used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Monsieur Jean Puvis Filbert was a Frenchman of wealth, a distinguished member of the Alpine Club, an enthusiastic mountain-climber, and had for an especial hobby the making of botanical collections from high altitudes.
(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 This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
AlpineadjectiveUS /ˈælpaɪn/
relating to or characteristic of alps
From this reading Monsieur Jean Puvis Filbert was a Frenchman of wealth, a distinguished member of the Alpine Club, an enthusiastic mountain-climber, and had for an especial hobby the making of botanical collections from high altitudes.
altitudesnounUS /ˈæltɪtuːdz/
plural of “altitude” — elevation especially above sea level or above the earth's surface
From this reading Monsieur Jean Puvis Filbert was a Frenchman of wealth, a distinguished member of the Alpine Club, an enthusiastic mountain-climber, and had for an especial hobby the making of botanical collections from high altitudes.
North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading PREPARING FOR AN ASCENT.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Monsieur Jean Puvis Filbert was a Frenchman of wealth, a distinguished member of the Alpine Club, an enthusiastic mountain-climber, and had for an especial hobby the making of botanical collections from high altitudes.
arduousadjectiveUS /ˈɑːrdʒuːəs/
characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort
From this reading As his knowledge of English was very limited, our mountain-climber began his preparations for this arduous undertaking by engaging an interpreter.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading He was now on a leisurely tour around the world, and had recently arrived in Tacoma on one of the Northern Pacific steamships from Japan.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading He was now on a leisurely tour around the world, and had recently arrived in Tacoma on one of the Northern Pacific steamships from Japan.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
ASCENTnounUS /əˈsent/
an upward slope or grade (as in a road)
From this reading PREPARING FOR AN ASCENT.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading As his knowledge of English was very limited, our mountain-climber began his preparations for this arduous undertaking by engaging an interpreter.
botanicalnounUS /bəˈtænɪkəl/
a drug made from part of a plant (as the bark or root or leaves)
From this reading Monsieur Jean Puvis Filbert was a Frenchman of wealth, a distinguished member of the Alpine Club, an enthusiastic mountain-climber, and had for an especial hobby the making of botanical collections from high altitudes.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together
From this reading Monsieur Jean Puvis Filbert was a Frenchman of wealth, a distinguished member of the Alpine Club, an enthusiastic mountain-climber, and had for an especial hobby the making of botanical collections from high altitudes.
collectionsnounUS /kəˈlekʃənz/
plural of “collection” — several things grouped together or considered as a whole
From this reading Monsieur Jean Puvis Filbert was a Frenchman of wealth, a distinguished member of the Alpine Club, an enthusiastic mountain-climber, and had for an especial hobby the making of botanical collections from high altitudes.
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation
From this reading Monsieur Jean Puvis Filbert was a Frenchman of wealth, a distinguished member of the Alpine Club, an enthusiastic mountain-climber, and had for an especial hobby the making of botanical collections from high altitudes.
engagingadjectiveUS /enˈɡeɪdʒɪŋ/
attracting or delighting
From this reading As his knowledge of English was very limited, our mountain-climber began his preparations for this arduous undertaking by engaging an interpreter.
an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries
From this reading As his knowledge of English was very limited, our mountain-climber began his preparations for this arduous undertaking by engaging an interpreter.
a feeling of excitement
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
enthusiasticadjectiveUS /ɪnˌθuːziˈæstɪk/
having or showing great excitement and interest
From this reading Monsieur Jean Puvis Filbert was a Frenchman of wealth, a distinguished member of the Alpine Club, an enthusiastic mountain-climber, and had for an especial hobby the making of botanical collections from high altitudes.
especialadjectiveUS /əˈspeʃəl/
surpassing what is common or usual or expected
From this reading Monsieur Jean Puvis Filbert was a Frenchman of wealth, a distinguished member of the Alpine Club, an enthusiastic mountain-climber, and had for an especial hobby the making of botanical collections from high altitudes.
