Chapter XX

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

From this reading A part of the next day was passed on the island of Elephantine, opposite Assouan.

the state of being absent

From this reading Frank asked for the elephants, but could not learn that any had ever been seen there; he concluded that the island received its name from the entire absence of the largest of animals, or even of any fossil remains of him.

in the past

From this reading By reference to the books in their possession, Frank and Fred learned that Elephantine was a place of considerable importance two or three thousand years ago, and a large town once stood there.

a town in Louisiana on the Red River

From this reading FROM ASSOUAN TO ALEXANDRIA.--FAREWELL TO EGYPT.

(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 Its ruins are now covered by a modern village, whose inhabitants are all Nubians; in fact, there are no Arabs living on the island, and it is said that Elephantine has been the home of none but Nubians from time immemorial.

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

From this reading By reference to the books in their possession, Frank and Fred learned that Elephantine was a place of considerable importance two or three thousand years ago, and a large town once stood there.

plural of “animal” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading Frank asked for the elephants, but could not learn that any had ever been seen there; he concluded that the island received its name from the entire absence of the largest of animals, or even of any fossil remains of him.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Frank asked for the elephants, but could not learn that any had ever been seen there; he concluded that the island received its name from the entire absence of the largest of animals, or even of any fossil remains of him.

plural of “arab” — a member of a Semitic people originally from the Arabian peninsula and surrounding territories who speaks Arabic and who inhabits much of the Middle East and northern Africa

From this reading Its ruins are now covered by a modern village, whose inhabitants are all Nubians; in fact, there are no Arabs living on the island, and it is said that Elephantine has been the home of none but Nubians from time immemorial.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Its ruins are now covered by a modern village, whose inhabitants are all Nubians; in fact, there are no Arabs living on the island, and it is said that Elephantine has been the home of none but Nubians from time immemorial.

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading Frank asked for the elephants, but could not learn that any had ever been seen there; he concluded that the island received its name from the entire absence of the largest of animals, or even of any fossil remains of him.

an ancient city on the Nile in Egypt; two dams across the Nile have been built nearby

From this reading FROM ASSOUAN TO ALEXANDRIA.--FAREWELL TO EGYPT.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Its ruins are now covered by a modern village, whose inhabitants are all Nubians; in fact, there are no Arabs living on the island, and it is said that Elephantine has been the home of none but Nubians from time immemorial.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading By reference to the books in their possession, Frank and Fred learned that Elephantine was a place of considerable importance two or three thousand years ago, and a large town once stood there.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Its ruins are now covered by a modern village, whose inhabitants are all Nubians; in fact, there are no Arabs living on the island, and it is said that Elephantine has been the home of none but Nubians from time immemorial.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading By reference to the books in their possession, Frank and Fred learned that Elephantine was a place of considerable importance two or three thousand years ago, and a large town once stood there.

having come or been brought to a conclusion

From this reading Frank asked for the elephants, but could not learn that any had ever been seen there; he concluded that the island received its name from the entire absence of the largest of animals, or even of any fossil remains of him.

large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree

From this reading By reference to the books in their possession, Frank and Fred learned that Elephantine was a place of considerable importance two or three thousand years ago, and a large town once stood there.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Frank asked for the elephants, but could not learn that any had ever been seen there; he concluded that the island received its name from the entire absence of the largest of animals, or even of any fossil remains of him.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading Its ruins are now covered by a modern village, whose inhabitants are all Nubians; in fact, there are no Arabs living on the island, and it is said that Elephantine has been the home of none but Nubians from time immemorial.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading A part of the next day was passed on the island of Elephantine, opposite Assouan.

a republic in northeastern Africa known as the United Arab Republic until 1971; site of an ancient civilization that flourished from 2600 to 30 BC

From this reading FROM ASSOUAN TO ALEXANDRIA.--FAREWELL TO EGYPT.

of great mass; huge and bulky

From this reading A part of the next day was passed on the island of Elephantine, opposite Assouan.

plural of “elephant” — five-toed pachyderm

From this reading Frank asked for the elephants, but could not learn that any had ever been seen there; he concluded that the island received its name from the entire absence of the largest of animals, or even of any fossil remains of him.

constituting the full quantity or extent; complete

From this reading Frank asked for the elephants, but could not learn that any had ever been seen there; he concluded that the island received its name from the entire absence of the largest of animals, or even of any fossil remains of him.

divisible by two

From this reading Frank asked for the elephants, but could not learn that any had ever been seen there; he concluded that the island received its name from the entire absence of the largest of animals, or even of any fossil remains of him.

at any time

From this reading Frank asked for the elephants, but could not learn that any had ever been seen there; he concluded that the island received its name from the entire absence of the largest of animals, or even of any fossil remains of him.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading Its ruins are now covered by a modern village, whose inhabitants are all Nubians; in fact, there are no Arabs living on the island, and it is said that Elephantine has been the home of none but Nubians from time immemorial.

an acknowledgment or expression of goodwill at parting

From this reading FROM ASSOUAN TO ALEXANDRIA.--FAREWELL TO EGYPT.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Frank asked for the elephants, but could not learn that any had ever been seen there; he concluded that the island received its name from the entire absence of the largest of animals, or even of any fossil remains of him.

someone whose style is out of fashion

From this reading Frank asked for the elephants, but could not learn that any had ever been seen there; he concluded that the island received its name from the entire absence of the largest of animals, or even of any fossil remains of him.

characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion

From this reading By reference to the books in their possession, Frank and Fred learned that Elephantine was a place of considerable importance two or three thousand years ago, and a large town once stood there.

