Chapter VIII · The Black Gully

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

From this reading The soil in its vicinity is underlaid at a depth of a few feet by a formation of stratified limestone, which crops out on the hillsides and precipices, and in many places forms deep, cañon-like crevasses, through which the river flows.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

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

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

plural of “appearance” — outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading His former appearances had been at or near the mouth of Conn’s Creek, where that stream flows into Flatrock, five or six miles southeast of Balser’s home.

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 NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading His former appearances had been at or near the mouth of Conn’s Creek, where that stream flows into Flatrock, five or six miles southeast of Balser’s home.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

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

From this reading His former appearances had been at or near the mouth of Conn’s Creek, where that stream flows into Flatrock, five or six miles southeast of Balser’s home.

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

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

have

From this reading The Fire Bear had never before been seen in the Blue River neighbourhood.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The Fire Bear had never before been seen in the Blue River neighbourhood.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The Fire Bear had never before been seen in the Blue River neighbourhood.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading The Fire Bear had never before been seen in the Blue River neighbourhood.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

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

From this reading Flatrock River takes its name from the fact that it flows over layers of broad flat rocks.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

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

From this reading The soil in its vicinity is underlaid at a depth of a few feet by a formation of stratified limestone, which crops out on the hillsides and precipices, and in many places forms deep, cañon-like crevasses, through which the river flows.

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

From this reading His former appearances had been at or near the mouth of Conn’s Creek, where that stream flows into Flatrock, five or six miles southeast of Balser’s home.

carefully weighed

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)

From this reading His former appearances had been at or near the mouth of Conn’s Creek, where that stream flows into Flatrock, five or six miles southeast of Balser’s home.

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

From this reading The soil in its vicinity is underlaid at a depth of a few feet by a formation of stratified limestone, which crops out on the hillsides and precipices, and in many places forms deep, cañon-like crevasses, through which the river flows.

plural of “crop” — the yield from plants in a single growing season

From this reading The soil in its vicinity is underlaid at a depth of a few feet by a formation of stratified limestone, which crops out on the hillsides and precipices, and in many places forms deep, cañon-like crevasses, through which the river flows.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading The soil in its vicinity is underlaid at a depth of a few feet by a formation of stratified limestone, which crops out on the hillsides and precipices, and in many places forms deep, cañon-like crevasses, through which the river flows.

the extent downward or backward or inward

From this reading The soil in its vicinity is underlaid at a depth of a few feet by a formation of stratified limestone, which crops out on the hillsides and precipices, and in many places forms deep, cañon-like crevasses, through which the river flows.

represented in words especially with sharpness and detail

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

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

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

a violent release of energy caused by a chemical or nuclear reaction

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

plural of “fable” — a deliberately false or improbable account

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

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

From this reading Flatrock River takes its name from the fact that it flows over layers of broad flat rocks.

-ing form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading The soil in its vicinity is underlaid at a depth of a few feet by a formation of stratified limestone, which crops out on the hillsides and precipices, and in many places forms deep, cañon-like crevasses, through which the river flows.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading The soil in its vicinity is underlaid at a depth of a few feet by a formation of stratified limestone, which crops out on the hillsides and precipices, and in many places forms deep, cañon-like crevasses, through which the river flows.

start firing a weapon

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading His former appearances had been at or near the mouth of Conn’s Creek, where that stream flows into Flatrock, five or six miles southeast of Balser’s home.

having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another

From this reading Flatrock River takes its name from the fact that it flows over layers of broad flat rocks.

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

From this reading His former appearances had been at or near the mouth of Conn’s Creek, where that stream flows into Flatrock, five or six miles southeast of Balser’s home.

plural of “flow” — the motion characteristic of fluids (liquids or gases)

From this reading His former appearances had been at or near the mouth of Conn’s Creek, where that stream flows into Flatrock, five or six miles southeast of Balser’s home.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

an arrangement of people or things acting as a unit

From this reading The soil in its vicinity is underlaid at a depth of a few feet by a formation of stratified limestone, which crops out on the hillsides and precipices, and in many places forms deep, cañon-like crevasses, through which the river flows.

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)

From this reading His former appearances had been at or near the mouth of Conn’s Creek, where that stream flows into Flatrock, five or six miles southeast of Balser’s home.

plural of “form” — the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading The soil in its vicinity is underlaid at a depth of a few feet by a formation of stratified limestone, which crops out on the hillsides and precipices, and in many places forms deep, cañon-like crevasses, through which the river flows.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

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

From this reading The Fire Bear had never before been seen in the Blue River neighbourhood.

plural of “hillside” — the side or slope of a hill

From this reading The soil in its vicinity is underlaid at a depth of a few feet by a formation of stratified limestone, which crops out on the hillsides and precipices, and in many places forms deep, cañon-like crevasses, through which the river flows.

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

From this reading His former appearances had been at or near the mouth of Conn’s Creek, where that stream flows into Flatrock, five or six miles southeast of Balser’s home.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading His former appearances had been at or near the mouth of Conn’s Creek, where that stream flows into Flatrock, five or six miles southeast of Balser’s home.

not likely to be true or to occur or to have occurred

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

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

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading His former appearances had been at or near the mouth of Conn’s Creek, where that stream flows into Flatrock, five or six miles southeast of Balser’s home.

