used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A BAFFLING PURSUIT.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The most puzzling thing about his disappearance, in fact, lies in the absence of pony tracks.
the state of being absent
From this reading The most puzzling thing about his disappearance, in fact, lies in the absence of pony tracks.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
any thing at all
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/
an old form of “are”, used with “thou”
From this reading Captain Atkinson, one of the most expert of men in the plainsman’s art of reading signs from seemingly insignificant features, confessed that he was baffled.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
Atkinson
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Captain Atkinson, one of the most expert of men in the plainsman’s art of reading signs from seemingly insignificant features, confessed that he was baffled.
bafflednounUS /ˈbæfəld/
people who are frustrated and perplexed
From this reading Captain Atkinson, one of the most expert of men in the plainsman’s art of reading signs from seemingly insignificant features, confessed that he was baffled.
BAFFLINGadjectiveUS /ˈbæfəlɪŋ/
making great mental demands; hard to comprehend or solve or believe
From this reading A BAFFLING PURSUIT.
English botanist who accompanied Captain Cook on his first voyage to the Pacific Ocean (1743-1820)
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading “It is plain enough that Jack was involved in some sort of a fight,” he said, “but beyond that I cannot say.
physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
brushverbUS /brʌʃ/
rub with a brush, or as if with a brush
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “It is plain enough that Jack was involved in some sort of a fight,” he said, “but beyond that I cannot say.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading Captain Atkinson, one of the most expert of men in the plainsman’s art of reading signs from seemingly insignificant features, confessed that he was baffled.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
combatnounUS /ˈkɑːmbæt/
an engagement fought between two military forces
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
confessedverbUS /kənˈfest/
past form of “confess” — confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure
From this reading Captain Atkinson, one of the most expert of men in the plainsman’s art of reading signs from seemingly insignificant features, confessed that he was baffled.
the time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
definiteadjectiveUS /ˈdefənət/
precise; explicit and clearly defined
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
disappearancenounUS /ˌdɪsəˈpɪrəns/
the act of leaving secretly or without explanation
From this reading The most puzzling thing about his disappearance, in fact, lies in the absence of pony tracks.
encounteredverbUS /ɪnˈkaʊntərd/
past form of “encounter” — come together
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading “It is plain enough that Jack was involved in some sort of a fight,” he said, “but beyond that I cannot say.
expertadjectiveUS /ˈekspərt/
having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
From this reading Captain Atkinson, one of the most expert of men in the plainsman’s art of reading signs from seemingly insignificant features, confessed that he was baffled.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading The most puzzling thing about his disappearance, in fact, lies in the absence of pony tracks.
past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading Captain Atkinson, one of the most expert of men in the plainsman’s art of reading signs from seemingly insignificant features, confessed that he was baffled.
be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
From this reading “It is plain enough that Jack was involved in some sort of a fight,” he said, “but beyond that I cannot say.
footmarks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Captain Atkinson, one of the most expert of men in the plainsman’s art of reading signs from seemingly insignificant features, confessed that he was baffled.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Captain Atkinson, one of the most expert of men in the plainsman’s art of reading signs from seemingly insignificant features, confessed that he was baffled.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “It is plain enough that Jack was involved in some sort of a fight,” he said, “but beyond that I cannot say.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Captain Atkinson, one of the most expert of men in the plainsman’s art of reading signs from seemingly insignificant features, confessed that he was baffled.
insignificantadjectiveUS /ˌɪnsɪɡˈnjɪfɪkənt/
signifying nothing
From this reading Captain Atkinson, one of the most expert of men in the plainsman’s art of reading signs from seemingly insignificant features, confessed that he was baffled.
involvedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvɑːlvd/
connected by participation or association or use
From this reading “It is plain enough that Jack was involved in some sort of a fight,” he said, “but beyond that I cannot say.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “It is plain enough that Jack was involved in some sort of a fight,” he said, “but beyond that I cannot say.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “It is plain enough that Jack was involved in some sort of a fight,” he said, “but beyond that I cannot say.
a small worthless amount
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
plural of “lie” — a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth
From this reading The most puzzling thing about his disappearance, in fact, lies in the absence of pony tracks.
mazenounUS /meɪz/
complex system of paths or tunnels in which it is easy to get lost
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
the force of workers available
From this reading Captain Atkinson, one of the most expert of men in the plainsman’s art of reading signs from seemingly insignificant features, confessed that he was baffled.
MexicannounUS /ˈmeksəkən/
a native or inhabitant of Mexico
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Captain Atkinson, one of the most expert of men in the plainsman’s art of reading signs from seemingly insignificant features, confessed that he was baffled.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Captain Atkinson, one of the most expert of men in the plainsman’s art of reading signs from seemingly insignificant features, confessed that he was baffled.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading “It is plain enough that Jack was involved in some sort of a fight,” he said, “but beyond that I cannot say.
plainsman's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Captain Atkinson, one of the most expert of men in the plainsman’s art of reading signs from seemingly insignificant features, confessed that he was baffled.
ponynounUS /ˈpoʊniː/
a range horse of the western United States
From this reading The most puzzling thing about his disappearance, in fact, lies in the absence of pony tracks.
the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture
From this reading A BAFFLING PURSUIT.
puzzlingadjectiveUS /ˈpʌzəlɪŋ/
not clear to the understanding
From this reading The most puzzling thing about his disappearance, in fact, lies in the absence of pony tracks.
the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message
From this reading Captain Atkinson, one of the most expert of men in the plainsman’s art of reading signs from seemingly insignificant features, confessed that he was baffled.
revealverbUS /rɪˈviːl/
make visible
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “It is plain enough that Jack was involved in some sort of a fight,” he said, “but beyond that I cannot say.
express in words
From this reading “It is plain enough that Jack was involved in some sort of a fight,” he said, “but beyond that I cannot say.
scrutinynounUS /ˈskruːtəni/
the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
seeminglyadverbUS /ˈsiːmɪŋli/
from appearances alone
From this reading Captain Atkinson, one of the most expert of men in the plainsman’s art of reading signs from seemingly insignificant features, confessed that he was baffled.
plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading Captain Atkinson, one of the most expert of men in the plainsman’s art of reading signs from seemingly insignificant features, confessed that he was baffled.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading “It is plain enough that Jack was involved in some sort of a fight,” he said, “but beyond that I cannot say.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading “It is plain enough that Jack was involved in some sort of a fight,” he said, “but beyond that I cannot say.
spiesnounUS /spaɪz/
plural of “spy” — (military) a secret agent hired by a state to obtain information about its enemies or by a business to obtain industrial secrets from competitors
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Captain Atkinson, one of the most expert of men in the plainsman’s art of reading signs from seemingly insignificant features, confessed that he was baffled.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
a special situation
From this reading The most puzzling thing about his disappearance, in fact, lies in the absence of pony tracks.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
tracksnounUS /træks/
plural of “track” — a line or route along which something travels or moves
From this reading The most puzzling thing about his disappearance, in fact, lies in the absence of pony tracks.
trampledverbUS /ˈtræmpəld/
past form of “trample” — tread or stomp heavily or roughly
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Captain Atkinson, one of the most expert of men in the plainsman’s art of reading signs from seemingly insignificant features, confessed that he was baffled.
in or at the place that
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
in the company of; together with
From this reading But a close scrutiny of the river banks by daylight failed to reveal anything more definite than a maze of trampled footmarks and broken brush at the spot where Jack had encountered his combat with the three Mexican spies.