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

From this reading By reference to the books in their possession, Frank and Fred learned that Elephantine was a place of considerable importance two or three thousand years ago, and a large town once stood there.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading FROM ASSOUAN TO ALEXANDRIA.--FAREWELL TO EGYPT.

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

From this reading Frank asked for the elephants, but could not learn that any had ever been seen there; he concluded that the island received its name from the entire absence of the largest of animals, or even of any fossil remains of him.

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

From this reading Its ruins are now covered by a modern village, whose inhabitants are all Nubians; in fact, there are no Arabs living on the island, and it is said that Elephantine has been the home of none but Nubians from time immemorial.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Frank asked for the elephants, but could not learn that any had ever been seen there; he concluded that the island received its name from the entire absence of the largest of animals, or even of any fossil remains of him.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Frank asked for the elephants, but could not learn that any had ever been seen there; he concluded that the island received its name from the entire absence of the largest of animals, or even of any fossil remains of him.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Its ruins are now covered by a modern village, whose inhabitants are all Nubians; in fact, there are no Arabs living on the island, and it is said that Elephantine has been the home of none but Nubians from time immemorial.

long past; beyond the limits of memory or tradition or recorded history

From this reading Its ruins are now covered by a modern village, whose inhabitants are all Nubians; in fact, there are no Arabs living on the island, and it is said that Elephantine has been the home of none but Nubians from time immemorial.

the quality of being important and worthy of note

From this reading By reference to the books in their possession, Frank and Fred learned that Elephantine was a place of considerable importance two or three thousand years ago, and a large town once stood there.

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

From this reading By reference to the books in their possession, Frank and Fred learned that Elephantine was a place of considerable importance two or three thousand years ago, and a large town once stood there.

plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place

From this reading Its ruins are now covered by a modern village, whose inhabitants are all Nubians; in fact, there are no Arabs living on the island, and it is said that Elephantine has been the home of none but Nubians from time immemorial.

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

From this reading Its ruins are now covered by a modern village, whose inhabitants are all Nubians; in fact, there are no Arabs living on the island, and it is said that Elephantine has been the home of none but Nubians from time immemorial.

a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading A part of the next day was passed on the island of Elephantine, opposite Assouan.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Its ruins are now covered by a modern village, whose inhabitants are all Nubians; in fact, there are no Arabs living on the island, and it is said that Elephantine has been the home of none but Nubians from time immemorial.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Its ruins are now covered by a modern village, whose inhabitants are all Nubians; in fact, there are no Arabs living on the island, and it is said that Elephantine has been the home of none but Nubians from time immemorial.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading By reference to the books in their possession, Frank and Fred learned that Elephantine was a place of considerable importance two or three thousand years ago, and a large town once stood there.

superlative of “large” — above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Frank asked for the elephants, but could not learn that any had ever been seen there; he concluded that the island received its name from the entire absence of the largest of animals, or even of any fossil remains of him.

gain knowledge or skills

From this reading Frank asked for the elephants, but could not learn that any had ever been seen there; he concluded that the island received its name from the entire absence of the largest of animals, or even of any fossil remains of him.

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading By reference to the books in their possession, Frank and Fred learned that Elephantine was a place of considerable importance two or three thousand years ago, and a large town once stood there.

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading Its ruins are now covered by a modern village, whose inhabitants are all Nubians; in fact, there are no Arabs living on the island, and it is said that Elephantine has been the home of none but Nubians from time immemorial.

belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages

From this reading Its ruins are now covered by a modern village, whose inhabitants are all Nubians; in fact, there are no Arabs living on the island, and it is said that Elephantine has been the home of none but Nubians from time immemorial.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Frank asked for the elephants, but could not learn that any had ever been seen there; he concluded that the island received its name from the entire absence of the largest of animals, or even of any fossil remains of him.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading A part of the next day was passed on the island of Elephantine, opposite Assouan.

not any; not one

From this reading Its ruins are now covered by a modern village, whose inhabitants are all Nubians; in fact, there are no Arabs living on the island, and it is said that Elephantine has been the home of none but Nubians from time immemorial.

not one, and not any

From this reading Its ruins are now covered by a modern village, whose inhabitants are all Nubians; in fact, there are no Arabs living on the island, and it is said that Elephantine has been the home of none but Nubians from time immemorial.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Frank asked for the elephants, but could not learn that any had ever been seen there; he concluded that the island received its name from the entire absence of the largest of animals, or even of any fossil remains of him.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Its ruins are now covered by a modern village, whose inhabitants are all Nubians; in fact, there are no Arabs living on the island, and it is said that Elephantine has been the home of none but Nubians from time immemorial.

