used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A century ago the Montauks mined it, digging over enough soil to unearth these pellets now and again, and exchanging them at the nearest settlements for tobacco and rum.
abundancenounUS /əˈbʌndəns/
the property of a more than adequate quantity or supply
From this reading The seeming abundance of these lumps of silver aroused the cupidity of one Gardiner, a dweller in the central wilderness of the island, but none of the Indians would reveal the source of their treasure.
anew
From this reading A century ago the Montauks mined it, digging over enough soil to unearth these pellets now and again, and exchanging them at the nearest settlements for tobacco and rum.
in the past
From this reading A century ago the Montauks mined it, digging over enough soil to unearth these pellets now and again, and exchanging them at the nearest settlements for tobacco and rum.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading One day Gardiner succeeded in getting an old chief so tipsy that, without realizing what he was doing, he led the white man to the clay bed and showed him the metallic spots glittering in the sun.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A century ago the Montauks mined it, digging over enough soil to unearth these pellets now and again, and exchanging them at the nearest settlements for tobacco and rum.
arousedadjectiveUS /ərˈaʊzd/
aroused to action
From this reading The seeming abundance of these lumps of silver aroused the cupidity of one Gardiner, a dweller in the central wilderness of the island, but none of the Indians would reveal the source of their treasure.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A century ago the Montauks mined it, digging over enough soil to unearth these pellets now and again, and exchanging them at the nearest settlements for tobacco and rum.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Presently a shade crossed the white man's face, for he thought that this vast treasure would have to be shared by others.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading One day Gardiner succeeded in getting an old chief so tipsy that, without realizing what he was doing, he led the white man to the clay bed and showed him the metallic spots glittering in the sun.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The seeming abundance of these lumps of silver aroused the cupidity of one Gardiner, a dweller in the central wilderness of the island, but none of the Indians would reveal the source of their treasure.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading With a cry of delight Gardiner sprang forward and tore at the earth with his fingers, while the Indian stood by laughing at his eagerness.
centraladjectiveUS /ˈsentrəl/
serving as an essential component
From this reading The seeming abundance of these lumps of silver aroused the cupidity of one Gardiner, a dweller in the central wilderness of the island, but none of the Indians would reveal the source of their treasure.
a period of 100 years
From this reading A century ago the Montauks mined it, digging over enough soil to unearth these pellets now and again, and exchanging them at the nearest settlements for tobacco and rum.
a person who is in charge
From this reading One day Gardiner succeeded in getting an old chief so tipsy that, without realizing what he was doing, he led the white man to the clay bed and showed him the metallic spots glittering in the sun.
claynounUS /kleɪ/
a very fine-grained soil that is plastic when moist but hard when fired
From this reading One day Gardiner succeeded in getting an old chief so tipsy that, without realizing what he was doing, he led the white man to the clay bed and showed him the metallic spots glittering in the sun.
placed crosswise
From this reading Presently a shade crossed the white man's face, for he thought that this vast treasure would have to be shared by others.
utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading With a cry of delight Gardiner sprang forward and tore at the earth with his fingers, while the Indian stood by laughing at his eagerness.
cupiditynounUS /kjuːˈpɪdɪti/
extreme greed for material wealth
From this reading The seeming abundance of these lumps of silver aroused the cupidity of one Gardiner, a dweller in the central wilderness of the island, but none of the Indians would reveal the source of their treasure.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading One day Gardiner succeeded in getting an old chief so tipsy that, without realizing what he was doing, he led the white man to the clay bed and showed him the metallic spots glittering in the sun.
give pleasure to or be pleasing to
From this reading With a cry of delight Gardiner sprang forward and tore at the earth with his fingers, while the Indian stood by laughing at his eagerness.
diggingnounUS /ˈdɪɡɪŋ/
the act of digging
From this reading A century ago the Montauks mined it, digging over enough soil to unearth these pellets now and again, and exchanging them at the nearest settlements for tobacco and rum.
-ing form of “do” — engage in
From this reading One day Gardiner succeeded in getting an old chief so tipsy that, without realizing what he was doing, he led the white man to the clay bed and showed him the metallic spots glittering in the sun.
dwellernounUS /ˈdwelər/
a person who inhabits a particular place
From this reading The seeming abundance of these lumps of silver aroused the cupidity of one Gardiner, a dweller in the central wilderness of the island, but none of the Indians would reveal the source of their treasure.
eagernessnounUS /ˈiːɡərnəs/
a positive feeling of wanting to push ahead with something
From this reading With a cry of delight Gardiner sprang forward and tore at the earth with his fingers, while the Indian stood by laughing at his eagerness.
