used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading SURROUNDED Above, a pale, hot sky with only a wisp of cloud; below, a semi-arid "pasture," scant in grass, seamed by tortuous gullies and studded with small, compact thickets and bulky bowlders.
AboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading SURROUNDED Above, a pale, hot sky with only a wisp of cloud; below, a semi-arid "pasture," scant in grass, seamed by tortuous gullies and studded with small, compact thickets and bulky bowlders.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading Minute clouds of smoke spurted from the top of the wall and from the many points of vantage on the pasture to hang wavering for an instant before lazily dissipating in the hot, close air.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Minute clouds of smoke spurted from the top of the wall and from the many points of vantage on the pasture to hang wavering for an instant before lazily dissipating in the hot, close air.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading SURROUNDED Above, a pale, hot sky with only a wisp of cloud; below, a semi-arid "pasture," scant in grass, seamed by tortuous gullies and studded with small, compact thickets and bulky bowlders.
appearingnounUS /əˈpɪrɪŋ/
formal attendance (in court or at a hearing) of a party in an action
From this reading A wall of chaparral, appearing solid when viewed from a distance, fenced the pasture, and rising boldly from the southwest end of the clearing a towering mass of rock flung its rugged ramparts skyward.
a distinct feature or element in a problem
From this reading Nature had been in a sullen mood when this scene had been perpetrated and there was no need of men trying to heighten the gloomy aspect by killing each other.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Nature had been in a sullen mood when this scene had been perpetrated and there was no need of men trying to heighten the gloomy aspect by killing each other.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Minute clouds of smoke spurted from the top of the wall and from the many points of vantage on the pasture to hang wavering for an instant before lazily dissipating in the hot, close air.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading SURROUNDED Above, a pale, hot sky with only a wisp of cloud; below, a semi-arid "pasture," scant in grass, seamed by tortuous gullies and studded with small, compact thickets and bulky bowlders.
boldlyadverbUS /ˈboʊldli/
with boldness, in a bold manner
From this reading A wall of chaparral, appearing solid when viewed from a distance, fenced the pasture, and rising boldly from the southwest end of the clearing a towering mass of rock flung its rugged ramparts skyward.
bowlders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SURROUNDED Above, a pale, hot sky with only a wisp of cloud; below, a semi-arid "pasture," scant in grass, seamed by tortuous gullies and studded with small, compact thickets and bulky bowlders.
bulkyadjectiveUS /ˈbʌlki/
of large size for its weight
From this reading SURROUNDED Above, a pale, hot sky with only a wisp of cloud; below, a semi-arid "pasture," scant in grass, seamed by tortuous gullies and studded with small, compact thickets and bulky bowlders.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading SURROUNDED Above, a pale, hot sky with only a wisp of cloud; below, a semi-arid "pasture," scant in grass, seamed by tortuous gullies and studded with small, compact thickets and bulky bowlders.
chaparralnounUS /ˌʃæpərˈæl/
dense vegetation consisting of stunted trees or bushes
From this reading A wall of chaparral, appearing solid when viewed from a distance, fenced the pasture, and rising boldly from the southwest end of the clearing a towering mass of rock flung its rugged ramparts skyward.
clearingnounUS /ˈklɪrɪŋ/
a tract of land with few or no trees in the middle of a wooded area
From this reading A wall of chaparral, appearing solid when viewed from a distance, fenced the pasture, and rising boldly from the southwest end of the clearing a towering mass of rock flung its rugged ramparts skyward.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading Minute clouds of smoke spurted from the top of the wall and from the many points of vantage on the pasture to hang wavering for an instant before lazily dissipating in the hot, close air.
make overcast or cloudy
From this reading SURROUNDED Above, a pale, hot sky with only a wisp of cloud; below, a semi-arid "pasture," scant in grass, seamed by tortuous gullies and studded with small, compact thickets and bulky bowlders.
plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible
From this reading Minute clouds of smoke spurted from the top of the wall and from the many points of vantage on the pasture to hang wavering for an instant before lazily dissipating in the hot, close air.
compactnounUS /ˈkɑːmpækt/
a small cosmetics case with a mirror; to be carried in a woman's purse
From this reading SURROUNDED Above, a pale, hot sky with only a wisp of cloud; below, a semi-arid "pasture," scant in grass, seamed by tortuous gullies and studded with small, compact thickets and bulky bowlders.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Yet they were trying and had been for a week, and they could have found no surroundings more in keeping with their occupation.
dissipatingverbUS /ˈdɪsəpeɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “dissipate” — to cause to separate and go in different directions
From this reading Minute clouds of smoke spurted from the top of the wall and from the many points of vantage on the pasture to hang wavering for an instant before lazily dissipating in the hot, close air.
