Chapter XVIII

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

From this reading The Germans had started something toward the American lines and gun pits--a cloud of something bluish, greenish, whitish and altogether very ominous.

later than; following

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

(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 Then, all that the American boys had to do was to put on their gas masks for several hours and burn anti-gas fumes, the Boches having been put to a lot of trouble and much expense for very little gain; one or two careless fellows were for a time overcome.

in addition

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading The Germans had started something toward the American lines and gun pits--a cloud of something bluish, greenish, whitish and altogether very ominous.

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading The Germans had started something toward the American lines and gun pits--a cloud of something bluish, greenish, whitish and altogether very ominous.

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

From this reading THE BIG PUSH Susan Nipper was talking very loud, very fast, and she had need.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

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

From this reading Then, all that the American boys had to do was to put on their gas masks for several hours and burn anti-gas fumes, the Boches having been put to a lot of trouble and much expense for very little gain; one or two careless fellows were for a time overcome.

a particular environment or surrounding influence

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)

From this reading It was a gas attack.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Then, all that the American boys had to do was to put on their gas masks for several hours and burn anti-gas fumes, the Boches having been put to a lot of trouble and much expense for very little gain; one or two careless fellows were for a time overcome.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

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

From this reading THE BIG PUSH Susan Nipper was talking very loud, very fast, and she had need.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading The Germans had started something toward the American lines and gun pits--a cloud of something bluish, greenish, whitish and altogether very ominous.

plural of “boche” — offensive term for a person of German descent

From this reading Then, all that the American boys had to do was to put on their gas masks for several hours and burn anti-gas fumes, the Boches having been put to a lot of trouble and much expense for very little gain; one or two careless fellows were for a time overcome.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading Then, all that the American boys had to do was to put on their gas masks for several hours and burn anti-gas fumes, the Boches having been put to a lot of trouble and much expense for very little gain; one or two careless fellows were for a time overcome.

To consume or be consumed by fire.

From this reading Then, all that the American boys had to do was to put on their gas masks for several hours and burn anti-gas fumes, the Boches having been put to a lot of trouble and much expense for very little gain; one or two careless fellows were for a time overcome.

(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful

From this reading Then, all that the American boys had to do was to put on their gas masks for several hours and burn anti-gas fumes, the Boches having been put to a lot of trouble and much expense for very little gain; one or two careless fellows were for a time overcome.

past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

comparative of “clear” — readily apparent to the mind

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

make overcast or cloudy

From this reading The Germans had started something toward the American lines and gun pits--a cloud of something bluish, greenish, whitish and altogether very ominous.

plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Then, all that the American boys had to do was to put on their gas masks for several hours and burn anti-gas fumes, the Boches having been put to a lot of trouble and much expense for very little gain; one or two careless fellows were for a time overcome.

amounts paid for goods and services that may be currently tax deductible (as opposed to capital expenditures)

From this reading Then, all that the American boys had to do was to put on their gas masks for several hours and burn anti-gas fumes, the Boches having been put to a lot of trouble and much expense for very little gain; one or two careless fellows were for a time overcome.

a social unit living together

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

more distant in especially space or time

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)

From this reading THE BIG PUSH Susan Nipper was talking very loud, very fast, and she had need.

plural of “fellow” — a boy or man

From this reading Then, all that the American boys had to do was to put on their gas masks for several hours and burn anti-gas fumes, the Boches having been put to a lot of trouble and much expense for very little gain; one or two careless fellows were for a time overcome.

the motion characteristic of fluids (liquids or gases)

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Then, all that the American boys had to do was to put on their gas masks for several hours and burn anti-gas fumes, the Boches having been put to a lot of trouble and much expense for very little gain; one or two careless fellows were for a time overcome.

gases ejected from an engine as waste products

From this reading Then, all that the American boys had to do was to put on their gas masks for several hours and burn anti-gas fumes, the Boches having been put to a lot of trouble and much expense for very little gain; one or two careless fellows were for a time overcome.

obtain

From this reading Then, all that the American boys had to do was to put on their gas masks for several hours and burn anti-gas fumes, the Boches having been put to a lot of trouble and much expense for very little gain; one or two careless fellows were for a time overcome.

the state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states by: relatively low density and viscosity

From this reading It was a gas attack.

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

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

plural of “german” — a person of German nationality

From this reading The Germans had started something toward the American lines and gun pits--a cloud of something bluish, greenish, whitish and altogether very ominous.

of the color between blue and yellow in the color spectrum; similar to the color of fresh grass

From this reading The Germans had started something toward the American lines and gun pits--a cloud of something bluish, greenish, whitish and altogether very ominous.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)

From this reading The Germans had started something toward the American lines and gun pits--a cloud of something bluish, greenish, whitish and altogether very ominous.

plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

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

From this reading THE BIG PUSH Susan Nipper was talking very loud, very fast, and she had need.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Then, all that the American boys had to do was to put on their gas masks for several hours and burn anti-gas fumes, the Boches having been put to a lot of trouble and much expense for very little gain; one or two careless fellows were for a time overcome.

a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading Then, all that the American boys had to do was to put on their gas masks for several hours and burn anti-gas fumes, the Boches having been put to a lot of trouble and much expense for very little gain; one or two careless fellows were for a time overcome.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was a gas attack.

plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading The Germans had started something toward the American lines and gun pits--a cloud of something bluish, greenish, whitish and altogether very ominous.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Then, all that the American boys had to do was to put on their gas masks for several hours and burn anti-gas fumes, the Boches having been put to a lot of trouble and much expense for very little gain; one or two careless fellows were for a time overcome.