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading With a cry of delight Gardiner sprang forward and tore at the earth with his fingers, while the Indian stood by laughing at his eagerness.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading A century ago the Montauks mined it, digging over enough soil to unearth these pellets now and again, and exchanging them at the nearest settlements for tobacco and rum.
exchangingverbUS /ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒɪŋ/
-ing form of “exchange” — give to, and receive from, one another
From this reading A century ago the Montauks mined it, digging over enough soil to unearth these pellets now and again, and exchanging them at the nearest settlements for tobacco and rum.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Presently a shade crossed the white man's face, for he thought that this vast treasure would have to be shared by others.
plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
From this reading With a cry of delight Gardiner sprang forward and tore at the earth with his fingers, while the Indian stood by laughing at his eagerness.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A century ago the Montauks mined it, digging over enough soil to unearth these pellets now and again, and exchanging them at the nearest settlements for tobacco and rum.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading With a cry of delight Gardiner sprang forward and tore at the earth with his fingers, while the Indian stood by laughing at his eagerness.
GardinernounUS /ˈɡɑːrdnər/
British historian remembered for his ten-volume history of England (1829-1902)
From this reading The seeming abundance of these lumps of silver aroused the cupidity of one Gardiner, a dweller in the central wilderness of the island, but none of the Indians would reveal the source of their treasure.
the act of acquiring something
From this reading One day Gardiner succeeded in getting an old chief so tipsy that, without realizing what he was doing, he led the white man to the clay bed and showed him the metallic spots glittering in the sun.
glitteringadjectiveUS /ˈɡlɪtərɪŋ/
having brief brilliant points or flashes of light
From this reading One day Gardiner succeeded in getting an old chief so tipsy that, without realizing what he was doing, he led the white man to the clay bed and showed him the metallic spots glittering in the sun.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Presently a shade crossed the white man's face, for he thought that this vast treasure would have to be shared by others.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading One day Gardiner succeeded in getting an old chief so tipsy that, without realizing what he was doing, he led the white man to the clay bed and showed him the metallic spots glittering in the sun.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading One day Gardiner succeeded in getting an old chief so tipsy that, without realizing what he was doing, he led the white man to the clay bed and showed him the metallic spots glittering in the sun.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading With a cry of delight Gardiner sprang forward and tore at the earth with his fingers, while the Indian stood by laughing at his eagerness.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The seeming abundance of these lumps of silver aroused the cupidity of one Gardiner, a dweller in the central wilderness of the island, but none of the Indians would reveal the source of their treasure.
of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures
From this reading With a cry of delight Gardiner sprang forward and tore at the earth with his fingers, while the Indian stood by laughing at his eagerness.
plural of “indian” — a native or inhabitant of India
From this reading The seeming abundance of these lumps of silver aroused the cupidity of one Gardiner, a dweller in the central wilderness of the island, but none of the Indians would reveal the source of their treasure.
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading The seeming abundance of these lumps of silver aroused the cupidity of one Gardiner, a dweller in the central wilderness of the island, but none of the Indians would reveal the source of their treasure.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A century ago the Montauks mined it, digging over enough soil to unearth these pellets now and again, and exchanging them at the nearest settlements for tobacco and rum.
showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness
From this reading With a cry of delight Gardiner sprang forward and tore at the earth with his fingers, while the Indian stood by laughing at his eagerness.
diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
From this reading One day Gardiner succeeded in getting an old chief so tipsy that, without realizing what he was doing, he led the white man to the clay bed and showed him the metallic spots glittering in the sun.
lumpsnounUS /lʌmps/
plural of “lump” — a compact mass
From this reading The seeming abundance of these lumps of silver aroused the cupidity of one Gardiner, a dweller in the central wilderness of the island, but none of the Indians would reveal the source of their treasure.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading One day Gardiner succeeded in getting an old chief so tipsy that, without realizing what he was doing, he led the white man to the clay bed and showed him the metallic spots glittering in the sun.
man'snounUS /mænz/
possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Presently a shade crossed the white man's face, for he thought that this vast treasure would have to be shared by others.
metallicadjectiveUS /məˈtælɪk/
containing or made of or resembling or characteristic of a metal
From this reading One day Gardiner succeeded in getting an old chief so tipsy that, without realizing what he was doing, he led the white man to the clay bed and showed him the metallic spots glittering in the sun.
minedadjectiveUS /maɪnd/
extracted from a source of supply as of minerals from the earth
From this reading A century ago the Montauks mined it, digging over enough soil to unearth these pellets now and again, and exchanging them at the nearest settlements for tobacco and rum.
