used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading “Whit, whit, whit, ch’ wee-e-e-e,” sounded the shrill hunting call of an osprey, or “fish-hawk,” as he wheeled over the lake, then made his spectacular plunge and rose on high with a fish gripped in his long, powerful talons.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
Andy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Out of breath from the steep climb, Donald and Andy sat down as they reached the bluff.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Out of breath from the steep climb, Donald and Andy sat down as they reached the bluff.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Donald watched him carry it to his mate, who was standing guard over a big nest in the top of a dead pine.
plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading Everywhere was the song of birds and the whispering of gentle zephyrs laden with the fragrance of the forest.
bluffnounUS /blʌf/
a high steep bank (usually formed by river erosion)
From this reading Out of breath from the steep climb, Donald and Andy sat down as they reached the bluff.
the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading Out of breath from the steep climb, Donald and Andy sat down as they reached the bluff.
small room on a ship or boat where people sleep
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading “Whit, whit, whit, ch’ wee-e-e-e,” sounded the shrill hunting call of an osprey, or “fish-hawk,” as he wheeled over the lake, then made his spectacular plunge and rose on high with a fish gripped in his long, powerful talons.
move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading Donald watched him carry it to his mate, who was standing guard over a big nest in the top of a dead pine.
ch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Whit, whit, whit, ch’ wee-e-e-e,” sounded the shrill hunting call of an osprey, or “fish-hawk,” as he wheeled over the lake, then made his spectacular plunge and rose on high with a fish gripped in his long, powerful talons.
go upward with gradual or continuous progress
From this reading Out of breath from the steep climb, Donald and Andy sat down as they reached the bluff.
creamyadjectiveUS /ˈkriːmi/
of the color of cream
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life
From this reading Donald watched him carry it to his mate, who was standing guard over a big nest in the top of a dead pine.
Donald
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Out of breath from the steep climb, Donald and Andy sat down as they reached the bluff.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Out of breath from the steep climb, Donald and Andy sat down as they reached the bluff.
to or in any or all places
From this reading Everywhere was the song of birds and the whispering of gentle zephyrs laden with the fragrance of the forest.
any of various mostly cold-blooded aquatic vertebrates usually having scales and breathing through gills
From this reading “Whit, whit, whit, ch’ wee-e-e-e,” sounded the shrill hunting call of an osprey, or “fish-hawk,” as he wheeled over the lake, then made his spectacular plunge and rose on high with a fish gripped in his long, powerful talons.
fish-hawk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Whit, whit, whit, ch’ wee-e-e-e,” sounded the shrill hunting call of an osprey, or “fish-hawk,” as he wheeled over the lake, then made his spectacular plunge and rose on high with a fish gripped in his long, powerful talons.
flowedverbUS /floʊd/
past form of “flow” — move or progress freely as if in a stream
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
foamnounUS /foʊm/
a mass of small bubbles formed in or on a liquid
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading Everywhere was the song of birds and the whispering of gentle zephyrs laden with the fragrance of the forest.
fragrancenounUS /ˈfreɪɡrəns/
a distinctive odor that is pleasant
From this reading Everywhere was the song of birds and the whispering of gentle zephyrs laden with the fragrance of the forest.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Out of breath from the steep climb, Donald and Andy sat down as they reached the bluff.
soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe
From this reading Everywhere was the song of birds and the whispering of gentle zephyrs laden with the fragrance of the forest.
grippedverbUS /ɡrɪpt/
inflected form of “grip” — hold fast or firmly
From this reading “Whit, whit, whit, ch’ wee-e-e-e,” sounded the shrill hunting call of an osprey, or “fish-hawk,” as he wheeled over the lake, then made his spectacular plunge and rose on high with a fish gripped in his long, powerful talons.
a person who keeps watch over something or someone
From this reading Donald watched him carry it to his mate, who was standing guard over a big nest in the top of a dead pine.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “Whit, whit, whit, ch’ wee-e-e-e,” sounded the shrill hunting call of an osprey, or “fish-hawk,” as he wheeled over the lake, then made his spectacular plunge and rose on high with a fish gripped in his long, powerful talons.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading “Whit, whit, whit, ch’ wee-e-e-e,” sounded the shrill hunting call of an osprey, or “fish-hawk,” as he wheeled over the lake, then made his spectacular plunge and rose on high with a fish gripped in his long, powerful talons.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Donald watched him carry it to his mate, who was standing guard over a big nest in the top of a dead pine.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading “Whit, whit, whit, ch’ wee-e-e-e,” sounded the shrill hunting call of an osprey, or “fish-hawk,” as he wheeled over the lake, then made his spectacular plunge and rose on high with a fish gripped in his long, powerful talons.
