used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading MacCreedy, as he came within a mile or two of the mountain, took note of an eagle not far ahead, circling at a higher level than himself.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading A few moments more, and he was himself surprised, as the solitary sentinel was joined by another, and another, and another, till presently there were six of the great birds flapping and whirling between him and Bald Face, about at the level of the edge of the plateau.
at or in the front
From this reading MacCreedy, as he came within a mile or two of the mountain, took note of an eagle not far ahead, circling at a higher level than himself.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading MacCreedy, as he came within a mile or two of the mountain, took note of an eagle not far ahead, circling at a higher level than himself.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Since their first sight of the giant-winged monster soaring and humming over X----, the eagles of Bald Face had not dared to venture far from home in their foragings.
angryadjectiveUS /ˈæŋɡri/
feeling or showing anger
From this reading Their nerves were raw with angry anxiety for their nests.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading A few moments more, and he was himself surprised, as the solitary sentinel was joined by another, and another, and another, till presently there were six of the great birds flapping and whirling between him and Bald Face, about at the level of the edge of the plateau.
(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic
From this reading Their nerves were raw with angry anxiety for their nests.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading MacCreedy, as he came within a mile or two of the mountain, took note of an eagle not far ahead, circling at a higher level than himself.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading MacCreedy, as he came within a mile or two of the mountain, took note of an eagle not far ahead, circling at a higher level than himself.
BaldadjectiveUS /bɔːld/
with no effort to conceal
From this reading Since their first sight of the giant-winged monster soaring and humming over X----, the eagles of Bald Face had not dared to venture far from home in their foragings.
maintain with or as if with a bet
From this reading "The old bird thinks he can fly some," mused MacCreedy, "but I bet I'm going to give him the surprise of his life!"
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading A few moments more, and he was himself surprised, as the solitary sentinel was joined by another, and another, and another, till presently there were six of the great birds flapping and whirling between him and Bald Face, about at the level of the edge of the plateau.
warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading "The old bird thinks he can fly some," mused MacCreedy, "but I bet I'm going to give him the surprise of his life!"
plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading A few moments more, and he was himself surprised, as the solitary sentinel was joined by another, and another, and another, till presently there were six of the great birds flapping and whirling between him and Bald Face, about at the level of the edge of the plateau.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "The old bird thinks he can fly some," mused MacCreedy, "but I bet I'm going to give him the surprise of his life!"
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A few moments more, and he was himself surprised, as the solitary sentinel was joined by another, and another, and another, till presently there were six of the great birds flapping and whirling between him and Bald Face, about at the level of the edge of the plateau.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading MacCreedy, as he came within a mile or two of the mountain, took note of an eagle not far ahead, circling at a higher level than himself.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading "The old bird thinks he can fly some," mused MacCreedy, "but I bet I'm going to give him the surprise of his life!"
circlingverbUS /ˈsɜːrkəlɪŋ/
-ing form of “circle” — travel around something
From this reading MacCreedy, as he came within a mile or two of the mountain, took note of an eagle not far ahead, circling at a higher level than himself.
past form of “dare” — take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission
From this reading Since their first sight of the giant-winged monster soaring and humming over X----, the eagles of Bald Face had not dared to venture far from home in their foragings.
eaglenounUS /ˈiːɡəl/
any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight
From this reading MacCreedy, as he came within a mile or two of the mountain, took note of an eagle not far ahead, circling at a higher level than himself.
eaglesnounUS /ˈiːɡəlz/
plural of “eagle” — any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight
From this reading Since their first sight of the giant-winged monster soaring and humming over X----, the eagles of Bald Face had not dared to venture far from home in their foragings.
the boundary of a surface
From this reading A few moments more, and he was himself surprised, as the solitary sentinel was joined by another, and another, and another, till presently there were six of the great birds flapping and whirling between him and Bald Face, about at the level of the edge of the plateau.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Since their first sight of the giant-winged monster soaring and humming over X----, the eagles of Bald Face had not dared to venture far from home in their foragings.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading Since their first sight of the giant-winged monster soaring and humming over X----, the eagles of Bald Face had not dared to venture far from home in their foragings.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading A few moments more, and he was himself surprised, as the solitary sentinel was joined by another, and another, and another, till presently there were six of the great birds flapping and whirling between him and Bald Face, about at the level of the edge of the plateau.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Since their first sight of the giant-winged monster soaring and humming over X----, the eagles of Bald Face had not dared to venture far from home in their foragings.
flappingnounUS /ˈflæpɪŋ/
the motion made by flapping up and down
From this reading A few moments more, and he was himself surprised, as the solitary sentinel was joined by another, and another, and another, till presently there were six of the great birds flapping and whirling between him and Bald Face, about at the level of the edge of the plateau.
travel through the air; be airborne
From this reading "The old bird thinks he can fly some," mused MacCreedy, "but I bet I'm going to give him the surprise of his life!"