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading A wall of chaparral, appearing solid when viewed from a distance, fenced the pasture, and rising boldly from the southwest end of the clearing a towering mass of rock flung its rugged ramparts skyward.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Nature had been in a sullen mood when this scene had been perpetrated and there was no need of men trying to heighten the gloomy aspect by killing each other.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading A wall of chaparral, appearing solid when viewed from a distance, fenced the pasture, and rising boldly from the southwest end of the clearing a towering mass of rock flung its rugged ramparts skyward.
fencedverbUS /fenst/
past form of “fence” — enclose with a fence
From this reading A wall of chaparral, appearing solid when viewed from a distance, fenced the pasture, and rising boldly from the southwest end of the clearing a towering mass of rock flung its rugged ramparts skyward.
inflected form of “fling” — throw with force or recklessness
From this reading A wall of chaparral, appearing solid when viewed from a distance, fenced the pasture, and rising boldly from the southwest end of the clearing a towering mass of rock flung its rugged ramparts skyward.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Yet they were trying and had been for a week, and they could have found no surroundings more in keeping with their occupation.
set up or found
From this reading Yet they were trying and had been for a week, and they could have found no surroundings more in keeping with their occupation.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A wall of chaparral, appearing solid when viewed from a distance, fenced the pasture, and rising boldly from the southwest end of the clearing a towering mass of rock flung its rugged ramparts skyward.
depressingly dark
From this reading Nature had been in a sullen mood when this scene had been perpetrated and there was no need of men trying to heighten the gloomy aspect by killing each other.
shoot down, of birds
From this reading SURROUNDED Above, a pale, hot sky with only a wisp of cloud; below, a semi-arid "pasture," scant in grass, seamed by tortuous gullies and studded with small, compact thickets and bulky bowlders.
gulliesnounUS /ˈɡʌliz/
plural of “gully” — deep ditch cut by running water (especially after a prolonged downpour)
From this reading SURROUNDED Above, a pale, hot sky with only a wisp of cloud; below, a semi-arid "pasture," scant in grass, seamed by tortuous gullies and studded with small, compact thickets and bulky bowlders.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Nature had been in a sullen mood when this scene had been perpetrated and there was no need of men trying to heighten the gloomy aspect by killing each other.
be suspended or hanging
From this reading Minute clouds of smoke spurted from the top of the wall and from the many points of vantage on the pasture to hang wavering for an instant before lazily dissipating in the hot, close air.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Yet they were trying and had been for a week, and they could have found no surroundings more in keeping with their occupation.
heightenverbUS /ˈhaɪtən/
become more extreme
From this reading Nature had been in a sullen mood when this scene had been perpetrated and there was no need of men trying to heighten the gloomy aspect by killing each other.
used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
From this reading SURROUNDED Above, a pale, hot sky with only a wisp of cloud; below, a semi-arid "pasture," scant in grass, seamed by tortuous gullies and studded with small, compact thickets and bulky bowlders.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading SURROUNDED Above, a pale, hot sky with only a wisp of cloud; below, a semi-arid "pasture," scant in grass, seamed by tortuous gullies and studded with small, compact thickets and bulky bowlders.
a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
From this reading Minute clouds of smoke spurted from the top of the wall and from the many points of vantage on the pasture to hang wavering for an instant before lazily dissipating in the hot, close air.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading A wall of chaparral, appearing solid when viewed from a distance, fenced the pasture, and rising boldly from the southwest end of the clearing a towering mass of rock flung its rugged ramparts skyward.
conformity or harmony
From this reading Yet they were trying and had been for a week, and they could have found no surroundings more in keeping with their occupation.
killingnounUS /ˈkɪlɪŋ/
an event that causes someone to die
From this reading Nature had been in a sullen mood when this scene had been perpetrated and there was no need of men trying to heighten the gloomy aspect by killing each other.
lazilyadverbUS /ˈlæzəli/
in a slow and lazy manner
From this reading Minute clouds of smoke spurted from the top of the wall and from the many points of vantage on the pasture to hang wavering for an instant before lazily dissipating in the hot, close air.
