used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The legend of El Dorado was at first inspired by the tales of a wonderful and veritable _dorado_, or gilded man, king of a tribe of Indians dwelling, at the time of the Spanish conquest, upon the lofty tableland of Bogota, in what is now the republic of Colombia.
generally approved or compelling recognition
From this reading Later investigations have accepted it as true that such a personage existed and that the ceremonies concerning which reports were current early in the sixteenth century took place at the sacred lake of Guatavia.
adventurersnounUS /ædˈventʃərərz/
plural of “adventurer” — a person who enjoys taking risks
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Thousands of lives and millions of money were vainly squandered in these pilgrimages, but they left behind them one of the most singularly romantic chapters in the whole history of conquest and discovery.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Later investigations have accepted it as true that such a personage existed and that the ceremonies concerning which reports were current early in the sixteenth century took place at the sacred lake of Guatavia.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The legend of El Dorado was at first inspired by the tales of a wonderful and veritable _dorado_, or gilded man, king of a tribe of Indians dwelling, at the time of the Spanish conquest, upon the lofty tableland of Bogota, in what is now the republic of Colombia.
an unofficial association of people or groups
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Thousands of lives and millions of money were vainly squandered in these pilgrimages, but they left behind them one of the most singularly romantic chapters in the whole history of conquest and discovery.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading THE QUEST OF EL DORADO In our time the golden word _Eldorado_ has come to mean the goal of unattained desires, the magic country of dreams that forever lies just beyond the horizon.
BogotanounUS /ˌboʊɡəˈtɑː/
capital and largest city of Colombia; located in central Colombia on a high fertile plain
From this reading The legend of El Dorado was at first inspired by the tales of a wonderful and veritable _dorado_, or gilded man, king of a tribe of Indians dwelling, at the time of the Spanish conquest, upon the lofty tableland of Bogota, in what is now the republic of Colombia.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Thousands of lives and millions of money were vainly squandered in these pilgrimages, but they left behind them one of the most singularly romantic chapters in the whole history of conquest and discovery.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The legend of El Dorado was at first inspired by the tales of a wonderful and veritable _dorado_, or gilded man, king of a tribe of Indians dwelling, at the time of the Spanish conquest, upon the lofty tableland of Bogota, in what is now the republic of Colombia.
centuriesnounUS /ˈsentʃəriz/
plural of “century” — a period of 100 years
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
a period of 100 years
From this reading Later investigations have accepted it as true that such a personage existed and that the ceremonies concerning which reports were current early in the sixteenth century took place at the sacred lake of Guatavia.
ceremoniesnounUS /ˈserəmoʊniz/
plural of “ceremony” — a formal event performed on a special occasion
From this reading Later investigations have accepted it as true that such a personage existed and that the ceremonies concerning which reports were current early in the sixteenth century took place at the sacred lake of Guatavia.
chaptersnounUS /ˈtʃæptərz/
plural of “chapter” — a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled
From this reading Thousands of lives and millions of money were vainly squandered in these pilgrimages, but they left behind them one of the most singularly romantic chapters in the whole history of conquest and discovery.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
ColombianounUS /kəˈlʌmbiə/
a republic in northwestern South America with a coastline on the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea; achieved independence from Spain in 1821 under the leadership of Simon Bolivar; Spanish is the official language
From this reading The legend of El Dorado was at first inspired by the tales of a wonderful and veritable _dorado_, or gilded man, king of a tribe of Indians dwelling, at the time of the Spanish conquest, upon the lofty tableland of Bogota, in what is now the republic of Colombia.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading THE QUEST OF EL DORADO In our time the golden word _Eldorado_ has come to mean the goal of unattained desires, the magic country of dreams that forever lies just beyond the horizon.
