used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A SEVERE TEST Winter ended suddenly, as it generally does on the plains, and rain and sunshine melted the snow from the withered grass.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading Then the northwest wind awoke, and rioting across the wide levels dried the spongy sod, while goose and crane and duck, beating their northward way, sailed down on tired wings to rest a while among the sloos.
adjustmentnounUS /əˈdʒʌstmənt/
making or becoming suitable; adjusting to circumstances
From this reading The machines were numerous and expensive, but he had been forced to put off their adjustment because it is risky to handle cold iron in the Canadian frost.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Then the northwest wind awoke, and rioting across the wide levels dried the spongy sod, while goose and crane and duck, beating their northward way, sailed down on tired wings to rest a while among the sloos.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A SEVERE TEST Winter ended suddenly, as it generally does on the plains, and rain and sunshine melted the snow from the withered grass.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A SEVERE TEST Winter ended suddenly, as it generally does on the plains, and rain and sunshine melted the snow from the withered grass.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading He had been unusually silent and preoccupied of late; but Hester, knowing his habits, asked no questions.
inflected form of “awake” — stop sleeping
From this reading Then the northwest wind awoke, and rioting across the wide levels dried the spongy sod, while goose and crane and duck, beating their northward way, sailed down on tired wings to rest a while among the sloos.
the act of overcoming or outdoing
From this reading Then the northwest wind awoke, and rioting across the wide levels dried the spongy sod, while goose and crane and duck, beating their northward way, sailed down on tired wings to rest a while among the sloos.
for the reason that
From this reading The machines were numerous and expensive, but he had been forced to put off their adjustment because it is risky to handle cold iron in the Canadian frost.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The machines were numerous and expensive, but he had been forced to put off their adjustment because it is risky to handle cold iron in the Canadian frost.
boggyadjective
(of soil) soft and watery
From this reading For a week or two, when no team could have hauled a load over the boggy trails, Harding was busy mending harness and getting ready his implements.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading For a week or two, when no team could have hauled a load over the boggy trails, Harding was busy mending harness and getting ready his implements.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The machines were numerous and expensive, but he had been forced to put off their adjustment because it is risky to handle cold iron in the Canadian frost.
CanadianadjectiveUS /kəˈneɪdiən/
of or relating to Canada or its people
From this reading The machines were numerous and expensive, but he had been forced to put off their adjustment because it is risky to handle cold iron in the Canadian frost.
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading The machines were numerous and expensive, but he had been forced to put off their adjustment because it is risky to handle cold iron in the Canadian frost.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading For a week or two, when no team could have hauled a load over the boggy trails, Harding was busy mending harness and getting ready his implements.
craneverbUS /kreɪn/
stretch (the neck) so as to see better
From this reading Then the northwest wind awoke, and rioting across the wide levels dried the spongy sod, while goose and crane and duck, beating their northward way, sailed down on tired wings to rest a while among the sloos.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A SEVERE TEST Winter ended suddenly, as it generally does on the plains, and rain and sunshine melted the snow from the withered grass.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Then the northwest wind awoke, and rioting across the wide levels dried the spongy sod, while goose and crane and duck, beating their northward way, sailed down on tired wings to rest a while among the sloos.
driedadjectiveUS /draɪd/
not still wet
From this reading Then the northwest wind awoke, and rioting across the wide levels dried the spongy sod, while goose and crane and duck, beating their northward way, sailed down on tired wings to rest a while among the sloos.
duckverbUS /dʌk/
to move (the head or body) quickly downwards or away
From this reading Then the northwest wind awoke, and rioting across the wide levels dried the spongy sod, while goose and crane and duck, beating their northward way, sailed down on tired wings to rest a while among the sloos.
endedadjectiveUS /ˈendəd/
having come or been brought to a conclusion
From this reading A SEVERE TEST Winter ended suddenly, as it generally does on the plains, and rain and sunshine melted the snow from the withered grass.
expensiveadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspensɪv/
high in price or charging high prices
From this reading The machines were numerous and expensive, but he had been forced to put off their adjustment because it is risky to handle cold iron in the Canadian frost.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For a week or two, when no team could have hauled a load over the boggy trails, Harding was busy mending harness and getting ready his implements.
