adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The Barbarians had no need of a circumvallation on the side of Africa, for it was theirs.
actedverbUS /ˈæktɪd/
past form of “act” — perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading Amid the infinite variety of their nomenclature (which changed several times in the course of the centuries) these machines might be reduced to two systems: some acted like slings, and the rest like bows.
AfricanounUS /ˈæfrəkɑː/
the second largest continent; located to the south of Europe and bordered to the west by the South Atlantic and to the east by the Indian Ocean
From this reading The Barbarians had no need of a circumvallation on the side of Africa, for it was theirs.
AmidprepositionUS /əˈmɪd/
in the middle of; surrounded by
From this reading Amid the infinite variety of their nomenclature (which changed several times in the course of the centuries) these machines might be reduced to two systems: some acted like slings, and the rest like bows.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The hoplites of the Mercenaries were placed in the first rank, and behind them the slingers and horsemen; quite at the back were the baggage, chariots, and horses; and the engines bristled in front of this throng at a distance of three hundred paces from the towers.
approachverbUS /əˈproʊtʃ/
move towards
From this reading But to facilitate the approach to the walls, the entrenchments bordering the ditch were thrown down.
armynounUS /ˈɑːrmi/
a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state
From this reading Matho next divided the army into great semicircles so as to encompass Carthage the better.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Matho next divided the army into great semicircles so as to encompass Carthage the better.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The hoplites of the Mercenaries were placed in the first rank, and behind them the slingers and horsemen; quite at the back were the baggage, chariots, and horses; and the engines bristled in front of this throng at a distance of three hundred paces from the towers.
backadverbUS /bæk/
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading The hoplites of the Mercenaries were placed in the first rank, and behind them the slingers and horsemen; quite at the back were the baggage, chariots, and horses; and the engines bristled in front of this throng at a distance of three hundred paces from the towers.
baggagenounUS /ˈbæɡədʒ/
cases used to carry belongings when traveling
From this reading The hoplites of the Mercenaries were placed in the first rank, and behind them the slingers and horsemen; quite at the back were the baggage, chariots, and horses; and the engines bristled in front of this throng at a distance of three hundred paces from the towers.
BarbariansnounUS /bɑːrˈberiənz/
plural of “barbarian” — a member of an uncivilized people
From this reading The Barbarians had no need of a circumvallation on the side of Africa, for it was theirs.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Amid the infinite variety of their nomenclature (which changed several times in the course of the centuries) these machines might be reduced to two systems: some acted like slings, and the rest like bows.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading The hoplites of the Mercenaries were placed in the first rank, and behind them the slingers and horsemen; quite at the back were the baggage, chariots, and horses; and the engines bristled in front of this throng at a distance of three hundred paces from the towers.
betteradjectiveUS /ˈbetər/
(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 Matho next divided the army into great semicircles so as to encompass Carthage the better.
borderingverbUS /ˈbɔːrdərɪŋ/
-ing form of “border” — extend on all sides of simultaneously; encircle
From this reading But to facilitate the approach to the walls, the entrenchments bordering the ditch were thrown down.
bowsnounUS /baʊz/
plural of “bow” — a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces
From this reading Amid the infinite variety of their nomenclature (which changed several times in the course of the centuries) these machines might be reduced to two systems: some acted like slings, and the rest like bows.
bristledadjectiveUS /ˈbrɪsəld/
having or covered with protective barbs or quills or spines or thorns or setae etc.
From this reading The hoplites of the Mercenaries were placed in the first rank, and behind them the slingers and horsemen; quite at the back were the baggage, chariots, and horses; and the engines bristled in front of this throng at a distance of three hundred paces from the towers.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But to facilitate the approach to the walls, the entrenchments bordering the ditch were thrown down.