FilbertnounUS /ˈfɪlbərt/
small nut-bearing tree much grown in Europe
From this reading Monsieur Jean Puvis Filbert was a Frenchman of wealth, a distinguished member of the Alpine Club, an enthusiastic mountain-climber, and had for an especial hobby the making of botanical collections from high altitudes.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading PREPARING FOR AN ASCENT.
FrenchmannounUS /ˈfrentʃmæn/
a person of French nationality
From this reading Monsieur Jean Puvis Filbert was a Frenchman of wealth, a distinguished member of the Alpine Club, an enthusiastic mountain-climber, and had for an especial hobby the making of botanical collections from high altitudes.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Monsieur Jean Puvis Filbert was a Frenchman of wealth, a distinguished member of the Alpine Club, an enthusiastic mountain-climber, and had for an especial hobby the making of botanical collections from high altitudes.
Fuca
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
having or deserving or conferring glory
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
past form of “greet” — express greetings upon meeting someone
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Monsieur Jean Puvis Filbert was a Frenchman of wealth, a distinguished member of the Alpine Club, an enthusiastic mountain-climber, and had for an especial hobby the making of botanical collections from high altitudes.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was now on a leisurely tour around the world, and had recently arrived in Tacoma on one of the Northern Pacific steamships from Japan.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading Monsieur Jean Puvis Filbert was a Frenchman of wealth, a distinguished member of the Alpine Club, an enthusiastic mountain-climber, and had for an especial hobby the making of botanical collections from high altitudes.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
hobbynounUS /ˈhɑːbi/
an auxiliary activity
From this reading Monsieur Jean Puvis Filbert was a Frenchman of wealth, a distinguished member of the Alpine Club, an enthusiastic mountain-climber, and had for an especial hobby the making of botanical collections from high altitudes.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He was now on a leisurely tour around the world, and had recently arrived in Tacoma on one of the Northern Pacific steamships from Japan.
interpreternounUS /ˌɪnˈtɜːrprətər/
someone who mediates between speakers of different languages
From this reading As his knowledge of English was very limited, our mountain-climber began his preparations for this arduous undertaking by engaging an interpreter.
JapannounUS /dʒəˈpæn/
a string of more than 3,000 islands to the east of Asia extending 1,300 miles between the Sea of Japan and the western Pacific Ocean
From this reading He was now on a leisurely tour around the world, and had recently arrived in Tacoma on one of the Northern Pacific steamships from Japan.
a coarse durable twill-weave cotton fabric
From this reading Monsieur Jean Puvis Filbert was a Frenchman of wealth, a distinguished member of the Alpine Club, an enthusiastic mountain-climber, and had for an especial hobby the making of botanical collections from high altitudes.
Juan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading As his knowledge of English was very limited, our mountain-climber began his preparations for this arduous undertaking by engaging an interpreter.
leisurelyadverbUS /ˈliːzərli/
in an unhurried way or at one's convenience
From this reading He was now on a leisurely tour around the world, and had recently arrived in Tacoma on one of the Northern Pacific steamships from Japan.
limitedadjectiveUS /ˈlɪmətəd/
small in range or scope
From this reading As his knowledge of English was very limited, our mountain-climber began his preparations for this arduous undertaking by engaging an interpreter.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading Monsieur Jean Puvis Filbert was a Frenchman of wealth, a distinguished member of the Alpine Club, an enthusiastic mountain-climber, and had for an especial hobby the making of botanical collections from high altitudes.
one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading Monsieur Jean Puvis Filbert was a Frenchman of wealth, a distinguished member of the Alpine Club, an enthusiastic mountain-climber, and had for an especial hobby the making of botanical collections from high altitudes.
used as a French courtesy title; equivalent to English “Mr”
From this reading Monsieur Jean Puvis Filbert was a Frenchman of wealth, a distinguished member of the Alpine Club, an enthusiastic mountain-climber, and had for an especial hobby the making of botanical collections from high altitudes.
a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
mountain-climber
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Monsieur Jean Puvis Filbert was a Frenchman of wealth, a distinguished member of the Alpine Club, an enthusiastic mountain-climber, and had for an especial hobby the making of botanical collections from high altitudes.
