used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading We had to guard not only against human enemies, but against jaguars, pumas, prowling bears, and snakes.
(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 As close to the entrance as we dared we piled up sticks, that we might keep a fire blazing all night.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading We had to guard not only against human enemies, but against jaguars, pumas, prowling bears, and snakes.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
the event of one object coming closer to another
From this reading Night approaching, we made preparations for camping.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As close to the entrance as we dared we piled up sticks, that we might keep a fire blazing all night.
have
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
bearsnounUS /berz/
plural of “bear” — massive plantigrade carnivorous or omnivorous mammals with long shaggy coats and strong claws
From this reading We had to guard not only against human enemies, but against jaguars, pumas, prowling bears, and snakes.
blazingadjectiveUS /ˈbleɪzɪŋ/
shining intensely
From this reading As close to the entrance as we dared we piled up sticks, that we might keep a fire blazing all night.
plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading We had to guard not only against human enemies, but against jaguars, pumas, prowling bears, and snakes.
campingnounUS /ˈkæmpɪŋ/
the act of encamping and living in tents in a camp
From this reading Night approaching, we made preparations for camping.
rid of objects or obstructions such as e.g. trees and brush
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
crawlverbUS /krɔːl/
move slowly; in the case of people or animals with the body near the ground
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
past form of “dare” — take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission
From this reading As close to the entrance as we dared we piled up sticks, that we might keep a fire blazing all night.
plural of “enemy” — an opposing military force
From this reading We had to guard not only against human enemies, but against jaguars, pumas, prowling bears, and snakes.
something that provides access (to get in or get out)
From this reading As close to the entrance as we dared we piled up sticks, that we might keep a fire blazing all night.
start firing a weapon
From this reading As close to the entrance as we dared we piled up sticks, that we might keep a fire blazing all night.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Night approaching, we made preparations for camping.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
a person who keeps watch over something or someone
From this reading We had to guard not only against human enemies, but against jaguars, pumas, prowling bears, and snakes.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading We had to guard not only against human enemies, but against jaguars, pumas, prowling bears, and snakes.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
heaviestadjectiveUS /ˈheviəst/
superlative of “heavy” — of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading We then thatched it over with large leaves of sufficient thickness to keep out the heaviest rain.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading We had to guard not only against human enemies, but against jaguars, pumas, prowling bears, and snakes.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
interwovenadjectiveUS /ˌɪntərˈwoʊvən/
linked or locked closely together as by dovetailing
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading We then thatched it over with large leaves of sufficient thickness to keep out the heaviest rain.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
jaguarnounUS /ˈdʒæɡwɑːr/
a large spotted feline of tropical America similar to the leopard; in some classifications considered a member of the genus Felis
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
jaguarsnounUS /ˈdʒæɡwɑːrz/
plural of “jaguar” — a large spotted feline of tropical America similar to the leopard; in some classifications considered a member of the genus Felis
From this reading We had to guard not only against human enemies, but against jaguars, pumas, prowling bears, and snakes.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading We then thatched it over with large leaves of sufficient thickness to keep out the heaviest rain.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading We then thatched it over with large leaves of sufficient thickness to keep out the heaviest rain.
plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants
From this reading We then thatched it over with large leaves of sufficient thickness to keep out the heaviest rain.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Night approaching, we made preparations for camping.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading As close to the entrance as we dared we piled up sticks, that we might keep a fire blazing all night.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Night approaching, we made preparations for camping.
not any; not one
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading We had to guard not only against human enemies, but against jaguars, pumas, prowling bears, and snakes.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
and nothing more
From this reading We had to guard not only against human enemies, but against jaguars, pumas, prowling bears, and snakes.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading We then thatched it over with large leaves of sufficient thickness to keep out the heaviest rain.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading We then thatched it over with large leaves of sufficient thickness to keep out the heaviest rain.
pawverbUS /pɔː/
scrape with the paws
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
piledverbUS /paɪld/
past form of “pile” — arrange in stacks
From this reading As close to the entrance as we dared we piled up sticks, that we might keep a fire blazing all night.
preparationsnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading Night approaching, we made preparations for camping.
prowlingverbUS /ˈpraʊlɪŋ/
-ing form of “prowl” — move about in or as if in a predatory manner
From this reading We had to guard not only against human enemies, but against jaguars, pumas, prowling bears, and snakes.
pumas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We had to guard not only against human enemies, but against jaguars, pumas, prowling bears, and snakes.
water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
From this reading We then thatched it over with large leaves of sufficient thickness to keep out the heaviest rain.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
smalleradjectiveUS /ˈsmɔːlər/
small or little relative to something else
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
smallestadjectiveUS /ˈsmɔːləst/
superlative of “small” — limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
snakenounUS /sneɪk/
limbless scaly elongate reptile; some are venomous
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
snakesnounUS /sneɪks/
plural of “snake” — limbless scaly elongate reptile; some are venomous
From this reading We had to guard not only against human enemies, but against jaguars, pumas, prowling bears, and snakes.
snoutnounUS /snaʊt/
a long projecting or anterior elongation of an animal's head; especially the nose
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
sticksnounUS /stɪks/
plural of “stick” — an implement consisting of a length of wood
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
thatchedverbUS /θætʃt/
past form of “thatch” — cover with thatch
From this reading We then thatched it over with large leaves of sufficient thickness to keep out the heaviest rain.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading We then thatched it over with large leaves of sufficient thickness to keep out the heaviest rain.
thicknessnounUS /ˈθɪknəs/
the dimension through an object as opposed to its length or width
From this reading We then thatched it over with large leaves of sufficient thickness to keep out the heaviest rain.
push forcefully
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading We had to guard not only against human enemies, but against jaguars, pumas, prowling bears, and snakes.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading As close to the entrance as we dared we piled up sticks, that we might keep a fire blazing all night.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Night approaching, we made preparations for camping.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
in the company of; together with
From this reading But having cleared a space of sufficient size, we ran some sticks into the ground, which were interwoven with smaller branches, so close together that no jaguar could thrust in its paw, or a bear its snout, nor could any but the smallest snake crawl in.