Montauks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A century ago the Montauks mined it, digging over enough soil to unearth these pellets now and again, and exchanging them at the nearest settlements for tobacco and rum.
(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance
From this reading A century ago the Montauks mined it, digging over enough soil to unearth these pellets now and again, and exchanging them at the nearest settlements for tobacco and rum.
not one, and not any
From this reading The seeming abundance of these lumps of silver aroused the cupidity of one Gardiner, a dweller in the central wilderness of the island, but none of the Indians would reveal the source of their treasure.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading A century ago the Montauks mined it, digging over enough soil to unearth these pellets now and again, and exchanging them at the nearest settlements for tobacco and rum.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The seeming abundance of these lumps of silver aroused the cupidity of one Gardiner, a dweller in the central wilderness of the island, but none of the Indians would reveal the source of their treasure.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading One day Gardiner succeeded in getting an old chief so tipsy that, without realizing what he was doing, he led the white man to the clay bed and showed him the metallic spots glittering in the sun.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The seeming abundance of these lumps of silver aroused the cupidity of one Gardiner, a dweller in the central wilderness of the island, but none of the Indians would reveal the source of their treasure.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently a shade crossed the white man's face, for he thought that this vast treasure would have to be shared by others.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading A century ago the Montauks mined it, digging over enough soil to unearth these pellets now and again, and exchanging them at the nearest settlements for tobacco and rum.
pelletsnounUS /ˈpeləts/
plural of “pellet” — a small sphere
From this reading A century ago the Montauks mined it, digging over enough soil to unearth these pellets now and again, and exchanging them at the nearest settlements for tobacco and rum.
in the near future
From this reading Presently a shade crossed the white man's face, for he thought that this vast treasure would have to be shared by others.
realizingverbUS /ˈriːəlaɪzɪŋ/
-ing form of “realize” — be fully aware or cognizant of
From this reading One day Gardiner succeeded in getting an old chief so tipsy that, without realizing what he was doing, he led the white man to the clay bed and showed him the metallic spots glittering in the sun.
revealverbUS /rɪˈviːl/
make visible
From this reading The seeming abundance of these lumps of silver aroused the cupidity of one Gardiner, a dweller in the central wilderness of the island, but none of the Indians would reveal the source of their treasure.
rumnounUS /rʌm/
liquor distilled from fermented molasses
From this reading A century ago the Montauks mined it, digging over enough soil to unearth these pellets now and again, and exchanging them at the nearest settlements for tobacco and rum.
seemingadjectiveUS /ˈsiːmɪŋ/
appearing as such but not necessarily so
From this reading The seeming abundance of these lumps of silver aroused the cupidity of one Gardiner, a dweller in the central wilderness of the island, but none of the Indians would reveal the source of their treasure.
settlementsnounUS /ˈsetəlmənts/
plural of “settlement” — a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government
From this reading A century ago the Montauks mined it, digging over enough soil to unearth these pellets now and again, and exchanging them at the nearest settlements for tobacco and rum.
relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body
From this reading Presently a shade crossed the white man's face, for he thought that this vast treasure would have to be shared by others.
sharedadjectiveUS /ʃerd/
have in common; held or experienced in common
From this reading Presently a shade crossed the white man's face, for he thought that this vast treasure would have to be shared by others.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading One day Gardiner succeeded in getting an old chief so tipsy that, without realizing what he was doing, he led the white man to the clay bed and showed him the metallic spots glittering in the sun.
a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography
From this reading The seeming abundance of these lumps of silver aroused the cupidity of one Gardiner, a dweller in the central wilderness of the island, but none of the Indians would reveal the source of their treasure.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading One day Gardiner succeeded in getting an old chief so tipsy that, without realizing what he was doing, he led the white man to the clay bed and showed him the metallic spots glittering in the sun.
the state of being covered with unclean things
From this reading A century ago the Montauks mined it, digging over enough soil to unearth these pellets now and again, and exchanging them at the nearest settlements for tobacco and rum.
the place where something begins, where it springs into being
From this reading The seeming abundance of these lumps of silver aroused the cupidity of one Gardiner, a dweller in the central wilderness of the island, but none of the Indians would reveal the source of their treasure.
spotsnounUS /spɑːts/
spots before the eyes caused by opaque cell fragments in the vitreous humor and lens
From this reading One day Gardiner succeeded in getting an old chief so tipsy that, without realizing what he was doing, he led the white man to the clay bed and showed him the metallic spots glittering in the sun.
