used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Alvarez probes the Secret It was early morning, and a brilliant sun threw slanting rays across the dancing waters of the great lake and across the picturesque buildings of the fairy-like city of Mexico.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading It was the dawn of a day likely to be momentous in the history of Spain and of Mexico; for Cortes was about to make his biggest attempt to conquer.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading Alvarez probes the Secret It was early morning, and a brilliant sun threw slanting rays across the dancing waters of the great lake and across the picturesque buildings of the fairy-like city of Mexico.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
Alvarez
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alvarez probes the Secret It was early morning, and a brilliant sun threw slanting rays across the dancing waters of the great lake and across the picturesque buildings of the fairy-like city of Mexico.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Alvarez probes the Secret It was early morning, and a brilliant sun threw slanting rays across the dancing waters of the great lake and across the picturesque buildings of the fairy-like city of Mexico.
appetitenounUS /ˈæpətaɪt/
a feeling of craving something
From this reading Difficulties and danger but drew him on to further exertions, and increased opposition but whetted his appetite for conquest.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading It was the dawn of a day likely to be momentous in the history of Spain and of Mexico; for Cortes was about to make his biggest attempt to conquer.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It was the dawn of a day likely to be momentous in the history of Spain and of Mexico; for Cortes was about to make his biggest attempt to conquer.
biggestadjectiveUS /ˈbɪɡəst/
superlative of “big” — above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It was the dawn of a day likely to be momentous in the history of Spain and of Mexico; for Cortes was about to make his biggest attempt to conquer.
the two together, not just one
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
of surpassing excellence
From this reading Alvarez probes the Secret It was early morning, and a brilliant sun threw slanting rays across the dancing waters of the great lake and across the picturesque buildings of the fairy-like city of Mexico.
plural of “building” — a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading Alvarez probes the Secret It was early morning, and a brilliant sun threw slanting rays across the dancing waters of the great lake and across the picturesque buildings of the fairy-like city of Mexico.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Difficulties and danger but drew him on to further exertions, and increased opposition but whetted his appetite for conquest.
temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
causewayverbUS /ˈkɑːzweɪ/
provide with a causeway
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading Alvarez probes the Secret It was early morning, and a brilliant sun threw slanting rays across the dancing waters of the great lake and across the picturesque buildings of the fairy-like city of Mexico.
conquerverbUS /ˈkɑːŋkər/
bring under control by force or authority
From this reading It was the dawn of a day likely to be momentous in the history of Spain and of Mexico; for Cortes was about to make his biggest attempt to conquer.
conquestnounUS /ˈkɑːŋkwest/
the act of conquering
From this reading Difficulties and danger but drew him on to further exertions, and increased opposition but whetted his appetite for conquest.
CortesnounUS /ˌkɔːrˈtez/
Spanish conquistador who defeated the Aztecs and conquered Mexico (1485-1547)
From this reading It was the dawn of a day likely to be momentous in the history of Spain and of Mexico; for Cortes was about to make his biggest attempt to conquer.
Cristoval
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music
From this reading Alvarez probes the Secret It was early morning, and a brilliant sun threw slanting rays across the dancing waters of the great lake and across the picturesque buildings of the fairy-like city of Mexico.
the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading Difficulties and danger but drew him on to further exertions, and increased opposition but whetted his appetite for conquest.
the first light of day
From this reading It was the dawn of a day likely to be momentous in the history of Spain and of Mexico; for Cortes was about to make his biggest attempt to conquer.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading It was the dawn of a day likely to be momentous in the history of Spain and of Mexico; for Cortes was about to make his biggest attempt to conquer.
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading Difficulties and danger but drew him on to further exertions, and increased opposition but whetted his appetite for conquest.
without deviation
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
divisionsnounUS /dɪˈvɪʒənz/
plural of “division” — an army unit large enough to sustain combat
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading Difficulties and danger but drew him on to further exertions, and increased opposition but whetted his appetite for conquest.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading Alvarez probes the Secret It was early morning, and a brilliant sun threw slanting rays across the dancing waters of the great lake and across the picturesque buildings of the fairy-like city of Mexico.
continuing forever or indefinitely
From this reading From the summits of a hundred sacrificial towers rose the smoke of the eternal fires, while the figures of the hateful priests stood out prominently.
exertionsnounUS /ɪɡˈzɜːrʃənz/
plural of “exertion” — use of physical or mental energy; hard work
From this reading Difficulties and danger but drew him on to further exertions, and increased opposition but whetted his appetite for conquest.