-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to
From this reading Later investigations have accepted it as true that such a personage existed and that the ceremonies concerning which reports were current early in the sixteenth century took place at the sacred lake of Guatavia.
conquestnounUS /ˈkɑːŋkwest/
the act of conquering
From this reading Thousands of lives and millions of money were vainly squandered in these pilgrimages, but they left behind them one of the most singularly romantic chapters in the whole history of conquest and discovery.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading THE QUEST OF EL DORADO In our time the golden word _Eldorado_ has come to mean the goal of unattained desires, the magic country of dreams that forever lies just beyond the horizon.
a flow of electricity through a conductor
From this reading Later investigations have accepted it as true that such a personage existed and that the ceremonies concerning which reports were current early in the sixteenth century took place at the sacred lake of Guatavia.
deludedverbUS /dɪˈluːdɪd/
past form of “delude” — be false to; be dishonest with
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
desiresnounUS /dɪˈzaɪərz/
plural of “desire” — the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading THE QUEST OF EL DORADO In our time the golden word _Eldorado_ has come to mean the goal of unattained desires, the magic country of dreams that forever lies just beyond the horizon.
the act of discovering something
From this reading Thousands of lives and millions of money were vainly squandered in these pilgrimages, but they left behind them one of the most singularly romantic chapters in the whole history of conquest and discovery.
DORADOnounUS /dɔːˈrɑːdoʊ/
a constellation in the southern hemisphere near Reticulum and Pictor; contains most of the Large Magellanic Cloud
From this reading THE QUEST OF EL DORADO In our time the golden word _Eldorado_ has come to mean the goal of unattained desires, the magic country of dreams that forever lies just beyond the horizon.
plural of “dream” — a series of mental images and emotions occurring during sleep
From this reading THE QUEST OF EL DORADO In our time the golden word _Eldorado_ has come to mean the goal of unattained desires, the magic country of dreams that forever lies just beyond the horizon.
dwellingnounUS /ˈdwelɪŋ/
housing that someone is living in
From this reading The legend of El Dorado was at first inspired by the tales of a wonderful and veritable _dorado_, or gilded man, king of a tribe of Indians dwelling, at the time of the Spanish conquest, upon the lofty tableland of Bogota, in what is now the republic of Colombia.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading Later investigations have accepted it as true that such a personage existed and that the ceremonies concerning which reports were current early in the sixteenth century took place at the sacred lake of Guatavia.
ELnounUS /el/
angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
From this reading THE QUEST OF EL DORADO In our time the golden word _Eldorado_ has come to mean the goal of unattained desires, the magic country of dreams that forever lies just beyond the horizon.
EldoradonounUS /ˌeldərˈɑːdoʊ/
an imaginary place of great wealth and opportunity; sought in South America by 16th-century explorers
From this reading THE QUEST OF EL DORADO In our time the golden word _Eldorado_ has come to mean the goal of unattained desires, the magic country of dreams that forever lies just beyond the horizon.
existedverbUS /ɪɡˈzɪstəd/
past form of “exist” — have an existence, be extant
From this reading Later investigations have accepted it as true that such a personage existed and that the ceremonies concerning which reports were current early in the sixteenth century took place at the sacred lake of Guatavia.
exploringverbUS /ɪkˈsplɔːrɪŋ/
-ing form of “explore” — inquire into
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading The legend of El Dorado was at first inspired by the tales of a wonderful and veritable _dorado_, or gilded man, king of a tribe of Indians dwelling, at the time of the Spanish conquest, upon the lofty tableland of Bogota, in what is now the republic of Colombia.
for a limitless time
From this reading THE QUEST OF EL DORADO In our time the golden word _Eldorado_ has come to mean the goal of unattained desires, the magic country of dreams that forever lies just beyond the horizon.
gildedadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪldɪd/
having the deep slightly brownish color of gold
From this reading The legend of El Dorado was at first inspired by the tales of a wonderful and veritable _dorado_, or gilded man, king of a tribe of Indians dwelling, at the time of the Spanish conquest, upon the lofty tableland of Bogota, in what is now the republic of Colombia.
goalnounUS /ɡoʊl/
the state of affairs that a plan is intended to achieve and that (when achieved) terminates behavior intended to achieve it
From this reading THE QUEST OF EL DORADO In our time the golden word _Eldorado_ has come to mean the goal of unattained desires, the magic country of dreams that forever lies just beyond the horizon.
having the deep slightly brownish color of gold
From this reading THE QUEST OF EL DORADO In our time the golden word _Eldorado_ has come to mean the goal of unattained desires, the magic country of dreams that forever lies just beyond the horizon.
