used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading In the light of a clear September sun they stood and looked down on it--the Promised Land.
aerialnounUS /ˈeriəl/
a pass to a receiver downfield from the passer
From this reading Through breaks in the pine's close ranks they saw blue, vaporous distances, and on the far side of aerial chasms the swell of other mountains, clothed to their summits, shape undulating beyond shape.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading Then on this bright September afternoon a sun-filled pallor of empty space shone between the tree trunks, and they had hurried to the summit of a knoll and seen it spread beneath them--California!
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading For days they had been creeping up through defiles in the mountain wall, crawling along ledges with murmurous seas of pine below and the snow lying crisp in the hollows.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In the light of a clear September sun they stood and looked down on it--the Promised Land.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading For days they had been creeping up through defiles in the mountain wall, crawling along ledges with murmurous seas of pine below and the snow lying crisp in the hollows.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading For days they had been creeping up through defiles in the mountain wall, crawling along ledges with murmurous seas of pine below and the snow lying crisp in the hollows.
Directly under; in or to a lower position than.
From this reading Then on this bright September afternoon a sun-filled pallor of empty space shone between the tree trunks, and they had hurried to the summit of a knoll and seen it spread beneath them--California!
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Then on this bright September afternoon a sun-filled pallor of empty space shone between the tree trunks, and they had hurried to the summit of a knoll and seen it spread beneath them--California!
on the far side of; further than
From this reading Through breaks in the pine's close ranks they saw blue, vaporous distances, and on the far side of aerial chasms the swell of other mountains, clothed to their summits, shape undulating beyond shape.
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading Through breaks in the pine's close ranks they saw blue, vaporous distances, and on the far side of aerial chasms the swell of other mountains, clothed to their summits, shape undulating beyond shape.
breaksnounUS /breɪks/
plural of “break” — some abrupt occurrence that interrupts an ongoing activity
From this reading Through breaks in the pine's close ranks they saw blue, vaporous distances, and on the far side of aerial chasms the swell of other mountains, clothed to their summits, shape undulating beyond shape.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading Then on this bright September afternoon a sun-filled pallor of empty space shone between the tree trunks, and they had hurried to the summit of a knoll and seen it spread beneath them--California!
bulwarknounUS /ˈbʊlwərk/
an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes
From this reading On the western slope the great bulwark dropped from granite heights to wooded ridges along the spines of which the road wound.
CalifornianounUS /ˌkæləˈfɔːrnjə/
a state in the western United States on the Pacific; the 3rd largest state; known for earthquakes
From this reading Then on this bright September afternoon a sun-filled pallor of empty space shone between the tree trunks, and they had hurried to the summit of a knoll and seen it spread beneath them--California!
chasms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Through breaks in the pine's close ranks they saw blue, vaporous distances, and on the far side of aerial chasms the swell of other mountains, clothed to their summits, shape undulating beyond shape.
rid of obstructions
From this reading In the light of a clear September sun they stood and looked down on it--the Promised Land.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading Through breaks in the pine's close ranks they saw blue, vaporous distances, and on the far side of aerial chasms the swell of other mountains, clothed to their summits, shape undulating beyond shape.
clothedadjectiveUS /kloʊðd/
wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination
From this reading Through breaks in the pine's close ranks they saw blue, vaporous distances, and on the far side of aerial chasms the swell of other mountains, clothed to their summits, shape undulating beyond shape.
crawlingnounUS /ˈkrɔːlɪŋ/
a slow mode of locomotion on hands and knees or dragging the body
From this reading For days they had been creeping up through defiles in the mountain wall, crawling along ledges with murmurous seas of pine below and the snow lying crisp in the hollows.
creepingnounUS /ˈkriːpɪŋ/
a slow mode of locomotion on hands and knees or dragging the body
From this reading For days they had been creeping up through defiles in the mountain wall, crawling along ledges with murmurous seas of pine below and the snow lying crisp in the hollows.
