362
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading See how his pointed spears bristle out in every direction, forming a fine coat of mail (Fig. 362).
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading FUNNY LITTLE APPLE TOYS SUCH a funny little porcupine!
aliveadjectiveUS /əˈlaɪv/
possessing life
From this reading If he was only alive, he could coil himself up into a prickly ball--not a ball, though, that one could handle without being hurt.
(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 If you can find an apple with a bump on one side, you may make a porcupine in less than five minutes, for all that is necessary is to stick the apple full of wooden toothpicks, and that work will be as easy as putting pins into a cushion.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
APPLEnounUS /ˈæpəl/
fruit with red or yellow or green skin and sweet to tart crisp whitish flesh
From this reading FUNNY LITTLE APPLE TOYS SUCH a funny little porcupine!
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
From this reading If he was only alive, he could coil himself up into a prickly ball--not a ball, though, that one could handle without being hurt.
ballsnounUS /bɔːlz/
plural of “ball” — round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading If he was only alive, he could coil himself up into a prickly ball--not a ball, though, that one could handle without being hurt.
bristleverbUS /ˈbrɪsəl/
be in a state of movement or action
From this reading See how his pointed spears bristle out in every direction, forming a fine coat of mail (Fig. 362).
bumpverbUS /bʌmp/
knock against with force or violence
From this reading If you can find an apple with a bump on one side, you may make a porcupine in less than five minutes, for all that is necessary is to stick the apple full of wooden toothpicks, and that work will be as easy as putting pins into a cushion.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading If you can find an apple with a bump on one side, you may make a porcupine in less than five minutes, for all that is necessary is to stick the apple full of wooden toothpicks, and that work will be as easy as putting pins into a cushion.
an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors
From this reading See how his pointed spears bristle out in every direction, forming a fine coat of mail (Fig. 362).
coilnounUS /kɔɪl/
a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops
From this reading If he was only alive, he could coil himself up into a prickly ball--not a ball, though, that one could handle without being hurt.
past form of “commence” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading If he was only alive, he could coil himself up into a prickly ball--not a ball, though, that one could handle without being hurt.
cristata
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
cushionnounUS /ˈkʊʃən/
a mechanical damper; absorbs energy of sudden impulses
From this reading If you can find an apple with a bump on one side, you may make a porcupine in less than five minutes, for all that is necessary is to stick the apple full of wooden toothpicks, and that work will be as easy as putting pins into a cushion.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
differsverbUS /ˈdɪfərz/
third-person singular of “differ” — be different
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
a line leading to a place or point
From this reading See how his pointed spears bristle out in every direction, forming a fine coat of mail (Fig. 362).
posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading If you can find an apple with a bump on one side, you may make a porcupine in less than five minutes, for all that is necessary is to stick the apple full of wooden toothpicks, and that work will be as easy as putting pins into a cushion.
inflected form of “eat” — take in solid food
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading See how his pointed spears bristle out in every direction, forming a fine coat of mail (Fig. 362).
plural of “fellow” — a boy or man
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
FignounUS /fɪɡ/
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading See how his pointed spears bristle out in every direction, forming a fine coat of mail (Fig. 362).
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading If you can find an apple with a bump on one side, you may make a porcupine in less than five minutes, for all that is necessary is to stick the apple full of wooden toothpicks, and that work will be as easy as putting pins into a cushion.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading See how his pointed spears bristle out in every direction, forming a fine coat of mail (Fig. 362).
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading If you can find an apple with a bump on one side, you may make a porcupine in less than five minutes, for all that is necessary is to stick the apple full of wooden toothpicks, and that work will be as easy as putting pins into a cushion.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
formingverbUS /ˈfɔːrmɪŋ/
-ing form of “form” — create (as an entity)
From this reading See how his pointed spears bristle out in every direction, forming a fine coat of mail (Fig. 362).
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading If you can find an apple with a bump on one side, you may make a porcupine in less than five minutes, for all that is necessary is to stick the apple full of wooden toothpicks, and that work will be as easy as putting pins into a cushion.
arousing or provoking laughter
From this reading FUNNY LITTLE APPLE TOYS SUCH a funny little porcupine!
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
be in charge of, act on, or dispose of
From this reading If he was only alive, he could coil himself up into a prickly ball--not a ball, though, that one could handle without being hurt.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading If he was only alive, he could coil himself up into a prickly ball--not a ball, though, that one could handle without being hurt.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading If he was only alive, he could coil himself up into a prickly ball--not a ball, though, that one could handle without being hurt.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading See how his pointed spears bristle out in every direction, forming a fine coat of mail (Fig. 362).
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading See how his pointed spears bristle out in every direction, forming a fine coat of mail (Fig. 362).
be the source of pain
From this reading If he was only alive, he could coil himself up into a prickly ball--not a ball, though, that one could handle without being hurt.
Hystrix
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If he was only alive, he could coil himself up into a prickly ball--not a ball, though, that one could handle without being hurt.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading See how his pointed spears bristle out in every direction, forming a fine coat of mail (Fig. 362).