produced by or subjected to forcing
From this reading The machines were numerous and expensive, but he had been forced to put off their adjustment because it is risky to handle cold iron in the Canadian frost.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A SEVERE TEST Winter ended suddenly, as it generally does on the plains, and rain and sunshine melted the snow from the withered grass.
frostnounUS /frɔːst/
ice crystals forming a white deposit (especially on objects outside)
From this reading The machines were numerous and expensive, but he had been forced to put off their adjustment because it is risky to handle cold iron in the Canadian frost.
usually; as a rule
From this reading A SEVERE TEST Winter ended suddenly, as it generally does on the plains, and rain and sunshine melted the snow from the withered grass.
the act of acquiring something
From this reading For a week or two, when no team could have hauled a load over the boggy trails, Harding was busy mending harness and getting ready his implements.
goosenounUS /ɡuːs/
web-footed long-necked typically gregarious migratory aquatic birds usually larger and less aquatic than ducks
From this reading Then the northwest wind awoke, and rioting across the wide levels dried the spongy sod, while goose and crane and duck, beating their northward way, sailed down on tired wings to rest a while among the sloos.
shoot down, of birds
From this reading A SEVERE TEST Winter ended suddenly, as it generally does on the plains, and rain and sunshine melted the snow from the withered grass.
plural of “habit” — an established custom
From this reading He had been unusually silent and preoccupied of late; but Hester, knowing his habits, asked no questions.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The machines were numerous and expensive, but he had been forced to put off their adjustment because it is risky to handle cold iron in the Canadian frost.
be in charge of, act on, or dispose of
From this reading The machines were numerous and expensive, but he had been forced to put off their adjustment because it is risky to handle cold iron in the Canadian frost.
HardingnounUS /ˈhɑːrdɪŋ/
29th President of the United States; two of his appointees were involved in the Teapot Dome scandal (1865-1823)
From this reading For a week or two, when no team could have hauled a load over the boggy trails, Harding was busy mending harness and getting ready his implements.
harnessverbUS /ˈhɑːrnəs/
put a harness
From this reading For a week or two, when no team could have hauled a load over the boggy trails, Harding was busy mending harness and getting ready his implements.
hauledverbUS /hɔːld/
past form of “haul” — draw slowly or heavily
From this reading For a week or two, when no team could have hauled a load over the boggy trails, Harding was busy mending harness and getting ready his implements.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading For a week or two, when no team could have hauled a load over the boggy trails, Harding was busy mending harness and getting ready his implements.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The machines were numerous and expensive, but he had been forced to put off their adjustment because it is risky to handle cold iron in the Canadian frost.
Hester
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had been unusually silent and preoccupied of late; but Hester, knowing his habits, asked no questions.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading For a week or two, when no team could have hauled a load over the boggy trails, Harding was busy mending harness and getting ready his implements.
implementsnounUS /ˈɪmpləmənts/
plural of “implement” — instrumentation (a piece of equipment or tool) used to effect an end
From this reading For a week or two, when no team could have hauled a load over the boggy trails, Harding was busy mending harness and getting ready his implements.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The machines were numerous and expensive, but he had been forced to put off their adjustment because it is risky to handle cold iron in the Canadian frost.
a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
From this reading The machines were numerous and expensive, but he had been forced to put off their adjustment because it is risky to handle cold iron in the Canadian frost.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The machines were numerous and expensive, but he had been forced to put off their adjustment because it is risky to handle cold iron in the Canadian frost.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A SEVERE TEST Winter ended suddenly, as it generally does on the plains, and rain and sunshine melted the snow from the withered grass.
evidencing the possession of inside information
From this reading He had been unusually silent and preoccupied of late; but Hester, knowing his habits, asked no questions.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading He had been unusually silent and preoccupied of late; but Hester, knowing his habits, asked no questions.
levelsnounUS /ˈlevəlz/
plural of “level” — a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading Then the northwest wind awoke, and rioting across the wide levels dried the spongy sod, while goose and crane and duck, beating their northward way, sailed down on tired wings to rest a while among the sloos.
loadnounUS /loʊd/
weight to be borne or conveyed
From this reading For a week or two, when no team could have hauled a load over the boggy trails, Harding was busy mending harness and getting ready his implements.
machinesnounUS /məˈʃiːnz/
plural of “machine” — any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks
From this reading The machines were numerous and expensive, but he had been forced to put off their adjustment because it is risky to handle cold iron in the Canadian frost.
