Chapter XXVI · Chapter 26

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

From this reading Paddling toward the northern bank, simply because it had saved them in their former peril, they floated like a leaf in the shadows of the precipices, watching for some footway by which to turn the lair of the monster ahead.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

at or in the front

From this reading Paddling toward the northern bank, simply because it had saved them in their former peril, they floated like a leaf in the shadows of the precipices, watching for some footway by which to turn the lair of the monster ahead.

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

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

past form of “approach” — move towards

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

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

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)

From this reading Paddling toward the northern bank, simply because it had saved them in their former peril, they floated like a leaf in the shadows of the precipices, watching for some footway by which to turn the lair of the monster ahead.

for the reason that

From this reading Paddling toward the northern bank, simply because it had saved them in their former peril, they floated like a leaf in the shadows of the precipices, watching for some footway by which to turn the lair of the monster ahead.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Paddling toward the northern bank, simply because it had saved them in their former peril, they floated like a leaf in the shadows of the precipices, watching for some footway by which to turn the lair of the monster ahead.

an eye disease that involves the clouding or opacification of the natural lens of the eye

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

originate

From this reading The scenery here did not consist exclusively of two lofty ramparts fronting each other.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading "The middle of the river is sure death."

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

From this reading The scenery here did not consist exclusively of two lofty ramparts fronting each other.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

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

From this reading The scenery here did not consist exclusively of two lofty ramparts fronting each other.

the act of escaping physically

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

without any others being included or involved

From this reading The scenery here did not consist exclusively of two lofty ramparts fronting each other.

an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

past form of “float” — be in motion due to some air or water current

From this reading Paddling toward the northern bank, simply because it had saved them in their former peril, they floated like a leaf in the shadows of the precipices, watching for some footway by which to turn the lair of the monster ahead.

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

From this reading Paddling toward the northern bank, simply because it had saved them in their former peril, they floated like a leaf in the shadows of the precipices, watching for some footway by which to turn the lair of the monster ahead.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Paddling toward the northern bank, simply because it had saved them in their former peril, they floated like a leaf in the shadows of the precipices, watching for some footway by which to turn the lair of the monster ahead.

-ing form of “foresee” — realize beforehand

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)

From this reading Paddling toward the northern bank, simply because it had saved them in their former peril, they floated like a leaf in the shadows of the precipices, watching for some footway by which to turn the lair of the monster ahead.

-ing form of “front” — be oriented in a certain direction, often with respect to another reference point; be opposite to

From this reading The scenery here did not consist exclusively of two lofty ramparts fronting each other.

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

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading The scenery here did not consist exclusively of two lofty ramparts fronting each other.

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

From this reading Paddling toward the northern bank, simply because it had saved them in their former peril, they floated like a leaf in the shadows of the precipices, watching for some footway by which to turn the lair of the monster ahead.

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

From this reading "The middle of the river is sure death."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

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

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading "We must keep near one wall or the other," he said.

the habitation of wild animals

From this reading Paddling toward the northern bank, simply because it had saved them in their former peril, they floated like a leaf in the shadows of the precipices, watching for some footway by which to turn the lair of the monster ahead.

the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading Paddling toward the northern bank, simply because it had saved them in their former peril, they floated like a leaf in the shadows of the precipices, watching for some footway by which to turn the lair of the monster ahead.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Paddling toward the northern bank, simply because it had saved them in their former peril, they floated like a leaf in the shadows of the precipices, watching for some footway by which to turn the lair of the monster ahead.

of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style

From this reading The scenery here did not consist exclusively of two lofty ramparts fronting each other.

the force of workers available

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading "The middle of the river is sure death."

an imaginary creature usually having various human and animal parts

From this reading Paddling toward the northern bank, simply because it had saved them in their former peril, they floated like a leaf in the shadows of the precipices, watching for some footway by which to turn the lair of the monster ahead.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading "We must keep near one wall or the other," he said.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading "We must keep near one wall or the other," he said.

waterfall in Canada is the Horseshoe Falls; in the United States it is the American Falls

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States north of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading Paddling toward the northern bank, simply because it had saved them in their former peril, they floated like a leaf in the shadows of the precipices, watching for some footway by which to turn the lair of the monster ahead.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The scenery here did not consist exclusively of two lofty ramparts fronting each other.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading "We must keep near one wall or the other," he said.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading "We must keep near one wall or the other," he said.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading "We must keep near one wall or the other," he said.

-ing form of “paddle” — propel with a paddle

From this reading Paddling toward the northern bank, simply because it had saved them in their former peril, they floated like a leaf in the shadows of the precipices, watching for some footway by which to turn the lair of the monster ahead.

a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading Paddling toward the northern bank, simply because it had saved them in their former peril, they floated like a leaf in the shadows of the precipices, watching for some footway by which to turn the lair of the monster ahead.

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

From this reading Paddling toward the northern bank, simply because it had saved them in their former peril, they floated like a leaf in the shadows of the precipices, watching for some footway by which to turn the lair of the monster ahead.

plural of “rampart” — an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes

From this reading The scenery here did not consist exclusively of two lofty ramparts fronting each other.

plural of “rapid” — a part of a river where the current is very fast

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading "The middle of the river is sure death."

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "We must keep near one wall or the other," he said.

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

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

rescued; especially from the power and consequences of sin

From this reading Paddling toward the northern bank, simply because it had saved them in their former peril, they floated like a leaf in the shadows of the precipices, watching for some footway by which to turn the lair of the monster ahead.

the painted structures of a stage set that are intended to suggest a particular locale

From this reading The scenery here did not consist exclusively of two lofty ramparts fronting each other.

plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries

From this reading Paddling toward the northern bank, simply because it had saved them in their former peril, they floated like a leaf in the shadows of the precipices, watching for some footway by which to turn the lair of the monster ahead.

and nothing more

From this reading Paddling toward the northern bank, simply because it had saved them in their former peril, they floated like a leaf in the shadows of the precipices, watching for some footway by which to turn the lair of the monster ahead.

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

From this reading Paddling toward the northern bank, simply because it had saved them in their former peril, they floated like a leaf in the shadows of the precipices, watching for some footway by which to turn the lair of the monster ahead.

engaged in a struggle to overcome especially poverty or obscurity

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading "The middle of the river is sure death."

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

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

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

From this reading Paddling toward the northern bank, simply because it had saved them in their former peril, they floated like a leaf in the shadows of the precipices, watching for some footway by which to turn the lair of the monster ahead.

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

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

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

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

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

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

in the direction of

From this reading Paddling toward the northern bank, simply because it had saved them in their former peril, they floated like a leaf in the shadows of the precipices, watching for some footway by which to turn the lair of the monster ahead.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading Paddling toward the northern bank, simply because it had saved them in their former peril, they floated like a leaf in the shadows of the precipices, watching for some footway by which to turn the lair of the monster ahead.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading The scenery here did not consist exclusively of two lofty ramparts fronting each other.

(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading "We must keep near one wall or the other," he said.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading Paddling toward the northern bank, simply because it had saved them in their former peril, they floated like a leaf in the shadows of the precipices, watching for some footway by which to turn the lair of the monster ahead.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading "We must keep near one wall or the other," he said.

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

From this reading Paddling toward the northern bank, simply because it had saved them in their former peril, they floated like a leaf in the shadows of the precipices, watching for some footway by which to turn the lair of the monster ahead.

past form of “whirl” — turn in a twisting or spinning motion

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.

which person or people

From this reading As Thurstane approached the cataract of the San Juan he thought of the rapids above Niagara, and of the men who had been whirled down them, foreseeing their fate and struggling against it, but unable to escape it.