used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading Tiny patches of whiteness lay wherever it had been able to find a resting-place.
accessnounUS /ˈækses/
the right to enter
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
anglenounUS /ˈæŋɡəl/
the space between two lines or planes that intersect; the inclination of one line to another; measured in degrees or radians
From this reading For the greater part, however, the angle was too steep for snow to lie; and, as regarded the question of climbing, in mountain parlance "it would not go."
arête
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading For the greater part, however, the angle was too steep for snow to lie; and, as regarded the question of climbing, in mountain parlance "it would not go."
completely unclothed
From this reading Seen from below, it looked like a bare wall of rock, seamed indeed with cracks and chimneys, but little less than perpendicular.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Tiny patches of whiteness lay wherever it had been able to find a resting-place.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading Seen from below, it looked like a bare wall of rock, seamed indeed with cracks and chimneys, but little less than perpendicular.
beltnounUS /belt/
endless loop of flexible material between two rotating shafts or pulleys
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
the two together, not just one
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Seen from below, it looked like a bare wall of rock, seamed indeed with cracks and chimneys, but little less than perpendicular.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
chimneysnounUS /ˈtʃɪmniz/
plural of “chimney” — a vertical flue that provides a path through which smoke from a fire is carried away through the wall or roof of a building
From this reading Seen from below, it looked like a bare wall of rock, seamed indeed with cracks and chimneys, but little less than perpendicular.
climber's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A climber's only hope lay in the narrow snow-lined couloirs streaking it, one of which seemed to offer good promise for foothold and handhold.
climbingnounUS /ˈklaɪmɪŋ/
an event that involves rising to a higher point (as in altitude or temperature or intensity etc.)
From this reading For the greater part, however, the angle was too steep for snow to lie; and, as regarded the question of climbing, in mountain parlance "it would not go."
couloirs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A climber's only hope lay in the narrow snow-lined couloirs streaking it, one of which seemed to offer good promise for foothold and handhold.
cracksnounUS /kræks/
plural of “crack” — a long narrow opening
From this reading Seen from below, it looked like a bare wall of rock, seamed indeed with cracks and chimneys, but little less than perpendicular.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading Tiny patches of whiteness lay wherever it had been able to find a resting-place.
footholdnounUS /ˈfʊthoʊld/
an area in hostile territory that has been captured and is held awaiting further troops and supplies
From this reading A climber's only hope lay in the narrow snow-lined couloirs streaking it, one of which seemed to offer good promise for foothold and handhold.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For the greater part, however, the angle was too steep for snow to lie; and, as regarded the question of climbing, in mountain parlance "it would not go."
formidableadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrmədəbəl/
extremely impressive in strength or excellence
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Seen from below, it looked like a bare wall of rock, seamed indeed with cracks and chimneys, but little less than perpendicular.
frowningadjectiveUS /ˈfraʊnɪŋ/
showing displeasure or anger
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
obtain
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
the act of giving
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading For the greater part, however, the angle was too steep for snow to lie; and, as regarded the question of climbing, in mountain parlance "it would not go."
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading A climber's only hope lay in the narrow snow-lined couloirs streaking it, one of which seemed to offer good promise for foothold and handhold.
greater in size or importance or degree
From this reading For the greater part, however, the angle was too steep for snow to lie; and, as regarded the question of climbing, in mountain parlance "it would not go."
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
handholdnounUS /ˈhændhoʊld/
an appendage to hold onto
From this reading A climber's only hope lay in the narrow snow-lined couloirs streaking it, one of which seemed to offer good promise for foothold and handhold.
advanced in complexity or elaboration
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading A climber's only hope lay in the narrow snow-lined couloirs streaking it, one of which seemed to offer good promise for foothold and handhold.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading For the greater part, however, the angle was too steep for snow to lie; and, as regarded the question of climbing, in mountain parlance "it would not go."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading For the greater part, however, the angle was too steep for snow to lie; and, as regarded the question of climbing, in mountain parlance "it would not go."
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading Seen from below, it looked like a bare wall of rock, seamed indeed with cracks and chimneys, but little less than perpendicular.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Seen from below, it looked like a bare wall of rock, seamed indeed with cracks and chimneys, but little less than perpendicular.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Tiny patches of whiteness lay wherever it had been able to find a resting-place.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading Seen from below, it looked like a bare wall of rock, seamed indeed with cracks and chimneys, but little less than perpendicular.
be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position
From this reading For the greater part, however, the angle was too steep for snow to lie; and, as regarded the question of climbing, in mountain parlance "it would not go."
