used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
abilitynounUS /əˈbɪlətiː/
the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
From this reading But this one instance in itself is sufficient to show to all outdoor people the great importance of the knowledge and ability to make friction fires.
(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 But this one instance in itself is sufficient to show to all outdoor people the great importance of the knowledge and ability to make friction fires.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
ancestorsnounUS /ˈænsestərz/
plural of “ancestor” — someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)
From this reading FIRE MAKING BY PERCUSSION THE preceding methods of producing fire by friction are not the white man's methods, and are not the methods used by our pioneer ancestors.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading FIRE MAKING BY PERCUSSION THE preceding methods of producing fire by friction are not the white man's methods, and are not the methods used by our pioneer ancestors.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading FIRE MAKING BY PERCUSSION THE preceding methods of producing fire by friction are not the white man's methods, and are not the methods used by our pioneer ancestors.
a person whose creative work shows sensitivity and imagination
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
Belmore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
bitsnounUS /bɪts/
plural of “bit” — a small piece or quantity of something
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
BrownenounUS /braʊn/
English illustrator of several of Dickens' novels (1815-1882)
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But this one instance in itself is sufficient to show to all outdoor people the great importance of the knowledge and ability to make friction fires.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading FIRE MAKING BY PERCUSSION THE preceding methods of producing fire by friction are not the white man's methods, and are not the methods used by our pioneer ancestors.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
an occurrence of something
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
spoiled or ruined or demolished
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
take in solid food
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
one or the other of two
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading On that occasion they evidently left home in a great hurry, without their flints and steels.
explorernounUS /ɪkˈsplɔːrər/
someone who travels into little known regions (especially for some scientific purpose)
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
start firing a weapon
From this reading FIRE MAKING BY PERCUSSION THE preceding methods of producing fire by friction are not the white man's methods, and are not the methods used by our pioneer ancestors.
plural of “fire” — the event of something burning (often destructive)
From this reading But this one instance in itself is sufficient to show to all outdoor people the great importance of the knowledge and ability to make friction fires.
restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
flintsnounUS /flɪnts/
plural of “flint” — a hard kind of stone; a form of silica more opaque than chalcedony
From this reading On that occasion they evidently left home in a great hurry, without their flints and steels.
any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
frictionnounUS /ˈfrɪkʃən/
a state of conflict between persons
From this reading FIRE MAKING BY PERCUSSION THE preceding methods of producing fire by friction are not the white man's methods, and are not the methods used by our pioneer ancestors.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading On that occasion they evidently left home in a great hurry, without their flints and steels.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading On that occasion they evidently left home in a great hurry, without their flints and steels.
a condition of urgency making it necessary to hurry
From this reading On that occasion they evidently left home in a great hurry, without their flints and steels.
the quality of being important and worthy of note
From this reading But this one instance in itself is sufficient to show to all outdoor people the great importance of the knowledge and ability to make friction fires.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
an occurrence of something
From this reading But this one instance in itself is sufficient to show to all outdoor people the great importance of the knowledge and ability to make friction fires.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading But this one instance in itself is sufficient to show to all outdoor people the great importance of the knowledge and ability to make friction fires.
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading But this one instance in itself is sufficient to show to all outdoor people the great importance of the knowledge and ability to make friction fires.
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 On that occasion they evidently left home in a great hurry, without their flints and steels.
abrupt electric discharge from cloud to cloud or from cloud to earth accompanied by the emission of light
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
engage in
From this reading But this one instance in itself is sufficient to show to all outdoor people the great importance of the knowledge and ability to make friction fires.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading FIRE MAKING BY PERCUSSION THE preceding methods of producing fire by friction are not the white man's methods, and are not the methods used by our pioneer ancestors.
man'snounUS /mænz/
possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading FIRE MAKING BY PERCUSSION THE preceding methods of producing fire by friction are not the white man's methods, and are not the methods used by our pioneer ancestors.
