Chapter XII · Chapter 12

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

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading Although it was winter, the air was soft and pleasant, and at noon the sun shone with some fervor.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Although it was winter, the air was soft and pleasant, and at noon the sun shone with some fervor.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading AN UNEXPECTED GUEST.

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

From this reading Although it was winter, the air was soft and pleasant, and at noon the sun shone with some fervor.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading But it was Christmas Eve, in spite of the fact that there was no snow, no sleigh bells, no apparent use for Santa Claus, and that roses were blooming in yards where there was sufficient black earth for them to thrive.

a state in southwestern United States; site of the Grand Canyon

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

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

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Although it was winter, the air was soft and pleasant, and at noon the sun shone with some fervor.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading Behind his saddle Ted had a great bundle wrapped in burlap and securely tied.

plural of “bell” — a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck

From this reading But it was Christmas Eve, in spite of the fact that there was no snow, no sleigh bells, no apparent use for Santa Claus, and that roses were blooming in yards where there was sufficient black earth for them to thrive.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading But it was Christmas Eve, in spite of the fact that there was no snow, no sleigh bells, no apparent use for Santa Claus, and that roses were blooming in yards where there was sufficient black earth for them to thrive.

the organic process of bearing flowers

From this reading But it was Christmas Eve, in spite of the fact that there was no snow, no sleigh bells, no apparent use for Santa Claus, and that roses were blooming in yards where there was sufficient black earth for them to thrive.

a collection of things wrapped or boxed together

From this reading Behind his saddle Ted had a great bundle wrapped in burlap and securely tied.

coarse jute fabric

From this reading Behind his saddle Ted had a great bundle wrapped in burlap and securely tied.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But it was Christmas Eve, in spite of the fact that there was no snow, no sleigh bells, no apparent use for Santa Claus, and that roses were blooming in yards where there was sufficient black earth for them to thrive.

any succulent plant of the family Cactaceae native chiefly to arid regions of the New World and usually having spines

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

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

From this reading But it was Christmas Eve, in spite of the fact that there was no snow, no sleigh bells, no apparent use for Santa Claus, and that roses were blooming in yards where there was sufficient black earth for them to thrive.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading But it was Christmas Eve, in spite of the fact that there was no snow, no sleigh bells, no apparent use for Santa Claus, and that roses were blooming in yards where there was sufficient black earth for them to thrive.

(Old Testament) Adam's wife in Judeo-Christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; God created Eve from Adam's rib and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden

From this reading But it was Christmas Eve, in spite of the fact that there was no snow, no sleigh bells, no apparent use for Santa Claus, and that roses were blooming in yards where there was sufficient black earth for them to thrive.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading But it was Christmas Eve, in spite of the fact that there was no snow, no sleigh bells, no apparent use for Santa Claus, and that roses were blooming in yards where there was sufficient black earth for them to thrive.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

feelings of great warmth and intensity

From this reading Although it was winter, the air was soft and pleasant, and at noon the sun shone with some fervor.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading But it was Christmas Eve, in spite of the fact that there was no snow, no sleigh bells, no apparent use for Santa Claus, and that roses were blooming in yards where there was sufficient black earth for them to thrive.

past form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

low hardy much-branched spiny shrub common in alkaline soils of western America

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

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

From this reading Behind his saddle Ted had a great bundle wrapped in burlap and securely tied.

a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading AN UNEXPECTED GUEST.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Behind his saddle Ted had a great bundle wrapped in burlap and securely tied.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Behind his saddle Ted had a great bundle wrapped in burlap and securely tied.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

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

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Although it was winter, the air was soft and pleasant, and at noon the sun shone with some fervor.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

having a small elevation above the ground or horizon or sea level

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

not any; not one

From this reading But it was Christmas Eve, in spite of the fact that there was no snow, no sleigh bells, no apparent use for Santa Claus, and that roses were blooming in yards where there was sufficient black earth for them to thrive.

the middle of the day

From this reading Although it was winter, the air was soft and pleasant, and at noon the sun shone with some fervor.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading But it was Christmas Eve, in spite of the fact that there was no snow, no sleigh bells, no apparent use for Santa Claus, and that roses were blooming in yards where there was sufficient black earth for them to thrive.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

above and across; more than

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading Although it was winter, the air was soft and pleasant, and at noon the sun shone with some fervor.

farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle)

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

plural of “ray” — a column of light (as from a beacon)

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

plural of “rose” — any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading But it was Christmas Eve, in spite of the fact that there was no snow, no sleigh bells, no apparent use for Santa Claus, and that roses were blooming in yards where there was sufficient black earth for them to thrive.

put a saddle on

From this reading Behind his saddle Ted had a great bundle wrapped in burlap and securely tied.

a mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics who is renowned for profound wisdom

