Chapter I

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

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

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

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

(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 “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

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

From this reading “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

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

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

having undesirable or negative qualities

From this reading “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading No small part of our fundamental knowledge concerning the world of nature has been put into shape for comprehension by children, time out of mind.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

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

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

showing who or what does the action

From this reading No small part of our fundamental knowledge concerning the world of nature has been put into shape for comprehension by children, time out of mind.

a young person of either sex

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading No small part of our fundamental knowledge concerning the world of nature has been put into shape for comprehension by children, time out of mind.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading THE COUNTRY LIFE PRESS, GARDEN CITY, N. Y.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading DOUBLEDAY, DORAN & COMPANY, INC.

an ability to understand the meaning or importance of something (or the knowledge acquired as a result)

From this reading No small part of our fundamental knowledge concerning the world of nature has been put into shape for comprehension by children, time out of mind.

-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to

From this reading No small part of our fundamental knowledge concerning the world of nature has been put into shape for comprehension by children, time out of mind.

plural of “contribution” — the effort contributed by a person in bringing about a result

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

plural of “conversation” — the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

causing one to believe the truth of something

From this reading “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading THE COUNTRY LIFE PRESS, GARDEN CITY, N. Y.

the child of your aunt or uncle

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

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

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

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

From this reading DOUBLEDAY, DORAN & COMPANY, INC.

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

From this reading DOUBLEDAY, DORAN & COMPANY, INC.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

plural of “elder” — a person who is older than you are

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

possessing or existing in bodily form

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

divisible by two

From this reading “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

a social unit living together

From this reading “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading No small part of our fundamental knowledge concerning the world of nature has been put into shape for comprehension by children, time out of mind.

serving as an essential component

From this reading No small part of our fundamental knowledge concerning the world of nature has been put into shape for comprehension by children, time out of mind.

a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading THE COUNTRY LIFE PRESS, GARDEN CITY, N. Y.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

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

From this reading No small part of our fundamental knowledge concerning the world of nature has been put into shape for comprehension by children, time out of mind.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

the aggregate of past events

From this reading “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

a heterogeneous collection of groups united in their opposition to Saddam Hussein's government of Iraq; formed in 1992 it is comprised of Sunni and Shiite Arabs and Kurds who hope to build a new government

From this reading DOUBLEDAY, DORAN & COMPANY, INC.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading No small part of our fundamental knowledge concerning the world of nature has been put into shape for comprehension by children, time out of mind.

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

From this reading “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

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

From this reading “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

of or relating to or characteristic of or appropriate for children or young people

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading No small part of our fundamental knowledge concerning the world of nature has been put into shape for comprehension by children, time out of mind.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading THE COUNTRY LIFE PRESS, GARDEN CITY, N. Y.

plural of “make” — a recognizable kind

From this reading “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading No small part of our fundamental knowledge concerning the world of nature has been put into shape for comprehension by children, time out of mind.

a common nonmetallic element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless inert diatomic gas; constitutes 78 percent of the atmosphere by volume; a constituent of all living tissues

From this reading THE COUNTRY LIFE PRESS, GARDEN CITY, N. Y.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading No small part of our fundamental knowledge concerning the world of nature has been put into shape for comprehension by children, time out of mind.

not any; not one

From this reading No small part of our fundamental knowledge concerning the world of nature has been put into shape for comprehension by children, time out of mind.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading No small part of our fundamental knowledge concerning the world of nature has been put into shape for comprehension by children, time out of mind.

on one occasion

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading No small part of our fundamental knowledge concerning the world of nature has been put into shape for comprehension by children, time out of mind.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading No small part of our fundamental knowledge concerning the world of nature has been put into shape for comprehension by children, time out of mind.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading No small part of our fundamental knowledge concerning the world of nature has been put into shape for comprehension by children, time out of mind.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

exert pressure or force to or upon

From this reading THE COUNTRY LIFE PRESS, GARDEN CITY, N. Y.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading No small part of our fundamental knowledge concerning the world of nature has been put into shape for comprehension by children, time out of mind.

recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

English chemist noted for his studies of molecular structures in plants (1886-1975)

From this reading “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

a particular branch of scientific knowledge

From this reading “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)

From this reading No small part of our fundamental knowledge concerning the world of nature has been put into shape for comprehension by children, time out of mind.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

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

From this reading No small part of our fundamental knowledge concerning the world of nature has been put into shape for comprehension by children, time out of mind.

plural of “sort” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

the natives or inhabitants of Switzerland

From this reading “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

plural of “tale” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

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

From this reading THE COUNTRY LIFE PRESS, GARDEN CITY, N. Y.

in or at that place or location

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading No small part of our fundamental knowledge concerning the world of nature has been put into shape for comprehension by children, time out of mind.

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

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

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

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

too numerous to be counted

From this reading “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

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

From this reading “The Swiss Family Robinson” is half natural history, even if not always of an especially convincing kind; and science of all sorts, good and bad together, makes up no small portion of Jules Verne’s uncounted tales.

of or relating to Queen Victoria of Great Britain or to the age in which she ruled

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

used to ask for information about something

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

during the time that

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading No small part of our fundamental knowledge concerning the world of nature has been put into shape for comprehension by children, time out of mind.

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

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”

a silvery metallic element that is common in rare-earth minerals; used in magnesium and aluminum alloys

From this reading THE COUNTRY LIFE PRESS, GARDEN CITY, N. Y.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading “Cousin Cramchild’s Conversations,” if there had been such a book, would have embodied the Victorian idea of what every child should know about his universe; while of actual books, we elders recall at once Abbott’s “Science for the Young,” and the half dozen contributions to juvenile knowledge of John Trowbridge and “Arabella Buckley.”