Guatavia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Later investigations have accepted it as true that such a personage existed and that the ceremonies concerning which reports were current early in the sixteenth century took place at the sacred lake of Guatavia.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE QUEST OF EL DORADO In our time the golden word _Eldorado_ has come to mean the goal of unattained desires, the magic country of dreams that forever lies just beyond the horizon.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Later investigations have accepted it as true that such a personage existed and that the ceremonies concerning which reports were current early in the sixteenth century took place at the sacred lake of Guatavia.
not accessible to view
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
the aggregate of past events
From this reading Thousands of lives and millions of money were vainly squandered in these pilgrimages, but they left behind them one of the most singularly romantic chapters in the whole history of conquest and discovery.
the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet
From this reading THE QUEST OF EL DORADO In our time the golden word _Eldorado_ has come to mean the goal of unattained desires, the magic country of dreams that forever lies just beyond the horizon.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE QUEST OF EL DORADO In our time the golden word _Eldorado_ has come to mean the goal of unattained desires, the magic country of dreams that forever lies just beyond the horizon.
plural of “indian” — a native or inhabitant of India
From this reading The legend of El Dorado was at first inspired by the tales of a wonderful and veritable _dorado_, or gilded man, king of a tribe of Indians dwelling, at the time of the Spanish conquest, upon the lofty tableland of Bogota, in what is now the republic of Colombia.
inspiredadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈspaɪərd/
being of such surpassing excellence as to suggest inspiration by the gods
From this reading The legend of El Dorado was at first inspired by the tales of a wonderful and veritable _dorado_, or gilded man, king of a tribe of Indians dwelling, at the time of the Spanish conquest, upon the lofty tableland of Bogota, in what is now the republic of Colombia.
interioradjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtɪriər/
situated within or suitable for inside a building
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
investigationsnounUS /ˌɪnvestəˈɡeɪʃənz/
plural of “investigation” — an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities
From this reading Later investigations have accepted it as true that such a personage existed and that the ceremonies concerning which reports were current early in the sixteenth century took place at the sacred lake of Guatavia.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The legend of El Dorado was at first inspired by the tales of a wonderful and veritable _dorado_, or gilded man, king of a tribe of Indians dwelling, at the time of the Spanish conquest, upon the lofty tableland of Bogota, in what is now the republic of Colombia.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Later investigations have accepted it as true that such a personage existed and that the ceremonies concerning which reports were current early in the sixteenth century took place at the sacred lake of Guatavia.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
and nothing more
From this reading THE QUEST OF EL DORADO In our time the golden word _Eldorado_ has come to mean the goal of unattained desires, the magic country of dreams that forever lies just beyond the horizon.
a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom
From this reading The legend of El Dorado was at first inspired by the tales of a wonderful and veritable _dorado_, or gilded man, king of a tribe of Indians dwelling, at the time of the Spanish conquest, upon the lofty tableland of Bogota, in what is now the republic of Colombia.
a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land
From this reading Later investigations have accepted it as true that such a personage existed and that the ceremonies concerning which reports were current early in the sixteenth century took place at the sacred lake of Guatavia.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading Later investigations have accepted it as true that such a personage existed and that the ceremonies concerning which reports were current early in the sixteenth century took place at the sacred lake of Guatavia.
