Chapter XX · The Mind in the Hive

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

From this reading Under natural conditions it is a moot point whether bees concern themselves at all with the ventilation of their nests.

plural of “age” — how long something has existed

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

(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 Under natural conditions it is a moot point whether bees concern themselves at all with the ventilation of their nests.

more than enough in size or scope or capacity

From this reading Wild bees usually fix upon a site for their dwelling where there is ample space for all possible developments; and the ventilation of the home—as with most human tenements—is left pretty much to chance causes.

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

From this reading Wild bees usually fix upon a site for their dwelling where there is ample space for all possible developments; and the ventilation of the home—as with most human tenements—is left pretty much to chance causes.

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

From this reading Wild bees usually fix upon a site for their dwelling where there is ample space for all possible developments; and the ventilation of the home—as with most human tenements—is left pretty much to chance causes.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading STUDENTS of the ways of the honey-bee find many things to marvel at, but little to excite their wonder more than the unique system of ventilation established in the hive.

dried out by heat or excessive exposure to sunlight

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

plural of “basket” — a container that is usually woven and has handles

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

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

From this reading At least, in the course of many years’ observation, the writer has never seen the fanners at work in the entrance of a natural bee-settlement.

plural of “bee” — any of numerous hairy-bodied insects including social and solitary species

From this reading Under natural conditions it is a moot point whether bees concern themselves at all with the ventilation of their nests.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading STUDENTS of the ways of the honey-bee find many things to marvel at, but little to excite their wonder more than the unique system of ventilation established in the hive.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

plural of “cause” — events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading Wild bees usually fix upon a site for their dwelling where there is ample space for all possible developments; and the ventilation of the home—as with most human tenements—is left pretty much to chance causes.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading Wild bees usually fix upon a site for their dwelling where there is ample space for all possible developments; and the ventilation of the home—as with most human tenements—is left pretty much to chance causes.

a very fine-grained soil that is plastic when moist but hard when fired

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

something that interests you because it is important or affects you

From this reading Under natural conditions it is a moot point whether bees concern themselves at all with the ventilation of their nests.

the prevailing context that influences the performance or the outcome of a process

From this reading Under natural conditions it is a moot point whether bees concern themselves at all with the ventilation of their nests.

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

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading At least, in the course of many years’ observation, the writer has never seen the fanners at work in the entrance of a natural bee-settlement.

past form of “daub” — coat with plaster

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

plural of “development” — act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining

From this reading Wild bees usually fix upon a site for their dwelling where there is ample space for all possible developments; and the ventilation of the home—as with most human tenements—is left pretty much to chance causes.

adaptation to intimate association with human beings

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

housing that someone is living in

From this reading Wild bees usually fix upon a site for their dwelling where there is ample space for all possible developments; and the ventilation of the home—as with most human tenements—is left pretty much to chance causes.

(comparative and superlative of “early”) more early than; most early

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

made of earth (or baked clay)

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

something that provides access (to get in or get out)

From this reading At least, in the course of many years’ observation, the writer has never seen the fanners at work in the entrance of a natural bee-settlement.

brought about or set up or accepted; especially long established

From this reading STUDENTS of the ways of the honey-bee find many things to marvel at, but little to excite their wonder more than the unique system of ventilation established in the hive.

arouse or elicit a feeling

From this reading STUDENTS of the ways of the honey-bee find many things to marvel at, but little to excite their wonder more than the unique system of ventilation established in the hive.

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

From this reading At least, in the course of many years’ observation, the writer has never seen the fanners at work in the entrance of a natural bee-settlement.

inflected form of “fan” — strike out (a batter), (of a pitcher)

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading STUDENTS of the ways of the honey-bee find many things to marvel at, but little to excite their wonder more than the unique system of ventilation established in the hive.

restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken

From this reading Wild bees usually fix upon a site for their dwelling where there is ample space for all possible developments; and the ventilation of the home—as with most human tenements—is left pretty much to chance causes.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Wild bees usually fix upon a site for their dwelling where there is ample space for all possible developments; and the ventilation of the home—as with most human tenements—is left pretty much to chance causes.