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading If he was only alive, he could coil himself up into a prickly ball--not a ball, though, that one could handle without being hurt.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
plural of “kind” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading If you can find an apple with a bump on one side, you may make a porcupine in less than five minutes, for all that is necessary is to stick the apple full of wooden toothpicks, and that work will be as easy as putting pins into a cushion.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading FUNNY LITTLE APPLE TOYS SUCH a funny little porcupine!
mailnounUS /meɪl/
the bags of letters and packages that are transported by the postal service
From this reading See how his pointed spears bristle out in every direction, forming a fine coat of mail (Fig. 362).
engage in
From this reading If you can find an apple with a bump on one side, you may make a porcupine in less than five minutes, for all that is necessary is to stick the apple full of wooden toothpicks, and that work will be as easy as putting pins into a cushion.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading If you can find an apple with a bump on one side, you may make a porcupine in less than five minutes, for all that is necessary is to stick the apple full of wooden toothpicks, and that work will be as easy as putting pins into a cushion.
absolutely essential
From this reading If you can find an apple with a bump on one side, you may make a porcupine in less than five minutes, for all that is necessary is to stick the apple full of wooden toothpicks, and that work will be as easy as putting pins into a cushion.
nicestadjectiveUS /ˈnaɪsɪst/
superlative of “nice” — pleasant or pleasing or agreeable in nature or appearance
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading If he was only alive, he could coil himself up into a prickly ball--not a ball, though, that one could handle without being hurt.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading See how his pointed spears bristle out in every direction, forming a fine coat of mail (Fig. 362).
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading If you can find an apple with a bump on one side, you may make a porcupine in less than five minutes, for all that is necessary is to stick the apple full of wooden toothpicks, and that work will be as easy as putting pins into a cushion.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading If he was only alive, he could coil himself up into a prickly ball--not a ball, though, that one could handle without being hurt.
and nothing more
From this reading If he was only alive, he could coil himself up into a prickly ball--not a ball, though, that one could handle without being hurt.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading See how his pointed spears bristle out in every direction, forming a fine coat of mail (Fig. 362).
pinsnounUS /pɪnz/
plural of “pin” — a piece of jewelry that is pinned onto the wearer's garment
From this reading If you can find an apple with a bump on one side, you may make a porcupine in less than five minutes, for all that is necessary is to stick the apple full of wooden toothpicks, and that work will be as easy as putting pins into a cushion.
having a point
From this reading See how his pointed spears bristle out in every direction, forming a fine coat of mail (Fig. 362).
porcupinenounUS /ˈpɔːrkjəpaɪn/
relatively large rodents with sharp erectile bristles mingled with the fur
From this reading FUNNY LITTLE APPLE TOYS SUCH a funny little porcupine!
pricklyadjectiveUS /ˈprɪkli/
very irritable
From this reading If he was only alive, he could coil himself up into a prickly ball--not a ball, though, that one could handle without being hurt.
hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter
From this reading If you can find an apple with a bump on one side, you may make a porcupine in less than five minutes, for all that is necessary is to stick the apple full of wooden toothpicks, and that work will be as easy as putting pins into a cushion.
quills
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading See how his pointed spears bristle out in every direction, forming a fine coat of mail (Fig. 362).
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading If you can find an apple with a bump on one side, you may make a porcupine in less than five minutes, for all that is necessary is to stick the apple full of wooden toothpicks, and that work will be as easy as putting pins into a cushion.
spearsnounUS /spɪrz/
plural of “spear” — a long pointed rod used as a tool or weapon
From this reading See how his pointed spears bristle out in every direction, forming a fine coat of mail (Fig. 362).
put, fix, force, or implant
From this reading If you can find an apple with a bump on one side, you may make a porcupine in less than five minutes, for all that is necessary is to stick the apple full of wooden toothpicks, and that work will be as easy as putting pins into a cushion.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading FUNNY LITTLE APPLE TOYS SUCH a funny little porcupine!
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading If you can find an apple with a bump on one side, you may make a porcupine in less than five minutes, for all that is necessary is to stick the apple full of wooden toothpicks, and that work will be as easy as putting pins into a cushion.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading If he was only alive, he could coil himself up into a prickly ball--not a ball, though, that one could handle without being hurt.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading If he was only alive, he could coil himself up into a prickly ball--not a ball, though, that one could handle without being hurt.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
toothpicksnounUS /ˈtuːθpɪks/
plural of “toothpick” — pick consisting of a small strip of wood or plastic; used to pick food from between the teeth
From this reading If you can find an apple with a bump on one side, you may make a porcupine in less than five minutes, for all that is necessary is to stick the apple full of wooden toothpicks, and that work will be as easy as putting pins into a cushion.
tossedverbUS /tɔːst/
past form of “toss” — throw or toss with a light motion
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
TOYSnounUS /tɔɪz/
plural of “toy” — an artifact designed to be played with
From this reading FUNNY LITTLE APPLE TOYS SUCH a funny little porcupine!
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading If he was only alive, he could coil himself up into a prickly ball--not a ball, though, that one could handle without being hurt.
stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading If he was only alive, he could coil himself up into a prickly ball--not a ball, though, that one could handle without being hurt.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading If you can find an apple with a bump on one side, you may make a porcupine in less than five minutes, for all that is necessary is to stick the apple full of wooden toothpicks, and that work will be as easy as putting pins into a cushion.
in the company of; together with
From this reading This little fellows differs from the _Hystrix cristata_, or real porcupine, in that he did not wait until his quills grew to turn into a ball, but was a ball to begin with, for he commenced life as an apple, and an apple is one of the nicest kinds of balls, as it may be tossed back and forth and then eaten later.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading If he was only alive, he could coil himself up into a prickly ball--not a ball, though, that one could handle without being hurt.
made or consisting of (entirely or in part) or employing wood
From this reading If you can find an apple with a bump on one side, you may make a porcupine in less than five minutes, for all that is necessary is to stick the apple full of wooden toothpicks, and that work will be as easy as putting pins into a cushion.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading If you can find an apple with a bump on one side, you may make a porcupine in less than five minutes, for all that is necessary is to stick the apple full of wooden toothpicks, and that work will be as easy as putting pins into a cushion.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading If you can find an apple with a bump on one side, you may make a porcupine in less than five minutes, for all that is necessary is to stick the apple full of wooden toothpicks, and that work will be as easy as putting pins into a cushion.