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 Thousands of lives and millions of money were vainly squandered in these pilgrimages, but they left behind them one of the most singularly romantic chapters in the whole history of conquest and discovery.
legendnounUS /ˈledʒənd/
a story about mythical or supernatural beings or events
From this reading The legend of El Dorado was at first inspired by the tales of a wonderful and veritable _dorado_, or gilded man, king of a tribe of Indians dwelling, at the time of the Spanish conquest, upon the lofty tableland of Bogota, in what is now the republic of Colombia.
plural of “lie” — a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth
From this reading THE QUEST OF EL DORADO In our time the golden word _Eldorado_ has come to mean the goal of unattained desires, the magic country of dreams that forever lies just beyond the horizon.
literaladjectiveUS /ˈlɪtərəl/
being or reflecting the essential or genuine character of something
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Thousands of lives and millions of money were vainly squandered in these pilgrimages, but they left behind them one of the most singularly romantic chapters in the whole history of conquest and discovery.
loftyadjectiveUS /ˈlɔːfti/
of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style
From this reading The legend of El Dorado was at first inspired by the tales of a wonderful and veritable _dorado_, or gilded man, king of a tribe of Indians dwelling, at the time of the Spanish conquest, upon the lofty tableland of Bogota, in what is now the republic of Colombia.
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
any art that invokes supernatural powers
From this reading THE QUEST OF EL DORADO In our time the golden word _Eldorado_ has come to mean the goal of unattained desires, the magic country of dreams that forever lies just beyond the horizon.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading The legend of El Dorado was at first inspired by the tales of a wonderful and veritable _dorado_, or gilded man, king of a tribe of Indians dwelling, at the time of the Spanish conquest, upon the lofty tableland of Bogota, in what is now the republic of Colombia.
mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading THE QUEST OF EL DORADO In our time the golden word _Eldorado_ has come to mean the goal of unattained desires, the magic country of dreams that forever lies just beyond the horizon.
millionsnounUS /ˈmɪljənz/
plural of “million” — the number that is represented as a one followed by 6 zeros
From this reading Thousands of lives and millions of money were vainly squandered in these pilgrimages, but they left behind them one of the most singularly romantic chapters in the whole history of conquest and discovery.
mistsnounUS /mɪsts/
plural of “mist” — a thin fog with condensation near the ground
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender
From this reading Thousands of lives and millions of money were vainly squandered in these pilgrimages, but they left behind them one of the most singularly romantic chapters in the whole history of conquest and discovery.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Thousands of lives and millions of money were vainly squandered in these pilgrimages, but they left behind them one of the most singularly romantic chapters in the whole history of conquest and discovery.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading The legend of El Dorado was at first inspired by the tales of a wonderful and veritable _dorado_, or gilded man, king of a tribe of Indians dwelling, at the time of the Spanish conquest, upon the lofty tableland of Bogota, in what is now the republic of Colombia.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE QUEST OF EL DORADO In our time the golden word _Eldorado_ has come to mean the goal of unattained desires, the magic country of dreams that forever lies just beyond the horizon.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The legend of El Dorado was at first inspired by the tales of a wonderful and veritable _dorado_, or gilded man, king of a tribe of Indians dwelling, at the time of the Spanish conquest, upon the lofty tableland of Bogota, in what is now the republic of Colombia.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading THE QUEST OF EL DORADO In our time the golden word _Eldorado_ has come to mean the goal of unattained desires, the magic country of dreams that forever lies just beyond the horizon.
personagenoun
another word for person; a person not meriting identification
From this reading Later investigations have accepted it as true that such a personage existed and that the ceremonies concerning which reports were current early in the sixteenth century took place at the sacred lake of Guatavia.
pilgrimagesnounUS /ˈpɪlɡrəmɪdʒɪz/
plural of “pilgrimage” — a journey to a sacred place
From this reading Thousands of lives and millions of money were vainly squandered in these pilgrimages, but they left behind them one of the most singularly romantic chapters in the whole history of conquest and discovery.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Later investigations have accepted it as true that such a personage existed and that the ceremonies concerning which reports were current early in the sixteenth century took place at the sacred lake of Guatavia.
