Chapter II

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

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.

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

From this reading "Ten years afterwards, or in 1523, Fernando Cortez had conquered Mexico, and proposed a waterway through the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.

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

From this reading "The idea of a waterway across the narrowest part of the American Continent, or, rather, of the isthmus connecting North and South America," said Dr. Bronson, "is almost as old as the discovery of the New World."

from one side of something to the other

From this reading "The idea of a waterway across the narrowest part of the American Continent, or, rather, of the isthmus connecting North and South America," said Dr. Bronson, "is almost as old as the discovery of the New World."

later than; following

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading "The idea of a waterway across the narrowest part of the American Continent, or, rather, of the isthmus connecting North and South America," said Dr. Bronson, "is almost as old as the discovery of the New World."

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 "The idea of a waterway across the narrowest part of the American Continent, or, rather, of the isthmus connecting North and South America," said Dr. Bronson, "is almost as old as the discovery of the New World."

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading "The idea of a waterway across the narrowest part of the American Continent, or, rather, of the isthmus connecting North and South America," said Dr. Bronson, "is almost as old as the discovery of the New World."

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

From this reading FIRST DAY ON THE ISTHMUS.--THE PANAMA CANAL.--HISTORY OF THE CANAL ENTERPRISE.--PLANS OF BALBOA AND OTHERS.--THE VARIOUS ROUTES PROPOSED.--STRAIN'S SURVEY OF DARIEN.--VISITING THE WORKS AT PANAMA.

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

From this reading "The idea of a waterway across the narrowest part of the American Continent, or, rather, of the isthmus connecting North and South America," said Dr. Bronson, "is almost as old as the discovery of the New World."

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading FIRST DAY ON THE ISTHMUS.--THE PANAMA CANAL.--HISTORY OF THE CANAL ENTERPRISE.--PLANS OF BALBOA AND OTHERS.--THE VARIOUS ROUTES PROPOSED.--STRAIN'S SURVEY OF DARIEN.--VISITING THE WORKS AT PANAMA.

the basic unit of money in Panama; equal to 100 centesimos

From this reading FIRST DAY ON THE ISTHMUS.--THE PANAMA CANAL.--HISTORY OF THE CANAL ENTERPRISE.--PLANS OF BALBOA AND OTHERS.--THE VARIOUS ROUTES PROPOSED.--STRAIN'S SURVEY OF DARIEN.--VISITING THE WORKS AT PANAMA.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.

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

From this reading "The idea of a waterway across the narrowest part of the American Continent, or, rather, of the isthmus connecting North and South America," said Dr. Bronson, "is almost as old as the discovery of the New World."

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.

(astronomy) an indistinct surface feature of Mars once thought to be a system of channels; they are now believed to be an optical illusion

From this reading FIRST DAY ON THE ISTHMUS.--THE PANAMA CANAL.--HISTORY OF THE CANAL ENTERPRISE.--PLANS OF BALBOA AND OTHERS.--THE VARIOUS ROUTES PROPOSED.--STRAIN'S SURVEY OF DARIEN.--VISITING THE WORKS AT PANAMA.

past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.

the state capital of Ohio; located in the center of the state; site of Ohio State University

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.

-ing form of “connect” — connect, fasten, or put together two or more pieces

From this reading "The idea of a waterway across the narrowest part of the American Continent, or, rather, of the isthmus connecting North and South America," said Dr. Bronson, "is almost as old as the discovery of the New World."

past form of “conquer” — bring under control by force or authority

From this reading "Ten years afterwards, or in 1523, Fernando Cortez had conquered Mexico, and proposed a waterway through the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.

one of the large landmasses of the earth

From this reading "The idea of a waterway across the narrowest part of the American Continent, or, rather, of the isthmus connecting North and South America," said Dr. Bronson, "is almost as old as the discovery of the New World."

Spanish conquistador who defeated the Aztecs and conquered Mexico (1485-1547)

From this reading "Ten years afterwards, or in 1523, Fernando Cortez had conquered Mexico, and proposed a waterway through the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.

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

From this reading FIRST DAY ON THE ISTHMUS.--THE PANAMA CANAL.--HISTORY OF THE CANAL ENTERPRISE.--PLANS OF BALBOA AND OTHERS.--THE VARIOUS ROUTES PROPOSED.--STRAIN'S SURVEY OF DARIEN.--VISITING THE WORKS AT PANAMA.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading FIRST DAY ON THE ISTHMUS.--THE PANAMA CANAL.--HISTORY OF THE CANAL ENTERPRISE.--PLANS OF BALBOA AND OTHERS.--THE VARIOUS ROUTES PROPOSED.--STRAIN'S SURVEY OF DARIEN.--VISITING THE WORKS AT PANAMA.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.

the act of discovering something

From this reading "The idea of a waterway across the narrowest part of the American Continent, or, rather, of the isthmus connecting North and South America," said Dr. Bronson, "is almost as old as the discovery of the New World."

