Chapter XXIX

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

From this reading AMPHIBIANS You will remember that the amphibians are distinguished from the true reptiles by having to pass through a tadpole stage before they obtain their perfect form.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Each egg is only about as big as a small pin's head.

(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 A good example is the frog, which in one kind or another exists in all parts of the earth except the very coldest.

plural of “amphibian” — a flat-bottomed motor vehicle that can travel on land or water

From this reading AMPHIBIANS You will remember that the amphibians are distinguished from the true reptiles by having to pass through a tadpole stage before they obtain their perfect form.

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

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading A good example is the frog, which in one kind or another exists in all parts of the earth except the very coldest.

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

From this reading AMPHIBIANS You will remember that the amphibians are distinguished from the true reptiles by having to pass through a tadpole stage before they obtain their perfect form.

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

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

plural of “batch” — all the loaves of bread baked at the same time

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading AMPHIBIANS You will remember that the amphibians are distinguished from the true reptiles by having to pass through a tadpole stage before they obtain their perfect form.

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

From this reading Each egg is only about as big as a small pin's head.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But the fact is that when these eggs are first laid they are very tiny.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading AMPHIBIANS You will remember that the amphibians are distinguished from the true reptiles by having to pass through a tadpole stage before they obtain their perfect form.

superlative of “cold” — having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading A good example is the frog, which in one kind or another exists in all parts of the earth except the very coldest.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

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

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation

From this reading AMPHIBIANS You will remember that the amphibians are distinguished from the true reptiles by having to pass through a tadpole stage before they obtain their perfect form.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Each egg is only about as big as a small pin's head.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

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

From this reading A good example is the frog, which in one kind or another exists in all parts of the earth except the very coldest.

animal reproductive body consisting of an ovum or embryo together with nutritive and protective envelopes; especially the thin-shelled reproductive body laid by e.g. female birds

From this reading Each egg is only about as big as a small pin's head.

oval reproductive body of a fowl (especially a hen) used as food

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

an item of information that is typical of a class or group

From this reading A good example is the frog, which in one kind or another exists in all parts of the earth except the very coldest.

apart from; not including

From this reading A good example is the frog, which in one kind or another exists in all parts of the earth except the very coldest.

third-person singular of “exist” — have an existence, be extant

From this reading A good example is the frog, which in one kind or another exists in all parts of the earth except the very coldest.

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

From this reading But the fact is that when these eggs are first laid they are very tiny.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading But the fact is that when these eggs are first laid they are very tiny.

borne up by or suspended in a liquid

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

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

From this reading AMPHIBIANS You will remember that the amphibians are distinguished from the true reptiles by having to pass through a tadpole stage before they obtain their perfect form.

any of various tailless stout-bodied amphibians with long hind limbs for leaping; semiaquatic and terrestrial species

From this reading A good example is the frog, which in one kind or another exists in all parts of the earth except the very coldest.

plural of “frog” — any of various tailless stout-bodied amphibians with long hind limbs for leaping; semiaquatic and terrestrial species

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading AMPHIBIANS You will remember that the amphibians are distinguished from the true reptiles by having to pass through a tadpole stage before they obtain their perfect form.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading A good example is the frog, which in one kind or another exists in all parts of the earth except the very coldest.

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

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading AMPHIBIANS You will remember that the amphibians are distinguished from the true reptiles by having to pass through a tadpole stage before they obtain their perfect form.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Each egg is only about as big as a small pin's head.

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

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

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

From this reading A good example is the frog, which in one kind or another exists in all parts of the earth except the very coldest.

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

From this reading A good example is the frog, which in one kind or another exists in all parts of the earth except the very coldest.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

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

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading A good example is the frog, which in one kind or another exists in all parts of the earth except the very coldest.

set down according to a plan

From this reading But the fact is that when these eggs are first laid they are very tiny.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

the common people generally

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

not any; not one

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

come into possession of

From this reading AMPHIBIANS You will remember that the amphibians are distinguished from the true reptiles by having to pass through a tadpole stage before they obtain their perfect form.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A good example is the frog, which in one kind or another exists in all parts of the earth except the very coldest.

many times at short intervals

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading A good example is the frog, which in one kind or another exists in all parts of the earth except the very coldest.

and nothing more

From this reading Each egg is only about as big as a small pin's head.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading A good example is the frog, which in one kind or another exists in all parts of the earth except the very coldest.

the local environment

From this reading A good example is the frog, which in one kind or another exists in all parts of the earth except the very coldest.

go across or through

From this reading AMPHIBIANS You will remember that the amphibians are distinguished from the true reptiles by having to pass through a tadpole stage before they obtain their perfect form.

being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish

From this reading AMPHIBIANS You will remember that the amphibians are distinguished from the true reptiles by having to pass through a tadpole stage before they obtain their perfect form.

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

From this reading Each egg is only about as big as a small pin's head.

plural of “pond” — a small lake

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

by chance

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

To recall to mind.

From this reading AMPHIBIANS You will remember that the amphibians are distinguished from the true reptiles by having to pass through a tadpole stage before they obtain their perfect form.

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

From this reading AMPHIBIANS You will remember that the amphibians are distinguished from the true reptiles by having to pass through a tadpole stage before they obtain their perfect form.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

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

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

call forth

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

the season of growth

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

any distinct time period in a sequence of events

From this reading AMPHIBIANS You will remember that the amphibians are distinguished from the true reptiles by having to pass through a tadpole stage before they obtain their perfect form.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

a larval frog or toad

From this reading AMPHIBIANS You will remember that the amphibians are distinguished from the true reptiles by having to pass through a tadpole stage before they obtain their perfect form.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading AMPHIBIANS You will remember that the amphibians are distinguished from the true reptiles by having to pass through a tadpole stage before they obtain their perfect form.

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

From this reading AMPHIBIANS You will remember that the amphibians are distinguished from the true reptiles by having to pass through a tadpole stage before they obtain their perfect form.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading AMPHIBIANS You will remember that the amphibians are distinguished from the true reptiles by having to pass through a tadpole stage before they obtain their perfect form.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading But the fact is that when these eggs are first laid they are very tiny.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading AMPHIBIANS You will remember that the amphibians are distinguished from the true reptiles by having to pass through a tadpole stage before they obtain their perfect form.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading AMPHIBIANS You will remember that the amphibians are distinguished from the true reptiles by having to pass through a tadpole stage before they obtain their perfect form.

very small

From this reading But the fact is that when these eggs are first laid they are very tiny.

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

From this reading AMPHIBIANS You will remember that the amphibians are distinguished from the true reptiles by having to pass through a tadpole stage before they obtain their perfect form.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading AMPHIBIANS You will remember that the amphibians are distinguished from the true reptiles by having to pass through a tadpole stage before they obtain their perfect form.

precisely as stated

From this reading A good example is the frog, which in one kind or another exists in all parts of the earth except the very coldest.

at the time that

From this reading But the fact is that when these eggs are first laid they are very tiny.

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

From this reading A good example is the frog, which in one kind or another exists in all parts of the earth except the very coldest.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading AMPHIBIANS You will remember that the amphibians are distinguished from the true reptiles by having to pass through a tadpole stage before they obtain their perfect form.

past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something

From this reading No doubt, you have often seen great masses of its jelly-like spawn floating on the surface of ponds early in the spring; and you must have wondered how such small creatures as frogs could possibly lay such enormous batches of eggs.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading AMPHIBIANS You will remember that the amphibians are distinguished from the true reptiles by having to pass through a tadpole stage before they obtain their perfect form.