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

From this reading The soil in its vicinity is underlaid at a depth of a few feet by a formation of stratified limestone, which crops out on the hillsides and precipices, and in many places forms deep, cañon-like crevasses, through which the river flows.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Flatrock River takes its name from the fact that it flows over layers of broad flat rocks.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Flatrock River takes its name from the fact that it flows over layers of broad flat rocks.

plural of “layer” — single thickness of usually some homogeneous substance

From this reading Flatrock River takes its name from the fact that it flows over layers of broad flat rocks.

a sedimentary rock consisting mainly of calcium that was deposited by the remains of marine animals

From this reading The soil in its vicinity is underlaid at a depth of a few feet by a formation of stratified limestone, which crops out on the hillsides and precipices, and in many places forms deep, cañon-like crevasses, through which the river flows.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

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 The soil in its vicinity is underlaid at a depth of a few feet by a formation of stratified limestone, which crops out on the hillsides and precipices, and in many places forms deep, cañon-like crevasses, through which the river flows.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading His former appearances had been at or near the mouth of Conn’s Creek, where that stream flows into Flatrock, five or six miles southeast of Balser’s home.

the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading His former appearances had been at or near the mouth of Conn’s Creek, where that stream flows into Flatrock, five or six miles southeast of Balser’s home.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Flatrock River takes its name from the fact that it flows over layers of broad flat rocks.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading His former appearances had been at or near the mouth of Conn’s Creek, where that stream flows into Flatrock, five or six miles southeast of Balser’s home.

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading The Fire Bear had never before been seen in the Blue River neighbourhood.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading The Fire Bear had never before been seen in the Blue River neighbourhood.

a brief written record

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

inflected form of “occur” — come to pass

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The soil in its vicinity is underlaid at a depth of a few feet by a formation of stratified limestone, which crops out on the hillsides and precipices, and in many places forms deep, cañon-like crevasses, through which the river flows.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading His former appearances had been at or near the mouth of Conn’s Creek, where that stream flows into Flatrock, five or six miles southeast of Balser’s home.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The soil in its vicinity is underlaid at a depth of a few feet by a formation of stratified limestone, which crops out on the hillsides and precipices, and in many places forms deep, cañon-like crevasses, through which the river flows.

above and across; more than

From this reading Flatrock River takes its name from the fact that it flows over layers of broad flat rocks.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The soil in its vicinity is underlaid at a depth of a few feet by a formation of stratified limestone, which crops out on the hillsides and precipices, and in many places forms deep, cañon-like crevasses, through which the river flows.

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

From this reading The soil in its vicinity is underlaid at a depth of a few feet by a formation of stratified limestone, which crops out on the hillsides and precipices, and in many places forms deep, cañon-like crevasses, through which the river flows.

a person who enjoys reading

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

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

From this reading The Fire Bear had never before been seen in the Blue River neighbourhood.

plural of “rock” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading Flatrock River takes its name from the fact that it flows over layers of broad flat rocks.

express in words

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

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

From this reading The Fire Bear had never before been seen in the Blue River neighbourhood.

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading His former appearances had been at or near the mouth of Conn’s Creek, where that stream flows into Flatrock, five or six miles southeast of Balser’s home.

the state of being covered with unclean things

From this reading The soil in its vicinity is underlaid at a depth of a few feet by a formation of stratified limestone, which crops out on the hillsides and precipices, and in many places forms deep, cañon-like crevasses, through which the river flows.

the compass point midway between south and east; at 135 degrees

From this reading His former appearances had been at or near the mouth of Conn’s Creek, where that stream flows into Flatrock, five or six miles southeast of Balser’s home.

-ing form of “spring” — move forward by leaps and bounds

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

arranged in a sequence of grades or ranks

From this reading The soil in its vicinity is underlaid at a depth of a few feet by a formation of stratified limestone, which crops out on the hillsides and precipices, and in many places forms deep, cañon-like crevasses, through which the river flows.

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading His former appearances had been at or near the mouth of Conn’s Creek, where that stream flows into Flatrock, five or six miles southeast of Balser’s home.

plural of “take” — the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property

From this reading Flatrock River takes its name from the fact that it flows over layers of broad flat rocks.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

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

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The soil in its vicinity is underlaid at a depth of a few feet by a formation of stratified limestone, which crops out on the hillsides and precipices, and in many places forms deep, cañon-like crevasses, through which the river flows.

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

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.

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

From this reading The soil in its vicinity is underlaid at a depth of a few feet by a formation of stratified limestone, which crops out on the hillsides and precipices, and in many places forms deep, cañon-like crevasses, through which the river flows.

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading The soil in its vicinity is underlaid at a depth of a few feet by a formation of stratified limestone, which crops out on the hillsides and precipices, and in many places forms deep, cañon-like crevasses, through which the river flows.

in or at the place that

From this reading His former appearances had been at or near the mouth of Conn’s Creek, where that stream flows into Flatrock, five or six miles southeast of Balser’s home.

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

From this reading The soil in its vicinity is underlaid at a depth of a few feet by a formation of stratified limestone, which crops out on the hillsides and precipices, and in many places forms deep, cañon-like crevasses, through which the river flows.

plural of “wish” — a specific feeling of desire

From this reading NOTE.—The author, fearing that the account of fire springing from the earth, given in the following story, may be considered by the reader too improbable for any book but one of Arabian fables, wishes to say that the fire and the explosion occurred in the place and manner described.