used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading There was no perceptible light in the sky, but the scattered clumps of trees were growing blacker and more distinct, and the town began to stand out against a dusky background.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading THE HERO OF RIO FRIO Day was breaking when Cliffe saw Rio Frio loom out above low-lying mist.
accountedverbUS /əˈkaʊntɪd/
past form of “account” — be the sole or primary factor in the existence, acquisition, supply, or disposal of something
From this reading To some extent, want of sleep and weariness accounted for this, because he had marched all night, but the silence with which the rebels advanced helped the illusion.
farther along in physical or mental development
From this reading To some extent, want of sleep and weariness accounted for this, because he had marched all night, but the silence with which the rebels advanced helped the illusion.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading There was no perceptible light in the sky, but the scattered clumps of trees were growing blacker and more distinct, and the town began to stand out against a dusky background.
(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 To some extent, want of sleep and weariness accounted for this, because he had marched all night, but the silence with which the rebels advanced helped the illusion.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It had an unsubstantial look, as if it might suddenly fade away, and Cliffe felt that he was doing something fantastic and unreal as he watched the blurred forms of his companions move on.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading There was no perceptible light in the sky, but the scattered clumps of trees were growing blacker and more distinct, and the town began to stand out against a dusky background.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It had an unsubstantial look, as if it might suddenly fade away, and Cliffe felt that he was doing something fantastic and unreal as he watched the blurred forms of his companions move on.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading It had an unsubstantial look, as if it might suddenly fade away, and Cliffe felt that he was doing something fantastic and unreal as he watched the blurred forms of his companions move on.
backgroundnounUS /ˈbækɡraʊnd/
a person's social heritage: previous experience or training
From this reading There was no perceptible light in the sky, but the scattered clumps of trees were growing blacker and more distinct, and the town began to stand out against a dusky background.
barefootedadjective
without shoes
From this reading A number of them were barefooted and the raw-hide sandals of the others made no sound in the thick dust.
for the reason that
From this reading To some extent, want of sleep and weariness accounted for this, because he had marched all night, but the silence with which the rebels advanced helped the illusion.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading There was no perceptible light in the sky, but the scattered clumps of trees were growing blacker and more distinct, and the town began to stand out against a dusky background.
blackeradjectiveUS /ˈblækər/
comparative of “black” — being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading There was no perceptible light in the sky, but the scattered clumps of trees were growing blacker and more distinct, and the town began to stand out against a dusky background.
blurredadjectiveUS /blɜːrd/
indistinct or hazy in outline
From this reading It had an unsubstantial look, as if it might suddenly fade away, and Cliffe felt that he was doing something fantastic and unreal as he watched the blurred forms of his companions move on.
the act of breaking something
From this reading THE HERO OF RIO FRIO Day was breaking when Cliffe saw Rio Frio loom out above low-lying mist.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading There was no perceptible light in the sky, but the scattered clumps of trees were growing blacker and more distinct, and the town began to stand out against a dusky background.
Cliffe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE HERO OF RIO FRIO Day was breaking when Cliffe saw Rio Frio loom out above low-lying mist.
clumpsnounUS /klʌmps/
plural of “clump” — a grouping of a number of similar things
From this reading There was no perceptible light in the sky, but the scattered clumps of trees were growing blacker and more distinct, and the town began to stand out against a dusky background.
plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading It had an unsubstantial look, as if it might suddenly fade away, and Cliffe felt that he was doing something fantastic and unreal as he watched the blurred forms of his companions move on.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading THE HERO OF RIO FRIO Day was breaking when Cliffe saw Rio Frio loom out above low-lying mist.
distinctadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɪŋkt/
(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality
From this reading There was no perceptible light in the sky, but the scattered clumps of trees were growing blacker and more distinct, and the town began to stand out against a dusky background.
-ing form of “do” — engage in
From this reading It had an unsubstantial look, as if it might suddenly fade away, and Cliffe felt that he was doing something fantastic and unreal as he watched the blurred forms of his companions move on.
duskyadjective
lighted by or as if by twilight
From this reading There was no perceptible light in the sky, but the scattered clumps of trees were growing blacker and more distinct, and the town began to stand out against a dusky background.
remove the dust from
From this reading A number of them were barefooted and the raw-hide sandals of the others made no sound in the thick dust.
the point or degree to which something extends
From this reading To some extent, want of sleep and weariness accounted for this, because he had marched all night, but the silence with which the rebels advanced helped the illusion.
fadeverbUS /feɪd/
become less clearly visible or distinguishable; disappear gradually or seemingly
From this reading It had an unsubstantial look, as if it might suddenly fade away, and Cliffe felt that he was doing something fantastic and unreal as he watched the blurred forms of his companions move on.
fantasticadjectiveUS /fænˈtæstɪk/
ludicrously odd
From this reading It had an unsubstantial look, as if it might suddenly fade away, and Cliffe felt that he was doing something fantastic and unreal as he watched the blurred forms of his companions move on.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading It had an unsubstantial look, as if it might suddenly fade away, and Cliffe felt that he was doing something fantastic and unreal as he watched the blurred forms of his companions move on.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading To some extent, want of sleep and weariness accounted for this, because he had marched all night, but the silence with which the rebels advanced helped the illusion.
plural of “form” — the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading It had an unsubstantial look, as if it might suddenly fade away, and Cliffe felt that he was doing something fantastic and unreal as he watched the blurred forms of his companions move on.