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Seen from below, it looked like a bare wall of rock, seamed indeed with cracks and chimneys, but little less than perpendicular.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Seen from below, it looked like a bare wall of rock, seamed indeed with cracks and chimneys, but little less than perpendicular.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Seen from below, it looked like a bare wall of rock, seamed indeed with cracks and chimneys, but little less than perpendicular.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading For the greater part, however, the angle was too steep for snow to lie; and, as regarded the question of climbing, in mountain parlance "it would not go."
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading A climber's only hope lay in the narrow snow-lined couloirs streaking it, one of which seemed to offer good promise for foothold and handhold.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading For the greater part, however, the angle was too steep for snow to lie; and, as regarded the question of climbing, in mountain parlance "it would not go."
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading A climber's only hope lay in the narrow snow-lined couloirs streaking it, one of which seemed to offer good promise for foothold and handhold.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
and nothing more
From this reading A climber's only hope lay in the narrow snow-lined couloirs streaking it, one of which seemed to offer good promise for foothold and handhold.
parlancenounUS /ˈpɑːrləns/
a manner of speaking that is natural to native speakers of a language
From this reading For the greater part, however, the angle was too steep for snow to lie; and, as regarded the question of climbing, in mountain parlance "it would not go."
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading For the greater part, however, the angle was too steep for snow to lie; and, as regarded the question of climbing, in mountain parlance "it would not go."
patchesnounUS /ˈpætʃəz/
plural of “patch” — a small contrasting part of something
From this reading Tiny patches of whiteness lay wherever it had been able to find a resting-place.
perpendicularnounUS /ˌpɜːrpənˈdɪkjələr/
a straight line at right angles to another line
From this reading Seen from below, it looked like a bare wall of rock, seamed indeed with cracks and chimneys, but little less than perpendicular.
a separate part of a whole
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
make a promise or commitment
From this reading A climber's only hope lay in the narrow snow-lined couloirs streaking it, one of which seemed to offer good promise for foothold and handhold.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading For the greater part, however, the angle was too steep for snow to lie; and, as regarded the question of climbing, in mountain parlance "it would not go."
rampartnounUS /ˈræmpɑːrt/
an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
past form of “regard” — deem to be
From this reading For the greater part, however, the angle was too steep for snow to lie; and, as regarded the question of climbing, in mountain parlance "it would not go."
resting-place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tiny patches of whiteness lay wherever it had been able to find a resting-place.
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
RottenadjectiveUS /ˈrɑːtən/
very bad
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
seamedadjective
having or joined by a seam or seams
From this reading Seen from below, it looked like a bare wall of rock, seamed indeed with cracks and chimneys, but little less than perpendicular.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading A climber's only hope lay in the narrow snow-lined couloirs streaking it, one of which seemed to offer good promise for foothold and handhold.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Seen from below, it looked like a bare wall of rock, seamed indeed with cracks and chimneys, but little less than perpendicular.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
From this reading For the greater part, however, the angle was too steep for snow to lie; and, as regarded the question of climbing, in mountain parlance "it would not go."
snow-lined
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A climber's only hope lay in the narrow snow-lined couloirs streaking it, one of which seemed to offer good promise for foothold and handhold.
having a sharp inclination
From this reading For the greater part, however, the angle was too steep for snow to lie; and, as regarded the question of climbing, in mountain parlance "it would not go."
sternadjectiveUS /stɜːrn/
of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
streakingverbUS /ˈstriːkɪŋ/
-ing form of “streak” — move quickly in a straight line
From this reading A climber's only hope lay in the narrow snow-lined couloirs streaking it, one of which seemed to offer good promise for foothold and handhold.
summitnounUS /ˈsʌmət/
the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
surmountedadjectiveUS /sərˈmaʊntɪd/
having something on top
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
very small
From this reading Tiny patches of whiteness lay wherever it had been able to find a resting-place.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading For the greater part, however, the angle was too steep for snow to lie; and, as regarded the question of climbing, in mountain parlance "it would not go."
an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading Seen from below, it looked like a bare wall of rock, seamed indeed with cracks and chimneys, but little less than perpendicular.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
in or to any place at all
From this reading Tiny patches of whiteness lay wherever it had been able to find a resting-place.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
whitenessnounUS /ˈwaɪtnəs/
the quality or state of the achromatic color of greatest lightness (bearing the least resemblance to black)
From this reading Tiny patches of whiteness lay wherever it had been able to find a resting-place.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Seen from below, it looked like a bare wall of rock, seamed indeed with cracks and chimneys, but little less than perpendicular.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading A Rotten Piece of Rock THE belt which they had reached was both higher and more formidable than the one already surmounted; a stern and frowning rampart, giving access to the short arête by which they would gain the summit.
