Chapter I

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

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

having fair knowledge of

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

(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 pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

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

From this reading In its purpose and style this book closely resembles the same author’s “Story-Book of Science,” and it belongs to the same series.

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

plural of “animal” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading To many readers, however, it is likely to prove even more interesting than its predecessor, inasmuch as the domestic animals are more familiar and hence more interesting to many persons than the ant, the spider, the plant-louse, the caterpillar, and other examples of insect life discussed in the earlier work.

social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers

From this reading To many readers, however, it is likely to prove even more interesting than its predecessor, inasmuch as the domestic animals are more familiar and hence more interesting to many persons than the ant, the spider, the plant-louse, the caterpillar, and other examples of insect life discussed in the earlier work.

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

From this reading To many readers, however, it is likely to prove even more interesting than its predecessor, inasmuch as the domestic animals are more familiar and hence more interesting to many persons than the ant, the spider, the plant-louse, the caterpillar, and other examples of insect life discussed in the earlier work.

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

From this reading To many readers, however, it is likely to prove even more interesting than its predecessor, inasmuch as the domestic animals are more familiar and hence more interesting to many persons than the ant, the spider, the plant-louse, the caterpillar, and other examples of insect life discussed in the earlier work.

the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading BY JEAN-HENRI FABRE Author of “The Story Book of Science,” “Social Life in the Insect World,” etc.

possessive form of “author” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading In its purpose and style this book closely resembles the same author’s “Story-Book of Science,” and it belongs to the same series.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

third-person singular of “belong” — be owned by; be in the possession of

From this reading In its purpose and style this book closely resembles the same author’s “Story-Book of Science,” and it belongs to the same series.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

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

From this reading BY JEAN-HENRI FABRE Author of “The Story Book of Science,” “Social Life in the Insect World,” etc.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading BY JEAN-HENRI FABRE Author of “The Story Book of Science,” “Social Life in the Insect World,” etc.

one of the four pointed conical teeth (two in each jaw) located between the incisors and the premolars

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

a wormlike and often brightly colored and hairy or spiny larva of a butterfly or moth

From this reading To many readers, however, it is likely to prove even more interesting than its predecessor, inasmuch as the domestic animals are more familiar and hence more interesting to many persons than the ant, the spider, the plant-louse, the caterpillar, and other examples of insect life discussed in the earlier work.

in a close relation or position in time or space

From this reading In its purpose and style this book closely resembles the same author’s “Story-Book of Science,” and it belongs to the same series.

female of domestic cattle: "“moo-cow” is a child's term"

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

plural of “denizen” — a person who inhabits a particular place

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

past form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing

From this reading To many readers, however, it is likely to prove even more interesting than its predecessor, inasmuch as the domestic animals are more familiar and hence more interesting to many persons than the ant, the spider, the plant-louse, the caterpillar, and other examples of insect life discussed in the earlier work.

of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation

From this reading To many readers, however, it is likely to prove even more interesting than its predecessor, inasmuch as the domestic animals are more familiar and hence more interesting to many persons than the ant, the spider, the plant-louse, the caterpillar, and other examples of insect life discussed in the earlier work.

slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

earlier in time; previously

From this reading To many readers, however, it is likely to prove even more interesting than its predecessor, inasmuch as the domestic animals are more familiar and hence more interesting to many persons than the ant, the spider, the plant-louse, the caterpillar, and other examples of insect life discussed in the earlier work.

heighten or intensify

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

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

From this reading BY JEAN-HENRI FABRE Author of “The Story Book of Science,” “Social Life in the Insect World,” etc.

divisible by two

From this reading To many readers, however, it is likely to prove even more interesting than its predecessor, inasmuch as the domestic animals are more familiar and hence more interesting to many persons than the ant, the spider, the plant-louse, the caterpillar, and other examples of insect life discussed in the earlier work.

plural of “example” — an item of information that is typical of a class or group

From this reading To many readers, however, it is likely to prove even more interesting than its predecessor, inasmuch as the domestic animals are more familiar and hence more interesting to many persons than the ant, the spider, the plant-louse, the caterpillar, and other examples of insect life discussed in the earlier work.