FRIO
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE HERO OF RIO FRIO Day was breaking when Cliffe saw Rio Frio loom out above low-lying mist.
(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level
From this reading There was no perceptible light in the sky, but the scattered clumps of trees were growing blacker and more distinct, and the town began to stand out against a dusky background.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It had an unsubstantial look, as if it might suddenly fade away, and Cliffe felt that he was doing something fantastic and unreal as he watched the blurred forms of his companions move on.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It had an unsubstantial look, as if it might suddenly fade away, and Cliffe felt that he was doing something fantastic and unreal as he watched the blurred forms of his companions move on.
past form of “help” — give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading To some extent, want of sleep and weariness accounted for this, because he had marched all night, but the silence with which the rebels advanced helped the illusion.
a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength
From this reading THE HERO OF RIO FRIO Day was breaking when Cliffe saw Rio Frio loom out above low-lying mist.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It had an unsubstantial look, as if it might suddenly fade away, and Cliffe felt that he was doing something fantastic and unreal as he watched the blurred forms of his companions move on.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading It had an unsubstantial look, as if it might suddenly fade away, and Cliffe felt that he was doing something fantastic and unreal as he watched the blurred forms of his companions move on.
illusionnounUS /ˌɪˈluːʒən/
an erroneous mental representation
From this reading To some extent, want of sleep and weariness accounted for this, because he had marched all night, but the silence with which the rebels advanced helped the illusion.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There was no perceptible light in the sky, but the scattered clumps of trees were growing blacker and more distinct, and the town began to stand out against a dusky background.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It had an unsubstantial look, as if it might suddenly fade away, and Cliffe felt that he was doing something fantastic and unreal as he watched the blurred forms of his companions move on.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading There was no perceptible light in the sky, but the scattered clumps of trees were growing blacker and more distinct, and the town began to stand out against a dusky background.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading It had an unsubstantial look, as if it might suddenly fade away, and Cliffe felt that he was doing something fantastic and unreal as he watched the blurred forms of his companions move on.
loomverbUS /luːm/
come into view indistinctly, often threateningly
From this reading THE HERO OF RIO FRIO Day was breaking when Cliffe saw Rio Frio loom out above low-lying mist.
low-lyingadjective
having a small elevation above the ground or horizon or sea level
From this reading THE HERO OF RIO FRIO Day was breaking when Cliffe saw Rio Frio loom out above low-lying mist.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading A number of them were barefooted and the raw-hide sandals of the others made no sound in the thick dust.
past form of “march” — march in a procession
From this reading To some extent, want of sleep and weariness accounted for this, because he had marched all night, but the silence with which the rebels advanced helped the illusion.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading It had an unsubstantial look, as if it might suddenly fade away, and Cliffe felt that he was doing something fantastic and unreal as he watched the blurred forms of his companions move on.
become covered with mist
From this reading THE HERO OF RIO FRIO Day was breaking when Cliffe saw Rio Frio loom out above low-lying mist.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading There was no perceptible light in the sky, but the scattered clumps of trees were growing blacker and more distinct, and the town began to stand out against a dusky background.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading It had an unsubstantial look, as if it might suddenly fade away, and Cliffe felt that he was doing something fantastic and unreal as he watched the blurred forms of his companions move on.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading To some extent, want of sleep and weariness accounted for this, because he had marched all night, but the silence with which the rebels advanced helped the illusion.
not any; not one
From this reading There was no perceptible light in the sky, but the scattered clumps of trees were growing blacker and more distinct, and the town began to stand out against a dusky background.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading A number of them were barefooted and the raw-hide sandals of the others made no sound in the thick dust.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE HERO OF RIO FRIO Day was breaking when Cliffe saw Rio Frio loom out above low-lying mist.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It had an unsubstantial look, as if it might suddenly fade away, and Cliffe felt that he was doing something fantastic and unreal as he watched the blurred forms of his companions move on.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A number of them were barefooted and the raw-hide sandals of the others made no sound in the thick dust.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading THE HERO OF RIO FRIO Day was breaking when Cliffe saw Rio Frio loom out above low-lying mist.
perceptibleadjectiveUS /pərˈseptəbəl/
capable of being perceived by the mind or senses
From this reading There was no perceptible light in the sky, but the scattered clumps of trees were growing blacker and more distinct, and the town began to stand out against a dusky background.
raw-hide
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A number of them were barefooted and the raw-hide sandals of the others made no sound in the thick dust.
rebelsnounUS /ˈrebəlz/
plural of “rebel” — “Johnny” was applied as a nickname for Confederate soldiers by the Federal soldiers in the American Civil War; “greyback” derived from their grey Confederate uniforms
From this reading To some extent, want of sleep and weariness accounted for this, because he had marched all night, but the silence with which the rebels advanced helped the illusion.
