used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The rocky precipices on either side were still; they were so steep that on them nothing which breathed could find a footing, except bats, perhaps, that do not stir in the daytime.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading The riband of grey sky above us was still, though occasionally a draught of air blew between the cliffs with a moaning noise, such as one might imagine to be caused by the passing wind of spiritual wings.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading The riband of grey sky above us was still, though occasionally a draught of air blew between the cliffs with a moaning noise, such as one might imagine to be caused by the passing wind of spiritual wings.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading I think that nothing upon this strange journey, or at any rate during the first part of it, struck me more than its quietness.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The water was still, flowing peacefully between its rocky walls towards the desert in which it would be lost, just as the life of some good old man flows towards death.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading I think that nothing upon this strange journey, or at any rate during the first part of it, struck me more than its quietness.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading THE WALLOO In perfect stillness, except for the sound of the dipping of the paddles in the water, we glided away very swiftly up the placid river.
batsadjectiveUS /bæts/
informal or slang terms for mentally irregular
From this reading The rocky precipices on either side were still; they were so steep that on them nothing which breathed could find a footing, except bats, perhaps, that do not stir in the daytime.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The water was still, flowing peacefully between its rocky walls towards the desert in which it would be lost, just as the life of some good old man flows towards death.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading The water was still, flowing peacefully between its rocky walls towards the desert in which it would be lost, just as the life of some good old man flows towards death.
inflected form of “blow” — exhale hard
From this reading The riband of grey sky above us was still, though occasionally a draught of air blew between the cliffs with a moaning noise, such as one might imagine to be caused by the passing wind of spiritual wings.
uttered without voice
From this reading The rocky precipices on either side were still; they were so steep that on them nothing which breathed could find a footing, except bats, perhaps, that do not stir in the daytime.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The riband of grey sky above us was still, though occasionally a draught of air blew between the cliffs with a moaning noise, such as one might imagine to be caused by the passing wind of spiritual wings.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading The riband of grey sky above us was still, though occasionally a draught of air blew between the cliffs with a moaning noise, such as one might imagine to be caused by the passing wind of spiritual wings.
cliffsnounUS /klɪfs/
plural of “cliff” — a steep high face of rock
From this reading The riband of grey sky above us was still, though occasionally a draught of air blew between the cliffs with a moaning noise, such as one might imagine to be caused by the passing wind of spiritual wings.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The rocky precipices on either side were still; they were so steep that on them nothing which breathed could find a footing, except bats, perhaps, that do not stir in the daytime.
daytimenounUS /ˈdeɪtaɪm/
the time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside
From this reading The rocky precipices on either side were still; they were so steep that on them nothing which breathed could find a footing, except bats, perhaps, that do not stir in the daytime.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading The water was still, flowing peacefully between its rocky walls towards the desert in which it would be lost, just as the life of some good old man flows towards death.
leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch
From this reading The water was still, flowing peacefully between its rocky walls towards the desert in which it would be lost, just as the life of some good old man flows towards death.
dippingverbUS /ˈdɪpɪŋ/
inflected form of “dip” — immerse briefly into a liquid so as to wet, coat, or saturate
From this reading THE WALLOO In perfect stillness, except for the sound of the dipping of the paddles in the water, we glided away very swiftly up the placid river.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading The rocky precipices on either side were still; they were so steep that on them nothing which breathed could find a footing, except bats, perhaps, that do not stir in the daytime.
draughtnounUS /dræft/
a serving of drink (usually alcoholic) drawn from a keg
From this reading The riband of grey sky above us was still, though occasionally a draught of air blew between the cliffs with a moaning noise, such as one might imagine to be caused by the passing wind of spiritual wings.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading I think that nothing upon this strange journey, or at any rate during the first part of it, struck me more than its quietness.
one or the other of two
From this reading The rocky precipices on either side were still; they were so steep that on them nothing which breathed could find a footing, except bats, perhaps, that do not stir in the daytime.
apart from; not including
From this reading THE WALLOO In perfect stillness, except for the sound of the dipping of the paddles in the water, we glided away very swiftly up the placid river.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading The rocky precipices on either side were still; they were so steep that on them nothing which breathed could find a footing, except bats, perhaps, that do not stir in the daytime.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading I think that nothing upon this strange journey, or at any rate during the first part of it, struck me more than its quietness.
