Chapter XIX · Chapter 19

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

From this reading Across the horizon the Wind River mountains stretched a chain of majestic, snowy shapes.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading Across the horizon the Wind River mountains stretched a chain of majestic, snowy shapes.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading The air was so clear that a tiny noise broke it, crystal-sharp like the ring of a smitten glass.

relating to or containing an alkali; having a pH greater than 7

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

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

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

at or in or to any place

From this reading And the sense of isolation was intensified as there was no sound from anywhere, only a brooding, primordial silence that seemed to have remained unbroken since the first floods drained away.

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

From this reading And the sense of isolation was intensified as there was no sound from anywhere, only a brooding, primordial silence that seemed to have remained unbroken since the first floods drained away.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading And the sense of isolation was intensified as there was no sound from anywhere, only a brooding, primordial silence that seemed to have remained unbroken since the first floods drained away.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

inflected form of “blot” — dry (ink) with blotting paper

From this reading Desolation ringed them round, the swimming distances fusing with the pallor of ever-receding horizons, the white road losing itself in the blotting of sage, red elevations rising lonely in extending circles of stillness.

lacking funds

From this reading The air was so clear that a tiny noise broke it, crystal-sharp like the ring of a smitten glass.

sitting on eggs so as to hatch them by the warmth of the body

From this reading And the sense of isolation was intensified as there was no sound from anywhere, only a brooding, primordial silence that seemed to have remained unbroken since the first floods drained away.

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

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

a series of things depending on each other as if linked together

From this reading Across the horizon the Wind River mountains stretched a chain of majestic, snowy shapes.

plural of “circle” — ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point

From this reading Desolation ringed them round, the swimming distances fusing with the pallor of ever-receding horizons, the white road losing itself in the blotting of sage, red elevations rising lonely in extending circles of stillness.

rid of obstructions

From this reading The air was so clear that a tiny noise broke it, crystal-sharp like the ring of a smitten glass.

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

From this reading The air was so clear that a tiny noise broke it, crystal-sharp like the ring of a smitten glass.

the state of being decayed or destroyed

From this reading Desolation ringed them round, the swimming distances fusing with the pallor of ever-receding horizons, the white road losing itself in the blotting of sage, red elevations rising lonely in extending circles of stillness.

plural of “distance” — the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading Desolation ringed them round, the swimming distances fusing with the pallor of ever-receding horizons, the white road losing itself in the blotting of sage, red elevations rising lonely in extending circles of stillness.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

emptied or exhausted of (as by drawing off e.g. water or other liquid)

From this reading And the sense of isolation was intensified as there was no sound from anywhere, only a brooding, primordial silence that seemed to have remained unbroken since the first floods drained away.

plural of “elevation” — the event of something being raised upward

From this reading Desolation ringed them round, the swimming distances fusing with the pallor of ever-receding horizons, the white road losing itself in the blotting of sage, red elevations rising lonely in extending circles of stillness.

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

From this reading Desolation ringed them round, the swimming distances fusing with the pallor of ever-receding horizons, the white road losing itself in the blotting of sage, red elevations rising lonely in extending circles of stillness.

-ing form of “extend” — extend in scope or range or area

From this reading Desolation ringed them round, the swimming distances fusing with the pallor of ever-receding horizons, the white road losing itself in the blotting of sage, red elevations rising lonely in extending circles of stillness.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading And the sense of isolation was intensified as there was no sound from anywhere, only a brooding, primordial silence that seemed to have remained unbroken since the first floods drained away.

having a pattern of dots

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

plural of “flood” — the rising of a body of water and its overflowing onto normally dry land

From this reading And the sense of isolation was intensified as there was no sound from anywhere, only a brooding, primordial silence that seemed to have remained unbroken since the first floods drained away.

the act of crossing a stream or river by wading or in a car or on a horse

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

-ing form of “fuse” — mix together different elements

From this reading Desolation ringed them round, the swimming distances fusing with the pallor of ever-receding horizons, the white road losing itself in the blotting of sage, red elevations rising lonely in extending circles of stillness.

a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure

From this reading The air was so clear that a tiny noise broke it, crystal-sharp like the ring of a smitten glass.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading And the sense of isolation was intensified as there was no sound from anywhere, only a brooding, primordial silence that seemed to have remained unbroken since the first floods drained away.

the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet

From this reading Across the horizon the Wind River mountains stretched a chain of majestic, snowy shapes.

plural of “horizon” — the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet

From this reading Desolation ringed them round, the swimming distances fusing with the pallor of ever-receding horizons, the white road losing itself in the blotting of sage, red elevations rising lonely in extending circles of stillness.

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

From this reading Desolation ringed them round, the swimming distances fusing with the pallor of ever-receding horizons, the white road losing itself in the blotting of sage, red elevations rising lonely in extending circles of stillness.

