Chapter XXXI

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

From this reading A BITTER DISAPPOINTMENT.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The boss driller was greatly puzzled to account for the present state of affairs, though he was not inclined to talk much about it.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading The boss driller was greatly puzzled to account for the present state of affairs, though he was not inclined to talk much about it.

matters of personal concern

From this reading The boss driller was greatly puzzled to account for the present state of affairs, though he was not inclined to talk much about it.

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

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

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

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

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

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

marked by strong resentment or cynicism

From this reading A BITTER DISAPPOINTMENT.

a person who exercises control over workers

From this reading The boss driller was greatly puzzled to account for the present state of affairs, though he was not inclined to talk much about it.

prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

with confidence; in a confident manner

From this reading He had so often and so confidently predicted that this well was not only going to strike oil, but to prove a “gusher,” that he now had nothing to say.

gotten under control

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

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

From this reading The Dale-Dustin well was a dry hole.

the extent downward or backward or inward

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized

From this reading A BITTER DISAPPOINTMENT.

make a hole, especially with a pointed power or hand tool

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

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

From this reading The boss driller was greatly puzzled to account for the present state of affairs, though he was not inclined to talk much about it.

let fall to the ground

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet

From this reading The Dale-Dustin well was a dry hole.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

past form of “flow” — move or progress freely as if in a stream

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The boss driller was greatly puzzled to account for the present state of affairs, though he was not inclined to talk much about it.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

the state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states by: relatively low density and viscosity

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

the act of departing

From this reading He had so often and so confidently predicted that this well was not only going to strike oil, but to prove a “gusher,” that he now had nothing to say.

to an extraordinary extent or degree

From this reading The boss driller was greatly puzzled to account for the present state of affairs, though he was not inclined to talk much about it.

an oil well with a strong natural flow so that pumping is not necessary

From this reading He had so often and so confidently predicted that this well was not only going to strike oil, but to prove a “gusher,” that he now had nothing to say.

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

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

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

From this reading The boss driller was greatly puzzled to account for the present state of affairs, though he was not inclined to talk much about it.

an opening into or through something

From this reading The Dale-Dustin well was a dry hole.

ten 10s

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency

From this reading The boss driller was greatly puzzled to account for the present state of affairs, though he was not inclined to talk much about it.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

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

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

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

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

concerned with worldly rather than spiritual interests

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading The boss driller was greatly puzzled to account for the present state of affairs, though he was not inclined to talk much about it.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading He had so often and so confidently predicted that this well was not only going to strike oil, but to prove a “gusher,” that he now had nothing to say.

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

From this reading He had so often and so confidently predicted that this well was not only going to strike oil, but to prove a “gusher,” that he now had nothing to say.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

many times at short intervals

From this reading He had so often and so confidently predicted that this well was not only going to strike oil, but to prove a “gusher,” that he now had nothing to say.

A viscous liquid derived from petroleum or plants, stored in large earthen jars.

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

and nothing more

From this reading He had so often and so confidently predicted that this well was not only going to strike oil, but to prove a “gusher,” that he now had nothing to say.

having a hole cut through

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

a full supply

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

past form of “predict” — make a prediction about; tell in advance

From this reading He had so often and so confidently predicted that this well was not only going to strike oil, but to prove a “gusher,” that he now had nothing to say.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading The boss driller was greatly puzzled to account for the present state of affairs, though he was not inclined to talk much about it.

be shown or be found to be

From this reading He had so often and so confidently predicted that this well was not only going to strike oil, but to prove a “gusher,” that he now had nothing to say.

filled with bewilderment

From this reading The boss driller was greatly puzzled to account for the present state of affairs, though he was not inclined to talk much about it.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

a compound formed by replacing hydrogen in an acid by a metal (or a radical that acts like a metal)

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

express in words

From this reading He had so often and so confidently predicted that this well was not only going to strike oil, but to prove a “gusher,” that he now had nothing to say.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He had so often and so confidently predicted that this well was not only going to strike oil, but to prove a “gusher,” that he now had nothing to say.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading The boss driller was greatly puzzled to account for the present state of affairs, though he was not inclined to talk much about it.

deliver a sharp blow, as with the hand, fist, or weapon

From this reading He had so often and so confidently predicted that this well was not only going to strike oil, but to prove a “gusher,” that he now had nothing to say.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading The boss driller was greatly puzzled to account for the present state of affairs, though he was not inclined to talk much about it.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He had so often and so confidently predicted that this well was not only going to strike oil, but to prove a “gusher,” that he now had nothing to say.

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

From this reading The Dale-Dustin well was a dry hole.

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

From this reading He had so often and so confidently predicted that this well was not only going to strike oil, but to prove a “gusher,” that he now had nothing to say.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

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

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

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

From this reading The Dale-Dustin well was a dry hole.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading The Dale-Dustin well was a dry hole.

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

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

hope for; have a wish

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.

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

From this reading It contained a little gas and plenty of salt water; but not a drop of oil flowed from it, though, as Brace Barlow said, the material through which the drill had finally pierced, at a depth of twelve hundred feet, was as likely looking oil sand as one would wish to see.