used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE MAN WHO WAS GLAD There was just the slightest sound of a foot-tread down by the creek.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading Young Dan Medlicott raised himself on his elbow and listened, directing his searching gaze across the moonlit grass towards the deep shadows of the bluff of birch and poplar that lay between him and his home on Rattlesnake Ranch.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading His rifle was behind him, propped against a post of the stout corral gate.
alertadjectiveUS /əˈlɜːrt/
engaged in or accustomed to close observation
From this reading None but an attentively alert ear could have detected it amid the soughing of the wintry wind and the murmur of the stream over its stony bed.
amidprepositionUS /əˈmɪd/
in the middle of; surrounded by
From this reading None but an attentively alert ear could have detected it amid the soughing of the wintry wind and the murmur of the stream over its stony bed.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading None but an attentively alert ear could have detected it amid the soughing of the wintry wind and the murmur of the stream over its stony bed.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading None but an attentively alert ear could have detected it amid the soughing of the wintry wind and the murmur of the stream over its stony bed.
make certain of
From this reading His hand went round to it cautiously, but only to touch it and assure himself that it was still there, ready for use in case it should presently be needed.
attentivelyadverbUS /əˈtentɪvli/
with attention; in an attentive manner
From this reading None but an attentively alert ear could have detected it amid the soughing of the wintry wind and the murmur of the stream over its stony bed.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading His hand went round to it cautiously, but only to touch it and assure himself that it was still there, ready for use in case it should presently be needed.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading None but an attentively alert ear could have detected it amid the soughing of the wintry wind and the murmur of the stream over its stony bed.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading His rifle was behind him, propped against a post of the stout corral gate.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Young Dan Medlicott raised himself on his elbow and listened, directing his searching gaze across the moonlit grass towards the deep shadows of the bluff of birch and poplar that lay between him and his home on Rattlesnake Ranch.
birchnounUS /bɜːrtʃ/
hard close-grained wood of any of various birch trees; used especially in furniture and interior finishes and plywood
From this reading Young Dan Medlicott raised himself on his elbow and listened, directing his searching gaze across the moonlit grass towards the deep shadows of the bluff of birch and poplar that lay between him and his home on Rattlesnake Ranch.
bluffnounUS /blʌf/
a high steep bank (usually formed by river erosion)
From this reading Young Dan Medlicott raised himself on his elbow and listened, directing his searching gaze across the moonlit grass towards the deep shadows of the bluff of birch and poplar that lay between him and his home on Rattlesnake Ranch.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading None but an attentively alert ear could have detected it amid the soughing of the wintry wind and the murmur of the stream over its stony bed.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading THE MAN WHO WAS GLAD There was just the slightest sound of a foot-tread down by the creek.
an occurrence of something
From this reading His hand went round to it cautiously, but only to touch it and assure himself that it was still there, ready for use in case it should presently be needed.
cautiouslyadverbUS /ˈkɔːʃəsli/
as if with kid gloves; with caution or prudence or tact
From this reading His hand went round to it cautiously, but only to touch it and assure himself that it was still there, ready for use in case it should presently be needed.
corralverbUS /kərˈæl/
enclose in a corral
From this reading His rifle was behind him, propped against a post of the stout corral gate.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading None but an attentively alert ear could have detected it amid the soughing of the wintry wind and the murmur of the stream over its stony bed.
a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)
From this reading THE MAN WHO WAS GLAD There was just the slightest sound of a foot-tread down by the creek.
Dan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Young Dan Medlicott raised himself on his elbow and listened, directing his searching gaze across the moonlit grass towards the deep shadows of the bluff of birch and poplar that lay between him and his home on Rattlesnake Ranch.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading Young Dan Medlicott raised himself on his elbow and listened, directing his searching gaze across the moonlit grass towards the deep shadows of the bluff of birch and poplar that lay between him and his home on Rattlesnake Ranch.
detectedadjectiveUS /dɪˈtektəd/
perceived or discerned
From this reading None but an attentively alert ear could have detected it amid the soughing of the wintry wind and the murmur of the stream over its stony bed.
directingadjectiveUS /dərˈektɪŋ/
showing the way by conducting or leading; imposing direction on
From this reading Young Dan Medlicott raised himself on his elbow and listened, directing his searching gaze across the moonlit grass towards the deep shadows of the bluff of birch and poplar that lay between him and his home on Rattlesnake Ranch.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading THE MAN WHO WAS GLAD There was just the slightest sound of a foot-tread down by the creek.
the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading None but an attentively alert ear could have detected it amid the soughing of the wintry wind and the murmur of the stream over its stony bed.
elbownounUS /ˈelboʊ/
hinge joint between the forearm and upper arm and the corresponding joint in the forelimb of a quadruped
From this reading Young Dan Medlicott raised himself on his elbow and listened, directing his searching gaze across the moonlit grass towards the deep shadows of the bluff of birch and poplar that lay between him and his home on Rattlesnake Ranch.
