used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The left half, fullback and right half lined up behind quarter in a slanting tandem in the order named, left half being to the left of quarter, the fullback behind him and the right half at his right.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading THE FINAL CUT Meanwhile, across on the main gridiron, Mr. Cotting was hammering speed into his teams.
(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 It was a good “shift formation,” since it allowed the backs to get into position for the play very quickly, and at the same time was capable of all sorts of combinations.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading It was a good “shift formation,” since it allowed the backs to get into position for the play very quickly, and at the same time was capable of all sorts of combinations.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The formation used this year for the backfield differed somewhat from that of the previous season and the players were having difficulty with it, simple though it was.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading From this formation the order to shift――which became “Hep!” in the quarterback’s vernacular――was followed by one or two quick jumps to the right or left as the signal demanded.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The left half, fullback and right half lined up behind quarter in a slanting tandem in the order named, left half being to the left of quarter, the fullback behind him and the right half at his right.
backfieldnounUS /ˈbækfiːld/
the offensive football players who line up behind the linemen
From this reading The formation used this year for the backfield differed somewhat from that of the previous season and the players were having difficulty with it, simple though it was.
backsnounUS /bæks/
plural of “back” — the posterior part of a human (or animal) body from the neck to the end of the spine
From this reading It was a good “shift formation,” since it allowed the backs to get into position for the play very quickly, and at the same time was capable of all sorts of combinations.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading From this formation the order to shift――which became “Hep!” in the quarterback’s vernacular――was followed by one or two quick jumps to the right or left as the signal demanded.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading The left half, fullback and right half lined up behind quarter in a slanting tandem in the order named, left half being to the left of quarter, the fullback behind him and the right half at his right.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading The left half, fullback and right half lined up behind quarter in a slanting tandem in the order named, left half being to the left of quarter, the fullback behind him and the right half at his right.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading From this formation the order to shift――which became “Hep!” in the quarterback’s vernacular――was followed by one or two quick jumps to the right or left as the signal demanded.
(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability
From this reading It was a good “shift formation,” since it allowed the backs to get into position for the play very quickly, and at the same time was capable of all sorts of combinations.
combinationsnounUS /ˌkɑːmbəˈneɪʃənz/
plural of “combination” — a collection of things that have been combined; an assemblage of separate parts or qualities
From this reading It was a good “shift formation,” since it allowed the backs to get into position for the play very quickly, and at the same time was capable of all sorts of combinations.
Cotting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE FINAL CUT Meanwhile, across on the main gridiron, Mr. Cotting was hammering speed into his teams.
separate with or as if with an instrument
From this reading THE FINAL CUT Meanwhile, across on the main gridiron, Mr. Cotting was hammering speed into his teams.
past form of “demand” — request urgently and forcefully
From this reading From this formation the order to shift――which became “Hep!” in the quarterback’s vernacular――was followed by one or two quick jumps to the right or left as the signal demanded.
differedverbUS /ˈdɪfərd/
past form of “differ” — be different
From this reading The formation used this year for the backfield differed somewhat from that of the previous season and the players were having difficulty with it, simple though it was.
an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading The formation used this year for the backfield differed somewhat from that of the previous season and the players were having difficulty with it, simple though it was.
FINALadjectiveUS /ˈfaɪnəl/
occurring at or forming an end or termination
From this reading THE FINAL CUT Meanwhile, across on the main gridiron, Mr. Cotting was hammering speed into his teams.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading From this formation the order to shift――which became “Hep!” in the quarterback’s vernacular――was followed by one or two quick jumps to the right or left as the signal demanded.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The formation used this year for the backfield differed somewhat from that of the previous season and the players were having difficulty with it, simple though it was.
formationnounUS /fɔːrˈmeɪʃən/
an arrangement of people or things acting as a unit
From this reading The formation used this year for the backfield differed somewhat from that of the previous season and the players were having difficulty with it, simple though it was.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The formation used this year for the backfield differed somewhat from that of the previous season and the players were having difficulty with it, simple though it was.
fullbacknounUS /ˈfʊlbæk/
(football) the running back who plays the fullback position on the offensive team
From this reading The left half, fullback and right half lined up behind quarter in a slanting tandem in the order named, left half being to the left of quarter, the fullback behind him and the right half at his right.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading It was a good “shift formation,” since it allowed the backs to get into position for the play very quickly, and at the same time was capable of all sorts of combinations.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading It was a good “shift formation,” since it allowed the backs to get into position for the play very quickly, and at the same time was capable of all sorts of combinations.