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

the legendary patron saint of children; an imaginary being who is thought to bring presents to children at Christmas

From this reading But it was Christmas Eve, in spite of the fact that there was no snow, no sleigh bells, no apparent use for Santa Claus, and that roses were blooming in yards where there was sufficient black earth for them to thrive.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

in a secure manner; in a manner free from danger

From this reading Behind his saddle Ted had a great bundle wrapped in burlap and securely tied.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

past form of “shimmer” — shine with a weak or fitful light

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light

From this reading Although it was winter, the air was soft and pleasant, and at noon the sun shone with some fervor.

a vehicle mounted on runners and pulled by horses or dogs; for transportation over snow

From this reading But it was Christmas Eve, in spite of the fact that there was no snow, no sleigh bells, no apparent use for Santa Claus, and that roses were blooming in yards where there was sufficient black earth for them to thrive.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading But it was Christmas Eve, in spite of the fact that there was no snow, no sleigh bells, no apparent use for Santa Claus, and that roses were blooming in yards where there was sufficient black earth for them to thrive.

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading Although it was winter, the air was soft and pleasant, and at noon the sun shone with some fervor.

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

From this reading Although it was winter, the air was soft and pleasant, and at noon the sun shone with some fervor.

feeling a need to see others suffer

From this reading But it was Christmas Eve, in spite of the fact that there was no snow, no sleigh bells, no apparent use for Santa Claus, and that roses were blooming in yards where there was sufficient black earth for them to thrive.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant

From this reading But it was Christmas Eve, in spite of the fact that there was no snow, no sleigh bells, no apparent use for Santa Claus, and that roses were blooming in yards where there was sufficient black earth for them to thrive.

A noble monarch or supreme sovereign ruler of an Islamic country or empire.

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading Although it was winter, the air was soft and pleasant, and at noon the sun shone with some fervor.

possessive form of “sun” — the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

a tough youth of 1950's and 1960's wearing Edwardian style clothes

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But it was Christmas Eve, in spite of the fact that there was no snow, no sleigh bells, no apparent use for Santa Claus, and that roses were blooming in yards where there was sufficient black earth for them to thrive.

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

From this reading Although it was winter, the air was soft and pleasant, and at noon the sun shone with some fervor.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading But it was Christmas Eve, in spite of the fact that there was no snow, no sleigh bells, no apparent use for Santa Claus, and that roses were blooming in yards where there was sufficient black earth for them to thrive.

in or at that place or location

From this reading But it was Christmas Eve, in spite of the fact that there was no snow, no sleigh bells, no apparent use for Santa Claus, and that roses were blooming in yards where there was sufficient black earth for them to thrive.

grow vigorously

From this reading But it was Christmas Eve, in spite of the fact that there was no snow, no sleigh bells, no apparent use for Santa Claus, and that roses were blooming in yards where there was sufficient black earth for them to thrive.

bound or secured closely

From this reading Behind his saddle Ted had a great bundle wrapped in burlap and securely tied.

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

From this reading But it was Christmas Eve, in spite of the fact that there was no snow, no sleigh bells, no apparent use for Santa Claus, and that roses were blooming in yards where there was sufficient black earth for them to thrive.

in the direction of

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

not expected or anticipated

From this reading AN UNEXPECTED GUEST.

the act of using

From this reading But it was Christmas Eve, in spite of the fact that there was no snow, no sleigh bells, no apparent use for Santa Claus, and that roses were blooming in yards where there was sufficient black earth for them to thrive.

a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

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

From this reading Although it was winter, the air was soft and pleasant, and at noon the sun shone with some fervor.

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

From this reading But it was Christmas Eve, in spite of the fact that there was no snow, no sleigh bells, no apparent use for Santa Claus, and that roses were blooming in yards where there was sufficient black earth for them to thrive.

in or at the place that

From this reading But it was Christmas Eve, in spite of the fact that there was no snow, no sleigh bells, no apparent use for Santa Claus, and that roses were blooming in yards where there was sufficient black earth for them to thrive.

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

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading It was Arizona, and as Ted Strong sat on Sultan and gazed across the wide valley, over which the sun's warm rays shimmered above the sand and cactus, greasewood and sage toward a low-lying ranch house in the far distance, it did not seem at all like Christmas.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading Although it was winter, the air was soft and pleasant, and at noon the sun shone with some fervor.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Although it was winter, the air was soft and pleasant, and at noon the sun shone with some fervor.

covered with or as if with clothes or a wrap or cloak

From this reading Behind his saddle Ted had a great bundle wrapped in burlap and securely tied.

plural of “yard” — a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading But it was Christmas Eve, in spite of the fact that there was no snow, no sleigh bells, no apparent use for Santa Claus, and that roses were blooming in yards where there was sufficient black earth for them to thrive.