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The Desert Home
The Desert Home

Chapter VIII

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Context Illustration Reading 1/87 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
"`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.
The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.
This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.
But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.
He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Desert Home

Chapter VIII

Reading 1/87 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
"`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.
Line 2
The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.
Line 3
This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.
Line 4
But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.
Line 5
He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Against preposition US /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading “The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.”

Anything pronoun US /ˈeniθɪŋ/

any thing at all

From this reading “The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.”

Because conjunction US /bɪˈkɔːz/

for the reason that

From this reading “The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.”

Body noun US /body/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.”

Come noun US /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.”

Foot noun US /foot/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.”

Has auxiliary verb US /hæz/

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

From this reading “This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading “But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.”

Ingenious adjective US /ɪnˈdʒiː.ni.əs/

Clever, original, and remarkably inventive in design and execution.

From this reading “"`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.”

May modal verb US /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.”

Neither determiner US /ˈniːðər/

not one and not the other of two

From this reading “He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “"`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.”

Poor noun US /poor/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.”

Pulled noun US /pulled/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.”

Replied noun US /replied/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.”

Those determiner US /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading “"`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.”

All words in this reading · 114

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

animal

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

From this reading This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.

any

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/

any thing at all

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

attached

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

attack

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

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

attempt

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

barb

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

barking

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

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/

for the reason that

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

better

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

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

bodynounUS /body/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

Buffon

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

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

canmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.

comenounUS /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.

creatures

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

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

defence

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

From this reading This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.

delighted

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

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

easily

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

enemies

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

From this reading This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.

enemy

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

fabulous

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

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

fact

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

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

fierce

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

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

find

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

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

footnounUS /foot/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

French

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

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

generally

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

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

got

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

From this reading This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

HepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

hold

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

ingeniousadjectiveUS /ɪnˈdʒiː.ni.əs/

Clever, original, and remarkably inventive in design and execution.

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

innocent

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

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.

kill

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

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

leave

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

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

mastiff

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

match

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

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

more

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

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

most

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

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

mouth

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

much

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

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

naturalist

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

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

neitherdeterminerUS /ˈniːðər/

not one and not the other of two

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

NodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

notwithstanding

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

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

occupation

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

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

only

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

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

out

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

panther

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

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

poornounUS /poor/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.

porcupine

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

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

porcupine's

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

prepares

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

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

presses

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

proves

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

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

pullednounUS /pulled/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

quills

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

recount

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

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

repliednounUS /replied/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

roots

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From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

rudely

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

slightly

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

slow

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

From this reading This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.

slowness

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From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

spot

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

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

stories

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

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

takes

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

there

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

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

too

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

tops

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

touch

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

trees

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

From this reading But, notwithstanding its slowness, most of the fierce creatures find it better to leave the porcupine to himself, and his innocent occupation of "barking" the trees.

up

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

From this reading This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

very

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

From this reading The porcupine's quills may be pulled out easily by anything which presses too rudely against them, such as the mouth of a mastiff; and this because they are very slightly attached by their roots, and have a barb upon their tops that takes hold upon any enemy that may attempt to touch them.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading "`No,' I replied; `it is only one of those fabulous stories which the ingenious French naturalist, Buffon, so much delighted to recount.

wildcat

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

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading This is the only defence the poor animal has got--as it is so slow of foot that any of its enemies can easily come up with it.

wolf

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

From this reading He generally proves more than a match for any of them; and, in fact, neither wolf, panther, nor wildcat, can kill him--as there is not a spot of his body which they can touch when he prepares himself for their attack.