foot-tread
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE MAN WHO WAS GLAD There was just the slightest sound of a foot-tread down by the creek.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading His hand went round to it cautiously, but only to touch it and assure himself that it was still there, ready for use in case it should presently be needed.
a movable barrier in a fence or wall
From this reading His rifle was behind him, propped against a post of the stout corral gate.
a long fixed look
From this reading Young Dan Medlicott raised himself on his elbow and listened, directing his searching gaze across the moonlit grass towards the deep shadows of the bluff of birch and poplar that lay between him and his home on Rattlesnake Ranch.
showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy
From this reading THE MAN WHO WAS GLAD There was just the slightest sound of a foot-tread down by the creek.
shoot down, of birds
From this reading Young Dan Medlicott raised himself on his elbow and listened, directing his searching gaze across the moonlit grass towards the deep shadows of the bluff of birch and poplar that lay between him and his home on Rattlesnake Ranch.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading His hand went round to it cautiously, but only to touch it and assure himself that it was still there, ready for use in case it should presently be needed.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading None but an attentively alert ear could have detected it amid the soughing of the wintry wind and the murmur of the stream over its stony bed.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Young Dan Medlicott raised himself on his elbow and listened, directing his searching gaze across the moonlit grass towards the deep shadows of the bluff of birch and poplar that lay between him and his home on Rattlesnake Ranch.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Young Dan Medlicott raised himself on his elbow and listened, directing his searching gaze across the moonlit grass towards the deep shadows of the bluff of birch and poplar that lay between him and his home on Rattlesnake Ranch.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Young Dan Medlicott raised himself on his elbow and listened, directing his searching gaze across the moonlit grass towards the deep shadows of the bluff of birch and poplar that lay between him and his home on Rattlesnake Ranch.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading Young Dan Medlicott raised himself on his elbow and listened, directing his searching gaze across the moonlit grass towards the deep shadows of the bluff of birch and poplar that lay between him and his home on Rattlesnake Ranch.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading His hand went round to it cautiously, but only to touch it and assure himself that it was still there, ready for use in case it should presently be needed.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading None but an attentively alert ear could have detected it amid the soughing of the wintry wind and the murmur of the stream over its stony bed.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading None but an attentively alert ear could have detected it amid the soughing of the wintry wind and the murmur of the stream over its stony bed.
and nothing more
From this reading THE MAN WHO WAS GLAD There was just the slightest sound of a foot-tread down by the creek.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Young Dan Medlicott raised himself on his elbow and listened, directing his searching gaze across the moonlit grass towards the deep shadows of the bluff of birch and poplar that lay between him and his home on Rattlesnake Ranch.
past form of “listen” — hear with intention
From this reading Young Dan Medlicott raised himself on his elbow and listened, directing his searching gaze across the moonlit grass towards the deep shadows of the bluff of birch and poplar that lay between him and his home on Rattlesnake Ranch.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading THE MAN WHO WAS GLAD There was just the slightest sound of a foot-tread down by the creek.
Medlicott
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Young Dan Medlicott raised himself on his elbow and listened, directing his searching gaze across the moonlit grass towards the deep shadows of the bluff of birch and poplar that lay between him and his home on Rattlesnake Ranch.
moonlitadjectiveUS /ˈmuːnlɪt/
lighted by moonlight
From this reading Young Dan Medlicott raised himself on his elbow and listened, directing his searching gaze across the moonlit grass towards the deep shadows of the bluff of birch and poplar that lay between him and his home on Rattlesnake Ranch.
murmurnounUS /ˈmɜːrmər/
a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech
From this reading None but an attentively alert ear could have detected it amid the soughing of the wintry wind and the murmur of the stream over its stony bed.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading His hand went round to it cautiously, but only to touch it and assure himself that it was still there, ready for use in case it should presently be needed.
not one, and not any
From this reading None but an attentively alert ear could have detected it amid the soughing of the wintry wind and the murmur of the stream over its stony bed.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE MAN WHO WAS GLAD There was just the slightest sound of a foot-tread down by the creek.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Young Dan Medlicott raised himself on his elbow and listened, directing his searching gaze across the moonlit grass towards the deep shadows of the bluff of birch and poplar that lay between him and his home on Rattlesnake Ranch.
and nothing more
From this reading His hand went round to it cautiously, but only to touch it and assure himself that it was still there, ready for use in case it should presently be needed.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading None but an attentively alert ear could have detected it amid the soughing of the wintry wind and the murmur of the stream over its stony bed.
poplarnounUS /ˈpɑːplər/
soft light-colored non-durable wood of the poplar
From this reading Young Dan Medlicott raised himself on his elbow and listened, directing his searching gaze across the moonlit grass towards the deep shadows of the bluff of birch and poplar that lay between him and his home on Rattlesnake Ranch.
affix in a public place or for public notice
From this reading His rifle was behind him, propped against a post of the stout corral gate.
in the near future
From this reading His hand went round to it cautiously, but only to touch it and assure himself that it was still there, ready for use in case it should presently be needed.
proppedverbUS /prɑːpt/
inflected form of “prop” — support by placing against something solid or rigid
From this reading His rifle was behind him, propped against a post of the stout corral gate.
located or moved above the surround or above the normal position
From this reading Young Dan Medlicott raised himself on his elbow and listened, directing his searching gaze across the moonlit grass towards the deep shadows of the bluff of birch and poplar that lay between him and his home on Rattlesnake Ranch.