massacreverbUS /ˈmæsəkər/
kill a large number of people indiscriminately
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
matchesnounUS /ˈmætʃəz/
plural of “match” — lighter consisting of a thin piece of wood or cardboard tipped with combustible chemical; ignites with friction
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
methodsnounUS /ˈmeθədz/
plural of “method” — a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)
From this reading FIRE MAKING BY PERCUSSION THE preceding methods of producing fire by friction are not the white man's methods, and are not the methods used by our pioneer ancestors.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading FIRE MAKING BY PERCUSSION THE preceding methods of producing fire by friction are not the white man's methods, and are not the methods used by our pioneer ancestors.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading On that occasion they evidently left home in a great hurry, without their flints and steels.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading FIRE MAKING BY PERCUSSION THE preceding methods of producing fire by friction are not the white man's methods, and are not the methods used by our pioneer ancestors.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On that occasion they evidently left home in a great hurry, without their flints and steels.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
one's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
and nothing more
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
OregonnounUS /ˈɔːrəɡən/
a state in northwestern United States on the Pacific
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading FIRE MAKING BY PERCUSSION THE preceding methods of producing fire by friction are not the white man's methods, and are not the methods used by our pioneer ancestors.
outdooradjectiveUS /ˈaʊtdɔːr/
located, suited for, or taking place in the open air
From this reading But this one instance in itself is sufficient to show to all outdoor people the great importance of the knowledge and ability to make friction fires.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
PERCUSSIONnounUS /pərˈkʌʃən/
the act of playing a percussion instrument
From this reading FIRE MAKING BY PERCUSSION THE preceding methods of producing fire by friction are not the white man's methods, and are not the methods used by our pioneer ancestors.
pioneernounUS /ˌpaɪəˈnɪr/
someone who helps to open up a new line of research or technology or art
From this reading FIRE MAKING BY PERCUSSION THE preceding methods of producing fire by friction are not the white man's methods, and are not the methods used by our pioneer ancestors.
precedingadjectiveUS /priˈsiːdɪŋ/
existing or coming before
From this reading FIRE MAKING BY PERCUSSION THE preceding methods of producing fire by friction are not the white man's methods, and are not the methods used by our pioneer ancestors.
bring forth or yield
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
producingverbUS /prəˈduːsɪŋ/
-ing form of “produce” — bring forth or yield
From this reading FIRE MAKING BY PERCUSSION THE preceding methods of producing fire by friction are not the white man's methods, and are not the methods used by our pioneer ancestors.
rawadjectiveUS /rɑː/
(used especially of commodities) being unprocessed or manufactured using only simple or minimal processes
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
refugeesnounUS /ˈrefjuːdʒiz/
plural of “refugee” — an exile who flees for safety
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
To recall to mind.
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
resortnounUS /rɪˈzɔːrt/
a hotel located in a resort area
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
rubbing-sticks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading But this one instance in itself is sufficient to show to all outdoor people the great importance of the knowledge and ability to make friction fires.
soakedadjectiveUS /soʊkt/
very drunk
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
splinteredverbUS /ˈsplɪntərd/
past form of “splinter” — withdraw from an organization or communion
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
steelsnounUS /stiːlz/
plural of “steel” — an alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range
From this reading On that occasion they evidently left home in a great hurry, without their flints and steels.
strickenadjectiveUS /ˈstrɪkən/
grievously affected especially by disease
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant
From this reading But this one instance in itself is sufficient to show to all outdoor people the great importance of the knowledge and ability to make friction fires.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading On that occasion they evidently left home in a great hurry, without their flints and steels.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading FIRE MAKING BY PERCUSSION THE preceding methods of producing fire by friction are not the white man's methods, and are not the methods used by our pioneer ancestors.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading On that occasion they evidently left home in a great hurry, without their flints and steels.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading On that occasion they evidently left home in a great hurry, without their flints and steels.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading But this one instance in itself is sufficient to show to all outdoor people the great importance of the knowledge and ability to make friction fires.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Like our good friend, the artist, explorer and author, Captain Belmore Browne, one may at any time get in a fix where one's matches are soaked, destroyed or lost and be compelled either to eat one's food raw or resort to rubbing-sticks to start a fire.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
uprisingnounUS /əˈpraɪzɪŋ/
organized opposition to authority; a conflict in which one faction tries to wrest control from another
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading FIRE MAKING BY PERCUSSION THE preceding methods of producing fire by friction are not the white man's methods, and are not the methods used by our pioneer ancestors.
in or at the place that
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
a Caucasian
From this reading FIRE MAKING BY PERCUSSION THE preceding methods of producing fire by friction are not the white man's methods, and are not the methods used by our pioneer ancestors.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading On that occasion they evidently left home in a great hurry, without their flints and steels.
the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading The only case the writer can remember in which the pioneer white people used rubbing-sticks to produce fire, is one where the refugees from an Indian uprising and massacre in Oregon made fire from rubbing-sticks made of the bits of the splintered wood of a lightning stricken tree.