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Their nerves were raw with angry anxiety for their nests.
foragings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Since their first sight of the giant-winged monster soaring and humming over X----, the eagles of Bald Face had not dared to venture far from home in their foragings.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Since their first sight of the giant-winged monster soaring and humming over X----, the eagles of Bald Face had not dared to venture far from home in their foragings.
giant-winged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Since their first sight of the giant-winged monster soaring and humming over X----, the eagles of Bald Face had not dared to venture far from home in their foragings.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading "The old bird thinks he can fly some," mused MacCreedy, "but I bet I'm going to give him the surprise of his life!"
the act of departing
From this reading "The old bird thinks he can fly some," mused MacCreedy, "but I bet I'm going to give him the surprise of his life!"
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading A few moments more, and he was himself surprised, as the solitary sentinel was joined by another, and another, and another, till presently there were six of the great birds flapping and whirling between him and Bald Face, about at the level of the edge of the plateau.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Since their first sight of the giant-winged monster soaring and humming over X----, the eagles of Bald Face had not dared to venture far from home in their foragings.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading MacCreedy, as he came within a mile or two of the mountain, took note of an eagle not far ahead, circling at a higher level than himself.
advanced in complexity or elaboration
From this reading MacCreedy, as he came within a mile or two of the mountain, took note of an eagle not far ahead, circling at a higher level than himself.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "The old bird thinks he can fly some," mused MacCreedy, "but I bet I'm going to give him the surprise of his life!"
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading MacCreedy, as he came within a mile or two of the mountain, took note of an eagle not far ahead, circling at a higher level than himself.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading "The old bird thinks he can fly some," mused MacCreedy, "but I bet I'm going to give him the surprise of his life!"
where you live at a particular time
From this reading Since their first sight of the giant-winged monster soaring and humming over X----, the eagles of Bald Face had not dared to venture far from home in their foragings.
hummingnounUS /ˈhʌmɪŋ/
a humming noise
From this reading Since their first sight of the giant-winged monster soaring and humming over X----, the eagles of Bald Face had not dared to venture far from home in their foragings.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "The old bird thinks he can fly some," mused MacCreedy, "but I bet I'm going to give him the surprise of his life!"
I'm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "The old bird thinks he can fly some," mused MacCreedy, "but I bet I'm going to give him the surprise of his life!"
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Since their first sight of the giant-winged monster soaring and humming over X----, the eagles of Bald Face had not dared to venture far from home in their foragings.
of or relating to two people who are married to each other
From this reading A few moments more, and he was himself surprised, as the solitary sentinel was joined by another, and another, and another, till presently there were six of the great birds flapping and whirling between him and Bald Face, about at the level of the edge of the plateau.
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading MacCreedy, as he came within a mile or two of the mountain, took note of an eagle not far ahead, circling at a higher level than himself.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading "The old bird thinks he can fly some," mused MacCreedy, "but I bet I'm going to give him the surprise of his life!"
MacCreedy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MacCreedy, as he came within a mile or two of the mountain, took note of an eagle not far ahead, circling at a higher level than himself.
a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading MacCreedy, as he came within a mile or two of the mountain, took note of an eagle not far ahead, circling at a higher level than himself.
plural of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading A few moments more, and he was himself surprised, as the solitary sentinel was joined by another, and another, and another, till presently there were six of the great birds flapping and whirling between him and Bald Face, about at the level of the edge of the plateau.
monsternounUS /ˈmɑːnstər/
an imaginary creature usually having various human and animal parts
From this reading Since their first sight of the giant-winged monster soaring and humming over X----, the eagles of Bald Face had not dared to venture far from home in their foragings.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading A few moments more, and he was himself surprised, as the solitary sentinel was joined by another, and another, and another, till presently there were six of the great birds flapping and whirling between him and Bald Face, about at the level of the edge of the plateau.
a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading MacCreedy, as he came within a mile or two of the mountain, took note of an eagle not far ahead, circling at a higher level than himself.
musedverbUS /mjuːzd/
past form of “muse” — reflect deeply on a subject
From this reading "The old bird thinks he can fly some," mused MacCreedy, "but I bet I'm going to give him the surprise of his life!"
an uneasy psychological state
From this reading Their nerves were raw with angry anxiety for their nests.
nestsnounUS /nests/
plural of “nest” — a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young
From this reading Their nerves were raw with angry anxiety for their nests.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Since their first sight of the giant-winged monster soaring and humming over X----, the eagles of Bald Face had not dared to venture far from home in their foragings.
a brief written record
From this reading MacCreedy, as he came within a mile or two of the mountain, took note of an eagle not far ahead, circling at a higher level than himself.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Since their first sight of the giant-winged monster soaring and humming over X----, the eagles of Bald Face had not dared to venture far from home in their foragings.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading "The old bird thinks he can fly some," mused MacCreedy, "but I bet I'm going to give him the surprise of his life!"
