Chapter XII · Strange Spiders.--The House-spider.--How they

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

From this reading CAPTURE THEIR PREY.--HOW THEY FIGHT.--FIGHT BETWEEN A WASP AND A SPIDER.--THE SPIDER HAS ITS LEGS CUT OFF, AND IS CARRIED AWAY.--BURROW SPIDER WATCHING FOR ITS PREY.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

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

From this reading CAPTURE THEIR PREY.--HOW THEY FIGHT.--FIGHT BETWEEN A WASP AND A SPIDER.--THE SPIDER HAS ITS LEGS CUT OFF, AND IS CARRIED AWAY.--BURROW SPIDER WATCHING FOR ITS PREY.

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

From this reading I hope you will feel as interested as I did when you learn how smart many of them are.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading I hope you will feel as interested as I did when you learn how smart many of them are.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading CAPTURE THEIR PREY.--HOW THEY FIGHT.--FIGHT BETWEEN A WASP AND A SPIDER.--THE SPIDER HAS ITS LEGS CUT OFF, AND IS CARRIED AWAY.--BURROW SPIDER WATCHING FOR ITS PREY.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading CAPTURE THEIR PREY.--HOW THEY FIGHT.--FIGHT BETWEEN A WASP AND A SPIDER.--THE SPIDER HAS ITS LEGS CUT OFF, AND IS CARRIED AWAY.--BURROW SPIDER WATCHING FOR ITS PREY.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

a hole made by an animal, usually for shelter

From this reading CAPTURE THEIR PREY.--HOW THEY FIGHT.--FIGHT BETWEEN A WASP AND A SPIDER.--THE SPIDER HAS ITS LEGS CUT OFF, AND IS CARRIED AWAY.--BURROW SPIDER WATCHING FOR ITS PREY.

-ing form of “burrow” — move through by or as by digging

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

succeed in representing or expressing something intangible

From this reading CAPTURE THEIR PREY.--HOW THEY FIGHT.--FIGHT BETWEEN A WASP AND A SPIDER.--THE SPIDER HAS ITS LEGS CUT OFF, AND IS CARRIED AWAY.--BURROW SPIDER WATCHING FOR ITS PREY.

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading CAPTURE THEIR PREY.--HOW THEY FIGHT.--FIGHT BETWEEN A WASP AND A SPIDER.--THE SPIDER HAS ITS LEGS CUT OFF, AND IS CARRIED AWAY.--BURROW SPIDER WATCHING FOR ITS PREY.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading There are a very great variety of spiders in the country I have explored.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading CAPTURE THEIR PREY.--HOW THEY FIGHT.--FIGHT BETWEEN A WASP AND A SPIDER.--THE SPIDER HAS ITS LEGS CUT OFF, AND IS CARRIED AWAY.--BURROW SPIDER WATCHING FOR ITS PREY.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading I hope you will feel as interested as I did when you learn how smart many of them are.

past form of “explore” — inquire into

From this reading There are a very great variety of spiders in the country I have explored.

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

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading I hope you will feel as interested as I did when you learn how smart many of them are.

United States comedian and film actor (1880-1946)

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight

From this reading CAPTURE THEIR PREY.--HOW THEY FIGHT.--FIGHT BETWEEN A WASP AND A SPIDER.--THE SPIDER HAS ITS LEGS CUT OFF, AND IS CARRIED AWAY.--BURROW SPIDER WATCHING FOR ITS PREY.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading CAPTURE THEIR PREY.--HOW THEY FIGHT.--FIGHT BETWEEN A WASP AND A SPIDER.--THE SPIDER HAS ITS LEGS CUT OFF, AND IS CARRIED AWAY.--BURROW SPIDER WATCHING FOR ITS PREY.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

shoot down, of birds

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

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

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading CAPTURE THEIR PREY.--HOW THEY FIGHT.--FIGHT BETWEEN A WASP AND A SPIDER.--THE SPIDER HAS ITS LEGS CUT OFF, AND IS CARRIED AWAY.--BURROW SPIDER WATCHING FOR ITS PREY.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading I hope you will feel as interested as I did when you learn how smart many of them are.

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

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

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

From this reading CAPTURE THEIR PREY.--HOW THEY FIGHT.--FIGHT BETWEEN A WASP AND A SPIDER.--THE SPIDER HAS ITS LEGS CUT OFF, AND IS CARRIED AWAY.--BURROW SPIDER WATCHING FOR ITS PREY.

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

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

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

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern

From this reading I hope you will feel as interested as I did when you learn how smart many of them are.