flowingnounUS /ˈfloʊɪŋ/
the motion characteristic of fluids (liquids or gases)
From this reading The water was still, flowing peacefully between its rocky walls towards the desert in which it would be lost, just as the life of some good old man flows towards death.
flowsnounUS /floʊz/
plural of “flow” — the motion characteristic of fluids (liquids or gases)
From this reading The water was still, flowing peacefully between its rocky walls towards the desert in which it would be lost, just as the life of some good old man flows towards death.
footingnounUS /ˈfʊtɪŋ/
status with respect to the relations between people or groups
From this reading The rocky precipices on either side were still; they were so steep that on them nothing which breathed could find a footing, except bats, perhaps, that do not stir in the daytime.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE WALLOO In perfect stillness, except for the sound of the dipping of the paddles in the water, we glided away very swiftly up the placid river.
glidedverbUS /ˈɡlaɪdɪd/
past form of “glide” — move smoothly and effortlessly
From this reading THE WALLOO In perfect stillness, except for the sound of the dipping of the paddles in the water, we glided away very swiftly up the placid river.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading The water was still, flowing peacefully between its rocky walls towards the desert in which it would be lost, just as the life of some good old man flows towards death.
of an achromatic color of any lightness intermediate between the extremes of white and black
From this reading The riband of grey sky above us was still, though occasionally a draught of air blew between the cliffs with a moaning noise, such as one might imagine to be caused by the passing wind of spiritual wings.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I think that nothing upon this strange journey, or at any rate during the first part of it, struck me more than its quietness.
form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case
From this reading The riband of grey sky above us was still, though occasionally a draught of air blew between the cliffs with a moaning noise, such as one might imagine to be caused by the passing wind of spiritual wings.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE WALLOO In perfect stillness, except for the sound of the dipping of the paddles in the water, we glided away very swiftly up the placid river.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading I think that nothing upon this strange journey, or at any rate during the first part of it, struck me more than its quietness.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading I think that nothing upon this strange journey, or at any rate during the first part of it, struck me more than its quietness.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading I think that nothing upon this strange journey, or at any rate during the first part of it, struck me more than its quietness.
and nothing more
From this reading The water was still, flowing peacefully between its rocky walls towards the desert in which it would be lost, just as the life of some good old man flows towards death.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading The water was still, flowing peacefully between its rocky walls towards the desert in which it would be lost, just as the life of some good old man flows towards death.
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading The water was still, flowing peacefully between its rocky walls towards the desert in which it would be lost, just as the life of some good old man flows towards death.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading The water was still, flowing peacefully between its rocky walls towards the desert in which it would be lost, just as the life of some good old man flows towards death.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I think that nothing upon this strange journey, or at any rate during the first part of it, struck me more than its quietness.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading The riband of grey sky above us was still, though occasionally a draught of air blew between the cliffs with a moaning noise, such as one might imagine to be caused by the passing wind of spiritual wings.
moaningverbUS /ˈmoʊnɪŋ/
-ing form of “moan” — indicate pain, discomfort, or displeasure
From this reading The riband of grey sky above us was still, though occasionally a draught of air blew between the cliffs with a moaning noise, such as one might imagine to be caused by the passing wind of spiritual wings.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading I think that nothing upon this strange journey, or at any rate during the first part of it, struck me more than its quietness.
sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)
From this reading The riband of grey sky above us was still, though occasionally a draught of air blew between the cliffs with a moaning noise, such as one might imagine to be caused by the passing wind of spiritual wings.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The rocky precipices on either side were still; they were so steep that on them nothing which breathed could find a footing, except bats, perhaps, that do not stir in the daytime.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading I think that nothing upon this strange journey, or at any rate during the first part of it, struck me more than its quietness.