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading MacCreedy, as he came within a mile or two of the mountain, took note of an eagle not far ahead, circling at a higher level than himself.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Since their first sight of the giant-winged monster soaring and humming over X----, the eagles of Bald Face had not dared to venture far from home in their foragings.
plateaunounUS /plæˈtoʊ/
a relatively flat highland
From this reading A few moments more, and he was himself surprised, as the solitary sentinel was joined by another, and another, and another, till presently there were six of the great birds flapping and whirling between him and Bald Face, about at the level of the edge of the plateau.
in the near future
From this reading A few moments more, and he was himself surprised, as the solitary sentinel was joined by another, and another, and another, till presently there were six of the great birds flapping and whirling between him and Bald Face, about at the level of the edge of the plateau.
rawadjectiveUS /rɑː/
(used especially of commodities) being unprocessed or manufactured using only simple or minimal processes
From this reading Their nerves were raw with angry anxiety for their nests.
sentinelnounUS /ˈsentənəl/
a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
From this reading A few moments more, and he was himself surprised, as the solitary sentinel was joined by another, and another, and another, till presently there were six of the great birds flapping and whirling between him and Bald Face, about at the level of the edge of the plateau.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading Since their first sight of the giant-winged monster soaring and humming over X----, the eagles of Bald Face had not dared to venture far from home in their foragings.
SinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Since their first sight of the giant-winged monster soaring and humming over X----, the eagles of Bald Face had not dared to venture far from home in their foragings.
the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
From this reading A few moments more, and he was himself surprised, as the solitary sentinel was joined by another, and another, and another, till presently there were six of the great birds flapping and whirling between him and Bald Face, about at the level of the edge of the plateau.
soaringadjectiveUS /ˈsɔːrɪŋ/
ascending to a level markedly higher than the usual
From this reading Since their first sight of the giant-winged monster soaring and humming over X----, the eagles of Bald Face had not dared to venture far from home in their foragings.
characterized by or preferring solitude
From this reading A few moments more, and he was himself surprised, as the solitary sentinel was joined by another, and another, and another, till presently there were six of the great birds flapping and whirling between him and Bald Face, about at the level of the edge of the plateau.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading "The old bird thinks he can fly some," mused MacCreedy, "but I bet I'm going to give him the surprise of his life!"
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading "The old bird thinks he can fly some," mused MacCreedy, "but I bet I'm going to give him the surprise of his life!"
taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment
From this reading A few moments more, and he was himself surprised, as the solitary sentinel was joined by another, and another, and another, till presently there were six of the great birds flapping and whirling between him and Bald Face, about at the level of the edge of the plateau.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading MacCreedy, as he came within a mile or two of the mountain, took note of an eagle not far ahead, circling at a higher level than himself.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Since their first sight of the giant-winged monster soaring and humming over X----, the eagles of Bald Face had not dared to venture far from home in their foragings.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Since their first sight of the giant-winged monster soaring and humming over X----, the eagles of Bald Face had not dared to venture far from home in their foragings.
in or at that place or location
From this reading A few moments more, and he was himself surprised, as the solitary sentinel was joined by another, and another, and another, till presently there were six of the great birds flapping and whirling between him and Bald Face, about at the level of the edge of the plateau.
plural of “think” — an instance of deliberate thinking
From this reading "The old bird thinks he can fly some," mused MacCreedy, "but I bet I'm going to give him the surprise of his life!"
up to a particular time
From this reading A few moments more, and he was himself surprised, as the solitary sentinel was joined by another, and another, and another, till presently there were six of the great birds flapping and whirling between him and Bald Face, about at the level of the edge of the plateau.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Since their first sight of the giant-winged monster soaring and humming over X----, the eagles of Bald Face had not dared to venture far from home in their foragings.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading MacCreedy, as he came within a mile or two of the mountain, took note of an eagle not far ahead, circling at a higher level than himself.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading MacCreedy, as he came within a mile or two of the mountain, took note of an eagle not far ahead, circling at a higher level than himself.
any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome
From this reading Since their first sight of the giant-winged monster soaring and humming over X----, the eagles of Bald Face had not dared to venture far from home in their foragings.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A few moments more, and he was himself surprised, as the solitary sentinel was joined by another, and another, and another, till presently there were six of the great birds flapping and whirling between him and Bald Face, about at the level of the edge of the plateau.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Their nerves were raw with angry anxiety for their nests.
whirlingnounUS /ˈwɜːrlɪŋ/
the act of rotating in a circle or spiral
From this reading A few moments more, and he was himself surprised, as the solitary sentinel was joined by another, and another, and another, till presently there were six of the great birds flapping and whirling between him and Bald Face, about at the level of the edge of the plateau.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Their nerves were raw with angry anxiety for their nests.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading MacCreedy, as he came within a mile or two of the mountain, took note of an eagle not far ahead, circling at a higher level than himself.
XnounUS /eks/
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading Since their first sight of the giant-winged monster soaring and humming over X----, the eagles of Bald Face had not dared to venture far from home in their foragings.