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

From this reading "The idea of a waterway across the narrowest part of the American Continent, or, rather, of the isthmus connecting North and South America," said Dr. Bronson, "is almost as old as the discovery of the New World."

inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.

a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)

From this reading FIRST DAY ON THE ISTHMUS.--THE PANAMA CANAL.--HISTORY OF THE CANAL ENTERPRISE.--PLANS OF BALBOA AND OTHERS.--THE VARIOUS ROUTES PROPOSED.--STRAIN'S SURVEY OF DARIEN.--VISITING THE WORKS AT PANAMA.

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

From this reading "Ten years afterwards, or in 1523, Fernando Cortez had conquered Mexico, and proposed a waterway through the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading FIRST DAY ON THE ISTHMUS.--THE PANAMA CANAL.--HISTORY OF THE CANAL ENTERPRISE.--PLANS OF BALBOA AND OTHERS.--THE VARIOUS ROUTES PROPOSED.--STRAIN'S SURVEY OF DARIEN.--VISITING THE WORKS AT PANAMA.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading "Ten years afterwards, or in 1523, Fernando Cortez had conquered Mexico, and proposed a waterway through the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading FIRST DAY ON THE ISTHMUS.--THE PANAMA CANAL.--HISTORY OF THE CANAL ENTERPRISE.--PLANS OF BALBOA AND OTHERS.--THE VARIOUS ROUTES PROPOSED.--STRAIN'S SURVEY OF DARIEN.--VISITING THE WORKS AT PANAMA.

a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there

From this reading "Quite right," replied their host.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading "The idea of a waterway across the narrowest part of the American Continent, or, rather, of the isthmus connecting North and South America," said Dr. Bronson, "is almost as old as the discovery of the New World."

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

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.

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

From this reading "The idea of a waterway across the narrowest part of the American Continent, or, rather, of the isthmus connecting North and South America," said Dr. Bronson, "is almost as old as the discovery of the New World."

a relatively narrow strip of land (with water on both sides) connecting two larger land areas

From this reading FIRST DAY ON THE ISTHMUS.--THE PANAMA CANAL.--HISTORY OF THE CANAL ENTERPRISE.--PLANS OF BALBOA AND OTHERS.--THE VARIOUS ROUTES PROPOSED.--STRAIN'S SURVEY OF DARIEN.--VISITING THE WORKS AT PANAMA.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.

a republic in southern North America; became independent from Spain in 1810

From this reading "Ten years afterwards, or in 1523, Fernando Cortez had conquered Mexico, and proposed a waterway through the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.

superlative of “narrow” — not wide

From this reading "The idea of a waterway across the narrowest part of the American Continent, or, rather, of the isthmus connecting North and South America," said Dr. Bronson, "is almost as old as the discovery of the New World."

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

From this reading "The idea of a waterway across the narrowest part of the American Continent, or, rather, of the isthmus connecting North and South America," said Dr. Bronson, "is almost as old as the discovery of the New World."

the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading "The idea of a waterway across the narrowest part of the American Continent, or, rather, of the isthmus connecting North and South America," said Dr. Bronson, "is almost as old as the discovery of the New World."

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

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.

a large body of water constituting a principal part of the hydrosphere

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading FIRST DAY ON THE ISTHMUS.--THE PANAMA CANAL.--HISTORY OF THE CANAL ENTERPRISE.--PLANS OF BALBOA AND OTHERS.--THE VARIOUS ROUTES PROPOSED.--STRAIN'S SURVEY OF DARIEN.--VISITING THE WORKS AT PANAMA.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading "The idea of a waterway across the narrowest part of the American Continent, or, rather, of the isthmus connecting North and South America," said Dr. Bronson, "is almost as old as the discovery of the New World."

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading FIRST DAY ON THE ISTHMUS.--THE PANAMA CANAL.--HISTORY OF THE CANAL ENTERPRISE.--PLANS OF BALBOA AND OTHERS.--THE VARIOUS ROUTES PROPOSED.--STRAIN'S SURVEY OF DARIEN.--VISITING THE WORKS AT PANAMA.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading "The idea of a waterway across the narrowest part of the American Continent, or, rather, of the isthmus connecting North and South America," said Dr. Bronson, "is almost as old as the discovery of the New World."

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

From this reading FIRST DAY ON THE ISTHMUS.--THE PANAMA CANAL.--HISTORY OF THE CANAL ENTERPRISE.--PLANS OF BALBOA AND OTHERS.--THE VARIOUS ROUTES PROPOSED.--STRAIN'S SURVEY OF DARIEN.--VISITING THE WORKS AT PANAMA.

the largest ocean in the world

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.

a republic on the Isthmus of Panama; achieved independence from Colombia in 1903

From this reading FIRST DAY ON THE ISTHMUS.--THE PANAMA CANAL.--HISTORY OF THE CANAL ENTERPRISE.--PLANS OF BALBOA AND OTHERS.--THE VARIOUS ROUTES PROPOSED.--STRAIN'S SURVEY OF DARIEN.--VISITING THE WORKS AT PANAMA.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading "The idea of a waterway across the narrowest part of the American Continent, or, rather, of the isthmus connecting North and South America," said Dr. Bronson, "is almost as old as the discovery of the New World."

