Chapter I

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

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

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

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

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

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading A work of standard authority among scholars says that “Africa is the division of the world which is the most interesting, and about which we know the least.”

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

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 A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading The heats, deserts, wild beasts, venomous reptiles, and savage tribes of this great continent have raised the only barrier against the spirit of discovery and progress, elsewhere irrepressible, of the age, and no small proportion of Africa is to-day as much a _terra incognita_ as when the father of history wrote.

how long something has existed

From this reading The heats, deserts, wild beasts, venomous reptiles, and savage tribes of this great continent have raised the only barrier against the spirit of discovery and progress, elsewhere irrepressible, of the age, and no small proportion of Africa is to-day as much a _terra incognita_ as when the father of history wrote.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading A work of standard authority among scholars says that “Africa is the division of the world which is the most interesting, and about which we know the least.”

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

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

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

(of quantities) imprecise but fairly close to correct

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

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

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

the power or right to give orders or make decisions

From this reading A work of standard authority among scholars says that “Africa is the division of the world which is the most interesting, and about which we know the least.”

a structure or object that impedes free movement

From this reading The heats, deserts, wild beasts, venomous reptiles, and savage tribes of this great continent have raised the only barrier against the spirit of discovery and progress, elsewhere irrepressible, of the age, and no small proportion of Africa is to-day as much a _terra incognita_ as when the father of history wrote.

plural of “beast” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading The heats, deserts, wild beasts, venomous reptiles, and savage tribes of this great continent have raised the only barrier against the spirit of discovery and progress, elsewhere irrepressible, of the age, and no small proportion of Africa is to-day as much a _terra incognita_ as when the father of history wrote.

of short duration or distance

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

make a mathematical calculation or computation

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

taking care or paying attention

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

a society in an advanced state of social development (e.g., with complex legal and political and religious organizations)

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

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

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

an arrangement of parts or elements

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

one of the large landmasses of the earth

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

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

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

plural of “desert” — arid land with little or no vegetation

From this reading The heats, deserts, wild beasts, venomous reptiles, and savage tribes of this great continent have raised the only barrier against the spirit of discovery and progress, elsewhere irrepressible, of the age, and no small proportion of Africa is to-day as much a _terra incognita_ as when the father of history wrote.

the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

be of different opinions

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

the act of discovering something

From this reading The heats, deserts, wild beasts, venomous reptiles, and savage tribes of this great continent have raised the only barrier against the spirit of discovery and progress, elsewhere irrepressible, of the age, and no small proportion of Africa is to-day as much a _terra incognita_ as when the father of history wrote.

an army unit large enough to sustain combat

From this reading A work of standard authority among scholars says that “Africa is the division of the world which is the most interesting, and about which we know the least.”

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

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

in or to another place

From this reading The heats, deserts, wild beasts, venomous reptiles, and savage tribes of this great continent have raised the only barrier against the spirit of discovery and progress, elsewhere irrepressible, of the age, and no small proportion of Africa is to-day as much a _terra incognita_ as when the father of history wrote.

divisible by two

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

a quantity much larger than is needed

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

plural of “expedition” — a military campaign designed to achieve a specific objective in a foreign country

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

plural of “exploration” — to travel for the purpose of discovery

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

-ing form of “explore” — inquire into

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

still in existence; not extinct or destroyed or lost

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

the point or degree to which something extends

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading The heats, deserts, wild beasts, venomous reptiles, and savage tribes of this great continent have raised the only barrier against the spirit of discovery and progress, elsewhere irrepressible, of the age, and no small proportion of Africa is to-day as much a _terra incognita_ as when the father of history wrote.

a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

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 A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

past form of “guess” — expect, believe, or suppose

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

plural of “heat” — a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature

From this reading The heats, deserts, wild beasts, venomous reptiles, and savage tribes of this great continent have raised the only barrier against the spirit of discovery and progress, elsewhere irrepressible, of the age, and no small proportion of Africa is to-day as much a _terra incognita_ as when the father of history wrote.

foreshadow or presage

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading The heats, deserts, wild beasts, venomous reptiles, and savage tribes of this great continent have raised the only barrier against the spirit of discovery and progress, elsewhere irrepressible, of the age, and no small proportion of Africa is to-day as much a _terra incognita_ as when the father of history wrote.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