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

From this reading BY JEAN-HENRI FABRE Author of “The Story Book of Science,” “Social Life in the Insect World,” etc.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading To many readers, however, it is likely to prove even more interesting than its predecessor, inasmuch as the domestic animals are more familiar and hence more interesting to many persons than the ant, the spider, the plant-louse, the caterpillar, and other examples of insect life discussed in the earlier work.

the practice of cultivating the land or raising stock

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

an area adjacent to farm buildings

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

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

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

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

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

having four feet

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

web-footed long-necked typically gregarious migratory aquatic birds usually larger and less aquatic than ducks

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

plural of “helper” — a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

adult female chicken

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

for this reason

From this reading To many readers, however, it is likely to prove even more interesting than its predecessor, inasmuch as the domestic animals are more familiar and hence more interesting to many persons than the ant, the spider, the plant-louse, the caterpillar, and other examples of insect life discussed in the earlier work.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading To many readers, however, it is likely to prove even more interesting than its predecessor, inasmuch as the domestic animals are more familiar and hence more interesting to many persons than the ant, the spider, the plant-louse, the caterpillar, and other examples of insect life discussed in the earlier work.

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

From this reading BY JEAN-HENRI FABRE Author of “The Story Book of Science,” “Social Life in the Insect World,” etc.

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

From this reading To many readers, however, it is likely to prove even more interesting than its predecessor, inasmuch as the domestic animals are more familiar and hence more interesting to many persons than the ant, the spider, the plant-louse, the caterpillar, and other examples of insect life discussed in the earlier work.

in a crude and unskilled manner

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

small air-breathing arthropod

From this reading BY JEAN-HENRI FABRE Author of “The Story Book of Science,” “Social Life in the Insect World,” etc.

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading To many readers, however, it is likely to prove even more interesting than its predecessor, inasmuch as the domestic animals are more familiar and hence more interesting to many persons than the ant, the spider, the plant-louse, the caterpillar, and other examples of insect life discussed in the earlier work.

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

From this reading To many readers, however, it is likely to prove even more interesting than its predecessor, inasmuch as the domestic animals are more familiar and hence more interesting to many persons than the ant, the spider, the plant-louse, the caterpillar, and other examples of insect life discussed in the earlier work.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading In its purpose and style this book closely resembles the same author’s “Story-Book of Science,” and it belongs to the same series.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading In its purpose and style this book closely resembles the same author’s “Story-Book of Science,” and it belongs to the same series.

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

From this reading BY JEAN-HENRI FABRE Author of “The Story Book of Science,” “Social Life in the Insect World,” etc.

someone in charge of other people

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

a domain in which something is dominant

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading BY JEAN-HENRI FABRE Author of “The Story Book of Science,” “Social Life in the Insect World,” etc.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading To many readers, however, it is likely to prove even more interesting than its predecessor, inasmuch as the domestic animals are more familiar and hence more interesting to many persons than the ant, the spider, the plant-louse, the caterpillar, and other examples of insect life discussed in the earlier work.

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

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

held dear

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

engage in

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

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 To many readers, however, it is likely to prove even more interesting than its predecessor, inasmuch as the domestic animals are more familiar and hence more interesting to many persons than the ant, the spider, the plant-louse, the caterpillar, and other examples of insect life discussed in the earlier work.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading To many readers, however, it is likely to prove even more interesting than its predecessor, inasmuch as the domestic animals are more familiar and hence more interesting to many persons than the ant, the spider, the plant-louse, the caterpillar, and other examples of insect life discussed in the earlier work.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

plural of “naturalist” — an advocate of the doctrine that the world can be understood in scientific terms

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

possessive form of “nature” — the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading BY JEAN-HENRI FABRE Author of “The Story Book of Science,” “Social Life in the Insect World,” etc.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading To many readers, however, it is likely to prove even more interesting than its predecessor, inasmuch as the domestic animals are more familiar and hence more interesting to many persons than the ant, the spider, the plant-louse, the caterpillar, and other examples of insect life discussed in the earlier work.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

the one or ones belonging to us

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

an adult castrated bull of the genus Bos; especially Bos taurus

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

plural of “page” — one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading To many readers, however, it is likely to prove even more interesting than its predecessor, inasmuch as the domestic animals are more familiar and hence more interesting to many persons than the ant, the spider, the plant-louse, the caterpillar, and other examples of insect life discussed in the earlier work.

