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 Look at that stake you drove a few minutes ago――it’s half drowned already!”
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading BULL PEAK AND THE CRAWLING SHALE “I’m sure calling this stuff just about the limit, aren’t you, Larry?
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
ago
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Look at that stake you drove a few minutes ago――it’s half drowned already!”
ahead
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From this reading On this particular morning Dick and Larry had been given a new job, namely, reëstablishing grade stakes ahead of the graders.
alreadynounUS /already/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Look at that stake you drove a few minutes ago――it’s half drowned already!”
ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading BULL PEAK AND THE CRAWLING SHALE “I’m sure calling this stuff just about the limit, aren’t you, Larry?
anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/
any thing at all
From this reading Ordinarily, there would have been no need for this duplication of the work of the locating engineers; but the ground over which they were toilsomely making their way was anything but ordinary.
aren't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BULL PEAK AND THE CRAWLING SHALE “I’m sure calling this stuff just about the limit, aren’t you, Larry?
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Look at that stake you drove a few minutes ago――it’s half drowned already!”
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading On this particular morning Dick and Larry had been given a new job, namely, reëstablishing grade stakes ahead of the graders.
bit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
bits
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
box
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
broad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
BULL
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BULL PEAK AND THE CRAWLING SHALE “I’m sure calling this stuff just about the limit, aren’t you, Larry?
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Ordinarily, there would have been no need for this duplication of the work of the locating engineers; but the ground over which they were toilsomely making their way was anything but ordinary.
calling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BULL PEAK AND THE CRAWLING SHALE “I’m sure calling this stuff just about the limit, aren’t you, Larry?
canyon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
composed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
Continental
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
CRAWLING
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BULL PEAK AND THE CRAWLING SHALE “I’m sure calling this stuff just about the limit, aren’t you, Larry?
Dick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On this particular morning Dick and Larry had been given a new job, namely, reëstablishing grade stakes ahead of the graders.
Divide
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
drove
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Look at that stake you drove a few minutes ago――it’s half drowned already!”
drowned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Look at that stake you drove a few minutes ago――it’s half drowned already!”
duplication
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ordinarily, there would have been no need for this duplication of the work of the locating engineers; but the ground over which they were toilsomely making their way was anything but ordinary.
eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
engineers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ordinarily, there would have been no need for this duplication of the work of the locating engineers; but the ground over which they were toilsomely making their way was anything but ordinary.
evernounUS /ever/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Look at that stake you drove a few minutes ago――it’s half drowned already!”
fingernail
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Ordinarily, there would have been no need for this duplication of the work of the locating engineers; but the ground over which they were toilsomely making their way was anything but ordinary.
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
given
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On this particular morning Dick and Larry had been given a new job, namely, reëstablishing grade stakes ahead of the graders.
grade
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On this particular morning Dick and Larry had been given a new job, namely, reëstablishing grade stakes ahead of the graders.
graders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On this particular morning Dick and Larry had been given a new job, namely, reëstablishing grade stakes ahead of the graders.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
ground
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ordinarily, there would have been no need for this duplication of the work of the locating engineers; but the ground over which they were toilsomely making their way was anything but ordinary.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading On this particular morning Dick and Larry had been given a new job, namely, reëstablishing grade stakes ahead of the graders.
halfnounUS /half/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Look at that stake you drove a few minutes ago――it’s half drowned already!”
half-dollar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Ordinarily, there would have been no need for this duplication of the work of the locating engineers; but the ground over which they were toilsomely making their way was anything but ordinary.
heights
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
I'm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BULL PEAK AND THE CRAWLING SHALE “I’m sure calling this stuff just about the limit, aren’t you, Larry?
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
inclined
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
it's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Look at that stake you drove a few minutes ago――it’s half drowned already!”
job
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On this particular morning Dick and Larry had been given a new job, namely, reëstablishing grade stakes ahead of the graders.
just
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BULL PEAK AND THE CRAWLING SHALE “I’m sure calling this stuff just about the limit, aren’t you, Larry?
Larry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BULL PEAK AND THE CRAWLING SHALE “I’m sure calling this stuff just about the limit, aren’t you, Larry?
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
limit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BULL PEAK AND THE CRAWLING SHALE “I’m sure calling this stuff just about the limit, aren’t you, Larry?
locating
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ordinarily, there would have been no need for this duplication of the work of the locating engineers; but the ground over which they were toilsomely making their way was anything but ordinary.
LooknounUS /look/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Look at that stake you drove a few minutes ago――it’s half drowned already!”
making
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ordinarily, there would have been no need for this duplication of the work of the locating engineers; but the ground over which they were toilsomely making their way was anything but ordinary.
material
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
minutes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Look at that stake you drove a few minutes ago――it’s half drowned already!”
morningnounUS /morning/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading On this particular morning Dick and Larry had been given a new job, namely, reëstablishing grade stakes ahead of the graders.