RanchnounUS /ræntʃ/
farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle)
From this reading Young Dan Medlicott raised himself on his elbow and listened, directing his searching gaze across the moonlit grass towards the deep shadows of the bluff of birch and poplar that lay between him and his home on Rattlesnake Ranch.
RattlesnakenounUS /ˈrætəlsneɪk/
pit viper with horny segments at the end of the tail that rattle when shaken
From this reading Young Dan Medlicott raised himself on his elbow and listened, directing his searching gaze across the moonlit grass towards the deep shadows of the bluff of birch and poplar that lay between him and his home on Rattlesnake Ranch.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading His hand went round to it cautiously, but only to touch it and assure himself that it was still there, ready for use in case it should presently be needed.
steal goods; take as spoils
From this reading His rifle was behind him, propped against a post of the stout corral gate.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading His hand went round to it cautiously, but only to touch it and assure himself that it was still there, ready for use in case it should presently be needed.
diligent and thorough in inquiry or investigation
From this reading Young Dan Medlicott raised himself on his elbow and listened, directing his searching gaze across the moonlit grass towards the deep shadows of the bluff of birch and poplar that lay between him and his home on Rattlesnake Ranch.
plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries
From this reading Young Dan Medlicott raised himself on his elbow and listened, directing his searching gaze across the moonlit grass towards the deep shadows of the bluff of birch and poplar that lay between him and his home on Rattlesnake Ranch.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading His hand went round to it cautiously, but only to touch it and assure himself that it was still there, ready for use in case it should presently be needed.
superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some
From this reading THE MAN WHO WAS GLAD There was just the slightest sound of a foot-tread down by the creek.
soughingadjective
characterized by soft sounds
From this reading None but an attentively alert ear could have detected it amid the soughing of the wintry wind and the murmur of the stream over its stony bed.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading THE MAN WHO WAS GLAD There was just the slightest sound of a foot-tread down by the creek.
not in physical motion
From this reading His hand went round to it cautiously, but only to touch it and assure himself that it was still there, ready for use in case it should presently be needed.
stonyadjectiveUS /ˈstoʊni/
abounding in rocks or stones
From this reading None but an attentively alert ear could have detected it amid the soughing of the wintry wind and the murmur of the stream over its stony bed.
dependable
From this reading His rifle was behind him, propped against a post of the stout corral gate.
a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
From this reading None but an attentively alert ear could have detected it amid the soughing of the wintry wind and the murmur of the stream over its stony bed.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Young Dan Medlicott raised himself on his elbow and listened, directing his searching gaze across the moonlit grass towards the deep shadows of the bluff of birch and poplar that lay between him and his home on Rattlesnake Ranch.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE MAN WHO WAS GLAD There was just the slightest sound of a foot-tread down by the creek.
in or at that place or location
From this reading THE MAN WHO WAS GLAD There was just the slightest sound of a foot-tread down by the creek.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading His hand went round to it cautiously, but only to touch it and assure himself that it was still there, ready for use in case it should presently be needed.
make physical contact with, come in contact with
From this reading His hand went round to it cautiously, but only to touch it and assure himself that it was still there, ready for use in case it should presently be needed.
in the direction of
From this reading Young Dan Medlicott raised himself on his elbow and listened, directing his searching gaze across the moonlit grass towards the deep shadows of the bluff of birch and poplar that lay between him and his home on Rattlesnake Ranch.
the act of using
From this reading His hand went round to it cautiously, but only to touch it and assure himself that it was still there, ready for use in case it should presently be needed.
WASauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE MAN WHO WAS GLAD There was just the slightest sound of a foot-tread down by the creek.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading His hand went round to it cautiously, but only to touch it and assure himself that it was still there, ready for use in case it should presently be needed.
which person or people
From this reading THE MAN WHO WAS GLAD There was just the slightest sound of a foot-tread down by the creek.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading None but an attentively alert ear could have detected it amid the soughing of the wintry wind and the murmur of the stream over its stony bed.
wintryadjectiveUS /ˈwɪntri/
characteristic of or occurring in winter
From this reading None but an attentively alert ear could have detected it amid the soughing of the wintry wind and the murmur of the stream over its stony bed.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Young Dan Medlicott raised himself on his elbow and listened, directing his searching gaze across the moonlit grass towards the deep shadows of the bluff of birch and poplar that lay between him and his home on Rattlesnake Ranch.