gridironnounUS /ˈɡrɪdaɪərn/
a cooking utensil of parallel metal bars; used to grill fish or meat
From this reading THE FINAL CUT Meanwhile, across on the main gridiron, Mr. Cotting was hammering speed into his teams.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading The left half, fullback and right half lined up behind quarter in a slanting tandem in the order named, left half being to the left of quarter, the fullback behind him and the right half at his right.
hammeringnounUS /ˈhæmərɪŋ/
the act of pounding (delivering repeated heavy blows)
From this reading THE FINAL CUT Meanwhile, across on the main gridiron, Mr. Cotting was hammering speed into his teams.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading The formation used this year for the backfield differed somewhat from that of the previous season and the players were having difficulty with it, simple though it was.
HepadjectiveUS /hep/
informed about the latest trends
From this reading From this formation the order to shift――which became “Hep!” in the quarterback’s vernacular――was followed by one or two quick jumps to the right or left as the signal demanded.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The left half, fullback and right half lined up behind quarter in a slanting tandem in the order named, left half being to the left of quarter, the fullback behind him and the right half at his right.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE FINAL CUT Meanwhile, across on the main gridiron, Mr. Cotting was hammering speed into his teams.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The left half, fullback and right half lined up behind quarter in a slanting tandem in the order named, left half being to the left of quarter, the fullback behind him and the right half at his right.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading THE FINAL CUT Meanwhile, across on the main gridiron, Mr. Cotting was hammering speed into his teams.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The formation used this year for the backfield differed somewhat from that of the previous season and the players were having difficulty with it, simple though it was.
jumpsnounUS /dʒʌmps/
plural of “jump” — a sudden and decisive increase
From this reading From this formation the order to shift――which became “Hep!” in the quarterback’s vernacular――was followed by one or two quick jumps to the right or left as the signal demanded.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading The left half, fullback and right half lined up behind quarter in a slanting tandem in the order named, left half being to the left of quarter, the fullback behind him and the right half at his right.
linedadjectiveUS /laɪnd/
bordered by a line of things
From this reading The left half, fullback and right half lined up behind quarter in a slanting tandem in the order named, left half being to the left of quarter, the fullback behind him and the right half at his right.
most important element
From this reading THE FINAL CUT Meanwhile, across on the main gridiron, Mr. Cotting was hammering speed into his teams.
at the same time but in another place
From this reading THE FINAL CUT Meanwhile, across on the main gridiron, Mr. Cotting was hammering speed into his teams.
a form of address for a man
From this reading THE FINAL CUT Meanwhile, across on the main gridiron, Mr. Cotting was hammering speed into his teams.
past form of “name” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading The left half, fullback and right half lined up behind quarter in a slanting tandem in the order named, left half being to the left of quarter, the fullback behind him and the right half at his right.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The formation used this year for the backfield differed somewhat from that of the previous season and the players were having difficulty with it, simple though it was.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE FINAL CUT Meanwhile, across on the main gridiron, Mr. Cotting was hammering speed into his teams.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading From this formation the order to shift――which became “Hep!” in the quarterback’s vernacular――was followed by one or two quick jumps to the right or left as the signal demanded.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading From this formation the order to shift――which became “Hep!” in the quarterback’s vernacular――was followed by one or two quick jumps to the right or left as the signal demanded.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading The left half, fullback and right half lined up behind quarter in a slanting tandem in the order named, left half being to the left of quarter, the fullback behind him and the right half at his right.
participate in games or sport
From this reading It was a good “shift formation,” since it allowed the backs to get into position for the play very quickly, and at the same time was capable of all sorts of combinations.
playersnounUS /ˈpleɪərz/
plural of “player” — a person who participates in or is skilled at some game
From this reading The formation used this year for the backfield differed somewhat from that of the previous season and the players were having difficulty with it, simple though it was.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading It was a good “shift formation,” since it allowed the backs to get into position for the play very quickly, and at the same time was capable of all sorts of combinations.
just preceding something else in time or order
From this reading The formation used this year for the backfield differed somewhat from that of the previous season and the players were having difficulty with it, simple though it was.
one of four equal parts
From this reading The left half, fullback and right half lined up behind quarter in a slanting tandem in the order named, left half being to the left of quarter, the fullback behind him and the right half at his right.
quarterback's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From this formation the order to shift――which became “Hep!” in the quarterback’s vernacular――was followed by one or two quick jumps to the right or left as the signal demanded.
accomplished rapidly and without delay
From this reading From this formation the order to shift――which became “Hep!” in the quarterback’s vernacular――was followed by one or two quick jumps to the right or left as the signal demanded.
with speed
From this reading It was a good “shift formation,” since it allowed the backs to get into position for the play very quickly, and at the same time was capable of all sorts of combinations.
precisely, exactly
From this reading The left half, fullback and right half lined up behind quarter in a slanting tandem in the order named, left half being to the left of quarter, the fullback behind him and the right half at his right.
