used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading To be a successful trapper required great caution, as well as a perfect knowledge of the habits of the animals.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading They were also sometimes discovered by their dams thrown across creeks and small, sluggish streams, forming a pond in which were erected their habitations.
in addition
From this reading They were also sometimes discovered by their dams thrown across creeks and small, sluggish streams, forming a pond in which were erected their habitations.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
plural of “animal” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading To be a successful trapper required great caution, as well as a perfect knowledge of the habits of the animals.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading To be a successful trapper required great caution, as well as a perfect knowledge of the habits of the animals.
basswoodnoun
soft light-colored wood of any of various linden trees; used in making crates and boxes and in carving and millwork
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading To be a successful trapper required great caution, as well as a perfect knowledge of the habits of the animals.
beavernounUS /ˈbiːvər/
the soft brown fur of the beaver
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
bitsnounUS /bɪts/
plural of “bit” — a small piece or quantity of something
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading These indications were technically called "beaver signs."
cautionnounUS /ˈkɑːʃən/
the trait of being cautious; being attentive to possible danger
From this reading To be a successful trapper required great caution, as well as a perfect knowledge of the habits of the animals.
creeksnounUS /kriːks/
plural of “creek” — a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)
From this reading They were also sometimes discovered by their dams thrown across creeks and small, sluggish streams, forming a pond in which were erected their habitations.
damsnounUS /dæmz/
plural of “dam” — a barrier constructed to contain the flow of water or to keep out the sea
From this reading They were also sometimes discovered by their dams thrown across creeks and small, sluggish streams, forming a pond in which were erected their habitations.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
elmnounUS /elm/
any of various trees of the genus Ulmus: important timber or shade trees
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
erectedverbUS /ɪˈrektəd/
past form of “erect” — construct, build, or erect
From this reading They were also sometimes discovered by their dams thrown across creeks and small, sluggish streams, forming a pond in which were erected their habitations.
favoritenounUS /ˈfeɪvərɪt/
something regarded with special favor or liking
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
floatingadjectiveUS /ˈfloʊtɪŋ/
borne up by or suspended in a liquid
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
foot-marks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
formingverbUS /ˈfɔːrmɪŋ/
-ing form of “form” — create (as an entity)
From this reading They were also sometimes discovered by their dams thrown across creeks and small, sluggish streams, forming a pond in which were erected their habitations.
gnawedverbUS /nɔːd/
past form of “gnaw” — bite or chew on with the teeth
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading To be a successful trapper required great caution, as well as a perfect knowledge of the habits of the animals.
green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
habitations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were also sometimes discovered by their dams thrown across creeks and small, sluggish streams, forming a pond in which were erected their habitations.
plural of “habit” — an established custom
From this reading To be a successful trapper required great caution, as well as a perfect knowledge of the habits of the animals.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading They were also sometimes discovered by their dams thrown across creeks and small, sluggish streams, forming a pond in which were erected their habitations.
indicationsnounUS /ˌɪndəˈkeɪʃənz/
plural of “indication” — something that serves to indicate or suggest
From this reading These indications were technically called "beaver signs."
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading To be a successful trapper required great caution, as well as a perfect knowledge of the habits of the animals.
lodgedverbUS /lɑːdʒd/
past form of “lodge” — be a lodger; stay temporarily
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading To be a successful trapper required great caution, as well as a perfect knowledge of the habits of the animals.
many times at short intervals
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish
From this reading To be a successful trapper required great caution, as well as a perfect knowledge of the habits of the animals.
pondnounUS /pɑːnd/
a small lake
From this reading They were also sometimes discovered by their dams thrown across creeks and small, sluggish streams, forming a pond in which were erected their habitations.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading To be a successful trapper required great caution, as well as a perfect knowledge of the habits of the animals.
residencenounUS /ˈrezɪdəns/
any address at which you dwell more than temporarily
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
shoresnounUS /ʃɔːrz/
plural of “shore” — the land along the edge of a body of water
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading These indications were technically called "beaver signs."
slipperyadjectiveUS /ˈslɪpəri/
causing or tending to cause things to slip or slide
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
sluggishadjectiveUS /ˈslʌɡɪʃ/
moving slowly
From this reading They were also sometimes discovered by their dams thrown across creeks and small, sluggish streams, forming a pond in which were erected their habitations.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading They were also sometimes discovered by their dams thrown across creeks and small, sluggish streams, forming a pond in which were erected their habitations.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading They were also sometimes discovered by their dams thrown across creeks and small, sluggish streams, forming a pond in which were erected their habitations.
a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
streamsnounUS /striːmz/
plural of “stream” — a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
From this reading They were also sometimes discovered by their dams thrown across creeks and small, sluggish streams, forming a pond in which were erected their habitations.
having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome
From this reading To be a successful trapper required great caution, as well as a perfect knowledge of the habits of the animals.
sycamorenounUS /ˈsɪkəmɔːr/
variably colored and sometimes variegated hard tough elastic wood of a sycamore tree
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
technicallyadverbUS /ˈteknɪkəli/
with regard to technique
From this reading These indications were technically called "beaver signs."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading To be a successful trapper required great caution, as well as a perfect knowledge of the habits of the animals.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading These indications were technically called "beaver signs."
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were also sometimes discovered by their dams thrown across creeks and small, sluggish streams, forming a pond in which were erected their habitations.
caused to fall to the ground
From this reading They were also sometimes discovered by their dams thrown across creeks and small, sluggish streams, forming a pond in which were erected their habitations.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading To be a successful trapper required great caution, as well as a perfect knowledge of the habits of the animals.
tracksnounUS /træks/
plural of “track” — a line or route along which something travels or moves
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
trappernounUS /ˈtræpər/
someone who sets traps for animals (usually to obtain their furs)
From this reading To be a successful trapper required great caution, as well as a perfect knowledge of the habits of the animals.
TRAPPINGnounUS /ˈtræpɪŋ/
stable gear consisting of a decorated covering for a horse, especially (formerly) for a warhorse
From this reading TRAPPING.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
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 The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
(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 To be a successful trapper required great caution, as well as a perfect knowledge of the habits of the animals.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading These indications were technically called "beaver signs."
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading They were also sometimes discovered by their dams thrown across creeks and small, sluggish streams, forming a pond in which were erected their habitations.
the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees
From this reading The residence of the beaver was often discovered by seeing bits of green wood and gnawed branches of the basswood, slippery elm, and sycamore, their favorite food, floating on the water or lodged on the shores of the stream below, as well as by their tracks or foot-marks.