the pursuit and killing or capture of wild animals regarded as a sport
From this reading “Whit, whit, whit, ch’ wee-e-e-e,” sounded the shrill hunting call of an osprey, or “fish-hawk,” as he wheeled over the lake, then made his spectacular plunge and rose on high with a fish gripped in his long, powerful talons.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “Whit, whit, whit, ch’ wee-e-e-e,” sounded the shrill hunting call of an osprey, or “fish-hawk,” as he wheeled over the lake, then made his spectacular plunge and rose on high with a fish gripped in his long, powerful talons.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Donald watched him carry it to his mate, who was standing guard over a big nest in the top of a dead pine.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
ladenadjectiveUS /ˈleɪdən/
filled with a great quantity
From this reading Everywhere was the song of birds and the whispering of gentle zephyrs laden with the fragrance of the forest.
a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land
From this reading “Whit, whit, whit, ch’ wee-e-e-e,” sounded the shrill hunting call of an osprey, or “fish-hawk,” as he wheeled over the lake, then made his spectacular plunge and rose on high with a fish gripped in his long, powerful talons.
ledgesnounUS /ˈledʒɪz/
plural of “ledge” — a projecting ridge on a mountain or submerged under water
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading “Whit, whit, whit, ch’ wee-e-e-e,” sounded the shrill hunting call of an osprey, or “fish-hawk,” as he wheeled over the lake, then made his spectacular plunge and rose on high with a fish gripped in his long, powerful talons.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading “Whit, whit, whit, ch’ wee-e-e-e,” sounded the shrill hunting call of an osprey, or “fish-hawk,” as he wheeled over the lake, then made his spectacular plunge and rose on high with a fish gripped in his long, powerful talons.
the officer below the master on a commercial ship
From this reading Donald watched him carry it to his mate, who was standing guard over a big nest in the top of a dead pine.
being nothing more than specified
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
murmurnounUS /ˈmɜːrmər/
a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young
From this reading Donald watched him carry it to his mate, who was standing guard over a big nest in the top of a dead pine.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading “Whit, whit, whit, ch’ wee-e-e-e,” sounded the shrill hunting call of an osprey, or “fish-hawk,” as he wheeled over the lake, then made his spectacular plunge and rose on high with a fish gripped in his long, powerful talons.
ospreynounUS /ˈɔːspri/
large harmless hawk found worldwide that feeds on fish and builds a bulky nest often occupied for years
From this reading “Whit, whit, whit, ch’ wee-e-e-e,” sounded the shrill hunting call of an osprey, or “fish-hawk,” as he wheeled over the lake, then made his spectacular plunge and rose on high with a fish gripped in his long, powerful talons.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Out of breath from the steep climb, Donald and Andy sat down as they reached the bluff.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
a course of conduct
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
pinenounUS /paɪn/
a coniferous tree
From this reading Donald watched him carry it to his mate, who was standing guard over a big nest in the top of a dead pine.
plungeverbUS /plʌndʒ/
thrust or throw into
From this reading “Whit, whit, whit, ch’ wee-e-e-e,” sounded the shrill hunting call of an osprey, or “fish-hawk,” as he wheeled over the lake, then made his spectacular plunge and rose on high with a fish gripped in his long, powerful talons.
past form of “plunge” — thrust or throw into
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
having great power or force or potency or effect
From this reading “Whit, whit, whit, ch’ wee-e-e-e,” sounded the shrill hunting call of an osprey, or “fish-hawk,” as he wheeled over the lake, then made his spectacular plunge and rose on high with a fish gripped in his long, powerful talons.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading Out of breath from the steep climb, Donald and Andy sat down as they reached the bluff.
plural of “rock” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading “Whit, whit, whit, ch’ wee-e-e-e,” sounded the shrill hunting call of an osprey, or “fish-hawk,” as he wheeled over the lake, then made his spectacular plunge and rose on high with a fish gripped in his long, powerful talons.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading Out of breath from the steep climb, Donald and Andy sat down as they reached the bluff.