-ing form of “include” — have as a part, be made up out of

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

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

From this reading The heats, deserts, wild beasts, venomous reptiles, and savage tribes of this great continent have raised the only barrier against the spirit of discovery and progress, elsewhere irrepressible, of the age, and no small proportion of Africa is to-day as much a _terra incognita_ as when the father of history wrote.

made greater in size or amount or degree

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

a message received and understood

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading A work of standard authority among scholars says that “Africa is the division of the world which is the most interesting, and about which we know the least.”

serving to open or begin

From this reading INTRODUCTORY.

impossible to repress or control

From this reading The heats, deserts, wild beasts, venomous reptiles, and savage tribes of this great continent have raised the only barrier against the spirit of discovery and progress, elsewhere irrepressible, of the age, and no small proportion of Africa is to-day as much a _terra incognita_ as when the father of history wrote.

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

From this reading A work of standard authority among scholars says that “Africa is the division of the world which is the most interesting, and about which we know the least.”

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading A work of standard authority among scholars says that “Africa is the division of the world which is the most interesting, and about which we know the least.”

a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading A work of standard authority among scholars says that “Africa is the division of the world which is the most interesting, and about which we know the least.”

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

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

Scottish missionary and explorer who discovered the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls (1813-1873)

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

superlative of “mighty” — having or showing great strength or force or intensity

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

someone who attempts to convert others to a particular doctrine or program

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

used to form the superlative

From this reading A work of standard authority among scholars says that “Africa is the division of the world which is the most interesting, and about which we know the least.”

a form of address for a man

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

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

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

not any; not one

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

especially; in particular

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

and nothing more

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

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

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

a large area of land preserved in its natural state as public property

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

-ing form of “place” — put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

the people who inhabit a territory or state

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

plural of “portion” — something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

concerned with actual use or practice

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

gradual improvement or growth or development

From this reading The heats, deserts, wild beasts, venomous reptiles, and savage tribes of this great continent have raised the only barrier against the spirit of discovery and progress, elsewhere irrepressible, of the age, and no small proportion of Africa is to-day as much a _terra incognita_ as when the father of history wrote.

the quotient obtained when the magnitude of a part is divided by the magnitude of the whole

From this reading The heats, deserts, wild beasts, venomous reptiles, and savage tribes of this great continent have raised the only barrier against the spirit of discovery and progress, elsewhere irrepressible, of the age, and no small proportion of Africa is to-day as much a _terra incognita_ as when the father of history wrote.

located or moved above the surround or above the normal position

From this reading The heats, deserts, wild beasts, venomous reptiles, and savage tribes of this great continent have raised the only barrier against the spirit of discovery and progress, elsewhere irrepressible, of the age, and no small proportion of Africa is to-day as much a _terra incognita_ as when the father of history wrote.

new

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

an abstraction belonging to or characteristic of two entities or parts together

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

-ing form of “represent” — take the place of or be parallel or equivalent to

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

plural of “reptile” — any cold-blooded vertebrate of the class Reptilia including tortoises, turtles, snakes, lizards, alligators, crocodiles, and extinct forms

From this reading The heats, deserts, wild beasts, venomous reptiles, and savage tribes of this great continent have raised the only barrier against the spirit of discovery and progress, elsewhere irrepressible, of the age, and no small proportion of Africa is to-day as much a _terra incognita_ as when the father of history wrote.

plural of “result” — a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading The heats, deserts, wild beasts, venomous reptiles, and savage tribes of this great continent have raised the only barrier against the spirit of discovery and progress, elsewhere irrepressible, of the age, and no small proportion of Africa is to-day as much a _terra incognita_ as when the father of history wrote.

plural of “say” — the chance to speak

From this reading A work of standard authority among scholars says that “Africa is the division of the world which is the most interesting, and about which we know the least.”

plural of “scholar” — a learned person (especially in the humanities); someone who by long study has gained mastery in one or more disciplines

From this reading A work of standard authority among scholars says that “Africa is the division of the world which is the most interesting, and about which we know the least.”

of or relating to the practice of science

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

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

From this reading The heats, deserts, wild beasts, venomous reptiles, and savage tribes of this great continent have raised the only barrier against the spirit of discovery and progress, elsewhere irrepressible, of the age, and no small proportion of Africa is to-day as much a _terra incognita_ as when the father of history wrote.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

plural of “soul” — the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

plural of “source” — the place where something begins, where it springs into being

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading The heats, deserts, wild beasts, venomous reptiles, and savage tribes of this great continent have raised the only barrier against the spirit of discovery and progress, elsewhere irrepressible, of the age, and no small proportion of Africa is to-day as much a _terra incognita_ as when the father of history wrote.

conforming to or constituting a standard of measurement or value; or of the usual or regularized or accepted kind

From this reading A work of standard authority among scholars says that “Africa is the division of the world which is the most interesting, and about which we know the least.”