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

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

set up or found

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

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

From this reading At least, in the course of many years’ observation, the writer has never seen the fanners at work in the entrance of a natural bee-settlement.

a teeming multitude

From this reading STUDENTS of the ways of the honey-bee find many things to marvel at, but little to excite their wonder more than the unique system of ventilation established in the hive.

an itchy skin eruption characterized by weals with pale interiors and well-defined red margins; usually the result of an allergic response to insect bites or food or drugs

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Wild bees usually fix upon a site for their dwelling where there is ample space for all possible developments; and the ventilation of the home—as with most human tenements—is left pretty much to chance causes.

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

From this reading STUDENTS of the ways of the honey-bee find many things to marvel at, but little to excite their wonder more than the unique system of ventilation established in the hive.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading Wild bees usually fix upon a site for their dwelling where there is ample space for all possible developments; and the ventilation of the home—as with most human tenements—is left pretty much to chance causes.

not admitting of passage or capable of being affected

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

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

From this reading STUDENTS of the ways of the honey-bee find many things to marvel at, but little to excite their wonder more than the unique system of ventilation established in the hive.

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

From this reading Under natural conditions it is a moot point whether bees concern themselves at all with the ventilation of their nests.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Under natural conditions it is a moot point whether bees concern themselves at all with the ventilation of their nests.

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

From this reading At least, in the course of many years’ observation, the writer has never seen the fanners at work in the entrance of a natural bee-settlement.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading Wild bees usually fix upon a site for their dwelling where there is ample space for all possible developments; and the ventilation of the home—as with most human tenements—is left pretty much to chance causes.

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

From this reading STUDENTS of the ways of the honey-bee find many things to marvel at, but little to excite their wonder more than the unique system of ventilation established in the hive.

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 STUDENTS of the ways of the honey-bee find many things to marvel at, but little to excite their wonder more than the unique system of ventilation established in the hive.

be amazed at

From this reading STUDENTS of the ways of the honey-bee find many things to marvel at, but little to excite their wonder more than the unique system of ventilation established in the hive.

of no legal significance (as having been previously decided)

From this reading Under natural conditions it is a moot point whether bees concern themselves at all with the ventilation of their nests.

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

From this reading STUDENTS of the ways of the honey-bee find many things to marvel at, but little to excite their wonder more than the unique system of ventilation established in the hive.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Wild bees usually fix upon a site for their dwelling where there is ample space for all possible developments; and the ventilation of the home—as with most human tenements—is left pretty much to chance causes.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Wild bees usually fix upon a site for their dwelling where there is ample space for all possible developments; and the ventilation of the home—as with most human tenements—is left pretty much to chance causes.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading Under natural conditions it is a moot point whether bees concern themselves at all with the ventilation of their nests.

plural of “nest” — a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young

From this reading Under natural conditions it is a moot point whether bees concern themselves at all with the ventilation of their nests.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading At least, in the course of many years’ observation, the writer has never seen the fanners at work in the entrance of a natural bee-settlement.

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

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

the act of making and recording a measurement

From this reading At least, in the course of many years’ observation, the writer has never seen the fanners at work in the entrance of a natural bee-settlement.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading STUDENTS of the ways of the honey-bee find many things to marvel at, but little to excite their wonder more than the unique system of ventilation established in the hive.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

past form of “originate” — come into existence; take on form or shape

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

above and across; more than

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading Under natural conditions it is a moot point whether bees concern themselves at all with the ventilation of their nests.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading Wild bees usually fix upon a site for their dwelling where there is ample space for all possible developments; and the ventilation of the home—as with most human tenements—is left pretty much to chance causes.

by chance

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

plural of “pot” — metal or earthenware cooking vessel that is usually round and deep; often has a handle and lid

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading Wild bees usually fix upon a site for their dwelling where there is ample space for all possible developments; and the ventilation of the home—as with most human tenements—is left pretty much to chance causes.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

unusual or striking

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

located far away spatially

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

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

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

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

From this reading At least, in the course of many years’ observation, the writer has never seen the fanners at work in the entrance of a natural bee-settlement.

the piece of land on which something is located (or is to be located)

From this reading Wild bees usually fix upon a site for their dwelling where there is ample space for all possible developments; and the ventilation of the home—as with most human tenements—is left pretty much to chance causes.