QUESTnounUS /kwest/
a search for an alternative that meets cognitive criteria
From this reading THE QUEST OF EL DORADO In our time the golden word _Eldorado_ has come to mean the goal of unattained desires, the magic country of dreams that forever lies just beyond the horizon.
regionsnounUS /ˈriːdʒənz/
plural of “region” — the extended spatial location of something
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
remoteadjectiveUS /rɪˈmoʊt/
located far away spatially
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
reportsnounUS /rɪˈpɔːrts/
plural of “report” — a written document describing the findings of some individual or group
From this reading Later investigations have accepted it as true that such a personage existed and that the ceremonies concerning which reports were current early in the sixteenth century took place at the sacred lake of Guatavia.
republicnounUS /riˈpʌblək/
a political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them
From this reading The legend of El Dorado was at first inspired by the tales of a wonderful and veritable _dorado_, or gilded man, king of a tribe of Indians dwelling, at the time of the Spanish conquest, upon the lofty tableland of Bogota, in what is now the republic of Colombia.
romanticadjectiveUS /roʊˈmæntɪk/
belonging to or characteristic of Romanticism or the Romantic Movement in the arts
From this reading Thousands of lives and millions of money were vainly squandered in these pilgrimages, but they left behind them one of the most singularly romantic chapters in the whole history of conquest and discovery.
concerned with religion or religious purposes
From this reading Later investigations have accepted it as true that such a personage existed and that the ceremonies concerning which reports were current early in the sixteenth century took place at the sacred lake of Guatavia.
significancenounUS /səɡˈnɪfɪkəns/
the quality of being significant
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
singularlyadverbUS /ˈsɪŋɡjələrli/
in a singular manner or to a singular degree
From this reading Thousands of lives and millions of money were vainly squandered in these pilgrimages, but they left behind them one of the most singularly romantic chapters in the whole history of conquest and discovery.
sixteenthadjectiveUS /sɪkˈstiːnθ/
coming next after the fifteenth in position
From this reading Later investigations have accepted it as true that such a personage existed and that the ceremonies concerning which reports were current early in the sixteenth century took place at the sacred lake of Guatavia.
in or at or to some place
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
the Romance language spoken in most of Spain and the countries colonized by Spain
From this reading The legend of El Dorado was at first inspired by the tales of a wonderful and veritable _dorado_, or gilded man, king of a tribe of Indians dwelling, at the time of the Spanish conquest, upon the lofty tableland of Bogota, in what is now the republic of Colombia.
squanderedadjectiveUS /ˈskwɑːndərd/
not used to good advantage
From this reading Thousands of lives and millions of money were vainly squandered in these pilgrimages, but they left behind them one of the most singularly romantic chapters in the whole history of conquest and discovery.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Later investigations have accepted it as true that such a personage existed and that the ceremonies concerning which reports were current early in the sixteenth century took place at the sacred lake of Guatavia.
tablelandnoun
a relatively flat highland
From this reading The legend of El Dorado was at first inspired by the tales of a wonderful and veritable _dorado_, or gilded man, king of a tribe of Indians dwelling, at the time of the Spanish conquest, upon the lofty tableland of Bogota, in what is now the republic of Colombia.
plural of “tale” — 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 The legend of El Dorado was at first inspired by the tales of a wonderful and veritable _dorado_, or gilded man, king of a tribe of Indians dwelling, at the time of the Spanish conquest, upon the lofty tableland of Bogota, in what is now the republic of Colombia.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE QUEST OF EL DORADO In our time the golden word _Eldorado_ has come to mean the goal of unattained desires, the magic country of dreams that forever lies just beyond the horizon.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE QUEST OF EL DORADO In our time the golden word _Eldorado_ has come to mean the goal of unattained desires, the magic country of dreams that forever lies just beyond the horizon.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Thousands of lives and millions of money were vainly squandered in these pilgrimages, but they left behind them one of the most singularly romantic chapters in the whole history of conquest and discovery.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Thousands of lives and millions of money were vainly squandered in these pilgrimages, but they left behind them one of the most singularly romantic chapters in the whole history of conquest and discovery.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Thousands of lives and millions of money were vainly squandered in these pilgrimages, but they left behind them one of the most singularly romantic chapters in the whole history of conquest and discovery.
