Chapter VII · Chapter 7

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

Norwegian mathematician (1802-1829)

From this reading Taking samples of the metal, he rode down to Los Angeles to the office of Don Abel Stearns, who recognized it as gold.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading At the Touch of King Midas It was by chance that gold was discovered in both northern and southern California, and by chance that many great fortunes were made.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Taking samples of the metal, he rode down to Los Angeles to the office of Don Abel Stearns, who recognized it as gold.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At the Touch of King Midas It was by chance that gold was discovered in both northern and southern California, and by chance that many great fortunes were made.

for the reason that

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

the two together, not just one

From this reading At the Touch of King Midas It was by chance that gold was discovered in both northern and southern California, and by chance that many great fortunes were made.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading Soon Juan and his companions were busy digging and washing the earth and sands in the region where the little wild flowers grew.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading At the Touch of King Midas It was by chance that gold was discovered in both northern and southern California, and by chance that many great fortunes were made.

a state in the western United States on the Pacific; the 3rd largest state; known for earthquakes

From this reading At the Touch of King Midas It was by chance that gold was discovered in both northern and southern California, and by chance that many great fortunes were made.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading At the Touch of King Midas It was by chance that gold was discovered in both northern and southern California, and by chance that many great fortunes were made.

-ing form of “cling” — come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading Soon Juan and his companions were busy digging and washing the earth and sands in the region where the little wild flowers grew.

(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

the act of digging

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading At the Touch of King Midas It was by chance that gold was discovered in both northern and southern California, and by chance that many great fortunes were made.

a Spanish gentleman or nobleman

From this reading Taking samples of the metal, he rode down to Los Angeles to the office of Don Abel Stearns, who recognized it as gold.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Taking samples of the metal, he rode down to Los Angeles to the office of Don Abel Stearns, who recognized it as gold.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading Soon Juan and his companions were busy digging and washing the earth and sands in the region where the little wild flowers grew.

the motion characteristic of fluids (liquids or gases)

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading Soon Juan and his companions were busy digging and washing the earth and sands in the region where the little wild flowers grew.

a person who exercises control over workers

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

plural of “fortune” — an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another

From this reading At the Touch of King Midas It was by chance that gold was discovered in both northern and southern California, and by chance that many great fortunes were made.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

usually; as a rule

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

coins made of gold

From this reading At the Touch of King Midas It was by chance that gold was discovered in both northern and southern California, and by chance that many great fortunes were made.

rock fragments and pebbles

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading At the Touch of King Midas It was by chance that gold was discovered in both northern and southern California, and by chance that many great fortunes were made.

inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading Soon Juan and his companions were busy digging and washing the earth and sands in the region where the little wild flowers grew.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Soon Juan and his companions were busy digging and washing the earth and sands in the region where the little wild flowers grew.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

in an idle manner

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading At the Touch of King Midas It was by chance that gold was discovered in both northern and southern California, and by chance that many great fortunes were made.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading At the Touch of King Midas It was by chance that gold was discovered in both northern and southern California, and by chance that many great fortunes were made.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading At the Touch of King Midas It was by chance that gold was discovered in both northern and southern California, and by chance that many great fortunes were made.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

not compact or dense in structure or arrangement

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

in a relaxed manner; not rigid

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

plural of “lump” — a compact mass

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading At the Touch of King Midas It was by chance that gold was discovered in both northern and southern California, and by chance that many great fortunes were made.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading At the Touch of King Midas It was by chance that gold was discovered in both northern and southern California, and by chance that many great fortunes were made.

march in a procession

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

the message that is intended or expressed or signified

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc.

From this reading Taking samples of the metal, he rode down to Los Angeles to the office of Don Abel Stearns, who recognized it as gold.

(Greek legend) the greedy king of Phrygia who Dionysus gave the power to turn everything he touched into gold

From this reading At the Touch of King Midas It was by chance that gold was discovered in both northern and southern California, and by chance that many great fortunes were made.

plural of “mine” — excavation in the earth from which ores and minerals are extracted

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

in motion

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States north of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading At the Touch of King Midas It was by chance that gold was discovered in both northern and southern California, and by chance that many great fortunes were made.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading At the Touch of King Midas It was by chance that gold was discovered in both northern and southern California, and by chance that many great fortunes were made.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading Taking samples of the metal, he rode down to Los Angeles to the office of Don Abel Stearns, who recognized it as gold.

on one occasion

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

the bulb of an onion plant

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

an alluvial deposit that contains particles of some valuable mineral

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle)

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

a deep narrow steep-sided valley (especially one formed by running water)

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading Taking samples of the metal, he rode down to Los Angeles to the office of Don Abel Stearns, who recognized it as gold.

the extended spatial location of something

From this reading Soon Juan and his companions were busy digging and washing the earth and sands in the region where the little wild flowers grew.

inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions

From this reading Taking samples of the metal, he rode down to Los Angeles to the office of Don Abel Stearns, who recognized it as gold.

the condition of belonging to a particular place or group by virtue of social or ethnic or cultural lineage

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

plural of “sample” — a small part of something intended as representative of the whole

From this reading Taking samples of the metal, he rode down to Los Angeles to the office of Don Abel Stearns, who recognized it as gold.

a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

the region of the shore of a lake or sea or ocean

From this reading Soon Juan and his companions were busy digging and washing the earth and sands in the region where the little wild flowers grew.

in the near future

From this reading Soon Juan and his companions were busy digging and washing the earth and sands in the region where the little wild flowers grew.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States south of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading At the Touch of King Midas It was by chance that gold was discovered in both northern and southern California, and by chance that many great fortunes were made.

the Romance language spoken in most of Spain and the countries colonized by Spain

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Taking samples of the metal, he rode down to Los Angeles to the office of Don Abel Stearns, who recognized it as gold.

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading Taking samples of the metal, he rode down to Los Angeles to the office of Don Abel Stearns, who recognized it as gold.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading At the Touch of King Midas It was by chance that gold was discovered in both northern and southern California, and by chance that many great fortunes were made.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading At the Touch of King Midas It was by chance that gold was discovered in both northern and southern California, and by chance that many great fortunes were made.

in or at that place or location

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

make physical contact with, come in contact with

From this reading At the Touch of King Midas It was by chance that gold was discovered in both northern and southern California, and by chance that many great fortunes were made.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading At the Touch of King Midas It was by chance that gold was discovered in both northern and southern California, and by chance that many great fortunes were made.

the work of cleansing (usually with soap and water)

From this reading Soon Juan and his companions were busy digging and washing the earth and sands in the region where the little wild flowers grew.

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 These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading At the Touch of King Midas It was by chance that gold was discovered in both northern and southern California, and by chance that many great fortunes were made.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

in or at the place that

From this reading Soon Juan and his companions were busy digging and washing the earth and sands in the region where the little wild flowers grew.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

during the time that

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

which person or people

From this reading Taking samples of the metal, he rode down to Los Angeles to the office of Don Abel Stearns, who recognized it as gold.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading Juan Lopez, foreman of the little ranch of St. Francis in Los Angeles County, one morning in March, 1842, while idly digging up a wild onion, or brodecia, discovered what he thought lumps of gold clinging to its roots.

in the company of; together with

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading These mines were called “placer,” from a Spanish word meaning loose or moving about, because the metal was loosely mixed with sand and gravel, generally in the bed of a stream or in a ravine where there had once been a flow of water which had brought the gold down from its home in the mountains.