Chapter XII · Chapter 12

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading ON THE RAILROAD It was a hot autumn morning when we prepared to commence our task of railroad building, the last forlorn hope between ourselves and ruin.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading A group of sinewy, dusty men waited about the line of flat cars loaded with rails close behind, while a plume of black smoke curled aloft from the huge locomotive in a dingy column against the blue of the sky.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading This we would pile in the slight hollows, so that, sinking a few feet through the rises and raised slightly above each depression, the road-bed might run straight and level across the prairie.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading This we would pile in the slight hollows, so that, sinking a few feet through the rises and raised slightly above each depression, the road-bed might run straight and level across the prairie.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading A group of sinewy, dusty men waited about the line of flat cars loaded with rails close behind, while a plume of black smoke curled aloft from the huge locomotive in a dingy column against the blue of the sky.

(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 This, with the cluster of tents and shanties, was all that broke the white grass-land's empty monotony.

at or on or to the masthead or upper rigging of a ship

From this reading A group of sinewy, dusty men waited about the line of flat cars loaded with rails close behind, while a plume of black smoke curled aloft from the huge locomotive in a dingy column against the blue of the sky.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading ON THE RAILROAD It was a hot autumn morning when we prepared to commence our task of railroad building, the last forlorn hope between ourselves and ruin.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Harry and I stood each beside our teams, which were harnessed to a great iron scoop or scraper designed to tear out a heavy load of soil at each traverse.

the season when the leaves fall from the trees

From this reading ON THE RAILROAD It was a hot autumn morning when we prepared to commence our task of railroad building, the last forlorn hope between ourselves and ruin.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading A group of sinewy, dusty men waited about the line of flat cars loaded with rails close behind, while a plume of black smoke curled aloft from the huge locomotive in a dingy column against the blue of the sky.

next to; at the side of

From this reading Harry and I stood each beside our teams, which were harnessed to a great iron scoop or scraper designed to tear out a heavy load of soil at each traverse.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading ON THE RAILROAD It was a hot autumn morning when we prepared to commence our task of railroad building, the last forlorn hope between ourselves and ruin.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading A group of sinewy, dusty men waited about the line of flat cars loaded with rails close behind, while a plume of black smoke curled aloft from the huge locomotive in a dingy column against the blue of the sky.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading A group of sinewy, dusty men waited about the line of flat cars loaded with rails close behind, while a plume of black smoke curled aloft from the huge locomotive in a dingy column against the blue of the sky.

lacking funds

From this reading This, with the cluster of tents and shanties, was all that broke the white grass-land's empty monotony.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading ON THE RAILROAD It was a hot autumn morning when we prepared to commence our task of railroad building, the last forlorn hope between ourselves and ruin.

plural of “car” — a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

From this reading A group of sinewy, dusty men waited about the line of flat cars loaded with rails close behind, while a plume of black smoke curled aloft from the huge locomotive in a dingy column against the blue of the sky.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading A group of sinewy, dusty men waited about the line of flat cars loaded with rails close behind, while a plume of black smoke curled aloft from the huge locomotive in a dingy column against the blue of the sky.

come together as in a cluster or flock

From this reading This, with the cluster of tents and shanties, was all that broke the white grass-land's empty monotony.

a line of units following one after another

From this reading A group of sinewy, dusty men waited about the line of flat cars loaded with rails close behind, while a plume of black smoke curled aloft from the huge locomotive in a dingy column against the blue of the sky.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading ON THE RAILROAD It was a hot autumn morning when we prepared to commence our task of railroad building, the last forlorn hope between ourselves and ruin.

(of hair) making curls or having been made to curl

From this reading A group of sinewy, dusty men waited about the line of flat cars loaded with rails close behind, while a plume of black smoke curled aloft from the huge locomotive in a dingy column against the blue of the sky.

a mental state characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and a despondent lack of activity

From this reading This we would pile in the slight hollows, so that, sinking a few feet through the rises and raised slightly above each depression, the road-bed might run straight and level across the prairie.

done or made or performed with purpose and intent

From this reading Harry and I stood each beside our teams, which were harnessed to a great iron scoop or scraper designed to tear out a heavy load of soil at each traverse.

thickly covered with ingrained dirt or soot

From this reading A group of sinewy, dusty men waited about the line of flat cars loaded with rails close behind, while a plume of black smoke curled aloft from the huge locomotive in a dingy column against the blue of the sky.