RIOnounUS /ˈriːoʊ/
the former capital and 2nd largest city of Brazil; chief Brazilian port; famous as a tourist attraction
From this reading THE HERO OF RIO FRIO Day was breaking when Cliffe saw Rio Frio loom out above low-lying mist.
sandalsnounUS /ˈsændəlz/
plural of “sandal” — a shoe consisting of a sole fastened by straps to the foot
From this reading A number of them were barefooted and the raw-hide sandals of the others made no sound in the thick dust.
cut with a saw
From this reading THE HERO OF RIO FRIO Day was breaking when Cliffe saw Rio Frio loom out above low-lying mist.
occurring or distributed over widely spaced and irregular intervals in time or space
From this reading There was no perceptible light in the sky, but the scattered clumps of trees were growing blacker and more distinct, and the town began to stand out against a dusky background.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading To some extent, want of sleep and weariness accounted for this, because he had marched all night, but the silence with which the rebels advanced helped the illusion.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading There was no perceptible light in the sky, but the scattered clumps of trees were growing blacker and more distinct, and the town began to stand out against a dusky background.
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading To some extent, want of sleep and weariness accounted for this, because he had marched all night, but the silence with which the rebels advanced helped the illusion.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading To some extent, want of sleep and weariness accounted for this, because he had marched all night, but the silence with which the rebels advanced helped the illusion.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading It had an unsubstantial look, as if it might suddenly fade away, and Cliffe felt that he was doing something fantastic and unreal as he watched the blurred forms of his companions move on.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading A number of them were barefooted and the raw-hide sandals of the others made no sound in the thick dust.
be standing; be upright
From this reading There was no perceptible light in the sky, but the scattered clumps of trees were growing blacker and more distinct, and the town began to stand out against a dusky background.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading It had an unsubstantial look, as if it might suddenly fade away, and Cliffe felt that he was doing something fantastic and unreal as he watched the blurred forms of his companions move on.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It had an unsubstantial look, as if it might suddenly fade away, and Cliffe felt that he was doing something fantastic and unreal as he watched the blurred forms of his companions move on.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE HERO OF RIO FRIO Day was breaking when Cliffe saw Rio Frio loom out above low-lying mist.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading A number of them were barefooted and the raw-hide sandals of the others made no sound in the thick dust.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was no perceptible light in the sky, but the scattered clumps of trees were growing blacker and more distinct, and the town began to stand out against a dusky background.
not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions
From this reading A number of them were barefooted and the raw-hide sandals of the others made no sound in the thick dust.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading To some extent, want of sleep and weariness accounted for this, because he had marched all night, but the silence with which the rebels advanced helped the illusion.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading There was no perceptible light in the sky, but the scattered clumps of trees were growing blacker and more distinct, and the town began to stand out against a dusky background.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading There was no perceptible light in the sky, but the scattered clumps of trees were growing blacker and more distinct, and the town began to stand out against a dusky background.
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading There was no perceptible light in the sky, but the scattered clumps of trees were growing blacker and more distinct, and the town began to stand out against a dusky background.
unrealadjectiveUS /ənˈriːl/
lacking in reality or substance or genuineness; not corresponding to acknowledged facts or criteria
From this reading It had an unsubstantial look, as if it might suddenly fade away, and Cliffe felt that he was doing something fantastic and unreal as he watched the blurred forms of his companions move on.
unsubstantialadjective
lacking material form or substance; unreal
From this reading It had an unsubstantial look, as if it might suddenly fade away, and Cliffe felt that he was doing something fantastic and unreal as he watched the blurred forms of his companions move on.
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading To some extent, want of sleep and weariness accounted for this, because he had marched all night, but the silence with which the rebels advanced helped the illusion.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE HERO OF RIO FRIO Day was breaking when Cliffe saw Rio Frio loom out above low-lying mist.
past form of “watch” — look attentively
From this reading It had an unsubstantial look, as if it might suddenly fade away, and Cliffe felt that he was doing something fantastic and unreal as he watched the blurred forms of his companions move on.
wearinessnounUS /ˈwɪrinəs/
temporary loss of strength and energy resulting from hard physical or mental work
From this reading To some extent, want of sleep and weariness accounted for this, because he had marched all night, but the silence with which the rebels advanced helped the illusion.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There was no perceptible light in the sky, but the scattered clumps of trees were growing blacker and more distinct, and the town began to stand out against a dusky background.
at the time that
From this reading THE HERO OF RIO FRIO Day was breaking when Cliffe saw Rio Frio loom out above low-lying mist.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading To some extent, want of sleep and weariness accounted for this, because he had marched all night, but the silence with which the rebels advanced helped the illusion.
in the company of; together with
From this reading To some extent, want of sleep and weariness accounted for this, because he had marched all night, but the silence with which the rebels advanced helped the illusion.
