used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Thunderbolts From our vantage-point near the cavern roof, we could not clearly follow all that was happening a mile beneath; however, we were able to observe more than a little.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading Thunderbolts From our vantage-point near the cavern roof, we could not clearly follow all that was happening a mile beneath; however, we were able to observe more than a little.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading To discover much about their appearance or costume was out of the question; nevertheless, we were not long in learning their nature, for they immediately drew themselves up into precise rectangular formations, each of which was divided into scores of long, mathematically even columns.
declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of
From this reading In the beginning, we were astonished to see the doors at the base of the excavation all thrown open, to admit a multitude of black ant-like mites, which we did not at first recognize as human beings.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading Thunderbolts From our vantage-point near the cavern roof, we could not clearly follow all that was happening a mile beneath; however, we were able to observe more than a little.
ant-like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the beginning, we were astonished to see the doors at the base of the excavation all thrown open, to admit a multitude of black ant-like mites, which we did not at first recognize as human beings.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading To discover much about their appearance or costume was out of the question; nevertheless, we were not long in learning their nature, for they immediately drew themselves up into precise rectangular formations, each of which was divided into scores of long, mathematically even columns.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In the beginning, we were astonished to see the doors at the base of the excavation all thrown open, to admit a multitude of black ant-like mites, which we did not at first recognize as human beings.
filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock
From this reading In the beginning, we were astonished to see the doors at the base of the excavation all thrown open, to admit a multitude of black ant-like mites, which we did not at first recognize as human beings.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading In the beginning, we were astonished to see the doors at the base of the excavation all thrown open, to admit a multitude of black ant-like mites, which we did not at first recognize as human beings.
installation from which a military force initiates operations
From this reading In the beginning, we were astonished to see the doors at the base of the excavation all thrown open, to admit a multitude of black ant-like mites, which we did not at first recognize as human beings.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading So minute were they, in view of their distance, that they might have been mere swarming insects.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading In the beginning, we were astonished to see the doors at the base of the excavation all thrown open, to admit a multitude of black ant-like mites, which we did not at first recognize as human beings.
beingsnounUS /ˈbiːɪŋz/
plural of “being” — the state or fact of existing
From this reading In the beginning, we were astonished to see the doors at the base of the excavation all thrown open, to admit a multitude of black ant-like mites, which we did not at first recognize as human beings.
Directly under; in or to a lower position than.
From this reading Thunderbolts From our vantage-point near the cavern roof, we could not clearly follow all that was happening a mile beneath; however, we were able to observe more than a little.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading In the beginning, we were astonished to see the doors at the base of the excavation all thrown open, to admit a multitude of black ant-like mites, which we did not at first recognize as human beings.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading "By Heaven!"
cavernnounUS /ˈkæv.ərn/
A large, vast underground cave, often filled with forgotten ancient treasures.
From this reading Thunderbolts From our vantage-point near the cavern roof, we could not clearly follow all that was happening a mile beneath; however, we were able to observe more than a little.
without doubt or question
From this reading Thunderbolts From our vantage-point near the cavern roof, we could not clearly follow all that was happening a mile beneath; however, we were able to observe more than a little.
columnsnounUS /ˈkɑːləmz/
plural of “column” — a line of units following one after another
From this reading To discover much about their appearance or costume was out of the question; nevertheless, we were not long in learning their nature, for they immediately drew themselves up into precise rectangular formations, each of which was divided into scores of long, mathematically even columns.
costumenounUS /kɑːˈstuːm/
the attire worn in a play or at a fancy dress ball
From this reading To discover much about their appearance or costume was out of the question; nevertheless, we were not long in learning their nature, for they immediately drew themselves up into precise rectangular formations, each of which was divided into scores of long, mathematically even columns.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Thunderbolts From our vantage-point near the cavern roof, we could not clearly follow all that was happening a mile beneath; however, we were able to observe more than a little.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading In the beginning, we were astonished to see the doors at the base of the excavation all thrown open, to admit a multitude of black ant-like mites, which we did not at first recognize as human beings.
discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading To discover much about their appearance or costume was out of the question; nevertheless, we were not long in learning their nature, for they immediately drew themselves up into precise rectangular formations, each of which was divided into scores of long, mathematically even columns.