covered with a layer of dust

From this reading A group of sinewy, dusty men waited about the line of flat cars loaded with rails close behind, while a plume of black smoke curled aloft from the huge locomotive in a dingy column against the blue of the sky.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Harry and I stood each beside our teams, which were harnessed to a great iron scoop or scraper designed to tear out a heavy load of soil at each traverse.

make void or empty of contents

From this reading This, with the cluster of tents and shanties, was all that broke the white grass-land's empty monotony.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading This we would pile in the slight hollows, so that, sinking a few feet through the rises and raised slightly above each depression, the road-bed might run straight and level across the prairie.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading This we would pile in the slight hollows, so that, sinking a few feet through the rises and raised slightly above each depression, the road-bed might run straight and level across the prairie.

having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another

From this reading A group of sinewy, dusty men waited about the line of flat cars loaded with rails close behind, while a plume of black smoke curled aloft from the huge locomotive in a dingy column against the blue of the sky.

marked by or showing hopelessness

From this reading ON THE RAILROAD It was a hot autumn morning when we prepared to commence our task of railroad building, the last forlorn hope between ourselves and ruin.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading A group of sinewy, dusty men waited about the line of flat cars loaded with rails close behind, while a plume of black smoke curled aloft from the huge locomotive in a dingy column against the blue of the sky.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This, with the cluster of tents and shanties, was all that broke the white grass-land's empty monotony.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Harry and I stood each beside our teams, which were harnessed to a great iron scoop or scraper designed to tear out a heavy load of soil at each traverse.

any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading A group of sinewy, dusty men waited about the line of flat cars loaded with rails close behind, while a plume of black smoke curled aloft from the huge locomotive in a dingy column against the blue of the sky.

brought under control and put to use

From this reading Harry and I stood each beside our teams, which were harnessed to a great iron scoop or scraper designed to tear out a heavy load of soil at each traverse.

annoy continually or chronically

From this reading Harry and I stood each beside our teams, which were harnessed to a great iron scoop or scraper designed to tear out a heavy load of soil at each traverse.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading Harry and I stood each beside our teams, which were harnessed to a great iron scoop or scraper designed to tear out a heavy load of soil at each traverse.

plural of “hollow” — a cavity or space in something

From this reading This we would pile in the slight hollows, so that, sinking a few feet through the rises and raised slightly above each depression, the road-bed might run straight and level across the prairie.

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading ON THE RAILROAD It was a hot autumn morning when we prepared to commence our task of railroad building, the last forlorn hope between ourselves and ruin.

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 ON THE RAILROAD It was a hot autumn morning when we prepared to commence our task of railroad building, the last forlorn hope between ourselves and ruin.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading A group of sinewy, dusty men waited about the line of flat cars loaded with rails close behind, while a plume of black smoke curled aloft from the huge locomotive in a dingy column against the blue of the sky.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading Harry and I stood each beside our teams, which were harnessed to a great iron scoop or scraper designed to tear out a heavy load of soil at each traverse.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading This we would pile in the slight hollows, so that, sinking a few feet through the rises and raised slightly above each depression, the road-bed might run straight and level across the prairie.

a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood

From this reading Harry and I stood each beside our teams, which were harnessed to a great iron scoop or scraper designed to tear out a heavy load of soil at each traverse.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading ON THE RAILROAD It was a hot autumn morning when we prepared to commence our task of railroad building, the last forlorn hope between ourselves and ruin.

immediately past

From this reading ON THE RAILROAD It was a hot autumn morning when we prepared to commence our task of railroad building, the last forlorn hope between ourselves and ruin.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading This we would pile in the slight hollows, so that, sinking a few feet through the rises and raised slightly above each depression, the road-bed might run straight and level across the prairie.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading A group of sinewy, dusty men waited about the line of flat cars loaded with rails close behind, while a plume of black smoke curled aloft from the huge locomotive in a dingy column against the blue of the sky.

weight to be borne or conveyed

From this reading Harry and I stood each beside our teams, which were harnessed to a great iron scoop or scraper designed to tear out a heavy load of soil at each traverse.

filled with a great quantity

From this reading A group of sinewy, dusty men waited about the line of flat cars loaded with rails close behind, while a plume of black smoke curled aloft from the huge locomotive in a dingy column against the blue of the sky.

a wheeled vehicle consisting of a self-propelled engine that is used to draw trains along railway tracks

From this reading A group of sinewy, dusty men waited about the line of flat cars loaded with rails close behind, while a plume of black smoke curled aloft from the huge locomotive in a dingy column against the blue of the sky.