(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent

From this reading Then, all that the American boys had to do was to put on their gas masks for several hours and burn anti-gas fumes, the Boches having been put to a lot of trouble and much expense for very little gain; one or two careless fellows were for a time overcome.

characterized by or producing sound of great volume or intensity

From this reading THE BIG PUSH Susan Nipper was talking very loud, very fast, and she had need.

machines or machine systems collectively

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

plural of “mask” — a covering to disguise or conceal the face

From this reading Then, all that the American boys had to do was to put on their gas masks for several hours and burn anti-gas fumes, the Boches having been put to a lot of trouble and much expense for very little gain; one or two careless fellows were for a time overcome.

a particular point in time

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

a condition requiring relief

From this reading THE BIG PUSH Susan Nipper was talking very loud, very fast, and she had need.

a young person of either sex

From this reading THE BIG PUSH Susan Nipper was talking very loud, very fast, and she had need.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Germans had started something toward the American lines and gun pits--a cloud of something bluish, greenish, whitish and altogether very ominous.

threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

From this reading The Germans had started something toward the American lines and gun pits--a cloud of something bluish, greenish, whitish and altogether very ominous.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Then, all that the American boys had to do was to put on their gas masks for several hours and burn anti-gas fumes, the Boches having been put to a lot of trouble and much expense for very little gain; one or two careless fellows were for a time overcome.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

win a victory over

From this reading Then, all that the American boys had to do was to put on their gas masks for several hours and burn anti-gas fumes, the Boches having been put to a lot of trouble and much expense for very little gain; one or two careless fellows were for a time overcome.

plural of “pit” — a sizeable hole (usually in the ground)

From this reading The Germans had started something toward the American lines and gun pits--a cloud of something bluish, greenish, whitish and altogether very ominous.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

move with force

From this reading THE BIG PUSH Susan Nipper was talking very loud, very fast, and she had need.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Then, all that the American boys had to do was to put on their gas masks for several hours and burn anti-gas fumes, the Boches having been put to a lot of trouble and much expense for very little gain; one or two careless fellows were for a time overcome.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

Identical; not different.

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading Then, all that the American boys had to do was to put on their gas masks for several hours and burn anti-gas fumes, the Boches having been put to a lot of trouble and much expense for very little gain; one or two careless fellows were for a time overcome.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading THE BIG PUSH Susan Nipper was talking very loud, very fast, and she had need.

plural of “shell” — ammunition consisting of a cylindrical metal casing containing an explosive charge and a projectile; fired from a large gun

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

having an oblique or slanted direction

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading The Germans had started something toward the American lines and gun pits--a cloud of something bluish, greenish, whitish and altogether very ominous.

past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading The Germans had started something toward the American lines and gun pits--a cloud of something bluish, greenish, whitish and altogether very ominous.

not in physical motion

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

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

From this reading THE BIG PUSH Susan Nipper was talking very loud, very fast, and she had need.

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

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

an exchange of ideas via conversation

From this reading THE BIG PUSH Susan Nipper was talking very loud, very fast, and she had need.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

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

From this reading THE BIG PUSH Susan Nipper was talking very loud, very fast, and she had need.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then, all that the American boys had to do was to put on their gas masks for several hours and burn anti-gas fumes, the Boches having been put to a lot of trouble and much expense for very little gain; one or two careless fellows were for a time overcome.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Then, all that the American boys had to do was to put on their gas masks for several hours and burn anti-gas fumes, the Boches having been put to a lot of trouble and much expense for very little gain; one or two careless fellows were for a time overcome.

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

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

in the direction of

From this reading The Germans had started something toward the American lines and gun pits--a cloud of something bluish, greenish, whitish and altogether very ominous.

a source of difficulty

From this reading Then, all that the American boys had to do was to put on their gas masks for several hours and burn anti-gas fumes, the Boches having been put to a lot of trouble and much expense for very little gain; one or two careless fellows were for a time overcome.

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

From this reading Then, all that the American boys had to do was to put on their gas masks for several hours and burn anti-gas fumes, the Boches having been put to a lot of trouble and much expense for very little gain; one or two careless fellows were for a time overcome.

precisely as stated

From this reading THE BIG PUSH Susan Nipper was talking very loud, very fast, and she had need.

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

From this reading THE BIG PUSH Susan Nipper was talking very loud, very fast, and she had need.

done or happening at the appropriate or proper time

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

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

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

in or to any place at all

From this reading On the other side of the hill Susan's sister, and still farther beyond another one of the same capable family, were also talking loud and fast and very much to the purpose, so that wherever their well-timed shells reached the gas-emitting guns and machinery the terrible clouds, after a moment, ceased to flow out and the atmosphere and the sloping ground became clearer and clearer.

resembling milk in color; not clear

From this reading The Germans had started something toward the American lines and gun pits--a cloud of something bluish, greenish, whitish and altogether very ominous.