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading So minute were they, in view of their distance, that they might have been mere swarming insects.
separated into parts or pieces
From this reading To discover much about their appearance or costume was out of the question; nevertheless, we were not long in learning their nature, for they immediately drew themselves up into precise rectangular formations, each of which was divided into scores of long, mathematically even columns.
plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading In the beginning, we were astonished to see the doors at the base of the excavation all thrown open, to admit a multitude of black ant-like mites, which we did not at first recognize as human beings.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading To discover much about their appearance or costume was out of the question; nevertheless, we were not long in learning their nature, for they immediately drew themselves up into precise rectangular formations, each of which was divided into scores of long, mathematically even columns.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading To discover much about their appearance or costume was out of the question; nevertheless, we were not long in learning their nature, for they immediately drew themselves up into precise rectangular formations, each of which was divided into scores of long, mathematically even columns.
divisible by two
From this reading To discover much about their appearance or costume was out of the question; nevertheless, we were not long in learning their nature, for they immediately drew themselves up into precise rectangular formations, each of which was divided into scores of long, mathematically even columns.
excavationnounUS /ˌekskəˈveɪʃən/
the act of digging
From this reading In the beginning, we were astonished to see the doors at the base of the excavation all thrown open, to admit a multitude of black ant-like mites, which we did not at first recognize as human beings.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading In the beginning, we were astonished to see the doors at the base of the excavation all thrown open, to admit a multitude of black ant-like mites, which we did not at first recognize as human beings.
to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading Thunderbolts From our vantage-point near the cavern roof, we could not clearly follow all that was happening a mile beneath; however, we were able to observe more than a little.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading To discover much about their appearance or costume was out of the question; nevertheless, we were not long in learning their nature, for they immediately drew themselves up into precise rectangular formations, each of which was divided into scores of long, mathematically even columns.
formationsnounUS /fɔːrˈmeɪʃənz/
plural of “formation” — an arrangement of people or things acting as a unit
From this reading To discover much about their appearance or costume was out of the question; nevertheless, we were not long in learning their nature, for they immediately drew themselves up into precise rectangular formations, each of which was divided into scores of long, mathematically even columns.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Thunderbolts From our vantage-point near the cavern roof, we could not clearly follow all that was happening a mile beneath; however, we were able to observe more than a little.
happeningnounUS /ˈhæpənɪŋ/
an event that happens
From this reading Thunderbolts From our vantage-point near the cavern roof, we could not clearly follow all that was happening a mile beneath; however, we were able to observe more than a little.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading So minute were they, in view of their distance, that they might have been mere swarming insects.
any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
From this reading "By Heaven!"
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading Thunderbolts From our vantage-point near the cavern roof, we could not clearly follow all that was happening a mile beneath; however, we were able to observe more than a little.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading In the beginning, we were astonished to see the doors at the base of the excavation all thrown open, to admit a multitude of black ant-like mites, which we did not at first recognize as human beings.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading To discover much about their appearance or costume was out of the question; nevertheless, we were not long in learning their nature, for they immediately drew themselves up into precise rectangular formations, each of which was divided into scores of long, mathematically even columns.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In the beginning, we were astonished to see the doors at the base of the excavation all thrown open, to admit a multitude of black ant-like mites, which we did not at first recognize as human beings.
insectsnounUS /ˈɪnsekts/
plural of “insect” — small air-breathing arthropod
From this reading So minute were they, in view of their distance, that they might have been mere swarming insects.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading To discover much about their appearance or costume was out of the question; nevertheless, we were not long in learning their nature, for they immediately drew themselves up into precise rectangular formations, each of which was divided into scores of long, mathematically even columns.