United States inventor who built a steam-powered automobile (1849-1918)

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

produced or marked by conscious design or premeditation

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

concerned with or comprehending only what is apparent or obvious; not deep or penetrating emotionally or intellectually

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

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

From this reading The heats, deserts, wild beasts, venomous reptiles, and savage tribes of this great continent have raised the only barrier against the spirit of discovery and progress, elsewhere irrepressible, of the age, and no small proportion of Africa is to-day as much a _terra incognita_ as when the father of history wrote.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A work of standard authority among scholars says that “Africa is the division of the world which is the most interesting, and about which we know the least.”

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

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

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

From this reading The heats, deserts, wild beasts, venomous reptiles, and savage tribes of this great continent have raised the only barrier against the spirit of discovery and progress, elsewhere irrepressible, of the age, and no small proportion of Africa is to-day as much a _terra incognita_ as when the father of history wrote.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

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

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.

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

From this reading The heats, deserts, wild beasts, venomous reptiles, and savage tribes of this great continent have raised the only barrier against the spirit of discovery and progress, elsewhere irrepressible, of the age, and no small proportion of Africa is to-day as much a _terra incognita_ as when the father of history wrote.

plural of “tribe” — a social division of (usually preliterate) people

From this reading The heats, deserts, wild beasts, venomous reptiles, and savage tribes of this great continent have raised the only barrier against the spirit of discovery and progress, elsewhere irrepressible, of the age, and no small proportion of Africa is to-day as much a _terra incognita_ as when the father of history wrote.

not known

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

extremely poisonous or injurious; producing venom

From this reading The heats, deserts, wild beasts, venomous reptiles, and savage tribes of this great continent have raised the only barrier against the spirit of discovery and progress, elsewhere irrepressible, of the age, and no small proportion of Africa is to-day as much a _terra incognita_ as when the father of history wrote.

precisely as stated

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading A work of standard authority among scholars says that “Africa is the division of the world which is the most interesting, and about which we know the least.”

at the time that

From this reading The heats, deserts, wild beasts, venomous reptiles, and savage tribes of this great continent have raised the only barrier against the spirit of discovery and progress, elsewhere irrepressible, of the age, and no small proportion of Africa is to-day as much a _terra incognita_ as when the father of history wrote.

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

From this reading A work of standard authority among scholars says that “Africa is the division of the world which is the most interesting, and about which we know the least.”

which person or people

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

to a great degree

From this reading Its very name is a mystery; no one can more than approximately calculate its vast extent; even those who have studied the problem the most carefully widely disagree among themselves as to the number of its population, some placing it as low as 60,000,000, others, much in excess of 100,000,000 souls; its superficial configuration in many portions is only guessed at; the sources of its mightiest river are unknown.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading The heats, deserts, wild beasts, venomous reptiles, and savage tribes of this great continent have raised the only barrier against the spirit of discovery and progress, elsewhere irrepressible, of the age, and no small proportion of Africa is to-day as much a _terra incognita_ as when the father of history wrote.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading A work of standard authority among scholars says that “Africa is the division of the world which is the most interesting, and about which we know the least.”

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading A work of standard authority among scholars says that “Africa is the division of the world which is the most interesting, and about which we know the least.”

inflected form of “write” — produce a literary work

From this reading The heats, deserts, wild beasts, venomous reptiles, and savage tribes of this great continent have raised the only barrier against the spirit of discovery and progress, elsewhere irrepressible, of the age, and no small proportion of Africa is to-day as much a _terra incognita_ as when the father of history wrote.

the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose

From this reading A Brief Account of Africa -- Its Ancient Civilization -- Little Information Extant in Relation to Large Portions of the Continent -- The Great Field of Scientific Explorations and Missionary Labor -- Account of a Number of Exploring Expeditions, including those of Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton, and others -- Their Practical Results -- Desire of Further Information Increased -- Recent Explorations, notably those of Dr. Livingstone and Mr. Stanley, representing the New York “Herald” newspaper.