sporadically and infrequently
From this reading The riband of grey sky above us was still, though occasionally a draught of air blew between the cliffs with a moaning noise, such as one might imagine to be caused by the passing wind of spiritual wings.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE WALLOO In perfect stillness, except for the sound of the dipping of the paddles in the water, we glided away very swiftly up the placid river.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading The water was still, flowing peacefully between its rocky walls towards the desert in which it would be lost, just as the life of some good old man flows towards death.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The rocky precipices on either side were still; they were so steep that on them nothing which breathed could find a footing, except bats, perhaps, that do not stir in the daytime.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The riband of grey sky above us was still, though occasionally a draught of air blew between the cliffs with a moaning noise, such as one might imagine to be caused by the passing wind of spiritual wings.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading I think that nothing upon this strange journey, or at any rate during the first part of it, struck me more than its quietness.
paddlesnounUS /ˈpædəlz/
plural of “paddle” — small wooden bat with a flat surface; used for hitting balls in various games
From this reading THE WALLOO In perfect stillness, except for the sound of the dipping of the paddles in the water, we glided away very swiftly up the placid river.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading I think that nothing upon this strange journey, or at any rate during the first part of it, struck me more than its quietness.
(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate
From this reading The riband of grey sky above us was still, though occasionally a draught of air blew between the cliffs with a moaning noise, such as one might imagine to be caused by the passing wind of spiritual wings.
peacefullyadverbUS /ˈpiːsfəli/
in a peaceful manner
From this reading The water was still, flowing peacefully between its rocky walls towards the desert in which it would be lost, just as the life of some good old man flows towards death.
being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish
From this reading THE WALLOO In perfect stillness, except for the sound of the dipping of the paddles in the water, we glided away very swiftly up the placid river.
by chance
From this reading The rocky precipices on either side were still; they were so steep that on them nothing which breathed could find a footing, except bats, perhaps, that do not stir in the daytime.
placidadjectiveUS /ˈplæsəd/
(of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves
From this reading THE WALLOO In perfect stillness, except for the sound of the dipping of the paddles in the water, we glided away very swiftly up the placid river.
precipices
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The rocky precipices on either side were still; they were so steep that on them nothing which breathed could find a footing, except bats, perhaps, that do not stir in the daytime.
quietnessnounUS /ˈkwaɪətnəs/
the property of making no sound
From this reading I think that nothing upon this strange journey, or at any rate during the first part of it, struck me more than its quietness.
a magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit
From this reading I think that nothing upon this strange journey, or at any rate during the first part of it, struck me more than its quietness.
ribandnoun
a ribbon used as a decoration
From this reading The riband of grey sky above us was still, though occasionally a draught of air blew between the cliffs with a moaning noise, such as one might imagine to be caused by the passing wind of spiritual wings.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading THE WALLOO In perfect stillness, except for the sound of the dipping of the paddles in the water, we glided away very swiftly up the placid river.
rockyadjectiveUS /ˈrɑːki/
abounding in rocks or stones
From this reading The water was still, flowing peacefully between its rocky walls towards the desert in which it would be lost, just as the life of some good old man flows towards death.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading The rocky precipices on either side were still; they were so steep that on them nothing which breathed could find a footing, except bats, perhaps, that do not stir in the daytime.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading The riband of grey sky above us was still, though occasionally a draught of air blew between the cliffs with a moaning noise, such as one might imagine to be caused by the passing wind of spiritual wings.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The rocky precipices on either side were still; they were so steep that on them nothing which breathed could find a footing, except bats, perhaps, that do not stir in the daytime.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading The water was still, flowing peacefully between its rocky walls towards the desert in which it would be lost, just as the life of some good old man flows towards death.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading THE WALLOO In perfect stillness, except for the sound of the dipping of the paddles in the water, we glided away very swiftly up the placid river.
spiritualadjectiveUS /ˈspɪrɪtʃuːəl/
concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church
From this reading The riband of grey sky above us was still, though occasionally a draught of air blew between the cliffs with a moaning noise, such as one might imagine to be caused by the passing wind of spiritual wings.
having a sharp inclination
From this reading The rocky precipices on either side were still; they were so steep that on them nothing which breathed could find a footing, except bats, perhaps, that do not stir in the daytime.
not in physical motion
From this reading The water was still, flowing peacefully between its rocky walls towards the desert in which it would be lost, just as the life of some good old man flows towards death.
stillnessnounUS /ˈstɪlnəs/
(poetic) tranquil silence
From this reading THE WALLOO In perfect stillness, except for the sound of the dipping of the paddles in the water, we glided away very swiftly up the placid river.
move an implement through
From this reading The rocky precipices on either side were still; they were so steep that on them nothing which breathed could find a footing, except bats, perhaps, that do not stir in the daytime.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading I think that nothing upon this strange journey, or at any rate during the first part of it, struck me more than its quietness.