the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge
From this reading To discover much about their appearance or costume was out of the question; nevertheless, we were not long in learning their nature, for they immediately drew themselves up into precise rectangular formations, each of which was divided into scores of long, mathematically even columns.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Thunderbolts From our vantage-point near the cavern roof, we could not clearly follow all that was happening a mile beneath; however, we were able to observe more than a little.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading To discover much about their appearance or costume was out of the question; nevertheless, we were not long in learning their nature, for they immediately drew themselves up into precise rectangular formations, each of which was divided into scores of long, mathematically even columns.
mathematicallyadverbUS /ˌmæθəˈmætɪkəli/
with respect to mathematics
From this reading To discover much about their appearance or costume was out of the question; nevertheless, we were not long in learning their nature, for they immediately drew themselves up into precise rectangular formations, each of which was divided into scores of long, mathematically even columns.
being nothing more than specified
From this reading So minute were they, in view of their distance, that they might have been mere swarming insects.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading So minute were they, in view of their distance, that they might have been mere swarming insects.
a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading Thunderbolts From our vantage-point near the cavern roof, we could not clearly follow all that was happening a mile beneath; however, we were able to observe more than a little.
a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour
From this reading So minute were they, in view of their distance, that they might have been mere swarming insects.
mitesnounUS /maɪts/
plural of “mite” — a slight but appreciable amount
From this reading In the beginning, we were astonished to see the doors at the base of the excavation all thrown open, to admit a multitude of black ant-like mites, which we did not at first recognize as human beings.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Thunderbolts From our vantage-point near the cavern roof, we could not clearly follow all that was happening a mile beneath; however, we were able to observe more than a little.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading To discover much about their appearance or costume was out of the question; nevertheless, we were not long in learning their nature, for they immediately drew themselves up into precise rectangular formations, each of which was divided into scores of long, mathematically even columns.
multitudenounUS /ˈmʌltətuːd/
a large indefinite number
From this reading In the beginning, we were astonished to see the doors at the base of the excavation all thrown open, to admit a multitude of black ant-like mites, which we did not at first recognize as human beings.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading To discover much about their appearance or costume was out of the question; nevertheless, we were not long in learning their nature, for they immediately drew themselves up into precise rectangular formations, each of which was divided into scores of long, mathematically even columns.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading Thunderbolts From our vantage-point near the cavern roof, we could not clearly follow all that was happening a mile beneath; however, we were able to observe more than a little.
in spite of what has just been said
From this reading To discover much about their appearance or costume was out of the question; nevertheless, we were not long in learning their nature, for they immediately drew themselves up into precise rectangular formations, each of which was divided into scores of long, mathematically even columns.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Thunderbolts From our vantage-point near the cavern roof, we could not clearly follow all that was happening a mile beneath; however, we were able to observe more than a little.
discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading Thunderbolts From our vantage-point near the cavern roof, we could not clearly follow all that was happening a mile beneath; however, we were able to observe more than a little.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In the beginning, we were astonished to see the doors at the base of the excavation all thrown open, to admit a multitude of black ant-like mites, which we did not at first recognize as human beings.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading In the beginning, we were astonished to see the doors at the base of the excavation all thrown open, to admit a multitude of black ant-like mites, which we did not at first recognize as human beings.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading To discover much about their appearance or costume was out of the question; nevertheless, we were not long in learning their nature, for they immediately drew themselves up into precise rectangular formations, each of which was divided into scores of long, mathematically even columns.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Thunderbolts From our vantage-point near the cavern roof, we could not clearly follow all that was happening a mile beneath; however, we were able to observe more than a little.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading To discover much about their appearance or costume was out of the question; nevertheless, we were not long in learning their nature, for they immediately drew themselves up into precise rectangular formations, each of which was divided into scores of long, mathematically even columns.