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

From this reading Its ruins are now covered by a modern village, whose inhabitants are all Nubians; in fact, there are no Arabs living on the island, and it is said that Elephantine has been the home of none but Nubians from time immemorial.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A part of the next day was passed on the island of Elephantine, opposite Assouan.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A part of the next day was passed on the island of Elephantine, opposite Assouan.

on one occasion

From this reading By reference to the books in their possession, Frank and Fred learned that Elephantine was a place of considerable importance two or three thousand years ago, and a large town once stood there.

being directly across from each other; facing

From this reading A part of the next day was passed on the island of Elephantine, opposite Assouan.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading By reference to the books in their possession, Frank and Fred learned that Elephantine was a place of considerable importance two or three thousand years ago, and a large town once stood there.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading A part of the next day was passed on the island of Elephantine, opposite Assouan.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading A part of the next day was passed on the island of Elephantine, opposite Assouan.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading By reference to the books in their possession, Frank and Fred learned that Elephantine was a place of considerable importance two or three thousand years ago, and a large town once stood there.

the act of having and controlling property

From this reading By reference to the books in their possession, Frank and Fred learned that Elephantine was a place of considerable importance two or three thousand years ago, and a large town once stood there.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading Frank asked for the elephants, but could not learn that any had ever been seen there; he concluded that the island received its name from the entire absence of the largest of animals, or even of any fossil remains of him.

a remark that calls attention to something or someone

From this reading By reference to the books in their possession, Frank and Fred learned that Elephantine was a place of considerable importance two or three thousand years ago, and a large town once stood there.

any object that is left unused or still extant

From this reading Frank asked for the elephants, but could not learn that any had ever been seen there; he concluded that the island received its name from the entire absence of the largest of animals, or even of any fossil remains of him.

plural of “ruin” — an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction

From this reading Its ruins are now covered by a modern village, whose inhabitants are all Nubians; in fact, there are no Arabs living on the island, and it is said that Elephantine has been the home of none but Nubians from time immemorial.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Its ruins are now covered by a modern village, whose inhabitants are all Nubians; in fact, there are no Arabs living on the island, and it is said that Elephantine has been the home of none but Nubians from time immemorial.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Frank asked for the elephants, but could not learn that any had ever been seen there; he concluded that the island received its name from the entire absence of the largest of animals, or even of any fossil remains of him.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading By reference to the books in their possession, Frank and Fred learned that Elephantine was a place of considerable importance two or three thousand years ago, and a large town once stood there.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading By reference to the books in their possession, Frank and Fred learned that Elephantine was a place of considerable importance two or three thousand years ago, and a large town once stood there.

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

From this reading A part of the next day was passed on the island of Elephantine, opposite Assouan.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading By reference to the books in their possession, Frank and Fred learned that Elephantine was a place of considerable importance two or three thousand years ago, and a large town once stood there.

in or at that place or location

From this reading By reference to the books in their possession, Frank and Fred learned that Elephantine was a place of considerable importance two or three thousand years ago, and a large town once stood there.

the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading By reference to the books in their possession, Frank and Fred learned that Elephantine was a place of considerable importance two or three thousand years ago, and a large town once stood there.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading By reference to the books in their possession, Frank and Fred learned that Elephantine was a place of considerable importance two or three thousand years ago, and a large town once stood there.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Its ruins are now covered by a modern village, whose inhabitants are all Nubians; in fact, there are no Arabs living on the island, and it is said that Elephantine has been the home of none but Nubians from time immemorial.

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

From this reading FROM ASSOUAN TO ALEXANDRIA.--FAREWELL TO EGYPT.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading By reference to the books in their possession, Frank and Fred learned that Elephantine was a place of considerable importance two or three thousand years ago, and a large town once stood there.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading By reference to the books in their possession, Frank and Fred learned that Elephantine was a place of considerable importance two or three thousand years ago, and a large town once stood there.

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading Its ruins are now covered by a modern village, whose inhabitants are all Nubians; in fact, there are no Arabs living on the island, and it is said that Elephantine has been the home of none but Nubians from time immemorial.

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

From this reading A part of the next day was passed on the island of Elephantine, opposite Assouan.

belonging to which person

From this reading Its ruins are now covered by a modern village, whose inhabitants are all Nubians; in fact, there are no Arabs living on the island, and it is said that Elephantine has been the home of none but Nubians from time immemorial.

a late time of life

From this reading By reference to the books in their possession, Frank and Fred learned that Elephantine was a place of considerable importance two or three thousand years ago, and a large town once stood there.