plural of “thousand” — the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
From this reading Thousands of lives and millions of money were vainly squandered in these pilgrimages, but they left behind them one of the most singularly romantic chapters in the whole history of conquest and discovery.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading THE QUEST OF EL DORADO In our time the golden word _Eldorado_ has come to mean the goal of unattained desires, the magic country of dreams that forever lies just beyond the horizon.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE QUEST OF EL DORADO In our time the golden word _Eldorado_ has come to mean the goal of unattained desires, the magic country of dreams that forever lies just beyond the horizon.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Later investigations have accepted it as true that such a personage existed and that the ceremonies concerning which reports were current early in the sixteenth century took place at the sacred lake of Guatavia.
accumulated wealth in the form of money or jewels etc.
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
tribenounUS /traɪb/
a social division of (usually preliterate) people
From this reading The legend of El Dorado was at first inspired by the tales of a wonderful and veritable _dorado_, or gilded man, king of a tribe of Indians dwelling, at the time of the Spanish conquest, upon the lofty tableland of Bogota, in what is now the republic of Colombia.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading Later investigations have accepted it as true that such a personage existed and that the ceremonies concerning which reports were current early in the sixteenth century took place at the sacred lake of Guatavia.
unattained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE QUEST OF EL DORADO In our time the golden word _Eldorado_ has come to mean the goal of unattained desires, the magic country of dreams that forever lies just beyond the horizon.
not known
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The legend of El Dorado was at first inspired by the tales of a wonderful and veritable _dorado_, or gilded man, king of a tribe of Indians dwelling, at the time of the Spanish conquest, upon the lofty tableland of Bogota, in what is now the republic of Colombia.
vainlyadverbUS /ˈveɪnli/
to no avail
From this reading Thousands of lives and millions of money were vainly squandered in these pilgrimages, but they left behind them one of the most singularly romantic chapters in the whole history of conquest and discovery.
veritableadjectiveUS /ˈverɪtəbəl/
often used as intensifiers
From this reading The legend of El Dorado was at first inspired by the tales of a wonderful and veritable _dorado_, or gilded man, king of a tribe of Indians dwelling, at the time of the Spanish conquest, upon the lofty tableland of Bogota, in what is now the republic of Colombia.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Thousands of lives and millions of money were vainly squandered in these pilgrimages, but they left behind them one of the most singularly romantic chapters in the whole history of conquest and discovery.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading The legend of El Dorado was at first inspired by the tales of a wonderful and veritable _dorado_, or gilded man, king of a tribe of Indians dwelling, at the time of the Spanish conquest, upon the lofty tableland of Bogota, in what is now the republic of Colombia.
at the time that
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Later investigations have accepted it as true that such a personage existed and that the ceremonies concerning which reports were current early in the sixteenth century took place at the sacred lake of Guatavia.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading Thousands of lives and millions of money were vainly squandered in these pilgrimages, but they left behind them one of the most singularly romantic chapters in the whole history of conquest and discovery.
extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers
From this reading The legend of El Dorado was at first inspired by the tales of a wonderful and veritable _dorado_, or gilded man, king of a tribe of Indians dwelling, at the time of the Spanish conquest, upon the lofty tableland of Bogota, in what is now the republic of Colombia.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading THE QUEST OF EL DORADO In our time the golden word _Eldorado_ has come to mean the goal of unattained desires, the magic country of dreams that forever lies just beyond the horizon.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading Its literal significance has been lost in the mists of the centuries since when one deluded band of adventurers after another was exploring unknown regions of the New World in quest of the treasure city hidden somewhere in the remote interior of South America.