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

From this reading CAPTURE THEIR PREY.--HOW THEY FIGHT.--FIGHT BETWEEN A WASP AND A SPIDER.--THE SPIDER HAS ITS LEGS CUT OFF, AND IS CARRIED AWAY.--BURROW SPIDER WATCHING FOR ITS PREY.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading CAPTURE THEIR PREY.--HOW THEY FIGHT.--FIGHT BETWEEN A WASP AND A SPIDER.--THE SPIDER HAS ITS LEGS CUT OFF, AND IS CARRIED AWAY.--BURROW SPIDER WATCHING FOR ITS PREY.

a location marked by an intense competition and struggle for survival

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

gain knowledge or skills

From this reading I hope you will feel as interested as I did when you learn how smart many of them are.

staying power

From this reading CAPTURE THEIR PREY.--HOW THEY FIGHT.--FIGHT BETWEEN A WASP AND A SPIDER.--THE SPIDER HAS ITS LEGS CUT OFF, AND IS CARRIED AWAY.--BURROW SPIDER WATCHING FOR ITS PREY.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading I hope you will feel as interested as I did when you learn how smart many of them are.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading CAPTURE THEIR PREY.--HOW THEY FIGHT.--FIGHT BETWEEN A WASP AND A SPIDER.--THE SPIDER HAS ITS LEGS CUT OFF, AND IS CARRIED AWAY.--BURROW SPIDER WATCHING FOR ITS PREY.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

a person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence

From this reading CAPTURE THEIR PREY.--HOW THEY FIGHT.--FIGHT BETWEEN A WASP AND A SPIDER.--THE SPIDER HAS ITS LEGS CUT OFF, AND IS CARRIED AWAY.--BURROW SPIDER WATCHING FOR ITS PREY.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

narrate or give a detailed account of

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)

From this reading Some are of queer shape.

showing mental alertness and calculation and resourcefulness

From this reading I hope you will feel as interested as I did when you learn how smart many of them are.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

predatory arachnid with eight legs, two poison fangs, two feelers, and usually two silk-spinning organs at the back end of the body; they spin silk to make cocoons for eggs or traps for prey

From this reading CAPTURE THEIR PREY.--HOW THEY FIGHT.--FIGHT BETWEEN A WASP AND A SPIDER.--THE SPIDER HAS ITS LEGS CUT OFF, AND IS CARRIED AWAY.--BURROW SPIDER WATCHING FOR ITS PREY.

plural of “spider” — predatory arachnid with eight legs, two poison fangs, two feelers, and usually two silk-spinning organs at the back end of the body; they spin silk to make cocoons for eggs or traps for prey

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

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

From this reading CAPTURE THEIR PREY.--HOW THEY FIGHT.--FIGHT BETWEEN A WASP AND A SPIDER.--THE SPIDER HAS ITS LEGS CUT OFF, AND IS CARRIED AWAY.--BURROW SPIDER WATCHING FOR ITS PREY.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading CAPTURE THEIR PREY.--HOW THEY FIGHT.--FIGHT BETWEEN A WASP AND A SPIDER.--THE SPIDER HAS ITS LEGS CUT OFF, AND IS CARRIED AWAY.--BURROW SPIDER WATCHING FOR ITS PREY.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading I hope you will feel as interested as I did when you learn how smart many of them are.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There are a very great variety of spiders in the country I have explored.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading CAPTURE THEIR PREY.--HOW THEY FIGHT.--FIGHT BETWEEN A WASP AND A SPIDER.--THE SPIDER HAS ITS LEGS CUT OFF, AND IS CARRIED AWAY.--BURROW SPIDER WATCHING FOR ITS PREY.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

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

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

a collection containing a variety of sorts of things

From this reading There are a very great variety of spiders in the country I have explored.

precisely as stated

From this reading There are a very great variety of spiders in the country I have explored.

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

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

a white person of Anglo-Saxon ancestry who belongs to a Protestant denomination

From this reading CAPTURE THEIR PREY.--HOW THEY FIGHT.--FIGHT BETWEEN A WASP AND A SPIDER.--THE SPIDER HAS ITS LEGS CUT OFF, AND IS CARRIED AWAY.--BURROW SPIDER WATCHING FOR ITS PREY.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading CAPTURE THEIR PREY.--HOW THEY FIGHT.--FIGHT BETWEEN A WASP AND A SPIDER.--THE SPIDER HAS ITS LEGS CUT OFF, AND IS CARRIED AWAY.--BURROW SPIDER WATCHING FOR ITS PREY.

interlace by or as if by weaving

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

plural of “web” — an intricate network suggesting something that was formed by weaving or interweaving

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

at the time that

From this reading I hope you will feel as interested as I did when you learn how smart many of them are.

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

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading I hope you will feel as interested as I did when you learn how smart many of them are.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Now I must pause a little in that great jungle, and recount to you some of the queer things which I have seen among the spiders--the burrowing spiders, the house-spiders, the wall-spiders, and the spiders which weave their big and far-spreading webs among the trees of the forest or the tall grass of the open fields.