the force of workers available

From this reading A group of sinewy, dusty men waited about the line of flat cars loaded with rails close behind, while a plume of black smoke curled aloft from the huge locomotive in a dingy column against the blue of the sky.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading This we would pile in the slight hollows, so that, sinking a few feet through the rises and raised slightly above each depression, the road-bed might run straight and level across the prairie.

the quality of wearisome constancy, routine, and lack of variety

From this reading This, with the cluster of tents and shanties, was all that broke the white grass-land's empty monotony.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading ON THE RAILROAD It was a hot autumn morning when we prepared to commence our task of railroad building, the last forlorn hope between ourselves and ruin.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading ON THE RAILROAD It was a hot autumn morning when we prepared to commence our task of railroad building, the last forlorn hope between ourselves and ruin.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading ON THE RAILROAD It was a hot autumn morning when we prepared to commence our task of railroad building, the last forlorn hope between ourselves and ruin.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Harry and I stood each beside our teams, which were harnessed to a great iron scoop or scraper designed to tear out a heavy load of soil at each traverse.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading ON THE RAILROAD It was a hot autumn morning when we prepared to commence our task of railroad building, the last forlorn hope between ourselves and ruin.

used when we are both doing the action and receiving it

From this reading ON THE RAILROAD It was a hot autumn morning when we prepared to commence our task of railroad building, the last forlorn hope between ourselves and ruin.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Harry and I stood each beside our teams, which were harnessed to a great iron scoop or scraper designed to tear out a heavy load of soil at each traverse.

a collection of objects laid on top of each other

From this reading This we would pile in the slight hollows, so that, sinking a few feet through the rises and raised slightly above each depression, the road-bed might run straight and level across the prairie.

rip off; ask an unreasonable price

From this reading A group of sinewy, dusty men waited about the line of flat cars loaded with rails close behind, while a plume of black smoke curled aloft from the huge locomotive in a dingy column against the blue of the sky.

a treeless grassy plain

From this reading This we would pile in the slight hollows, so that, sinking a few feet through the rises and raised slightly above each depression, the road-bed might run straight and level across the prairie.

made ready or fit or suitable beforehand

From this reading ON THE RAILROAD It was a hot autumn morning when we prepared to commence our task of railroad building, the last forlorn hope between ourselves and ruin.

line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight

From this reading ON THE RAILROAD It was a hot autumn morning when we prepared to commence our task of railroad building, the last forlorn hope between ourselves and ruin.

a bar or pair of parallel bars of rolled steel making the railway along which railroad cars or other vehicles can roll

From this reading A group of sinewy, dusty men waited about the line of flat cars loaded with rails close behind, while a plume of black smoke curled aloft from the huge locomotive in a dingy column against the blue of the sky.

located or moved above the surround or above the normal position

From this reading This we would pile in the slight hollows, so that, sinking a few feet through the rises and raised slightly above each depression, the road-bed might run straight and level across the prairie.

plural of “rise” — a growth in strength or number or importance

From this reading This we would pile in the slight hollows, so that, sinking a few feet through the rises and raised slightly above each depression, the road-bed might run straight and level across the prairie.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This we would pile in the slight hollows, so that, sinking a few feet through the rises and raised slightly above each depression, the road-bed might run straight and level across the prairie.

an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction

From this reading ON THE RAILROAD It was a hot autumn morning when we prepared to commence our task of railroad building, the last forlorn hope between ourselves and ruin.

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading This we would pile in the slight hollows, so that, sinking a few feet through the rises and raised slightly above each depression, the road-bed might run straight and level across the prairie.

the quantity a scoop will hold

From this reading Harry and I stood each beside our teams, which were harnessed to a great iron scoop or scraper designed to tear out a heavy load of soil at each traverse.

any of various hand tools for scraping

From this reading Harry and I stood each beside our teams, which were harnessed to a great iron scoop or scraper designed to tear out a heavy load of soil at each traverse.

plural of “shanty” — small crude shelter used as a dwelling

From this reading This, with the cluster of tents and shanties, was all that broke the white grass-land's empty monotony.

(of meat) full of sinews; especially impossible to chew

From this reading A group of sinewy, dusty men waited about the line of flat cars loaded with rails close behind, while a plume of black smoke curled aloft from the huge locomotive in a dingy column against the blue of the sky.

a descent as through liquid (especially through water)

From this reading This we would pile in the slight hollows, so that, sinking a few feet through the rises and raised slightly above each depression, the road-bed might run straight and level across the prairie.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading A group of sinewy, dusty men waited about the line of flat cars loaded with rails close behind, while a plume of black smoke curled aloft from the huge locomotive in a dingy column against the blue of the sky.

