded in rocks and often there was no foothold at the sides, the water laving the cliffs that formed the banks.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Without uttering a word, he rose on perceiving the young officer was awake and lifted his gun to move on.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Had it not been that the season was an unusually dry one, leaving the river bed largely bare, Morton could not have kept up with his companion.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
perceivingverbUS /pərˈsiːvɪŋ/
-ing form of “perceive” — to become aware of through the senses
From this reading Without uttering a word, he rose on perceiving the young officer was awake and lifted his gun to move on.
precipitousadjectiveUS /prɪˈsɪpɪtəs/
done with very great haste and without due deliberation
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
on the contrary
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading Had it not been that the season was an unusually dry one, leaving the river bed largely bare, Morton could not have kept up with his companion.
plural of “rock” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading It was a task of some difficulty, for it abounded in rocks and often there was no foothold at the sides, the water laving the cliffs that formed the banks.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading Without uttering a word, he rose on perceiving the young officer was awake and lifted his gun to move on.
a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field
From this reading Had it not been that the season was an unusually dry one, leaving the river bed largely bare, Morton could not have kept up with his companion.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading Morton obeyed the mute sign and they began to descend the bed of the stream.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading It was a task of some difficulty, for it abounded in rocks and often there was no foothold at the sides, the water laving the cliffs that formed the banks.
a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
From this reading Morton obeyed the mute sign and they began to descend the bed of the stream.
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading It was a task of some difficulty, for it abounded in rocks and often there was no foothold at the sides, the water laving the cliffs that formed the banks.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was a task of some difficulty, for it abounded in rocks and often there was no foothold at the sides, the water laving the cliffs that formed the banks.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
in or at that place or location
From this reading It was a task of some difficulty, for it abounded in rocks and often there was no foothold at the sides, the water laving the cliffs that formed the banks.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Morton obeyed the mute sign and they began to descend the bed of the stream.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Without uttering a word, he rose on perceiving the young officer was awake and lifted his gun to move on.
unusuallyadverbUS /əˈnjuːʒuːəli/
to a remarkable degree or extent
From this reading Had it not been that the season was an unusually dry one, leaving the river bed largely bare, Morton could not have kept up with his companion.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
utteringverbUS /ˈʌtərɪŋ/
-ing form of “utter” — articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise
From this reading Without uttering a word, he rose on perceiving the young officer was awake and lifted his gun to move on.
vegetationnounUS /ˌvedʒəˈteɪʃən/
all the plant life in a particular region or period
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading It was a task of some difficulty, for it abounded in rocks and often there was no foothold at the sides, the water laving the cliffs that formed the banks.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
at the time that
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
in the company of; together with
From this reading When Morton opened his eyes he found the dell, or rather gorge, for the sides were almost precipitous though clad with vegetation, was lit up by the moon, and Hemlock by his side, sitting Indian fashion, clasping his knees.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Without uttering a word, he rose on perceiving the young officer was awake and lifted his gun to move on.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading Without uttering a word, he rose on perceiving the young officer was awake and lifted his gun to move on.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Without uttering a word, he rose on perceiving the young officer was awake and lifted his gun to move on.
