used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading This outcome was fortunate, for an extra small tent had been provided.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The outlet of the lake, which they reached at noon, was a stream fifty feet in width, and passed at first through a swampy region.
beddingnounUS /ˈbedɪŋ/
coverings that are used on a bed
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading This outcome was fortunate, for an extra small tent had been provided.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
blanketsnounUS /ˈblæŋkəts/
plural of “blanket” — bedding that keeps a person warm in bed
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
patron saint of Wales (circa 520-600)
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
day'snounUS /deɪz/
possessive form of “day” — time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
the time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
spoiled or ruined or demolished
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet
From this reading Here, in the tall dry marsh-grass, there were pools of open water.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
having escaped, especially from confinement
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
exceptionnounUS /ɪkˈsepʃən/
a deliberate act of omission
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
extraadjectiveUS /ˈekstrə/
more than is needed, desired, or required
From this reading This outcome was fortunate, for an extra small tent had been provided.
decreasing in amount or degree
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
feathersnounUS /ˈfeðərz/
plural of “feather” — the light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading The outlet of the lake, which they reached at noon, was a stream fifty feet in width, and passed at first through a swampy region.
the cardinal number that is the product of ten and five
From this reading The outlet of the lake, which they reached at noon, was a stream fifty feet in width, and passed at first through a swampy region.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading The outlet of the lake, which they reached at noon, was a stream fifty feet in width, and passed at first through a swampy region.
inflected form of “fly” — travel through the air; be airborne
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
travel through the air; be airborne
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading This outcome was fortunate, for an extra small tent had been provided.
having or given a form or shape
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
having unexpected good fortune
From this reading This outcome was fortunate, for an extra small tent had been provided.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
harmedverbUS /hɑːrmd/
past form of “harm” — cause or do harm to
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Here, in the tall dry marsh-grass, there were pools of open water.
holesnounUS /hoʊlz/
plural of “hole” — an opening into or through something
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
temporary military shelter
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
water frozen in the solid state
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
injurynounUS /ˈɪndʒəri/
any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land
From this reading The outlet of the lake, which they reached at noon, was a stream fifty feet in width, and passed at first through a swampy region.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
march in a procession
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
marsh-grass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here, in the tall dry marsh-grass, there were pools of open water.
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
absolutely essential
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
the middle of the day
From this reading The outlet of the lake, which they reached at noon, was a stream fifty feet in width, and passed at first through a swampy region.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
amounting to a large indefinite number
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading Here, in the tall dry marsh-grass, there were pools of open water.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
outcomenounUS /ˈaʊtkʌm/
something that results
From this reading This outcome was fortunate, for an extra small tent had been provided.
outletnounUS /ˈaʊtlet/
a place of business for retailing goods
From this reading The outlet of the lake, which they reached at noon, was a stream fifty feet in width, and passed at first through a swampy region.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading The outlet of the lake, which they reached at noon, was a stream fifty feet in width, and passed at first through a swampy region.
poolsnounUS /puːlz/
plural of “pool” — an excavation that is (usually) filled with water
From this reading Here, in the tall dry marsh-grass, there were pools of open water.
past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to
From this reading This outcome was fortunate, for an extra small tent had been provided.
puncturesnounUS /ˈpʌŋktʃərz/
plural of “puncture” — loss of air pressure in a tire when a hole is made by some sharp object
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
quiltsnounUS /kwɪlts/
plural of “quilt” — bedding made of two layers of cloth filled with stuffing and stitched together
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading The outlet of the lake, which they reached at noon, was a stream fifty feet in width, and passed at first through a swampy region.
regionnounUS /ˈriːdʒən/
the extended spatial location of something
From this reading The outlet of the lake, which they reached at noon, was a stream fifty feet in width, and passed at first through a swampy region.
Roly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
the context and environment in which something is set
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
sewverbUS /soʊ/
fasten by sewing; do needlework
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading This outcome was fortunate, for an extra small tent had been provided.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
sparksnounUS /spɑːrks/
plural of “spark” — a momentary flash of light
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
distribute or disperse widely
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
From this reading The outlet of the lake, which they reached at noon, was a stream fifty feet in width, and passed at first through a swampy region.
past form of “suffer” — undergo or be subjected to
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
swampyadjectiveUS /ˈswɑːmpi/
(of soil) soft and watery
From this reading The outlet of the lake, which they reached at noon, was a stream fifty feet in width, and passed at first through a swampy region.
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading Here, in the tall dry marsh-grass, there were pools of open water.
a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Here, in the tall dry marsh-grass, there were pools of open water.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The outlet of the lake, which they reached at noon, was a stream fifty feet in width, and passed at first through a swampy region.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This outcome was fortunate, for an extra small tent had been provided.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
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 Here, in the tall dry marsh-grass, there were pools of open water.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
relating to or characteristic of the western parts of the world or the West as opposed to the eastern or oriental parts
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
at any time that; every time that
From this reading As for the bedding, the fine gray blankets were not harmed in the least, but the down quilts, which had been spread over them, suffered numerous punctures from the falling sparks, so that the feathers flew in clouds whenever the quilts were moved, and it was necessary to sew up the holes before setting out on the day's march.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
widthnounUS /wɪdθ/
the extent of something from side to side
From this reading The outlet of the lake, which they reached at noon, was a stream fifty feet in width, and passed at first through a swampy region.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THROUGH THE ICE With daylight it was seen that the tent of David and Roly, which had formed the western end of the hut, was almost wholly destroyed; but with the exception of several holes in a corner of the fly, the large tent had escaped injury.