in or characteristic of a region of the United States north of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading He was now on a leisurely tour around the world, and had recently arrived in Tacoma on one of the Northern Pacific steamships from Japan.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading He was now on a leisurely tour around the world, and had recently arrived in Tacoma on one of the Northern Pacific steamships from Japan.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Monsieur Jean Puvis Filbert was a Frenchman of wealth, a distinguished member of the Alpine Club, an enthusiastic mountain-climber, and had for an especial hobby the making of botanical collections from high altitudes.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He was now on a leisurely tour around the world, and had recently arrived in Tacoma on one of the Northern Pacific steamships from Japan.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He was now on a leisurely tour around the world, and had recently arrived in Tacoma on one of the Northern Pacific steamships from Japan.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading As his knowledge of English was very limited, our mountain-climber began his preparations for this arduous undertaking by engaging an interpreter.
PacificnounUS /pəˈsɪfɪk/
the largest ocean in the world
From this reading He was now on a leisurely tour around the world, and had recently arrived in Tacoma on one of the Northern Pacific steamships from Japan.
preparationsnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading As his knowledge of English was very limited, our mountain-climber began his preparations for this arduous undertaking by engaging an interpreter.
PREPARINGverbUS /priˈperɪŋ/
-ing form of “prepare” — make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc
From this reading PREPARING FOR AN ASCENT.
Puget
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
Puvis
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Monsieur Jean Puvis Filbert was a Frenchman of wealth, a distinguished member of the Alpine Club, an enthusiastic mountain-climber, and had for an especial hobby the making of botanical collections from high altitudes.
recentlyadverbUS /ˈriːsəntli/
in the recent past
From this reading He was now on a leisurely tour around the world, and had recently arrived in Tacoma on one of the Northern Pacific steamships from Japan.
scenerynounUS /ˈsiːnəri/
the painted structures of a stage set that are intended to suggest a particular locale
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
transport commercially
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
steamedadjectiveUS /stiːmd/
cooked in steam
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
steamships
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was now on a leisurely tour around the world, and had recently arrived in Tacoma on one of the Northern Pacific steamships from Japan.
StraitnounUS /streɪt/
a narrow channel of the sea joining two larger bodies of water
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
superbadjectiveUS /sʊˈpɜːrb/
of surpassing excellence
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
TacomanounUS /təˈkoʊmɑː/
a city in west central Washington on an arm of Puget Sound to the south of Seattle
From this reading He was now on a leisurely tour around the world, and had recently arrived in Tacoma on one of the Northern Pacific steamships from Japan.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Monsieur Jean Puvis Filbert was a Frenchman of wealth, a distinguished member of the Alpine Club, an enthusiastic mountain-climber, and had for an especial hobby the making of botanical collections from high altitudes.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
tournounUS /tʊr/
a journey or route all the way around a particular place or area
From this reading He was now on a leisurely tour around the world, and had recently arrived in Tacoma on one of the Northern Pacific steamships from Japan.
undertakingnounUS /ˈʌndərteɪkɪŋ/
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading As his knowledge of English was very limited, our mountain-climber began his preparations for this arduous undertaking by engaging an interpreter.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
precisely as stated
From this reading As his knowledge of English was very limited, our mountain-climber began his preparations for this arduous undertaking by engaging an interpreter.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Monsieur Jean Puvis Filbert was a Frenchman of wealth, a distinguished member of the Alpine Club, an enthusiastic mountain-climber, and had for an especial hobby the making of botanical collections from high altitudes.
waterwaysnounUS /ˈwɔːtərweɪz/
plural of “waterway” — a navigable body of water
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money
From this reading Monsieur Jean Puvis Filbert was a Frenchman of wealth, a distinguished member of the Alpine Club, an enthusiastic mountain-climber, and had for an especial hobby the making of botanical collections from high altitudes.
in the company of; together with
From this reading This was his first visit to America, and he was filled with enthusiasm by the superb mountain scenery that greeted him on all sides as his ship steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the glorious waterways of Puget Sound.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading He was now on a leisurely tour around the world, and had recently arrived in Tacoma on one of the Northern Pacific steamships from Japan.