CarthagenounUS /ˈkɑːrθədʒ/
an ancient city state on the north African coast near modern Tunis; founded by Phoenicians; destroyed and rebuilt by Romans; razed by Arabs in 697
From this reading Matho next divided the army into great semicircles so as to encompass Carthage the better.
centuriesnounUS /ˈsentʃəriz/
plural of “century” — a period of 100 years
From this reading Amid the infinite variety of their nomenclature (which changed several times in the course of the centuries) these machines might be reduced to two systems: some acted like slings, and the rest like bows.
changedadjectiveUS /tʃeɪndʒd/
made or become different in nature or form
From this reading Amid the infinite variety of their nomenclature (which changed several times in the course of the centuries) these machines might be reduced to two systems: some acted like slings, and the rest like bows.
chariotsnounUS /ˈtʃeriəts/
plural of “chariot” — a light four-wheel horse-drawn ceremonial carriage
From this reading The hoplites of the Mercenaries were placed in the first rank, and behind them the slingers and horsemen; quite at the back were the baggage, chariots, and horses; and the engines bristled in front of this throng at a distance of three hundred paces from the towers.
circumvallation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Barbarians had no need of a circumvallation on the side of Africa, for it was theirs.
coursenounUS /kɔːrs/
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading Amid the infinite variety of their nomenclature (which changed several times in the course of the centuries) these machines might be reduced to two systems: some acted like slings, and the rest like bows.
distancenounUS /ˈdɪstəns/
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading The hoplites of the Mercenaries were placed in the first rank, and behind them the slingers and horsemen; quite at the back were the baggage, chariots, and horses; and the engines bristled in front of this throng at a distance of three hundred paces from the towers.
ditchnounUS /dɪtʃ/
a long narrow excavation in the earth
From this reading But to facilitate the approach to the walls, the entrenchments bordering the ditch were thrown down.
dividedadjectiveUS /dɪˈvaɪdɪd/
separated into parts or pieces
From this reading Matho next divided the army into great semicircles so as to encompass Carthage the better.
downadjectiveUS /daʊn/
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading But to facilitate the approach to the walls, the entrenchments bordering the ditch were thrown down.
encompassverbUS /enˈkʌmpəs/
include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory
From this reading Matho next divided the army into great semicircles so as to encompass Carthage the better.
enginesnounUS /ˈendʒənz/
plural of “engine” — motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work
From this reading The hoplites of the Mercenaries were placed in the first rank, and behind them the slingers and horsemen; quite at the back were the baggage, chariots, and horses; and the engines bristled in front of this throng at a distance of three hundred paces from the towers.
entrenchments
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But to facilitate the approach to the walls, the entrenchments bordering the ditch were thrown down.
facilitateverbUS /fəˈsɪləteɪt/
make easier
From this reading But to facilitate the approach to the walls, the entrenchments bordering the ditch were thrown down.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading The hoplites of the Mercenaries were placed in the first rank, and behind them the slingers and horsemen; quite at the back were the baggage, chariots, and horses; and the engines bristled in front of this throng at a distance of three hundred paces from the towers.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The Barbarians had no need of a circumvallation on the side of Africa, for it was theirs.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The hoplites of the Mercenaries were placed in the first rank, and behind them the slingers and horsemen; quite at the back were the baggage, chariots, and horses; and the engines bristled in front of this throng at a distance of three hundred paces from the towers.
frontnounUS /frʌnt/
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading The hoplites of the Mercenaries were placed in the first rank, and behind them the slingers and horsemen; quite at the back were the baggage, chariots, and horses; and the engines bristled in front of this throng at a distance of three hundred paces from the towers.
greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Matho next divided the army into great semicircles so as to encompass Carthage the better.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The Barbarians had no need of a circumvallation on the side of Africa, for it was theirs.
hoplites
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hoplites of the Mercenaries were placed in the first rank, and behind them the slingers and horsemen; quite at the back were the baggage, chariots, and horses; and the engines bristled in front of this throng at a distance of three hundred paces from the towers.
horsemennounUS /ˈhɔːrsmən/
plural of “horseman” — a man skilled in equitation
From this reading The hoplites of the Mercenaries were placed in the first rank, and behind them the slingers and horsemen; quite at the back were the baggage, chariots, and horses; and the engines bristled in front of this throng at a distance of three hundred paces from the towers.
horsesnounUS /ˈhɔːrsəz/
plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading The hoplites of the Mercenaries were placed in the first rank, and behind them the slingers and horsemen; quite at the back were the baggage, chariots, and horses; and the engines bristled in front of this throng at a distance of three hundred paces from the towers.