crispadjectiveUS /krɪsp/
(of something seen or heard) clearly defined
From this reading For days they had been creeping up through defiles in the mountain wall, crawling along ledges with murmurous seas of pine below and the snow lying crisp in the hollows.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading For days they had been creeping up through defiles in the mountain wall, crawling along ledges with murmurous seas of pine below and the snow lying crisp in the hollows.
defiles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For days they had been creeping up through defiles in the mountain wall, crawling along ledges with murmurous seas of pine below and the snow lying crisp in the hollows.
distancesnounUS /ˈdɪstənsəz/
plural of “distance” — the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading Through breaks in the pine's close ranks they saw blue, vaporous distances, and on the far side of aerial chasms the swell of other mountains, clothed to their summits, shape undulating beyond shape.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading In the light of a clear September sun they stood and looked down on it--the Promised Land.
inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground
From this reading On the western slope the great bulwark dropped from granite heights to wooded ridges along the spines of which the road wound.
make void or empty of contents
From this reading Then on this bright September afternoon a sun-filled pallor of empty space shone between the tree trunks, and they had hurried to the summit of a knoll and seen it spread beneath them--California!
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading Through breaks in the pine's close ranks they saw blue, vaporous distances, and on the far side of aerial chasms the swell of other mountains, clothed to their summits, shape undulating beyond shape.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For days they had been creeping up through defiles in the mountain wall, crawling along ledges with murmurous seas of pine below and the snow lying crisp in the hollows.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading On the western slope the great bulwark dropped from granite heights to wooded ridges along the spines of which the road wound.
granitenounUS /ˈɡrænət/
plutonic igneous rock having visibly crystalline texture; generally composed of feldspar and mica and quartz
From this reading On the western slope the great bulwark dropped from granite heights to wooded ridges along the spines of which the road wound.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading On the western slope the great bulwark dropped from granite heights to wooded ridges along the spines of which the road wound.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading For days they had been creeping up through defiles in the mountain wall, crawling along ledges with murmurous seas of pine below and the snow lying crisp in the hollows.
heightsnounUS /haɪts/
a high place
From this reading On the western slope the great bulwark dropped from granite heights to wooded ridges along the spines of which the road wound.
hollowsnounUS /ˈhɑːloʊz/
plural of “hollow” — a cavity or space in something
From this reading For days they had been creeping up through defiles in the mountain wall, crawling along ledges with murmurous seas of pine below and the snow lying crisp in the hollows.
moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste
From this reading Then on this bright September afternoon a sun-filled pallor of empty space shone between the tree trunks, and they had hurried to the summit of a knoll and seen it spread beneath them--California!
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In the light of a clear September sun they stood and looked down on it--the Promised Land.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In the light of a clear September sun they stood and looked down on it--the Promised Land.
knollnounUS /noʊl/
a small natural hill
From this reading Then on this bright September afternoon a sun-filled pallor of empty space shone between the tree trunks, and they had hurried to the summit of a knoll and seen it spread beneath them--California!
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading In the light of a clear September sun they stood and looked down on it--the Promised Land.
ledgesnounUS /ˈledʒɪz/
plural of “ledge” — a projecting ridge on a mountain or submerged under water
From this reading For days they had been creeping up through defiles in the mountain wall, crawling along ledges with murmurous seas of pine below and the snow lying crisp in the hollows.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading In the light of a clear September sun they stood and looked down on it--the Promised Land.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading In the light of a clear September sun they stood and looked down on it--the Promised Land.
the deliberate act of deviating from the truth
From this reading For days they had been creeping up through defiles in the mountain wall, crawling along ledges with murmurous seas of pine below and the snow lying crisp in the hollows.
a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading For days they had been creeping up through defiles in the mountain wall, crawling along ledges with murmurous seas of pine below and the snow lying crisp in the hollows.
plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading Through breaks in the pine's close ranks they saw blue, vaporous distances, and on the far side of aerial chasms the swell of other mountains, clothed to their summits, shape undulating beyond shape.