inflected form of “spring” — move forward by leaps and bounds
From this reading With a cry of delight Gardiner sprang forward and tore at the earth with his fingers, while the Indian stood by laughing at his eagerness.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading With a cry of delight Gardiner sprang forward and tore at the earth with his fingers, while the Indian stood by laughing at his eagerness.
past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal
From this reading One day Gardiner succeeded in getting an old chief so tipsy that, without realizing what he was doing, he led the white man to the clay bed and showed him the metallic spots glittering in the sun.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading One day Gardiner succeeded in getting an old chief so tipsy that, without realizing what he was doing, he led the white man to the clay bed and showed him the metallic spots glittering in the sun.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading One day Gardiner succeeded in getting an old chief so tipsy that, without realizing what he was doing, he led the white man to the clay bed and showed him the metallic spots glittering in the sun.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A century ago the Montauks mined it, digging over enough soil to unearth these pellets now and again, and exchanging them at the nearest settlements for tobacco and rum.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The seeming abundance of these lumps of silver aroused the cupidity of one Gardiner, a dweller in the central wilderness of the island, but none of the Indians would reveal the source of their treasure.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading A century ago the Montauks mined it, digging over enough soil to unearth these pellets now and again, and exchanging them at the nearest settlements for tobacco and rum.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading A century ago the Montauks mined it, digging over enough soil to unearth these pellets now and again, and exchanging them at the nearest settlements for tobacco and rum.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Presently a shade crossed the white man's face, for he thought that this vast treasure would have to be shared by others.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Presently a shade crossed the white man's face, for he thought that this vast treasure would have to be shared by others.
tipsyadjectiveUS /ˈtɪpsi/
slightly intoxicated
From this reading One day Gardiner succeeded in getting an old chief so tipsy that, without realizing what he was doing, he led the white man to the clay bed and showed him the metallic spots glittering in the sun.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A century ago the Montauks mined it, digging over enough soil to unearth these pellets now and again, and exchanging them at the nearest settlements for tobacco and rum.
tobacconounUS /təˈbækoʊ/
leaves of the tobacco plant dried and prepared for smoking or ingestion
From this reading A century ago the Montauks mined it, digging over enough soil to unearth these pellets now and again, and exchanging them at the nearest settlements for tobacco and rum.
commonly the lowest molding at the base of a column
From this reading With a cry of delight Gardiner sprang forward and tore at the earth with his fingers, while the Indian stood by laughing at his eagerness.
accumulated wealth in the form of money or jewels etc.
From this reading The seeming abundance of these lumps of silver aroused the cupidity of one Gardiner, a dweller in the central wilderness of the island, but none of the Indians would reveal the source of their treasure.
unearthverbUS /əˈnɜːrθ/
bring to light
From this reading A century ago the Montauks mined it, digging over enough soil to unearth these pellets now and again, and exchanging them at the nearest settlements for tobacco and rum.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading Presently a shade crossed the white man's face, for he thought that this vast treasure would have to be shared by others.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading One day Gardiner succeeded in getting an old chief so tipsy that, without realizing what he was doing, he led the white man to the clay bed and showed him the metallic spots glittering in the sun.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading One day Gardiner succeeded in getting an old chief so tipsy that, without realizing what he was doing, he led the white man to the clay bed and showed him the metallic spots glittering in the sun.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading With a cry of delight Gardiner sprang forward and tore at the earth with his fingers, while the Indian stood by laughing at his eagerness.
a Caucasian
From this reading One day Gardiner succeeded in getting an old chief so tipsy that, without realizing what he was doing, he led the white man to the clay bed and showed him the metallic spots glittering in the sun.
wildernessnounUS /ˈwɪldərnəs/
(politics) a state of disfavor
From this reading The seeming abundance of these lumps of silver aroused the cupidity of one Gardiner, a dweller in the central wilderness of the island, but none of the Indians would reveal the source of their treasure.
in the company of; together with
From this reading With a cry of delight Gardiner sprang forward and tore at the earth with his fingers, while the Indian stood by laughing at his eagerness.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading One day Gardiner succeeded in getting an old chief so tipsy that, without realizing what he was doing, he led the white man to the clay bed and showed him the metallic spots glittering in the sun.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The seeming abundance of these lumps of silver aroused the cupidity of one Gardiner, a dweller in the central wilderness of the island, but none of the Indians would reveal the source of their treasure.