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 Minute clouds of smoke spurted from the top of the wall and from the many points of vantage on the pasture to hang wavering for an instant before lazily dissipating in the hot, close air.
the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field
From this reading A wall of chaparral, appearing solid when viewed from a distance, fenced the pasture, and rising boldly from the southwest end of the clearing a towering mass of rock flung its rugged ramparts skyward.
the force of workers available
From this reading Nature had been in a sullen mood when this scene had been perpetrated and there was no need of men trying to heighten the gloomy aspect by killing each other.
a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour
From this reading Minute clouds of smoke spurted from the top of the wall and from the many points of vantage on the pasture to hang wavering for an instant before lazily dissipating in the hot, close air.
a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
From this reading Nature had been in a sullen mood when this scene had been perpetrated and there was no need of men trying to heighten the gloomy aspect by killing each other.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Yet they were trying and had been for a week, and they could have found no surroundings more in keeping with their occupation.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading Nature had been in a sullen mood when this scene had been perpetrated and there was no need of men trying to heighten the gloomy aspect by killing each other.
a condition requiring relief
From this reading Nature had been in a sullen mood when this scene had been perpetrated and there was no need of men trying to heighten the gloomy aspect by killing each other.
not any; not one
From this reading Nature had been in a sullen mood when this scene had been perpetrated and there was no need of men trying to heighten the gloomy aspect by killing each other.
occupationnounUS /ˌɑːkjəˈpeɪʃən/
the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money
From this reading Yet they were trying and had been for a week, and they could have found no surroundings more in keeping with their occupation.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading SURROUNDED Above, a pale, hot sky with only a wisp of cloud; below, a semi-arid "pasture," scant in grass, seamed by tortuous gullies and studded with small, compact thickets and bulky bowlders.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Minute clouds of smoke spurted from the top of the wall and from the many points of vantage on the pasture to hang wavering for an instant before lazily dissipating in the hot, close air.
and nothing more
From this reading SURROUNDED Above, a pale, hot sky with only a wisp of cloud; below, a semi-arid "pasture," scant in grass, seamed by tortuous gullies and studded with small, compact thickets and bulky bowlders.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Nature had been in a sullen mood when this scene had been perpetrated and there was no need of men trying to heighten the gloomy aspect by killing each other.
very light colored; highly diluted with white
From this reading SURROUNDED Above, a pale, hot sky with only a wisp of cloud; below, a semi-arid "pasture," scant in grass, seamed by tortuous gullies and studded with small, compact thickets and bulky bowlders.
pasturenounUS /ˈpæstʃər/
a field covered with grass or herbage and suitable for grazing by livestock
From this reading SURROUNDED Above, a pale, hot sky with only a wisp of cloud; below, a semi-arid "pasture," scant in grass, seamed by tortuous gullies and studded with small, compact thickets and bulky bowlders.
perpetratedverbUS /ˈpɜːrpətreɪtɪd/
past form of “perpetrate” — perform an act, usually with a negative connotation
From this reading Nature had been in a sullen mood when this scene had been perpetrated and there was no need of men trying to heighten the gloomy aspect by killing each other.
plural of “point” — a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading Minute clouds of smoke spurted from the top of the wall and from the many points of vantage on the pasture to hang wavering for an instant before lazily dissipating in the hot, close air.
rampartsnounUS /ˈræmpɑːrts/
plural of “rampart” — an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes
From this reading A wall of chaparral, appearing solid when viewed from a distance, fenced the pasture, and rising boldly from the southwest end of the clearing a towering mass of rock flung its rugged ramparts skyward.