murmurousadjective
characterized by soft sounds
From this reading For days they had been creeping up through defiles in the mountain wall, crawling along ledges with murmurous seas of pine below and the snow lying crisp in the hollows.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In the light of a clear September sun they stood and looked down on it--the Promised Land.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading In the light of a clear September sun they stood and looked down on it--the Promised Land.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Through breaks in the pine's close ranks they saw blue, vaporous distances, and on the far side of aerial chasms the swell of other mountains, clothed to their summits, shape undulating beyond shape.
pallornoun
unnatural lack of color in the skin (as from bruising or sickness or emotional distress)
From this reading Then on this bright September afternoon a sun-filled pallor of empty space shone between the tree trunks, and they had hurried to the summit of a knoll and seen it spread beneath them--California!
pinenounUS /paɪn/
a coniferous tree
From this reading For days they had been creeping up through defiles in the mountain wall, crawling along ledges with murmurous seas of pine below and the snow lying crisp in the hollows.
pine's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Through breaks in the pine's close ranks they saw blue, vaporous distances, and on the far side of aerial chasms the swell of other mountains, clothed to their summits, shape undulating beyond shape.
past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment
From this reading In the light of a clear September sun they stood and looked down on it--the Promised Land.
ranksnounUS /ræŋks/
plural of “rank” — a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another
From this reading Through breaks in the pine's close ranks they saw blue, vaporous distances, and on the far side of aerial chasms the swell of other mountains, clothed to their summits, shape undulating beyond shape.
ridgesnounUS /ˈrɪdʒəz/
plural of “ridge” — a long narrow natural elevation or striation
From this reading On the western slope the great bulwark dropped from granite heights to wooded ridges along the spines of which the road wound.
an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
From this reading On the western slope the great bulwark dropped from granite heights to wooded ridges along the spines of which the road wound.
cut with a saw
From this reading Through breaks in the pine's close ranks they saw blue, vaporous distances, and on the far side of aerial chasms the swell of other mountains, clothed to their summits, shape undulating beyond shape.
seasnounUS /siːz/
plural of “sea” — a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading For days they had been creeping up through defiles in the mountain wall, crawling along ledges with murmurous seas of pine below and the snow lying crisp in the hollows.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Then on this bright September afternoon a sun-filled pallor of empty space shone between the tree trunks, and they had hurried to the summit of a knoll and seen it spread beneath them--California!
SeptembernounUS /sepˈtembər/
the month following August and preceding October
From this reading In the light of a clear September sun they stood and looked down on it--the Promised Land.
any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
From this reading Through breaks in the pine's close ranks they saw blue, vaporous distances, and on the far side of aerial chasms the swell of other mountains, clothed to their summits, shape undulating beyond shape.
inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light
From this reading Then on this bright September afternoon a sun-filled pallor of empty space shone between the tree trunks, and they had hurried to the summit of a knoll and seen it spread beneath them--California!
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading Through breaks in the pine's close ranks they saw blue, vaporous distances, and on the far side of aerial chasms the swell of other mountains, clothed to their summits, shape undulating beyond shape.
an elevated geological formation
From this reading On the western slope the great bulwark dropped from granite heights to wooded ridges along the spines of which the road wound.
precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
From this reading For days they had been creeping up through defiles in the mountain wall, crawling along ledges with murmurous seas of pine below and the snow lying crisp in the hollows.
the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading Then on this bright September afternoon a sun-filled pallor of empty space shone between the tree trunks, and they had hurried to the summit of a knoll and seen it spread beneath them--California!
spinesnounUS /spaɪnz/
plural of “spine” — the series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord
From this reading On the western slope the great bulwark dropped from granite heights to wooded ridges along the spines of which the road wound.
distribute or disperse widely
From this reading Then on this bright September afternoon a sun-filled pallor of empty space shone between the tree trunks, and they had hurried to the summit of a knoll and seen it spread beneath them--California!