(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming
From this reading I think that nothing upon this strange journey, or at any rate during the first part of it, struck me more than its quietness.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading The riband of grey sky above us was still, though occasionally a draught of air blew between the cliffs with a moaning noise, such as one might imagine to be caused by the passing wind of spiritual wings.
in a swift manner
From this reading THE WALLOO In perfect stillness, except for the sound of the dipping of the paddles in the water, we glided away very swiftly up the placid river.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading I think that nothing upon this strange journey, or at any rate during the first part of it, struck me more than its quietness.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I think that nothing upon this strange journey, or at any rate during the first part of it, struck me more than its quietness.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE WALLOO In perfect stillness, except for the sound of the dipping of the paddles in the water, we glided away very swiftly up the placid river.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The rocky precipices on either side were still; they were so steep that on them nothing which breathed could find a footing, except bats, perhaps, that do not stir in the daytime.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The rocky precipices on either side were still; they were so steep that on them nothing which breathed could find a footing, except bats, perhaps, that do not stir in the daytime.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading I think that nothing upon this strange journey, or at any rate during the first part of it, struck me more than its quietness.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading I think that nothing upon this strange journey, or at any rate during the first part of it, struck me more than its quietness.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The riband of grey sky above us was still, though occasionally a draught of air blew between the cliffs with a moaning noise, such as one might imagine to be caused by the passing wind of spiritual wings.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The riband of grey sky above us was still, though occasionally a draught of air blew between the cliffs with a moaning noise, such as one might imagine to be caused by the passing wind of spiritual wings.
in the direction of
From this reading The water was still, flowing peacefully between its rocky walls towards the desert in which it would be lost, just as the life of some good old man flows towards death.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading THE WALLOO In perfect stillness, except for the sound of the dipping of the paddles in the water, we glided away very swiftly up the placid river.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading I think that nothing upon this strange journey, or at any rate during the first part of it, struck me more than its quietness.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The riband of grey sky above us was still, though occasionally a draught of air blew between the cliffs with a moaning noise, such as one might imagine to be caused by the passing wind of spiritual wings.
precisely as stated
From this reading THE WALLOO In perfect stillness, except for the sound of the dipping of the paddles in the water, we glided away very swiftly up the placid river.
WALLOO
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE WALLOO In perfect stillness, except for the sound of the dipping of the paddles in the water, we glided away very swiftly up the placid river.
plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading The water was still, flowing peacefully between its rocky walls towards the desert in which it would be lost, just as the life of some good old man flows towards death.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The water was still, flowing peacefully between its rocky walls towards the desert in which it would be lost, just as the life of some good old man flows towards death.
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 THE WALLOO In perfect stillness, except for the sound of the dipping of the paddles in the water, we glided away very swiftly up the placid river.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading THE WALLOO In perfect stillness, except for the sound of the dipping of the paddles in the water, we glided away very swiftly up the placid river.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The rocky precipices on either side were still; they were so steep that on them nothing which breathed could find a footing, except bats, perhaps, that do not stir in the daytime.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The water was still, flowing peacefully between its rocky walls towards the desert in which it would be lost, just as the life of some good old man flows towards death.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading The riband of grey sky above us was still, though occasionally a draught of air blew between the cliffs with a moaning noise, such as one might imagine to be caused by the passing wind of spiritual wings.
a means of flight or ascent
From this reading The riband of grey sky above us was still, though occasionally a draught of air blew between the cliffs with a moaning noise, such as one might imagine to be caused by the passing wind of spiritual wings.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The riband of grey sky above us was still, though occasionally a draught of air blew between the cliffs with a moaning noise, such as one might imagine to be caused by the passing wind of spiritual wings.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The water was still, flowing peacefully between its rocky walls towards the desert in which it would be lost, just as the life of some good old man flows towards death.