the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.

plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished

From this reading FIRST DAY ON THE ISTHMUS.--THE PANAMA CANAL.--HISTORY OF THE CANAL ENTERPRISE.--PLANS OF BALBOA AND OTHERS.--THE VARIOUS ROUTES PROPOSED.--STRAIN'S SURVEY OF DARIEN.--VISITING THE WORKS AT PANAMA.

the act of having and controlling property

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.

communicate vividly

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.

past form of “propose” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading FIRST DAY ON THE ISTHMUS.--THE PANAMA CANAL.--HISTORY OF THE CANAL ENTERPRISE.--PLANS OF BALBOA AND OTHERS.--THE VARIOUS ROUTES PROPOSED.--STRAIN'S SURVEY OF DARIEN.--VISITING THE WORKS AT PANAMA.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading "Quite right," replied their host.

on the contrary

From this reading "The idea of a waterway across the narrowest part of the American Continent, or, rather, of the isthmus connecting North and South America," said Dr. Bronson, "is almost as old as the discovery of the New World."

inflected form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading "Quite right," replied their host.

precisely, exactly

From this reading "Quite right," replied their host.

plural of “river” — a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.

plural of “route” — an established line of travel or access

From this reading FIRST DAY ON THE ISTHMUS.--THE PANAMA CANAL.--HISTORY OF THE CANAL ENTERPRISE.--PLANS OF BALBOA AND OTHERS.--THE VARIOUS ROUTES PROPOSED.--STRAIN'S SURVEY OF DARIEN.--VISITING THE WORKS AT PANAMA.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "The idea of a waterway across the narrowest part of the American Continent, or, rather, of the isthmus connecting North and South America," said Dr. Bronson, "is almost as old as the discovery of the New World."

for a short time

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading "The idea of a waterway across the narrowest part of the American Continent, or, rather, of the isthmus connecting North and South America," said Dr. Bronson, "is almost as old as the discovery of the New World."

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

From this reading FIRST DAY ON THE ISTHMUS.--THE PANAMA CANAL.--HISTORY OF THE CANAL ENTERPRISE.--PLANS OF BALBOA AND OTHERS.--THE VARIOUS ROUTES PROPOSED.--STRAIN'S SURVEY OF DARIEN.--VISITING THE WORKS AT PANAMA.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading FIRST DAY ON THE ISTHMUS.--THE PANAMA CANAL.--HISTORY OF THE CANAL ENTERPRISE.--PLANS OF BALBOA AND OTHERS.--THE VARIOUS ROUTES PROPOSED.--STRAIN'S SURVEY OF DARIEN.--VISITING THE WORKS AT PANAMA.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.

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

From this reading "Ten years afterwards, or in 1523, Fernando Cortez had conquered Mexico, and proposed a waterway through the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading "Ten years afterwards, or in 1523, Fernando Cortez had conquered Mexico, and proposed a waterway through the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.

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

From this reading FIRST DAY ON THE ISTHMUS.--THE PANAMA CANAL.--HISTORY OF THE CANAL ENTERPRISE.--PLANS OF BALBOA AND OTHERS.--THE VARIOUS ROUTES PROPOSED.--STRAIN'S SURVEY OF DARIEN.--VISITING THE WORKS AT PANAMA.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading "Quite right," replied their host.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.

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

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.

the cardinal number that is the sum of twenty and one

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading FIRST DAY ON THE ISTHMUS.--THE PANAMA CANAL.--HISTORY OF THE CANAL ENTERPRISE.--PLANS OF BALBOA AND OTHERS.--THE VARIOUS ROUTES PROPOSED.--STRAIN'S SURVEY OF DARIEN.--VISITING THE WORKS AT PANAMA.

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

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.

the activity of making visits

From this reading FIRST DAY ON THE ISTHMUS.--THE PANAMA CANAL.--HISTORY OF THE CANAL ENTERPRISE.--PLANS OF BALBOA AND OTHERS.--THE VARIOUS ROUTES PROPOSED.--STRAIN'S SURVEY OF DARIEN.--VISITING THE WORKS AT PANAMA.

a navigable body of water

From this reading "The idea of a waterway across the narrowest part of the American Continent, or, rather, of the isthmus connecting North and South America," said Dr. Bronson, "is almost as old as the discovery of the New World."

buildings for carrying on industrial labor

From this reading FIRST DAY ON THE ISTHMUS.--THE PANAMA CANAL.--HISTORY OF THE CANAL ENTERPRISE.--PLANS OF BALBOA AND OTHERS.--THE VARIOUS ROUTES PROPOSED.--STRAIN'S SURVEY OF DARIEN.--VISITING THE WORKS AT PANAMA.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading "The idea of a waterway across the narrowest part of the American Continent, or, rather, of the isthmus connecting North and South America," said Dr. Bronson, "is almost as old as the discovery of the New World."

a late time of life

From this reading "In 1513, or twenty-one years after the discovery of America by Columbus, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, having taken possession of the Pacific Ocean, proposed making a passage through the rivers of Darien, but his death shortly afterwards caused the project to be dropped.