meltedadjectiveUS /ˈmeltəd/
changed from a solid to a liquid state
From this reading A SEVERE TEST Winter ended suddenly, as it generally does on the plains, and rain and sunshine melted the snow from the withered grass.
mendingnounUS /ˈmendɪŋ/
garments that must be repaired
From this reading For a week or two, when no team could have hauled a load over the boggy trails, Harding was busy mending harness and getting ready his implements.
not any; not one
From this reading For a week or two, when no team could have hauled a load over the boggy trails, Harding was busy mending harness and getting ready his implements.
northwardadverbUS /ˈnɔːrθwərd/
in a northern direction
From this reading Then the northwest wind awoke, and rioting across the wide levels dried the spongy sod, while goose and crane and duck, beating their northward way, sailed down on tired wings to rest a while among the sloos.
northwestnounUS /ˌnɔːrˈθwest/
the northwestern region of the United States
From this reading Then the northwest wind awoke, and rioting across the wide levels dried the spongy sod, while goose and crane and duck, beating their northward way, sailed down on tired wings to rest a while among the sloos.
amounting to a large indefinite number
From this reading The machines were numerous and expensive, but he had been forced to put off their adjustment because it is risky to handle cold iron in the Canadian frost.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He had been unusually silent and preoccupied of late; but Hester, knowing his habits, asked no questions.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading The machines were numerous and expensive, but he had been forced to put off their adjustment because it is risky to handle cold iron in the Canadian frost.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A SEVERE TEST Winter ended suddenly, as it generally does on the plains, and rain and sunshine melted the snow from the withered grass.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading For a week or two, when no team could have hauled a load over the boggy trails, Harding was busy mending harness and getting ready his implements.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading For a week or two, when no team could have hauled a load over the boggy trails, Harding was busy mending harness and getting ready his implements.
plainsnounUS /pleɪnz/
plural of “plain” — extensive tract of level open land
From this reading A SEVERE TEST Winter ended suddenly, as it generally does on the plains, and rain and sunshine melted the snow from the withered grass.
preoccupiedadjectiveUS /priˈɑːkjəpaɪd/
deeply absorbed in thought
From this reading He had been unusually silent and preoccupied of late; but Hester, knowing his habits, asked no questions.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading The machines were numerous and expensive, but he had been forced to put off their adjustment because it is risky to handle cold iron in the Canadian frost.
plural of “question” — an instance of questioning
From this reading He had been unusually silent and preoccupied of late; but Hester, knowing his habits, asked no questions.
water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
From this reading A SEVERE TEST Winter ended suddenly, as it generally does on the plains, and rain and sunshine melted the snow from the withered grass.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading For a week or two, when no team could have hauled a load over the boggy trails, Harding was busy mending harness and getting ready his implements.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading Then the northwest wind awoke, and rioting across the wide levels dried the spongy sod, while goose and crane and duck, beating their northward way, sailed down on tired wings to rest a while among the sloos.
riotingnounUS /ˈraɪətɪŋ/
a state of disorder involving group violence
From this reading Then the northwest wind awoke, and rioting across the wide levels dried the spongy sod, while goose and crane and duck, beating their northward way, sailed down on tired wings to rest a while among the sloos.
riskyadjectiveUS /ˈrɪski/
involving risk or danger
From this reading The machines were numerous and expensive, but he had been forced to put off their adjustment because it is risky to handle cold iron in the Canadian frost.
past form of “sail” — traverse or travel on (a body of water)
From this reading Then the northwest wind awoke, and rioting across the wide levels dried the spongy sod, while goose and crane and duck, beating their northward way, sailed down on tired wings to rest a while among the sloos.
intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality
From this reading A SEVERE TEST Winter ended suddenly, as it generally does on the plains, and rain and sunshine melted the snow from the withered grass.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading He had been unusually silent and preoccupied of late; but Hester, knowing his habits, asked no questions.
sloos
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then the northwest wind awoke, and rioting across the wide levels dried the spongy sod, while goose and crane and duck, beating their northward way, sailed down on tired wings to rest a while among the sloos.
precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
From this reading A SEVERE TEST Winter ended suddenly, as it generally does on the plains, and rain and sunshine melted the snow from the withered grass.