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading A wall of chaparral, appearing solid when viewed from a distance, fenced the pasture, and rising boldly from the southwest end of the clearing a towering mass of rock flung its rugged ramparts skyward.
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading A wall of chaparral, appearing solid when viewed from a distance, fenced the pasture, and rising boldly from the southwest end of the clearing a towering mass of rock flung its rugged ramparts skyward.
ruggedadjectiveUS /ˈrʌɡəd/
sturdy and strong in constitution or construction; enduring
From this reading A wall of chaparral, appearing solid when viewed from a distance, fenced the pasture, and rising boldly from the southwest end of the clearing a towering mass of rock flung its rugged ramparts skyward.
scantadjectiveUS /skænt/
less than the correct or legal or full amount often deliberately so
From this reading SURROUNDED Above, a pale, hot sky with only a wisp of cloud; below, a semi-arid "pasture," scant in grass, seamed by tortuous gullies and studded with small, compact thickets and bulky bowlders.
the place where some action occurs
From this reading Nature had been in a sullen mood when this scene had been perpetrated and there was no need of men trying to heighten the gloomy aspect by killing each other.
seamedadjective
having or joined by a seam or seams
From this reading SURROUNDED Above, a pale, hot sky with only a wisp of cloud; below, a semi-arid "pasture," scant in grass, seamed by tortuous gullies and studded with small, compact thickets and bulky bowlders.
semi-arid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SURROUNDED Above, a pale, hot sky with only a wisp of cloud; below, a semi-arid "pasture," scant in grass, seamed by tortuous gullies and studded with small, compact thickets and bulky bowlders.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading SURROUNDED Above, a pale, hot sky with only a wisp of cloud; below, a semi-arid "pasture," scant in grass, seamed by tortuous gullies and studded with small, compact thickets and bulky bowlders.
skywardadjectiveUS /ˈskaɪwərd/
directed toward heaven or the sky
From this reading A wall of chaparral, appearing solid when viewed from a distance, fenced the pasture, and rising boldly from the southwest end of the clearing a towering mass of rock flung its rugged ramparts skyward.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading SURROUNDED Above, a pale, hot sky with only a wisp of cloud; below, a semi-arid "pasture," scant in grass, seamed by tortuous gullies and studded with small, compact thickets and bulky bowlders.
a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas
From this reading Minute clouds of smoke spurted from the top of the wall and from the many points of vantage on the pasture to hang wavering for an instant before lazily dissipating in the hot, close air.
solidadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːləd/
characterized by good substantial quality
From this reading A wall of chaparral, appearing solid when viewed from a distance, fenced the pasture, and rising boldly from the southwest end of the clearing a towering mass of rock flung its rugged ramparts skyward.
southwestnounUS /ˌsaʊˈθwest/
the compass point midway between south and west; at 225 degrees
From this reading A wall of chaparral, appearing solid when viewed from a distance, fenced the pasture, and rising boldly from the southwest end of the clearing a towering mass of rock flung its rugged ramparts skyward.
spurtedverbUS /ˈspɜːrtɪd/
past form of “spurt” — gush forth in a sudden stream or jet
From this reading Minute clouds of smoke spurted from the top of the wall and from the many points of vantage on the pasture to hang wavering for an instant before lazily dissipating in the hot, close air.
studdedadjectiveUS /ˈstʌdɪd/
dotted or adorned with or as with studs or nailheads; usually used in combination
From this reading SURROUNDED Above, a pale, hot sky with only a wisp of cloud; below, a semi-arid "pasture," scant in grass, seamed by tortuous gullies and studded with small, compact thickets and bulky bowlders.
sullenadjectiveUS /ˈsʌlən/
showing a brooding ill humor
From this reading Nature had been in a sullen mood when this scene had been perpetrated and there was no need of men trying to heighten the gloomy aspect by killing each other.
confined on all sides
From this reading SURROUNDED Above, a pale, hot sky with only a wisp of cloud; below, a semi-arid "pasture," scant in grass, seamed by tortuous gullies and studded with small, compact thickets and bulky bowlders.