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading This we would pile in the slight hollows, so that, sinking a few feet through the rises and raised slightly above each depression, the road-bed might run straight and level across the prairie.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading This we would pile in the slight hollows, so that, sinking a few feet through the rises and raised slightly above each depression, the road-bed might run straight and level across the prairie.

a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas

From this reading A group of sinewy, dusty men waited about the line of flat cars loaded with rails close behind, while a plume of black smoke curled aloft from the huge locomotive in a dingy column against the blue of the sky.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading This we would pile in the slight hollows, so that, sinking a few feet through the rises and raised slightly above each depression, the road-bed might run straight and level across the prairie.

the state of being covered with unclean things

From this reading Harry and I stood each beside our teams, which were harnessed to a great iron scoop or scraper designed to tear out a heavy load of soil at each traverse.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading Harry and I stood each beside our teams, which were harnessed to a great iron scoop or scraper designed to tear out a heavy load of soil at each traverse.

successive (without a break)

From this reading This we would pile in the slight hollows, so that, sinking a few feet through the rises and raised slightly above each depression, the road-bed might run straight and level across the prairie.

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading ON THE RAILROAD It was a hot autumn morning when we prepared to commence our task of railroad building, the last forlorn hope between ourselves and ruin.

plural of “team” — a cooperative unit (especially in sports)

From this reading Harry and I stood each beside our teams, which were harnessed to a great iron scoop or scraper designed to tear out a heavy load of soil at each traverse.

separate or cause to separate abruptly

From this reading Harry and I stood each beside our teams, which were harnessed to a great iron scoop or scraper designed to tear out a heavy load of soil at each traverse.

plural of “tent” — a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)

From this reading This, with the cluster of tents and shanties, was all that broke the white grass-land's empty monotony.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading This we would pile in the slight hollows, so that, sinking a few feet through the rises and raised slightly above each depression, the road-bed might run straight and level across the prairie.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading ON THE RAILROAD It was a hot autumn morning when we prepared to commence our task of railroad building, the last forlorn hope between ourselves and ruin.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This we would pile in the slight hollows, so that, sinking a few feet through the rises and raised slightly above each depression, the road-bed might run straight and level across the prairie.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading This we would pile in the slight hollows, so that, sinking a few feet through the rises and raised slightly above each depression, the road-bed might run straight and level across the prairie.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading ON THE RAILROAD It was a hot autumn morning when we prepared to commence our task of railroad building, the last forlorn hope between ourselves and ruin.

travel across or pass over

From this reading Harry and I stood each beside our teams, which were harnessed to a great iron scoop or scraper designed to tear out a heavy load of soil at each traverse.

past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading A group of sinewy, dusty men waited about the line of flat cars loaded with rails close behind, while a plume of black smoke curled aloft from the huge locomotive in a dingy column against the blue of the sky.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading ON THE RAILROAD It was a hot autumn morning when we prepared to commence our task of railroad building, the last forlorn hope between ourselves and ruin.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading ON THE RAILROAD It was a hot autumn morning when we prepared to commence our task of railroad building, the last forlorn hope between ourselves and ruin.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Harry and I stood each beside our teams, which were harnessed to a great iron scoop or scraper designed to tear out a heavy load of soil at each traverse.

at the time that

From this reading ON THE RAILROAD It was a hot autumn morning when we prepared to commence our task of railroad building, the last forlorn hope between ourselves and ruin.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Harry and I stood each beside our teams, which were harnessed to a great iron scoop or scraper designed to tear out a heavy load of soil at each traverse.

during the time that

From this reading A group of sinewy, dusty men waited about the line of flat cars loaded with rails close behind, while a plume of black smoke curled aloft from the huge locomotive in a dingy column against the blue of the sky.

a Caucasian

From this reading This, with the cluster of tents and shanties, was all that broke the white grass-land's empty monotony.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A group of sinewy, dusty men waited about the line of flat cars loaded with rails close behind, while a plume of black smoke curled aloft from the huge locomotive in a dingy column against the blue of the sky.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading This we would pile in the slight hollows, so that, sinking a few feet through the rises and raised slightly above each depression, the road-bed might run straight and level across the prairie.