used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading The available course lay across rough country, along steep sidehills, and into stagnant sloughs.
(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 Yet the desire was in all of our hearts to cover as much ground as possible.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading The fringe of trees along the bank of the stream was sufficiently thick to securely screen our movements until we had safely merged into the darkness beyond, nor could our trail be followed before daylight.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
availableadjectiveUS /əˈveɪləbəl/
obtainable or accessible and ready for use or service
From this reading The available course lay across rough country, along steep sidehills, and into stagnant sloughs.
inflected form of “awake” — stop sleeping
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)
From this reading The fringe of trees along the bank of the stream was sufficiently thick to securely screen our movements until we had safely merged into the darkness beyond, nor could our trail be followed before daylight.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The fringe of trees along the bank of the stream was sufficiently thick to securely screen our movements until we had safely merged into the darkness beyond, nor could our trail be followed before daylight.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading The fringe of trees along the bank of the stream was sufficiently thick to securely screen our movements until we had safely merged into the darkness beyond, nor could our trail be followed before daylight.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The fringe of trees along the bank of the stream was sufficiently thick to securely screen our movements until we had safely merged into the darkness beyond, nor could our trail be followed before daylight.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading The available course lay across rough country, along steep sidehills, and into stagnant sloughs.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading The available course lay across rough country, along steep sidehills, and into stagnant sloughs.
provide with a covering or cause to be covered
From this reading Yet the desire was in all of our hearts to cover as much ground as possible.
the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
the time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside
From this reading The fringe of trees along the bank of the stream was sufficiently thick to securely screen our movements until we had safely merged into the darkness beyond, nor could our trail be followed before daylight.
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading Yet the desire was in all of our hearts to cover as much ground as possible.
destinedadjectiveUS /ˈdestɪnd/
headed or intending to head in a certain direction; often used as a combining form as in “college-bound students”
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
evidencedadjectiveUS /ˈevɪdənst/
supported by evidence
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading The fringe of trees along the bank of the stream was sufficiently thick to securely screen our movements until we had safely merged into the darkness beyond, nor could our trail be followed before daylight.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
fringenounUS /frɪndʒ/
the outside boundary or surface of something
From this reading The fringe of trees along the bank of the stream was sufficiently thick to securely screen our movements until we had safely merged into the darkness beyond, nor could our trail be followed before daylight.
a group of persons together in one place
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading Yet the desire was in all of our hearts to cover as much ground as possible.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades
From this reading Yet the desire was in all of our hearts to cover as much ground as possible.
ten 10s
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
imminentadjectiveUS /ˈɪmənənt/
close in time; about to occur
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The fringe of trees along the bank of the stream was sufficiently thick to securely screen our movements until we had safely merged into the darkness beyond, nor could our trail be followed before daylight.
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading The available course lay across rough country, along steep sidehills, and into stagnant sloughs.
gain knowledge or skills
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
mapverbUS /mæp/
make a map of; show or establish the features of details of
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
MASSACREverbUS /ˈmæsəkər/
kill a large number of people indiscriminately
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
the force of workers available
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
mergedadjectiveUS /mɜːrdʒd/
formed or united into a whole
From this reading The fringe of trees along the bank of the stream was sufficiently thick to securely screen our movements until we had safely merged into the darkness beyond, nor could our trail be followed before daylight.
plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
morassnounUS /mərˈæs/
a soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
mountsnounUS /maʊnts/
plural of “mount” — a lightweight horse kept for riding only
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
plural of “movement” — a change of position that does not entail a change of location
From this reading The fringe of trees along the bank of the stream was sufficiently thick to securely screen our movements until we had safely merged into the darkness beyond, nor could our trail be followed before daylight.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Yet the desire was in all of our hearts to cover as much ground as possible.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading The fringe of trees along the bank of the stream was sufficiently thick to securely screen our movements until we had safely merged into the darkness beyond, nor could our trail be followed before daylight.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
overtakeverbUS /ˈoʊvərteɪk/
catch up with and possibly overtake
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
the rate of moving (especially walking or running)
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
perilousadjectiveUS /ˈperələs/
fraught with danger
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading Yet the desire was in all of our hearts to cover as much ground as possible.
proximitynounUS /prɑːkˈsɪməti/
the property of being close together
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
steal goods; take as spoils
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
having or caused by an irregular surface
From this reading The available course lay across rough country, along steep sidehills, and into stagnant sloughs.
with safety; in a safe manner
From this reading The fringe of trees along the bank of the stream was sufficiently thick to securely screen our movements until we had safely merged into the darkness beyond, nor could our trail be followed before daylight.
screennounUS /skriːn/
a white or silvered surface where pictures can be projected for viewing
From this reading The fringe of trees along the bank of the stream was sufficiently thick to securely screen our movements until we had safely merged into the darkness beyond, nor could our trail be followed before daylight.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
securelyadverbUS /sɪˈkjʊrli/
in a secure manner; in a manner free from danger
From this reading The fringe of trees along the bank of the stream was sufficiently thick to securely screen our movements until we had safely merged into the darkness beyond, nor could our trail be followed before daylight.
the act of searching for something
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
the act of firing a projectile
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
sidehills
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The available course lay across rough country, along steep sidehills, and into stagnant sloughs.
sloughsnounUS /slʌfs/
plural of “slough” — necrotic tissue; a mortified or gangrenous part or mass
From this reading The available course lay across rough country, along steep sidehills, and into stagnant sloughs.
distribute or disperse widely
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
stagnantadjectiveUS /ˈstæɡnənt/
not circulating or flowing
From this reading The available course lay across rough country, along steep sidehills, and into stagnant sloughs.
steepadjectiveUS /stiːp/
having a sharp inclination
From this reading The available course lay across rough country, along steep sidehills, and into stagnant sloughs.
a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
From this reading The fringe of trees along the bank of the stream was sufficiently thick to securely screen our movements until we had safely merged into the darkness beyond, nor could our trail be followed before daylight.
to a sufficient degree
From this reading The fringe of trees along the bank of the stream was sufficiently thick to securely screen our movements until we had safely merged into the darkness beyond, nor could our trail be followed before daylight.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
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 The fringe of trees along the bank of the stream was sufficiently thick to securely screen our movements until we had safely merged into the darkness beyond, nor could our trail be followed before daylight.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
a track or mark left by something that has passed
From this reading The fringe of trees along the bank of the stream was sufficiently thick to securely screen our movements until we had safely merged into the darkness beyond, nor could our trail be followed before daylight.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
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 The fringe of trees along the bank of the stream was sufficiently thick to securely screen our movements until we had safely merged into the darkness beyond, nor could our trail be followed before daylight.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading The fringe of trees along the bank of the stream was sufficiently thick to securely screen our movements until we had safely merged into the darkness beyond, nor could our trail be followed before daylight.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
precisely as stated
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A FIELD OF MASSACRE To my mind, seated on that island in the morass, a map spread before me, a hundred miles of travel had not appeared a very serious matter, but I was destined to learn my mistake.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading The fringe of trees along the bank of the stream was sufficiently thick to securely screen our movements until we had safely merged into the darkness beyond, nor could our trail be followed before daylight.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading The close proximity of the men seeking to overtake us--as evidenced by that rifle shot--awoke within us a sense of imminent danger and drove us forward through the fast gathering darkness at a perilous pace, especially as our mounts were not of the best.
but in spite of that
From this reading Yet the desire was in all of our hearts to cover as much ground as possible.