surroundingsnounUS /sərˈaʊndɪŋz/
the environmental condition
From this reading Yet they were trying and had been for a week, and they could have found no surroundings more in keeping with their occupation.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A wall of chaparral, appearing solid when viewed from a distance, fenced the pasture, and rising boldly from the southwest end of the clearing a towering mass of rock flung its rugged ramparts skyward.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Yet they were trying and had been for a week, and they could have found no surroundings more in keeping with their occupation.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Nature had been in a sullen mood when this scene had been perpetrated and there was no need of men trying to heighten the gloomy aspect by killing each other.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Yet they were trying and had been for a week, and they could have found no surroundings more in keeping with their occupation.
thicketsnounUS /ˈθɪkəts/
plural of “thicket” — a dense growth of bushes
From this reading SURROUNDED Above, a pale, hot sky with only a wisp of cloud; below, a semi-arid "pasture," scant in grass, seamed by tortuous gullies and studded with small, compact thickets and bulky bowlders.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Nature had been in a sullen mood when this scene had been perpetrated and there was no need of men trying to heighten the gloomy aspect by killing each other.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Nature had been in a sullen mood when this scene had been perpetrated and there was no need of men trying to heighten the gloomy aspect by killing each other.
the upper part of anything
From this reading Minute clouds of smoke spurted from the top of the wall and from the many points of vantage on the pasture to hang wavering for an instant before lazily dissipating in the hot, close air.
tortuousadjectiveUS /ˈtɔːrtʃəwəs/
highly complex or intricate and occasionally devious
From this reading SURROUNDED Above, a pale, hot sky with only a wisp of cloud; below, a semi-arid "pasture," scant in grass, seamed by tortuous gullies and studded with small, compact thickets and bulky bowlders.
toweringadjectiveUS /ˈtaʊərɪŋ/
of imposing height; especially standing out above others
From this reading A wall of chaparral, appearing solid when viewed from a distance, fenced the pasture, and rising boldly from the southwest end of the clearing a towering mass of rock flung its rugged ramparts skyward.
hard to endure
From this reading Nature had been in a sullen mood when this scene had been perpetrated and there was no need of men trying to heighten the gloomy aspect by killing each other.
vantagenounUS /ˈvæntədʒ/
place or situation affording some advantage (especially a comprehensive view or commanding perspective)
From this reading Minute clouds of smoke spurted from the top of the wall and from the many points of vantage on the pasture to hang wavering for an instant before lazily dissipating in the hot, close air.
viewedverbUS /vjuːd/
past form of “view” — deem to be
From this reading A wall of chaparral, appearing solid when viewed from a distance, fenced the pasture, and rising boldly from the southwest end of the clearing a towering mass of rock flung its rugged ramparts skyward.
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 A wall of chaparral, appearing solid when viewed from a distance, fenced the pasture, and rising boldly from the southwest end of the clearing a towering mass of rock flung its rugged ramparts skyward.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Nature had been in a sullen mood when this scene had been perpetrated and there was no need of men trying to heighten the gloomy aspect by killing each other.
waveringnounUS /ˈweɪvərɪŋ/
indecision in speech or action
From this reading Minute clouds of smoke spurted from the top of the wall and from the many points of vantage on the pasture to hang wavering for an instant before lazily dissipating in the hot, close air.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading Yet they were trying and had been for a week, and they could have found no surroundings more in keeping with their occupation.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Yet they were trying and had been for a week, and they could have found no surroundings more in keeping with their occupation.
at the time that
From this reading A wall of chaparral, appearing solid when viewed from a distance, fenced the pasture, and rising boldly from the southwest end of the clearing a towering mass of rock flung its rugged ramparts skyward.
wispnounUS /wɪsp/
a small tuft or lock
From this reading SURROUNDED Above, a pale, hot sky with only a wisp of cloud; below, a semi-arid "pasture," scant in grass, seamed by tortuous gullies and studded with small, compact thickets and bulky bowlders.
in the company of; together with
From this reading SURROUNDED Above, a pale, hot sky with only a wisp of cloud; below, a semi-arid "pasture," scant in grass, seamed by tortuous gullies and studded with small, compact thickets and bulky bowlders.
but in spite of that
From this reading Yet they were trying and had been for a week, and they could have found no surroundings more in keeping with their occupation.