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading Wild bees usually fix upon a site for their dwelling where there is ample space for all possible developments; and the ventilation of the home—as with most human tenements—is left pretty much to chance causes.

plural of “student” — a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution

From this reading STUDENTS of the ways of the honey-bee find many things to marvel at, but little to excite their wonder more than the unique system of ventilation established in the hive.

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

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity

From this reading STUDENTS of the ways of the honey-bee find many things to marvel at, but little to excite their wonder more than the unique system of ventilation established in the hive.

plural of “tenement” — a run-down apartment house barely meeting minimal standards

From this reading Wild bees usually fix upon a site for their dwelling where there is ample space for all possible developments; and the ventilation of the home—as with most human tenements—is left pretty much to chance causes.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading STUDENTS of the ways of the honey-bee find many things to marvel at, but little to excite their wonder more than the unique system of ventilation established in the hive.

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

From this reading STUDENTS of the ways of the honey-bee find many things to marvel at, but little to excite their wonder more than the unique system of ventilation established in the hive.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading STUDENTS of the ways of the honey-bee find many things to marvel at, but little to excite their wonder more than the unique system of ventilation established in the hive.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Under natural conditions it is a moot point whether bees concern themselves at all with the ventilation of their nests.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Wild bees usually fix upon a site for their dwelling where there is ample space for all possible developments; and the ventilation of the home—as with most human tenements—is left pretty much to chance causes.

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

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading STUDENTS of the ways of the honey-bee find many things to marvel at, but little to excite their wonder more than the unique system of ventilation established in the hive.

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

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

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

From this reading STUDENTS of the ways of the honey-bee find many things to marvel at, but little to excite their wonder more than the unique system of ventilation established in the hive.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Under natural conditions it is a moot point whether bees concern themselves at all with the ventilation of their nests.

radically distinctive and without equal

From this reading STUDENTS of the ways of the honey-bee find many things to marvel at, but little to excite their wonder more than the unique system of ventilation established in the hive.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Wild bees usually fix upon a site for their dwelling where there is ample space for all possible developments; and the ventilation of the home—as with most human tenements—is left pretty much to chance causes.

under normal conditions

From this reading Wild bees usually fix upon a site for their dwelling where there is ample space for all possible developments; and the ventilation of the home—as with most human tenements—is left pretty much to chance causes.

the act of supplying fresh air and getting rid of foul air

From this reading STUDENTS of the ways of the honey-bee find many things to marvel at, but little to excite their wonder more than the unique system of ventilation established in the hive.

precisely as stated

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired

From this reading STUDENTS of the ways of the honey-bee find many things to marvel at, but little to excite their wonder more than the unique system of ventilation established in the hive.

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

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

at the time that

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

in or at the place that

From this reading Wild bees usually fix upon a site for their dwelling where there is ample space for all possible developments; and the ventilation of the home—as with most human tenements—is left pretty much to chance causes.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading Under natural conditions it is a moot point whether bees concern themselves at all with the ventilation of their nests.

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

From this reading Probably this remarkable fanning system originated in a new want felt by the bees, when, in remote ages, their domestication began, and they found themselves cooped up in impervious hives which, in their very earliest form, were possibly roughly-plaited baskets, daubed over with clay, or earthen pots baked dry in the sun.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading Wild bees usually fix upon a site for their dwelling where there is ample space for all possible developments; and the ventilation of the home—as with most human tenements—is left pretty much to chance causes.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Under natural conditions it is a moot point whether bees concern themselves at all with the ventilation of their nests.

the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading STUDENTS of the ways of the honey-bee find many things to marvel at, but little to excite their wonder more than the unique system of ventilation established in the hive.

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

From this reading At least, in the course of many years’ observation, the writer has never seen the fanners at work in the entrance of a natural bee-settlement.

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

From this reading At least, in the course of many years’ observation, the writer has never seen the fanners at work in the entrance of a natural bee-settlement.

a late time of life

From this reading At least, in the course of many years’ observation, the writer has never seen the fanners at work in the entrance of a natural bee-settlement.