shatteredadjectiveUS /ˈʃætərd/
ruined or disrupted
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
shrilladjectiveUS /ʃrɪl/
having or emitting a high-pitched and sharp tone or tones
From this reading “Whit, whit, whit, ch’ wee-e-e-e,” sounded the shrill hunting call of an osprey, or “fish-hawk,” as he wheeled over the lake, then made his spectacular plunge and rose on high with a fish gripped in his long, powerful talons.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
a short musical composition with words
From this reading Everywhere was the song of birds and the whispering of gentle zephyrs laden with the fragrance of the forest.
past form of “sound” — appear in a certain way
From this reading “Whit, whit, whit, ch’ wee-e-e-e,” sounded the shrill hunting call of an osprey, or “fish-hawk,” as he wheeled over the lake, then made his spectacular plunge and rose on high with a fish gripped in his long, powerful talons.
spectacularadjectiveUS /spekˈtækjələr/
sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect
From this reading “Whit, whit, whit, ch’ wee-e-e-e,” sounded the shrill hunting call of an osprey, or “fish-hawk,” as he wheeled over the lake, then made his spectacular plunge and rose on high with a fish gripped in his long, powerful talons.
having a supporting base
From this reading Donald watched him carry it to his mate, who was standing guard over a big nest in the top of a dead pine.
having a sharp inclination
From this reading Out of breath from the steep climb, Donald and Andy sat down as they reached the bluff.
a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
talonsnounUS /ˈtælənz/
plural of “talon” — a sharp hooked claw especially on a bird of prey
From this reading “Whit, whit, whit, ch’ wee-e-e-e,” sounded the shrill hunting call of an osprey, or “fish-hawk,” as he wheeled over the lake, then made his spectacular plunge and rose on high with a fish gripped in his long, powerful talons.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Out of breath from the steep climb, Donald and Andy sat down as they reached the bluff.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
the upper part of anything
From this reading Donald watched him carry it to his mate, who was standing guard over a big nest in the top of a dead pine.
a track or mark left by something that has passed
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
tranquiladjectiveUS /ˈtræŋkwəl/
(of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
vagariesnounUS /ˈveɪɡəriz/
plural of “vagary” — an unexpected and inexplicable change in something (in a situation or a person's behavior, etc.)
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
Wainwright's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
past form of “watch” — look attentively
From this reading Donald watched him carry it to his mate, who was standing guard over a big nest in the top of a dead pine.
wee-e-e-e
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Whit, whit, whit, ch’ wee-e-e-e,” sounded the shrill hunting call of an osprey, or “fish-hawk,” as he wheeled over the lake, then made his spectacular plunge and rose on high with a fish gripped in his long, powerful talons.
wheeledadjectiveUS /wiːld/
having wheels; often used in combination
From this reading “Whit, whit, whit, ch’ wee-e-e-e,” sounded the shrill hunting call of an osprey, or “fish-hawk,” as he wheeled over the lake, then made his spectacular plunge and rose on high with a fish gripped in his long, powerful talons.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
whisperingnounUS /ˈwɪspərɪŋ/
a light noise, like the noise of silk clothing or leaves blowing in the wind
From this reading Everywhere was the song of birds and the whispering of gentle zephyrs laden with the fragrance of the forest.
WhitnounUS /wɪt/
a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
From this reading “Whit, whit, whit, ch’ wee-e-e-e,” sounded the shrill hunting call of an osprey, or “fish-hawk,” as he wheeled over the lake, then made his spectacular plunge and rose on high with a fish gripped in his long, powerful talons.
which person or people
From this reading Donald watched him carry it to his mate, who was standing guard over a big nest in the top of a dead pine.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
Damaged or thinned by continuous use.
From this reading The trail to Wainwright’s cabin was a mere path that followed the vagaries of a small mountain stream which at times flowed with a tranquil murmur, then suddenly plunged over ledges and shattered itself into creamy foam on the worn rocks below.
zephyrsnounUS /ˈzefərz/
plural of “zephyr” — a slight wind (usually refreshing)
From this reading Everywhere was the song of birds and the whispering of gentle zephyrs laden with the fragrance of the forest.