preciseadjectiveUS /prɪˈsaɪs/
sharply exact or accurate or delimited
From this reading To discover much about their appearance or costume was out of the question; nevertheless, we were not long in learning their nature, for they immediately drew themselves up into precise rectangular formations, each of which was divided into scores of long, mathematically even columns.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading To discover much about their appearance or costume was out of the question; nevertheless, we were not long in learning their nature, for they immediately drew themselves up into precise rectangular formations, each of which was divided into scores of long, mathematically even columns.
recognizeverbUS /ˈrekəɡnaɪz/
accept (someone) to be what is claimed or accept his power and authority
From this reading In the beginning, we were astonished to see the doors at the base of the excavation all thrown open, to admit a multitude of black ant-like mites, which we did not at first recognize as human beings.
rectangularadjectiveUS /rekˈtæŋɡjələr/
having four right angles
From this reading To discover much about their appearance or costume was out of the question; nevertheless, we were not long in learning their nature, for they immediately drew themselves up into precise rectangular formations, each of which was divided into scores of long, mathematically even columns.
a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
From this reading Thunderbolts From our vantage-point near the cavern roof, we could not clearly follow all that was happening a mile beneath; however, we were able to observe more than a little.
scoresnounUS /skɔːrz/
a large number or amount
From this reading To discover much about their appearance or costume was out of the question; nevertheless, we were not long in learning their nature, for they immediately drew themselves up into precise rectangular formations, each of which was divided into scores of long, mathematically even columns.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading In the beginning, we were astonished to see the doors at the base of the excavation all thrown open, to admit a multitude of black ant-like mites, which we did not at first recognize as human beings.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading So minute were they, in view of their distance, that they might have been mere swarming insects.
swarmingverbUS /ˈswɔːrmɪŋ/
-ing form of “swarm” — be teeming, be abuzz
From this reading So minute were they, in view of their distance, that they might have been mere swarming insects.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Thunderbolts From our vantage-point near the cavern roof, we could not clearly follow all that was happening a mile beneath; however, we were able to observe more than a little.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Thunderbolts From our vantage-point near the cavern roof, we could not clearly follow all that was happening a mile beneath; however, we were able to observe more than a little.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Thunderbolts From our vantage-point near the cavern roof, we could not clearly follow all that was happening a mile beneath; however, we were able to observe more than a little.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading So minute were they, in view of their distance, that they might have been mere swarming insects.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading To discover much about their appearance or costume was out of the question; nevertheless, we were not long in learning their nature, for they immediately drew themselves up into precise rectangular formations, each of which was divided into scores of long, mathematically even columns.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading So minute were they, in view of their distance, that they might have been mere swarming insects.
caused to fall to the ground
From this reading In the beginning, we were astonished to see the doors at the base of the excavation all thrown open, to admit a multitude of black ant-like mites, which we did not at first recognize as human beings.
Thunderbolts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thunderbolts From our vantage-point near the cavern roof, we could not clearly follow all that was happening a mile beneath; however, we were able to observe more than a little.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Thunderbolts From our vantage-point near the cavern roof, we could not clearly follow all that was happening a mile beneath; however, we were able to observe more than a little.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading To discover much about their appearance or costume was out of the question; nevertheless, we were not long in learning their nature, for they immediately drew themselves up into precise rectangular formations, each of which was divided into scores of long, mathematically even columns.
vantage-point
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thunderbolts From our vantage-point near the cavern roof, we could not clearly follow all that was happening a mile beneath; however, we were able to observe more than a little.
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading So minute were they, in view of their distance, that they might have been mere swarming insects.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Thunderbolts From our vantage-point near the cavern roof, we could not clearly follow all that was happening a mile beneath; however, we were able to observe more than a little.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Thunderbolts From our vantage-point near the cavern roof, we could not clearly follow all that was happening a mile beneath; however, we were able to observe more than a little.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Thunderbolts From our vantage-point near the cavern roof, we could not clearly follow all that was happening a mile beneath; however, we were able to observe more than a little.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading In the beginning, we were astonished to see the doors at the base of the excavation all thrown open, to admit a multitude of black ant-like mites, which we did not at first recognize as human beings.