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading In the light of a clear September sun they stood and looked down on it--the Promised Land.
summitnounUS /ˈsʌmət/
the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
From this reading Then on this bright September afternoon a sun-filled pallor of empty space shone between the tree trunks, and they had hurried to the summit of a knoll and seen it spread beneath them--California!
summitsnounUS /ˈsʌmɪts/
plural of “summit” — the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
From this reading Through breaks in the pine's close ranks they saw blue, vaporous distances, and on the far side of aerial chasms the swell of other mountains, clothed to their summits, shape undulating beyond shape.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading In the light of a clear September sun they stood and looked down on it--the Promised Land.
sun-filled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then on this bright September afternoon a sun-filled pallor of empty space shone between the tree trunks, and they had hurried to the summit of a knoll and seen it spread beneath them--California!
swellverbUS /swel/
increase in size, magnitude, number, or intensity
From this reading Through breaks in the pine's close ranks they saw blue, vaporous distances, and on the far side of aerial chasms the swell of other mountains, clothed to their summits, shape undulating beyond shape.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In the light of a clear September sun they stood and looked down on it--the Promised Land.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Through breaks in the pine's close ranks they saw blue, vaporous distances, and on the far side of aerial chasms the swell of other mountains, clothed to their summits, shape undulating beyond shape.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Then on this bright September afternoon a sun-filled pallor of empty space shone between the tree trunks, and they had hurried to the summit of a knoll and seen it spread beneath them--California!
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Then on this bright September afternoon a sun-filled pallor of empty space shone between the tree trunks, and they had hurried to the summit of a knoll and seen it spread beneath them--California!
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In the light of a clear September sun they stood and looked down on it--the Promised Land.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Then on this bright September afternoon a sun-filled pallor of empty space shone between the tree trunks, and they had hurried to the summit of a knoll and seen it spread beneath them--California!
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading For days they had been creeping up through defiles in the mountain wall, crawling along ledges with murmurous seas of pine below and the snow lying crisp in the hollows.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading On the western slope the great bulwark dropped from granite heights to wooded ridges along the spines of which the road wound.
a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading Then on this bright September afternoon a sun-filled pallor of empty space shone between the tree trunks, and they had hurried to the summit of a knoll and seen it spread beneath them--California!
trunksnounUS /trʌŋks/
(used in the plural) trousers that end at or above the knee
From this reading Then on this bright September afternoon a sun-filled pallor of empty space shone between the tree trunks, and they had hurried to the summit of a knoll and seen it spread beneath them--California!
undulatingverbUS /ˈʌndʒəleɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “undulate” — stir up (water) so as to form ripples
From this reading Through breaks in the pine's close ranks they saw blue, vaporous distances, and on the far side of aerial chasms the swell of other mountains, clothed to their summits, shape undulating beyond shape.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading For days they had been creeping up through defiles in the mountain wall, crawling along ledges with murmurous seas of pine below and the snow lying crisp in the hollows.
vaporousadjective
so thin as to transmit light
From this reading Through breaks in the pine's close ranks they saw blue, vaporous distances, and on the far side of aerial chasms the swell of other mountains, clothed to their summits, shape undulating beyond shape.
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 For days they had been creeping up through defiles in the mountain wall, crawling along ledges with murmurous seas of pine below and the snow lying crisp in the hollows.
relating to or characteristic of the western parts of the world or the West as opposed to the eastern or oriental parts
From this reading On the western slope the great bulwark dropped from granite heights to wooded ridges along the spines of which the road wound.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading On the western slope the great bulwark dropped from granite heights to wooded ridges along the spines of which the road wound.
in the company of; together with
From this reading For days they had been creeping up through defiles in the mountain wall, crawling along ledges with murmurous seas of pine below and the snow lying crisp in the hollows.
woodedadjectiveUS /ˈwʊdɪd/
covered with growing trees and bushes etc
From this reading On the western slope the great bulwark dropped from granite heights to wooded ridges along the spines of which the road wound.
an injury to living tissue (especially an injury involving a cut or break in the skin)
From this reading On the western slope the great bulwark dropped from granite heights to wooded ridges along the spines of which the road wound.