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
namely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On this particular morning Dick and Larry had been given a new job, namely, reëstablishing grade stakes ahead of the graders.
neednounUS /need/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Ordinarily, there would have been no need for this duplication of the work of the locating engineers; but the ground over which they were toilsomely making their way was anything but ordinary.
new
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On this particular morning Dick and Larry had been given a new job, namely, reëstablishing grade stakes ahead of the graders.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading Ordinarily, there would have been no need for this duplication of the work of the locating engineers; but the ground over which they were toilsomely making their way was anything but ordinary.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading On this particular morning Dick and Larry had been given a new job, namely, reëstablishing grade stakes ahead of the graders.
OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On this particular morning Dick and Larry had been given a new job, namely, reëstablishing grade stakes ahead of the graders.
Ordinarily
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ordinarily, there would have been no need for this duplication of the work of the locating engineers; but the ground over which they were toilsomely making their way was anything but ordinary.
ordinary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ordinarily, there would have been no need for this duplication of the work of the locating engineers; but the ground over which they were toilsomely making their way was anything but ordinary.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Ordinarily, there would have been no need for this duplication of the work of the locating engineers; but the ground over which they were toilsomely making their way was anything but ordinary.
Pandora
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
particular
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On this particular morning Dick and Larry had been given a new job, namely, reëstablishing grade stakes ahead of the graders.
PEAK
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BULL PEAK AND THE CRAWLING SHALE “I’m sure calling this stuff just about the limit, aren’t you, Larry?
plane
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
pouring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
reëstablishing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On this particular morning Dick and Larry had been given a new job, namely, reëstablishing grade stakes ahead of the graders.
river
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
seed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
SHALE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BULL PEAK AND THE CRAWLING SHALE “I’m sure calling this stuff just about the limit, aren’t you, Larry?
sharplynounUS /ˈsharply/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
silver
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
size
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
sleek
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
slippery
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
slope
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
smooth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
stake
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Look at that stake you drove a few minutes ago――it’s half drowned already!”
stakes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On this particular morning Dick and Larry had been given a new job, namely, reëstablishing grade stakes ahead of the graders.
steep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
stuff
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BULL PEAK AND THE CRAWLING SHALE “I’m sure calling this stuff just about the limit, aren’t you, Larry?
surenounUS /sure/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading BULL PEAK AND THE CRAWLING SHALE “I’m sure calling this stuff just about the limit, aren’t you, Larry?
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Look at that stake you drove a few minutes ago――it’s half drowned already!”
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading BULL PEAK AND THE CRAWLING SHALE “I’m sure calling this stuff just about the limit, aren’t you, Larry?
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Ordinarily, there would have been no need for this duplication of the work of the locating engineers; but the ground over which they were toilsomely making their way was anything but ordinary.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ordinarily, there would have been no need for this duplication of the work of the locating engineers; but the ground over which they were toilsomely making their way was anything but ordinary.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Ordinarily, there would have been no need for this duplication of the work of the locating engineers; but the ground over which they were toilsomely making their way was anything but ordinary.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading BULL PEAK AND THE CRAWLING SHALE “I’m sure calling this stuff just about the limit, aren’t you, Larry?
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
toilsomely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ordinarily, there would have been no need for this duplication of the work of the locating engineers; but the ground over which they were toilsomely making their way was anything but ordinary.
unstable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Ordinarily, there would have been no need for this duplication of the work of the locating engineers; but the ground over which they were toilsomely making their way was anything but ordinary.
watermelon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a steep canyon slope composed of the most unstable material that is ever found in the Pandora box of the great Continental Divide; a smooth, sharply inclined plane of crawling shale pouring down like a broad river from the heights above in bits from the size of a fingernail to that of a silver half-dollar, and each bit as sleek and slippery as a watermelon seed.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ordinarily, there would have been no need for this duplication of the work of the locating engineers; but the ground over which they were toilsomely making their way was anything but ordinary.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Ordinarily, there would have been no need for this duplication of the work of the locating engineers; but the ground over which they were toilsomely making their way was anything but ordinary.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Ordinarily, there would have been no need for this duplication of the work of the locating engineers; but the ground over which they were toilsomely making their way was anything but ordinary.
work
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ordinarily, there would have been no need for this duplication of the work of the locating engineers; but the ground over which they were toilsomely making their way was anything but ordinary.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Ordinarily, there would have been no need for this duplication of the work of the locating engineers; but the ground over which they were toilsomely making their way was anything but ordinary.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading BULL PEAK AND THE CRAWLING SHALE “I’m sure calling this stuff just about the limit, aren’t you, Larry?