hundrednounUS /ˈhʌndrəd/
ten 10s
From this reading The hoplites of the Mercenaries were placed in the first rank, and behind them the slingers and horsemen; quite at the back were the baggage, chariots, and horses; and the engines bristled in front of this throng at a distance of three hundred paces from the towers.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The hoplites of the Mercenaries were placed in the first rank, and behind them the slingers and horsemen; quite at the back were the baggage, chariots, and horses; and the engines bristled in front of this throng at a distance of three hundred paces from the towers.
infiniteadjectiveUS /ˈɪnfənət/
having no limits or boundaries in time or space or extent or magnitude
From this reading Amid the infinite variety of their nomenclature (which changed several times in the course of the centuries) these machines might be reduced to two systems: some acted like slings, and the rest like bows.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Matho next divided the army into great semicircles so as to encompass Carthage the better.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The Barbarians had no need of a circumvallation on the side of Africa, for it was theirs.
likeverbUS /laɪk/
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Amid the infinite variety of their nomenclature (which changed several times in the course of the centuries) these machines might be reduced to two systems: some acted like slings, and the rest like bows.
machinesnounUS /məˈʃiːnz/
plural of “machine” — any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks
From this reading Amid the infinite variety of their nomenclature (which changed several times in the course of the centuries) these machines might be reduced to two systems: some acted like slings, and the rest like bows.
Matho
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Matho next divided the army into great semicircles so as to encompass Carthage the better.
MercenariesnounUS /ˈmɜːrsəneriz/
plural of “mercenary” — a person hired to fight for another country than their own
From this reading The hoplites of the Mercenaries were placed in the first rank, and behind them the slingers and horsemen; quite at the back were the baggage, chariots, and horses; and the engines bristled in front of this throng at a distance of three hundred paces from the towers.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Amid the infinite variety of their nomenclature (which changed several times in the course of the centuries) these machines might be reduced to two systems: some acted like slings, and the rest like bows.
neednounUS /niːd/
a condition requiring relief
From this reading The Barbarians had no need of a circumvallation on the side of Africa, for it was theirs.
nextadjectiveUS /nekst/
immediately following in time or order
From this reading Matho next divided the army into great semicircles so as to encompass Carthage the better.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading The Barbarians had no need of a circumvallation on the side of Africa, for it was theirs.
nomenclaturenounUS /ˈnoʊmənkleɪtʃər/
a system of words used to name things in a particular discipline
From this reading Amid the infinite variety of their nomenclature (which changed several times in the course of the centuries) these machines might be reduced to two systems: some acted like slings, and the rest like bows.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Barbarians had no need of a circumvallation on the side of Africa, for it was theirs.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The Barbarians had no need of a circumvallation on the side of Africa, for it was theirs.
pacesnounUS /ˈpeɪsɪz/
plural of “pace” — the rate of moving (especially walking or running)
From this reading The hoplites of the Mercenaries were placed in the first rank, and behind them the slingers and horsemen; quite at the back were the baggage, chariots, and horses; and the engines bristled in front of this throng at a distance of three hundred paces from the towers.
placedadjectiveUS /pleɪst/
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading The hoplites of the Mercenaries were placed in the first rank, and behind them the slingers and horsemen; quite at the back were the baggage, chariots, and horses; and the engines bristled in front of this throng at a distance of three hundred paces from the towers.
quiteadverbUS /kwaɪt/
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading The hoplites of the Mercenaries were placed in the first rank, and behind them the slingers and horsemen; quite at the back were the baggage, chariots, and horses; and the engines bristled in front of this throng at a distance of three hundred paces from the towers.
ranknounUS /ræŋk/
a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another
From this reading The hoplites of the Mercenaries were placed in the first rank, and behind them the slingers and horsemen; quite at the back were the baggage, chariots, and horses; and the engines bristled in front of this throng at a distance of three hundred paces from the towers.
reducedadjectiveUS /rəˈduːst/
made less in size or amount or degree
From this reading Amid the infinite variety of their nomenclature (which changed several times in the course of the centuries) these machines might be reduced to two systems: some acted like slings, and the rest like bows.
restverbUS /rest/
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading Amid the infinite variety of their nomenclature (which changed several times in the course of the centuries) these machines might be reduced to two systems: some acted like slings, and the rest like bows.
semicircles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Matho next divided the army into great semicircles so as to encompass Carthage the better.
severaladjectiveUS /ˈsevrəl/
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading Amid the infinite variety of their nomenclature (which changed several times in the course of the centuries) these machines might be reduced to two systems: some acted like slings, and the rest like bows.