Identical; not different.
From this reading It was a good “shift formation,” since it allowed the backs to get into position for the play very quickly, and at the same time was capable of all sorts of combinations.
a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field
From this reading The formation used this year for the backfield differed somewhat from that of the previous season and the players were having difficulty with it, simple though it was.
shiftverbUS /ʃɪft/
make a shift in or exchange of
From this reading From this formation the order to shift――which became “Hep!” in the quarterback’s vernacular――was followed by one or two quick jumps to the right or left as the signal demanded.
any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message
From this reading From this formation the order to shift――which became “Hep!” in the quarterback’s vernacular――was followed by one or two quick jumps to the right or left as the signal demanded.
having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
From this reading The formation used this year for the backfield differed somewhat from that of the previous season and the players were having difficulty with it, simple though it was.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading It was a good “shift formation,” since it allowed the backs to get into position for the play very quickly, and at the same time was capable of all sorts of combinations.
slantingadjectiveUS /ˈslæntɪŋ/
having an oblique or slanted direction
From this reading The left half, fullback and right half lined up behind quarter in a slanting tandem in the order named, left half being to the left of quarter, the fullback behind him and the right half at his right.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading The formation used this year for the backfield differed somewhat from that of the previous season and the players were having difficulty with it, simple though it was.
plural of “sort” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading It was a good “shift formation,” since it allowed the backs to get into position for the play very quickly, and at the same time was capable of all sorts of combinations.
move hurridly
From this reading THE FINAL CUT Meanwhile, across on the main gridiron, Mr. Cotting was hammering speed into his teams.
tandemnounUS /ˈtændəm/
an arrangement of two or more objects or persons one behind another
From this reading The left half, fullback and right half lined up behind quarter in a slanting tandem in the order named, left half being to the left of quarter, the fullback behind him and the right half at his right.
teamsnounUS /tiːmz/
plural of “team” — a cooperative unit (especially in sports)
From this reading THE FINAL CUT Meanwhile, across on the main gridiron, Mr. Cotting was hammering speed into his teams.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The formation used this year for the backfield differed somewhat from that of the previous season and the players were having difficulty with it, simple though it was.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE FINAL CUT Meanwhile, across on the main gridiron, Mr. Cotting was hammering speed into his teams.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The formation used this year for the backfield differed somewhat from that of the previous season and the players were having difficulty with it, simple though it was.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The formation used this year for the backfield differed somewhat from that of the previous season and the players were having difficulty with it, simple though it was.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading It was a good “shift formation,” since it allowed the backs to get into position for the play very quickly, and at the same time was capable of all sorts of combinations.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The left half, fullback and right half lined up behind quarter in a slanting tandem in the order named, left half being to the left of quarter, the fullback behind him and the right half at his right.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading From this formation the order to shift――which became “Hep!” in the quarterback’s vernacular――was followed by one or two quick jumps to the right or left as the signal demanded.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The left half, fullback and right half lined up behind quarter in a slanting tandem in the order named, left half being to the left of quarter, the fullback behind him and the right half at his right.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading The formation used this year for the backfield differed somewhat from that of the previous season and the players were having difficulty with it, simple though it was.
vernacularnounUS /vərˈnækjələr/
a characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves)
From this reading From this formation the order to shift――which became “Hep!” in the quarterback’s vernacular――was followed by one or two quick jumps to the right or left as the signal demanded.
precisely as stated
From this reading It was a good “shift formation,” since it allowed the backs to get into position for the play very quickly, and at the same time was capable of all sorts of combinations.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE FINAL CUT Meanwhile, across on the main gridiron, Mr. Cotting was hammering speed into his teams.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The formation used this year for the backfield differed somewhat from that of the previous season and the players were having difficulty with it, simple though it was.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading From this formation the order to shift――which became “Hep!” in the quarterback’s vernacular――was followed by one or two quick jumps to the right or left as the signal demanded.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The formation used this year for the backfield differed somewhat from that of the previous season and the players were having difficulty with it, simple though it was.
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading The formation used this year for the backfield differed somewhat from that of the previous season and the players were having difficulty with it, simple though it was.
