used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
aidsnounUS /eɪdz/
a serious (often fatal) disease of the immune system transmitted through blood products especially by sexual contact or contaminated needles
From this reading The only artificial helps the scouts can have are their knives, hatchets and such aids as they may carry with them.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading The command or rather proposition stumped the lads, who looked at one another, smiled and shook their heads.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
artificialadjectiveUS /ˌɑːrtəˈfɪʃəl/
contrived by art rather than nature
From this reading The only artificial helps the scouts can have are their knives, hatchets and such aids as they may carry with them.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The only artificial helps the scouts can have are their knives, hatchets and such aids as they may carry with them.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The command or rather proposition stumped the lads, who looked at one another, smiled and shook their heads.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading “I knew that when I spoke; the conditions are that no match nor flint, steel and tinder shall be called into use.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading “I knew that when I spoke; the conditions are that no match nor flint, steel and tinder shall be called into use.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading The only artificial helps the scouts can have are their knives, hatchets and such aids as they may carry with them.
move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading The only artificial helps the scouts can have are their knives, hatchets and such aids as they may carry with them.
cheapadjectiveUS /tʃiːp/
relatively low in price or charging low prices
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Come, boys, use your wits and inaugurate the conflagration.”
an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
From this reading The command or rather proposition stumped the lads, who looked at one another, smiled and shook their heads.
the prevailing context that influences the performance or the outcome of a process
From this reading “I knew that when I spoke; the conditions are that no match nor flint, steel and tinder shall be called into use.
conflagrationnounUS /ˌkɑːnfləˈɡreɪʃən/
a very intense and uncontrolled fire
From this reading Come, boys, use your wits and inaugurate the conflagration.”
convenientadjectiveUS /kənˈviːnjənt/
suited to your comfort or purpose or needs
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
discardedadjectiveUS /dɪˈskɑːrdɪd/
thrown away
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
ElknounUS /elk/
large northern deer with enormous flattened antlers in the male; called “elk” in Europe and “moose” in North America
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
flintnounUS /flɪnt/
a hard kind of stone; a form of silica more opaque than chalcedony
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
grandparentsnounUS /ˈɡrændperənts/
plural of “grandparent” — a parent of your father or mother
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
hatchetsnounUS /ˈhætʃəts/
plural of “hatchet” — weapon consisting of a fighting ax; used by North American Indians
From this reading The only artificial helps the scouts can have are their knives, hatchets and such aids as they may carry with them.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
plural of “head” — the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading The command or rather proposition stumped the lads, who looked at one another, smiled and shook their heads.
helpsnounUS /helps/
plural of “help” — the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
From this reading The only artificial helps the scouts can have are their knives, hatchets and such aids as they may carry with them.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
inaugurateverbUS /ɪˈnɔːɡjərɪt/
commence officially
From this reading Come, boys, use your wits and inaugurate the conflagration.”
interposed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading “I knew that when I spoke; the conditions are that no match nor flint, steel and tinder shall be called into use.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading “I knew that when I spoke; the conditions are that no match nor flint, steel and tinder shall be called into use.
knivesnounUS /naɪvz/
plural of “knife” — edge tool used as a cutting instrument; has a pointed blade with a sharp edge and a handle
From this reading The only artificial helps the scouts can have are their knives, hatchets and such aids as they may carry with them.
plural of “lad” — a boy or man
From this reading The command or rather proposition stumped the lads, who looked at one another, smiled and shook their heads.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading The command or rather proposition stumped the lads, who looked at one another, smiled and shook their heads.
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics
From this reading “I knew that when I spoke; the conditions are that no match nor flint, steel and tinder shall be called into use.
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 Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading The only artificial helps the scouts can have are their knives, hatchets and such aids as they may carry with them.
a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
not any; not one
From this reading “I knew that when I spoke; the conditions are that no match nor flint, steel and tinder shall be called into use.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading “I knew that when I spoke; the conditions are that no match nor flint, steel and tinder shall be called into use.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The command or rather proposition stumped the lads, who looked at one another, smiled and shook their heads.
and nothing more
From this reading The only artificial helps the scouts can have are their knives, hatchets and such aids as they may carry with them.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The command or rather proposition stumped the lads, who looked at one another, smiled and shook their heads.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
propositionnounUS /ˌprɑːpəˈzɪʃən/
(logic) a statement that affirms or denies something and is either true or false
From this reading The command or rather proposition stumped the lads, who looked at one another, smiled and shook their heads.
on the contrary
From this reading The command or rather proposition stumped the lads, who looked at one another, smiled and shook their heads.
ScoutnounUS /skaʊt/
a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
scoutsnounUS /skaʊts/
plural of “scout” — a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
From this reading The only artificial helps the scouts can have are their knives, hatchets and such aids as they may carry with them.
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading “I knew that when I spoke; the conditions are that no match nor flint, steel and tinder shall be called into use.
a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment
From this reading The command or rather proposition stumped the lads, who looked at one another, smiled and shook their heads.
past form of “smile” — change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading The command or rather proposition stumped the lads, who looked at one another, smiled and shook their heads.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim
From this reading “I knew that when I spoke; the conditions are that no match nor flint, steel and tinder shall be called into use.
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 Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
stumpedverbUS /stʌmpt/
past form of “stump” — cause to be perplexed or confounded
From this reading The command or rather proposition stumped the lads, who looked at one another, smiled and shook their heads.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading The only artificial helps the scouts can have are their knives, hatchets and such aids as they may carry with them.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The only artificial helps the scouts can have are their knives, hatchets and such aids as they may carry with them.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The only artificial helps the scouts can have are their knives, hatchets and such aids as they may carry with them.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
tindernounUS /ˈtɪndər/
material for starting a fire
From this reading “I knew that when I spoke; the conditions are that no match nor flint, steel and tinder shall be called into use.
the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
the act of using
From this reading “I knew that when I spoke; the conditions are that no match nor flint, steel and tinder shall be called into use.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Scout Master Hall here interposed: “Uncle Elk, I don’t think any of the boys have a flint and steel, and I am sure I do not possess them; matches are so cheap and convenient that we have discarded the method of our grandparents.”
at the time that
From this reading “I knew that when I spoke; the conditions are that no match nor flint, steel and tinder shall be called into use.
which person or people
From this reading The command or rather proposition stumped the lads, who looked at one another, smiled and shook their heads.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The only artificial helps the scouts can have are their knives, hatchets and such aids as they may carry with them.
witsnounUS /wɪts/
the basic human power of intelligent thought and perception
From this reading Come, boys, use your wits and inaugurate the conflagration.”
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Come, boys, use your wits and inaugurate the conflagration.”