sodnounUS /sɑːd/
surface layer of ground containing a mat of grass and grass roots
From this reading Then the northwest wind awoke, and rioting across the wide levels dried the spongy sod, while goose and crane and duck, beating their northward way, sailed down on tired wings to rest a while among the sloos.
spongyadjectiveUS /ˈspʌndʒi/
easily squashed; resembling a sponge in having soft porous texture and compressibility
From this reading Then the northwest wind awoke, and rioting across the wide levels dried the spongy sod, while goose and crane and duck, beating their northward way, sailed down on tired wings to rest a while among the sloos.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading A SEVERE TEST Winter ended suddenly, as it generally does on the plains, and rain and sunshine melted the snow from the withered grass.
the rays of the sun
From this reading A SEVERE TEST Winter ended suddenly, as it generally does on the plains, and rain and sunshine melted the snow from the withered grass.
teamnounUS /tiːm/
a cooperative unit (especially in sports)
From this reading For a week or two, when no team could have hauled a load over the boggy trails, Harding was busy mending harness and getting ready his implements.
TESTnounUS /test/
trying something to find out about it
From this reading A SEVERE TEST Winter ended suddenly, as it generally does on the plains, and rain and sunshine melted the snow from the withered grass.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A SEVERE TEST Winter ended suddenly, as it generally does on the plains, and rain and sunshine melted the snow from the withered grass.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Then the northwest wind awoke, and rioting across the wide levels dried the spongy sod, while goose and crane and duck, beating their northward way, sailed down on tired wings to rest a while among the sloos.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Then the northwest wind awoke, and rioting across the wide levels dried the spongy sod, while goose and crane and duck, beating their northward way, sailed down on tired wings to rest a while among the sloos.
tiredadjectiveUS /ˈtaɪərd/
depleted of strength or energy
From this reading Then the northwest wind awoke, and rioting across the wide levels dried the spongy sod, while goose and crane and duck, beating their northward way, sailed down on tired wings to rest a while among the sloos.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Then the northwest wind awoke, and rioting across the wide levels dried the spongy sod, while goose and crane and duck, beating their northward way, sailed down on tired wings to rest a while among the sloos.
trailsnounUS /treɪlz/
plural of “trail” — a track or mark left by something that has passed
From this reading For a week or two, when no team could have hauled a load over the boggy trails, Harding was busy mending harness and getting ready his implements.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading For a week or two, when no team could have hauled a load over the boggy trails, Harding was busy mending harness and getting ready his implements.
unusuallyadverbUS /əˈnjuːʒuːəli/
to a remarkable degree or extent
From this reading He had been unusually silent and preoccupied of late; but Hester, knowing his habits, asked no questions.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading For a week or two, when no team could have hauled a load over the boggy trails, Harding was busy mending harness and getting ready his implements.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Then the northwest wind awoke, and rioting across the wide levels dried the spongy sod, while goose and crane and duck, beating their northward way, sailed down on tired wings to rest a while among the sloos.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading For a week or two, when no team could have hauled a load over the boggy trails, Harding was busy mending harness and getting ready his implements.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The machines were numerous and expensive, but he had been forced to put off their adjustment because it is risky to handle cold iron in the Canadian frost.
at the time that
From this reading For a week or two, when no team could have hauled a load over the boggy trails, Harding was busy mending harness and getting ready his implements.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Then the northwest wind awoke, and rioting across the wide levels dried the spongy sod, while goose and crane and duck, beating their northward way, sailed down on tired wings to rest a while among the sloos.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading Then the northwest wind awoke, and rioting across the wide levels dried the spongy sod, while goose and crane and duck, beating their northward way, sailed down on tired wings to rest a while among the sloos.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading Then the northwest wind awoke, and rioting across the wide levels dried the spongy sod, while goose and crane and duck, beating their northward way, sailed down on tired wings to rest a while among the sloos.
a means of flight or ascent
From this reading Then the northwest wind awoke, and rioting across the wide levels dried the spongy sod, while goose and crane and duck, beating their northward way, sailed down on tired wings to rest a while among the sloos.
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading A SEVERE TEST Winter ended suddenly, as it generally does on the plains, and rain and sunshine melted the snow from the withered grass.
witheredadjectiveUS /ˈwɪðərd/
lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness
From this reading A SEVERE TEST Winter ended suddenly, as it generally does on the plains, and rain and sunshine melted the snow from the withered grass.