domestic swine

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

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

From this reading To many readers, however, it is likely to prove even more interesting than its predecessor, inasmuch as the domestic animals are more familiar and hence more interesting to many persons than the ant, the spider, the plant-louse, the caterpillar, and other examples of insect life discussed in the earlier work.

one who precedes you in time (as in holding a position or office)

From this reading To many readers, however, it is likely to prove even more interesting than its predecessor, inasmuch as the domestic animals are more familiar and hence more interesting to many persons than the ant, the spider, the plant-louse, the caterpillar, and other examples of insect life discussed in the earlier work.

be shown or be found to be

From this reading To many readers, however, it is likely to prove even more interesting than its predecessor, inasmuch as the domestic animals are more familiar and hence more interesting to many persons than the ant, the spider, the plant-louse, the caterpillar, and other examples of insect life discussed in the earlier work.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading In its purpose and style this book closely resembles the same author’s “Story-Book of Science,” and it belongs to the same series.

reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

plural of “reader” — a person who enjoys reading

From this reading To many readers, however, it is likely to prove even more interesting than its predecessor, inasmuch as the domestic animals are more familiar and hence more interesting to many persons than the ant, the spider, the plant-louse, the caterpillar, and other examples of insect life discussed in the earlier work.

third-person singular of “resemble” — appear like; be similar or bear a likeness to

From this reading In its purpose and style this book closely resembles the same author’s “Story-Book of Science,” and it belongs to the same series.

plural of “resource” — available source of wealth; a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

Identical; not different.

From this reading In its purpose and style this book closely resembles the same author’s “Story-Book of Science,” and it belongs to the same series.

a particular branch of scientific knowledge

From this reading BY JEAN-HENRI FABRE Author of “The Story Book of Science,” “Social Life in the Insect World,” etc.

similar things placed in order or happening one after another

From this reading In its purpose and style this book closely resembles the same author’s “Story-Book of Science,” and it belongs to the same series.

woolly usually horned ruminant mammal related to the goat

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

an ability that has been acquired by training

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

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

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

relating to human society and its members

From this reading BY JEAN-HENRI FABRE Author of “The Story Book of Science,” “Social Life in the Insect World,” etc.

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 To many readers, however, it is likely to prove even more interesting than its predecessor, inasmuch as the domestic animals are more familiar and hence more interesting to many persons than the ant, the spider, the plant-louse, the caterpillar, and other examples of insect life discussed in the earlier work.

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 BY JEAN-HENRI FABRE Author of “The Story Book of Science,” “Social Life in the Insect World,” etc.

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

From this reading In its purpose and style this book closely resembles the same author’s “Story-Book of Science,” and it belongs to the same series.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading In its purpose and style this book closely resembles the same author’s “Story-Book of Science,” and it belongs to the same series.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading To many readers, however, it is likely to prove even more interesting than its predecessor, inasmuch as the domestic animals are more familiar and hence more interesting to many persons than the ant, the spider, the plant-louse, the caterpillar, and other examples of insect life discussed in the earlier work.

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

From this reading BY JEAN-HENRI FABRE Author of “The Story Book of Science,” “Social Life in the Insect World,” etc.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

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

From this reading In its purpose and style this book closely resembles the same author’s “Story-Book of Science,” and it belongs to the same series.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

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

From this reading In its purpose and style this book closely resembles the same author’s “Story-Book of Science,” and it belongs to the same series.

large gallinaceous bird with fan-shaped tail; widely domesticated for food

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

at the time that

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

which person or people

From this reading The pig and the hen, the goose and the turkey, the ox and the ass, the horse and the cow, the sheep and its canine keeper—these and many other old friends of ours in the animal kingdom are made to enliven the following pages by the genius and skill of him who knew and loved them all as few naturalists have known and loved their dumb fellow-creatures.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading To many readers, however, it is likely to prove even more interesting than its predecessor, inasmuch as the domestic animals are more familiar and hence more interesting to many persons than the ant, the spider, the plant-louse, the caterpillar, and other examples of insect life discussed in the earlier work.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading BY JEAN-HENRI FABRE Author of “The Story Book of Science,” “Social Life in the Insect World,” etc.

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

From this reading Particularly at this time, when not a few of us, both old and young, are turning our attention, however inexpertly, to farming in a small way, in order to make the most of nature’s food resources within our reach, we like to become a little better acquainted with the denizens of the farmyard and the four-footed helpers in the field.