sidenounUS /saɪd/
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading The Barbarians had no need of a circumvallation on the side of Africa, for it was theirs.
slingers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hoplites of the Mercenaries were placed in the first rank, and behind them the slingers and horsemen; quite at the back were the baggage, chariots, and horses; and the engines bristled in front of this throng at a distance of three hundred paces from the towers.
slingsnounUS /slɪŋz/
plural of “sling” — a highball with liquor and water with sugar and lemon or lime juice
From this reading Amid the infinite variety of their nomenclature (which changed several times in the course of the centuries) these machines might be reduced to two systems: some acted like slings, and the rest like bows.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Matho next divided the army into great semicircles so as to encompass Carthage the better.
someadjectiveUS /sʌm/
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Amid the infinite variety of their nomenclature (which changed several times in the course of the centuries) these machines might be reduced to two systems: some acted like slings, and the rest like bows.
systemsnounUS /ˈsɪstəmz/
plural of “system” — instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity
From this reading Amid the infinite variety of their nomenclature (which changed several times in the course of the centuries) these machines might be reduced to two systems: some acted like slings, and the rest like bows.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Barbarians had no need of a circumvallation on the side of Africa, for it was theirs.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Amid the infinite variety of their nomenclature (which changed several times in the course of the centuries) these machines might be reduced to two systems: some acted like slings, and the rest like bows.
theirspronounUS /ðerz/
the one or ones belonging to them
From this reading The Barbarians had no need of a circumvallation on the side of Africa, for it was theirs.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The hoplites of the Mercenaries were placed in the first rank, and behind them the slingers and horsemen; quite at the back were the baggage, chariots, and horses; and the engines bristled in front of this throng at a distance of three hundred paces from the towers.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Amid the infinite variety of their nomenclature (which changed several times in the course of the centuries) these machines might be reduced to two systems: some acted like slings, and the rest like bows.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The hoplites of the Mercenaries were placed in the first rank, and behind them the slingers and horsemen; quite at the back were the baggage, chariots, and horses; and the engines bristled in front of this throng at a distance of three hundred paces from the towers.
threenounUS /θriː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading The hoplites of the Mercenaries were placed in the first rank, and behind them the slingers and horsemen; quite at the back were the baggage, chariots, and horses; and the engines bristled in front of this throng at a distance of three hundred paces from the towers.
throngnounUS /θrɔːŋ/
a large gathering of people
From this reading The hoplites of the Mercenaries were placed in the first rank, and behind them the slingers and horsemen; quite at the back were the baggage, chariots, and horses; and the engines bristled in front of this throng at a distance of three hundred paces from the towers.
thrownadjectiveUS /θroʊn/
caused to fall to the ground
From this reading But to facilitate the approach to the walls, the entrenchments bordering the ditch were thrown down.
timesnounUS /taɪmz/
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading Amid the infinite variety of their nomenclature (which changed several times in the course of the centuries) these machines might be reduced to two systems: some acted like slings, and the rest like bows.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading But to facilitate the approach to the walls, the entrenchments bordering the ditch were thrown down.
towersnounUS /ˈtaʊərz/
plural of “tower” — a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building
From this reading The hoplites of the Mercenaries were placed in the first rank, and behind them the slingers and horsemen; quite at the back were the baggage, chariots, and horses; and the engines bristled in front of this throng at a distance of three hundred paces from the towers.
twonounUS /tuː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Amid the infinite variety of their nomenclature (which changed several times in the course of the centuries) these machines might be reduced to two systems: some acted like slings, and the rest like bows.
varietynounUS /vərˈaɪəti/
a collection containing a variety of sorts of things
From this reading Amid the infinite variety of their nomenclature (which changed several times in the course of the centuries) these machines might be reduced to two systems: some acted like slings, and the rest like bows.
wallsnounUS /wɔːlz/
plural of “wall” — 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 But to facilitate the approach to the walls, the entrenchments bordering the ditch were thrown down.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Barbarians had no need of a circumvallation on the side of Africa, for it was theirs.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading But to facilitate the approach to the walls, the entrenchments bordering the ditch were thrown down.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Amid the infinite variety of their nomenclature (which changed several times in the course of the centuries) these machines might be reduced to two systems: some acted like slings, and the rest like bows.