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

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

made more intense

From this reading And the sense of isolation was intensified as there was no sound from anywhere, only a brooding, primordial silence that seemed to have remained unbroken since the first floods drained away.

a state of separation between persons or groups

From this reading And the sense of isolation was intensified as there was no sound from anywhere, only a brooding, primordial silence that seemed to have remained unbroken since the first floods drained away.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The air was so clear that a tiny noise broke it, crystal-sharp like the ring of a smitten glass.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading Desolation ringed them round, the swimming distances fusing with the pallor of ever-receding horizons, the white road losing itself in the blotting of sage, red elevations rising lonely in extending circles of stillness.

immediately past

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The air was so clear that a tiny noise broke it, crystal-sharp like the ring of a smitten glass.

lacking companions or companionship

From this reading Desolation ringed them round, the swimming distances fusing with the pallor of ever-receding horizons, the white road losing itself in the blotting of sage, red elevations rising lonely in extending circles of stillness.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

-ing form of “lose” — fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense

From this reading Desolation ringed them round, the swimming distances fusing with the pallor of ever-receding horizons, the white road losing itself in the blotting of sage, red elevations rising lonely in extending circles of stillness.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

majestic in manner or bearing; superior to mundane matters

From this reading Across the horizon the Wind River mountains stretched a chain of majestic, snowy shapes.

plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading Across the horizon the Wind River mountains stretched a chain of majestic, snowy shapes.

not any; not one

From this reading And the sense of isolation was intensified as there was no sound from anywhere, only a brooding, primordial silence that seemed to have remained unbroken since the first floods drained away.

sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)

From this reading The air was so clear that a tiny noise broke it, crystal-sharp like the ring of a smitten glass.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

and nothing more

From this reading And the sense of isolation was intensified as there was no sound from anywhere, only a brooding, primordial silence that seemed to have remained unbroken since the first floods drained away.

unnatural lack of color in the skin (as from bruising or sickness or emotional distress)

From this reading Desolation ringed them round, the swimming distances fusing with the pallor of ever-receding horizons, the white road losing itself in the blotting of sage, red elevations rising lonely in extending circles of stillness.

having existed from the beginning; in an earliest or original stage or state

From this reading And the sense of isolation was intensified as there was no sound from anywhere, only a brooding, primordial silence that seemed to have remained unbroken since the first floods drained away.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading And the sense of isolation was intensified as there was no sound from anywhere, only a brooding, primordial silence that seemed to have remained unbroken since the first floods drained away.

sound loudly and sonorously

From this reading The air was so clear that a tiny noise broke it, crystal-sharp like the ring of a smitten glass.

shaped like a ring

From this reading Desolation ringed them round, the swimming distances fusing with the pallor of ever-receding horizons, the white road losing itself in the blotting of sage, red elevations rising lonely in extending circles of stillness.

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading Desolation ringed them round, the swimming distances fusing with the pallor of ever-receding horizons, the white road losing itself in the blotting of sage, red elevations rising lonely in extending circles of stillness.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading Desolation ringed them round, the swimming distances fusing with the pallor of ever-receding horizons, the white road losing itself in the blotting of sage, red elevations rising lonely in extending circles of stillness.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading Desolation ringed them round, the swimming distances fusing with the pallor of ever-receding horizons, the white road losing itself in the blotting of sage, red elevations rising lonely in extending circles of stillness.

a mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics who is renowned for profound wisdom

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading And the sense of isolation was intensified as there was no sound from anywhere, only a brooding, primordial silence that seemed to have remained unbroken since the first floods drained away.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading And the sense of isolation was intensified as there was no sound from anywhere, only a brooding, primordial silence that seemed to have remained unbroken since the first floods drained away.

plural of “shape” — any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)

From this reading Across the horizon the Wind River mountains stretched a chain of majestic, snowy shapes.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading And the sense of isolation was intensified as there was no sound from anywhere, only a brooding, primordial silence that seemed to have remained unbroken since the first floods drained away.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading And the sense of isolation was intensified as there was no sound from anywhere, only a brooding, primordial silence that seemed to have remained unbroken since the first floods drained away.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading The air was so clear that a tiny noise broke it, crystal-sharp like the ring of a smitten glass.

marked by the presence of snow

From this reading Across the horizon the Wind River mountains stretched a chain of majestic, snowy shapes.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The air was so clear that a tiny noise broke it, crystal-sharp like the ring of a smitten glass.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading And the sense of isolation was intensified as there was no sound from anywhere, only a brooding, primordial silence that seemed to have remained unbroken since the first floods drained away.

having a pattern of dots

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

(poetic) tranquil silence

From this reading Desolation ringed them round, the swimming distances fusing with the pallor of ever-receding horizons, the white road losing itself in the blotting of sage, red elevations rising lonely in extending circles of stillness.

(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching

From this reading Across the horizon the Wind River mountains stretched a chain of majestic, snowy shapes.

the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

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

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

the act of swimming

From this reading Desolation ringed them round, the swimming distances fusing with the pallor of ever-receding horizons, the white road losing itself in the blotting of sage, red elevations rising lonely in extending circles of stillness.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

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

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

in or at that place or location

From this reading And the sense of isolation was intensified as there was no sound from anywhere, only a brooding, primordial silence that seemed to have remained unbroken since the first floods drained away.

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

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.

very small

From this reading The air was so clear that a tiny noise broke it, crystal-sharp like the ring of a smitten glass.

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

From this reading And the sense of isolation was intensified as there was no sound from anywhere, only a brooding, primordial silence that seemed to have remained unbroken since the first floods drained away.

marked by continuous or uninterrupted extension in space or time or sequence

From this reading And the sense of isolation was intensified as there was no sound from anywhere, only a brooding, primordial silence that seemed to have remained unbroken since the first floods drained away.

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

From this reading The air was so clear that a tiny noise broke it, crystal-sharp like the ring of a smitten glass.

a Caucasian

From this reading Desolation ringed them round, the swimming distances fusing with the pallor of ever-receding horizons, the white road losing itself in the blotting of sage, red elevations rising lonely in extending circles of stillness.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading Across the horizon the Wind River mountains stretched a chain of majestic, snowy shapes.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The last fording of the river had been made, and from the summit of the Red Buttes they looked down on the long level, specked with sage and flecked with alkaline incrustings, that lay between them and the Sweetwater.