fairy-like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Alvarez probes the Secret It was early morning, and a brilliant sun threw slanting rays across the dancing waters of the great lake and across the picturesque buildings of the fairy-like city of Mexico.
plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading From the summits of a hundred sacrificial towers rose the smoke of the eternal fires, while the figures of the hateful priests stood out prominently.
plural of “fire” — the event of something burning (often destructive)
From this reading From the summits of a hundred sacrificial towers rose the smoke of the eternal fires, while the figures of the hateful priests stood out prominently.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was the dawn of a day likely to be momentous in the history of Spain and of Mexico; for Cortes was about to make his biggest attempt to conquer.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From the summits of a hundred sacrificial towers rose the smoke of the eternal fires, while the figures of the hateful priests stood out prominently.
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading Difficulties and danger but drew him on to further exertions, and increased opposition but whetted his appetite for conquest.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Alvarez probes the Secret It was early morning, and a brilliant sun threw slanting rays across the dancing waters of the great lake and across the picturesque buildings of the fairy-like city of Mexico.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
hatefuladjectiveUS /ˈheɪtfəl/
evoking or deserving hatred
From this reading From the summits of a hundred sacrificial towers rose the smoke of the eternal fires, while the figures of the hateful priests stood out prominently.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Difficulties and danger but drew him on to further exertions, and increased opposition but whetted his appetite for conquest.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It was the dawn of a day likely to be momentous in the history of Spain and of Mexico; for Cortes was about to make his biggest attempt to conquer.
the aggregate of past events
From this reading It was the dawn of a day likely to be momentous in the history of Spain and of Mexico; for Cortes was about to make his biggest attempt to conquer.
ten 10s
From this reading From the summits of a hundred sacrificial towers rose the smoke of the eternal fires, while the figures of the hateful priests stood out prominently.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was the dawn of a day likely to be momentous in the history of Spain and of Mexico; for Cortes was about to make his biggest attempt to conquer.
made greater in size or amount or degree
From this reading Difficulties and danger but drew him on to further exertions, and increased opposition but whetted his appetite for conquest.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Alvarez probes the Secret It was early morning, and a brilliant sun threw slanting rays across the dancing waters of the great lake and across the picturesque buildings of the fairy-like city of Mexico.
of or relating to two people who are married to each other
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
junctionnounUS /ˈdʒʌŋkʃən/
the place where two or more things come together
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land
From this reading Alvarez probes the Secret It was early morning, and a brilliant sun threw slanting rays across the dancing waters of the great lake and across the picturesque buildings of the fairy-like city of Mexico.
indicating the most important performer or role
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
leaguenounUS /liːɡ/
an association of sports teams that organizes matches for its members
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
has a good chance of being the case or of coming about
From this reading It was the dawn of a day likely to be momentous in the history of Spain and of Mexico; for Cortes was about to make his biggest attempt to conquer.
engage in
From this reading It was the dawn of a day likely to be momentous in the history of Spain and of Mexico; for Cortes was about to make his biggest attempt to conquer.
MexiconounUS /ˈmeksəkoʊ/
a republic in southern North America; became independent from Spain in 1810
From this reading Alvarez probes the Secret It was early morning, and a brilliant sun threw slanting rays across the dancing waters of the great lake and across the picturesque buildings of the fairy-like city of Mexico.
momentousadjectiveUS /moʊˈmentəs/
of very great significance
From this reading It was the dawn of a day likely to be momentous in the history of Spain and of Mexico; for Cortes was about to make his biggest attempt to conquer.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading Alvarez probes the Secret It was early morning, and a brilliant sun threw slanting rays across the dancing waters of the great lake and across the picturesque buildings of the fairy-like city of Mexico.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
held or filled or in use
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Alvarez probes the Secret It was early morning, and a brilliant sun threw slanting rays across the dancing waters of the great lake and across the picturesque buildings of the fairy-like city of Mexico.
