Chapter IX · Notes

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

From this reading [b2.01] #Mountain of Kaf# The Mahommedans of the olden times, like the Christians before Copernicus, considered the earth as a plane of a circular form.

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

From this reading [b2.01] #Mountain of Kaf# The Mahommedans of the olden times, like the Christians before Copernicus, considered the earth as a plane of a circular form.

any address at which you dwell more than temporarily

From this reading The mountain Kaf was further supposed to be the abode of spirits, fairies, and giants.

(sentence connectors) because of the reason given

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

(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 On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

a character set that includes letters and is used to write a language

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

elevation especially above sea level or above the earth's surface

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

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

From this reading The mountain Kaf was further supposed to be the abode of spirits, fairies, and giants.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

move towards

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

a member of a Semitic people originally from the Arabian peninsula and surrounding territories who speaks Arabic and who inhabits much of the Middle East and northern Africa

From this reading The Arabian lexicographers describe this mountain as being formed of emerald.

plural of “arab” — a member of a Semitic people originally from the Arabian peninsula and surrounding territories who speaks Arabic and who inhabits much of the Middle East and northern Africa

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

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

From this reading [b2.01] #Mountain of Kaf# The Mahommedans of the olden times, like the Christians before Copernicus, considered the earth as a plane of a circular form.

aerobic rod-shaped spore-producing bacterium; often occurring in chainlike formations; found primarily in soil

From this reading [b2.01] #Mountain of Kaf# The Mahommedans of the olden times, like the Christians before Copernicus, considered the earth as a plane of a circular form.

a railing at the side of a staircase or balcony to prevent people from falling

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading The mountain Kaf was further supposed to be the abode of spirits, fairies, and giants.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading [b2.01] #Mountain of Kaf# The Mahommedans of the olden times, like the Christians before Copernicus, considered the earth as a plane of a circular form.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading The Arabian lexicographers describe this mountain as being formed of emerald.

the line or plane indicating the limit or extent of something

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

plural of “christian” — a religious person who believes Jesus is the Christ and who is a member of a Christian denomination

From this reading [b2.01] #Mountain of Kaf# The Mahommedans of the olden times, like the Christians before Copernicus, considered the earth as a plane of a circular form.

ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

having the shape or form of a circle

From this reading [b2.01] #Mountain of Kaf# The Mahommedans of the olden times, like the Christians before Copernicus, considered the earth as a plane of a circular form.

the size of something as given by the distance around it

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

a bounded scope

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

carefully weighed

From this reading [b2.01] #Mountain of Kaf# The Mahommedans of the olden times, like the Christians before Copernicus, considered the earth as a plane of a circular form.

Polish astronomer who produced a workable model of the solar system with the sun in the center (1473-1543)

From this reading [b2.01] #Mountain of Kaf# The Mahommedans of the olden times, like the Christians before Copernicus, considered the earth as a plane of a circular form.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

give a description of

From this reading The Arabian lexicographers describe this mountain as being formed of emerald.

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

From this reading [b2.01] #Mountain of Kaf# The Mahommedans of the olden times, like the Christians before Copernicus, considered the earth as a plane of a circular form.

a green transparent form of beryl; highly valued as a gemstone

From this reading The Arabian lexicographers describe this mountain as being formed of emerald.

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading Hence the expression “from Kaf to Kaf,” signifying from one extremity of the earth to the opposite.

extend in scope or range or area

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

an external body part that projects from the body

From this reading Hence the expression “from Kaf to Kaf,” signifying from one extremity of the earth to the opposite.

plural of “fairy” — a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers

From this reading The mountain Kaf was further supposed to be the abode of spirits, fairies, and giants.

decreasing in amount or degree

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading [b2.01] #Mountain of Kaf# The Mahommedans of the olden times, like the Christians before Copernicus, considered the earth as a plane of a circular form.

having or given a form or shape

From this reading The Arabian lexicographers describe this mountain as being formed of emerald.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

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 The mountain Kaf was further supposed to be the abode of spirits, fairies, and giants.

plural of “giant” — any creature of exceptional size

From this reading The mountain Kaf was further supposed to be the abode of spirits, fairies, and giants.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

for this reason

From this reading Hence the expression “from Kaf to Kaf,” signifying from one extremity of the earth to the opposite.

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

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

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

From this reading [b2.01] #Mountain of Kaf# The Mahommedans of the olden times, like the Christians before Copernicus, considered the earth as a plane of a circular form.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

plural of “lexicographer” — a compiler or writer of a dictionary; a student of the lexical component of language

From this reading The Arabian lexicographers describe this mountain as being formed of emerald.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading [b2.01] #Mountain of Kaf# The Mahommedans of the olden times, like the Christians before Copernicus, considered the earth as a plane of a circular form.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

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

From this reading [b2.01] #Mountain of Kaf# The Mahommedans of the olden times, like the Christians before Copernicus, considered the earth as a plane of a circular form.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading [b2.01] #Mountain of Kaf# The Mahommedans of the olden times, like the Christians before Copernicus, considered the earth as a plane of a circular form.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

absolutely essential

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading [b2.01] #Mountain of Kaf# The Mahommedans of the olden times, like the Christians before Copernicus, considered the earth as a plane of a circular form.

relating to time long past

From this reading [b2.01] #Mountain of Kaf# The Mahommedans of the olden times, like the Christians before Copernicus, considered the earth as a plane of a circular form.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Hence the expression “from Kaf to Kaf,” signifying from one extremity of the earth to the opposite.

being directly across from each other; facing

From this reading Hence the expression “from Kaf to Kaf,” signifying from one extremity of the earth to the opposite.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

an aircraft that has a fixed wing and is powered by propellers or jets

From this reading [b2.01] #Mountain of Kaf# The Mahommedans of the olden times, like the Christians before Copernicus, considered the earth as a plane of a circular form.

keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

superlative of “remote” — located far away spatially

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

similarity in appearance or external or superficial details

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

Identical; not different.

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

-ing form of “signify” — denote or connote

From this reading Hence the expression “from Kaf to Kaf,” signifying from one extremity of the earth to the opposite.

an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented

From this reading The mountain Kaf was further supposed to be the abode of spirits, fairies, and giants.

plural of “straggler” — someone who strays or falls behind

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

of considerable importance, size, or worth

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

required or under orders

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

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

From this reading [b2.01] #Mountain of Kaf# The Mahommedans of the olden times, like the Christians before Copernicus, considered the earth as a plane of a circular form.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

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

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading [b2.01] #Mountain of Kaf# The Mahommedans of the olden times, like the Christians before Copernicus, considered the earth as a plane of a circular form.

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

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

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

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

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

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading On the confines or circumference of this circle it was, of course, necessary to have a substantial balustrade, to prevent such stragglers as might approach the remotest bounds from falling into another world: accordingly a mountain of immense altitude, which the Arabs called Kaf, probably from its supposed resemblance to a letter of their alphabet of the same name, was made to extend all around the earth.