Olid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Difficulties and danger but drew him on to further exertions, and increased opposition but whetted his appetite for conquest.
oppositionnounUS /ˌɑːpəˈzɪʃən/
the action of opposing something that you disapprove or disagree with
From this reading Difficulties and danger but drew him on to further exertions, and increased opposition but whetted his appetite for conquest.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading From the summits of a hundred sacrificial towers rose the smoke of the eternal fires, while the figures of the hateful priests stood out prominently.
picturesqueadjectiveUS /ˈpɪktʃərəsk/
suggesting or suitable for a picture; pretty as a picture
From this reading Alvarez probes the Secret It was early morning, and a brilliant sun threw slanting rays across the dancing waters of the great lake and across the picturesque buildings of the fairy-like city of Mexico.
priestsnounUS /priːsts/
plural of “priest” — a clergyman in Christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the Holy Orders
From this reading From the summits of a hundred sacrificial towers rose the smoke of the eternal fires, while the figures of the hateful priests stood out prominently.
probesnounUS /proʊbz/
plural of “probe” — an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities
From this reading Alvarez probes the Secret It was early morning, and a brilliant sun threw slanting rays across the dancing waters of the great lake and across the picturesque buildings of the fairy-like city of Mexico.
prominentlyadverbUS /ˈprɑːmənəntli/
in a prominent way
From this reading From the summits of a hundred sacrificial towers rose the smoke of the eternal fires, while the figures of the hateful priests stood out prominently.
raysnounUS /reɪz/
plural of “ray” — a column of light (as from a beacon)
From this reading Alvarez probes the Secret It was early morning, and a brilliant sun threw slanting rays across the dancing waters of the great lake and across the picturesque buildings of the fairy-like city of Mexico.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading From the summits of a hundred sacrificial towers rose the smoke of the eternal fires, while the figures of the hateful priests stood out prominently.
sacrificialadjectiveUS /ˌsækrəˈfɪʃəl/
used in or connected with a sacrifice
From this reading From the summits of a hundred sacrificial towers rose the smoke of the eternal fires, while the figures of the hateful priests stood out prominently.
Sandoval
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading Alvarez probes the Secret It was early morning, and a brilliant sun threw slanting rays across the dancing waters of the great lake and across the picturesque buildings of the fairy-like city of Mexico.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
slantingadjectiveUS /ˈslæntɪŋ/
having an oblique or slanted direction
From this reading Alvarez probes the Secret It was early morning, and a brilliant sun threw slanting rays across the dancing waters of the great lake and across the picturesque buildings of the fairy-like city of Mexico.
a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas
From this reading From the summits of a hundred sacrificial towers rose the smoke of the eternal fires, while the figures of the hateful priests stood out prominently.
SpainnounUS /speɪn/
a parliamentary monarchy in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula; a former colonial power
From this reading It was the dawn of a day likely to be momentous in the history of Spain and of Mexico; for Cortes was about to make his biggest attempt to conquer.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading From the summits of a hundred sacrificial towers rose the smoke of the eternal fires, while the figures of the hateful priests stood out prominently.
summitsnounUS /ˈsʌmɪts/
plural of “summit” — the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
From this reading From the summits of a hundred sacrificial towers rose the smoke of the eternal fires, while the figures of the hateful priests stood out prominently.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading Alvarez probes the Secret It was early morning, and a brilliant sun threw slanting rays across the dancing waters of the great lake and across the picturesque buildings of the fairy-like city of Mexico.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Alvarez probes the Secret It was early morning, and a brilliant sun threw slanting rays across the dancing waters of the great lake and across the picturesque buildings of the fairy-like city of Mexico.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading Alvarez probes the Secret It was early morning, and a brilliant sun threw slanting rays across the dancing waters of the great lake and across the picturesque buildings of the fairy-like city of Mexico.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was the dawn of a day likely to be momentous in the history of Spain and of Mexico; for Cortes was about to make his biggest attempt to conquer.
towersnounUS /ˈtaʊərz/
plural of “tower” — a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building
From this reading From the summits of a hundred sacrificial towers rose the smoke of the eternal fires, while the figures of the hateful priests stood out prominently.
soldiers collectively
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Alvarez probes the Secret It was early morning, and a brilliant sun threw slanting rays across the dancing waters of the great lake and across the picturesque buildings of the fairy-like city of Mexico.
United States actress and singer (1896-1977)
From this reading Alvarez probes the Secret It was early morning, and a brilliant sun threw slanting rays across the dancing waters of the great lake and across the picturesque buildings of the fairy-like city of Mexico.
whettedverbUS /ˈwetɪd/
inflected form of “whet” — make keen or more acute
From this reading Difficulties and danger but drew him on to further exertions, and increased opposition but whetted his appetite for conquest.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading From the summits of a hundred sacrificial towers rose the smoke of the eternal fires, while the figures of the hateful priests stood out prominently.
in the company of; together with
From this reading This day must see the junction of his two divisions, for the troops under Cristoval de Olid had already joined with the force under Sandoval, and both occupied the camp of the causeway, the causeway leading directly north for more than a league into the heart of the city.
