used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading “Yes, it will take two years, as far as we can judge in advance about so long and dangerous a journey.
move forward, also in the metaphorical sense
From this reading “Yes, it will take two years, as far as we can judge in advance about so long and dangerous a journey.
AfricanounUS /ˈæfrəkɑː/
the second largest continent; located to the south of Europe and bordered to the west by the South Atlantic and to the east by the Indian Ocean
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading “Yes, it will take two years, as far as we can judge in advance about so long and dangerous a journey.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading With boyish enthusiasm Jean asked: “Then the expedition is really decided on this time?”
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
Berlier
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
boughsnounUS /baʊz/
plural of “bough” — any of the larger branches of a tree
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
boyishadjectiveUS /ˈbɔɪɪʃ/
befitting or characteristic of a young boy
From this reading With boyish enthusiasm Jean asked: “Then the expedition is really decided on this time?”
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading “Yes, it will take two years, as far as we can judge in advance about so long and dangerous a journey.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading “Here is the road we must take,” said the Captain, and he showed a series of little red crosses marked out on the Sahara desert.
chestnutadjectiveUS /ˈtʃesnʌt/
(of hair or feathers) of a golden brown to reddish brown color
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
CommandantnounUS /ˌkɑːmənˈdɑːnt/
an officer in command of a military unit
From this reading I saw Commandant Jamy in Paris, and he introduced me to M. Moureau.
CONSPIRATORSnounUS /kənˈspɪrətərz/
plural of “conspirator” — a member of a conspiracy
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
crossesnounUS /ˈkrɔːsɪz/
plural of “cross” — a wooden structure consisting of an upright post with a transverse piece
From this reading “Here is the road we must take,” said the Captain, and he showed a series of little red crosses marked out on the Sahara desert.
involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm
From this reading “Yes, it will take two years, as far as we can judge in advance about so long and dangerous a journey.
recognizable; marked
From this reading With boyish enthusiasm Jean asked: “Then the expedition is really decided on this time?”
leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch
From this reading “Here is the road we must take,” said the Captain, and he showed a series of little red crosses marked out on the Sahara desert.
a feeling of excitement
From this reading With boyish enthusiasm Jean asked: “Then the expedition is really decided on this time?”
a military campaign designed to achieve a specific objective in a foreign country
From this reading With boyish enthusiasm Jean asked: “Then the expedition is really decided on this time?”
fadingnounUS /ˈfeɪdɪŋ/
weakening in force or intensity
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading “Yes, it will take two years, as far as we can judge in advance about so long and dangerous a journey.
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “Here is the road we must take,” said the Captain, and he showed a series of little red crosses marked out on the Sahara desert.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading “Here is the road we must take,” said the Captain, and he showed a series of little red crosses marked out on the Sahara desert.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I saw Commandant Jamy in Paris, and he introduced me to M. Moureau.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
past form of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally
From this reading I saw Commandant Jamy in Paris, and he introduced me to M. Moureau.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “Here is the road we must take,” said the Captain, and he showed a series of little red crosses marked out on the Sahara desert.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “Yes, it will take two years, as far as we can judge in advance about so long and dangerous a journey.
Jamy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw Commandant Jamy in Paris, and he introduced me to M. Moureau.
a coarse durable twill-weave cotton fabric
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading “Yes, it will take two years, as far as we can judge in advance about so long and dangerous a journey.
determine the result of (a competition)
From this reading “Yes, it will take two years, as far as we can judge in advance about so long and dangerous a journey.
a chronic inflammatory collagen disease affecting connective tissue (skin or joints)
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading “Here is the road we must take,” said the Captain, and he showed a series of little red crosses marked out on the Sahara desert.
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 “Yes, it will take two years, as far as we can judge in advance about so long and dangerous a journey.
the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)
From this reading I saw Commandant Jamy in Paris, and he introduced me to M. Moureau.
mapverbUS /mæp/
make a map of; show or establish the features of details of
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
MarcelnounUS /mɑːrˈsel/
a hairdo characterized by deep regular waves that are made by a heated curling iron
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
strongly marked; easily noticeable
From this reading “Here is the road we must take,” said the Captain, and he showed a series of little red crosses marked out on the Sahara desert.
Maupas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I saw Commandant Jamy in Paris, and he introduced me to M. Moureau.
Moureau
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I saw Commandant Jamy in Paris, and he introduced me to M. Moureau.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading “Here is the road we must take,” said the Captain, and he showed a series of little red crosses marked out on the Sahara desert.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
the capital and largest city of France; and international center of culture and commerce
From this reading I saw Commandant Jamy in Paris, and he introduced me to M. Moureau.
poringverbUS /ˈpɔːrɪŋ/
-ing form of “pore” — direct one's attention on something
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading With boyish enthusiasm Jean asked: “Then the expedition is really decided on this time?”
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading “Here is the road we must take,” said the Captain, and he showed a series of little red crosses marked out on the Sahara desert.
an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
From this reading “Here is the road we must take,” said the Captain, and he showed a series of little red crosses marked out on the Sahara desert.
plural of “rose” — any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
SaharanounUS /səˈherə/
the world's largest desert (3,500,000 square miles) in northern Africa
From this reading “Here is the road we must take,” said the Captain, and he showed a series of little red crosses marked out on the Sahara desert.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “Here is the road we must take,” said the Captain, and he showed a series of little red crosses marked out on the Sahara desert.
cut with a saw
From this reading I saw Commandant Jamy in Paris, and he introduced me to M. Moureau.
similar things placed in order or happening one after another
From this reading “Here is the road we must take,” said the Captain, and he showed a series of little red crosses marked out on the Sahara desert.
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading “Here is the road we must take,” said the Captain, and he showed a series of little red crosses marked out on the Sahara desert.
slatenounUS /sleɪt/
(formerly) a writing tablet made of slate
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading “Yes, it will take two years, as far as we can judge in advance about so long and dangerous a journey.
distribute or disperse widely
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
carry out
From this reading “Here is the road we must take,” said the Captain, and he showed a series of little red crosses marked out on the Sahara desert.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading With boyish enthusiasm Jean asked: “Then the expedition is really decided on this time?”
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading With boyish enthusiasm Jean asked: “Then the expedition is really decided on this time?”
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading With boyish enthusiasm Jean asked: “Then the expedition is really decided on this time?”
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I saw Commandant Jamy in Paris, and he introduced me to M. Moureau.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading “Yes, it will take two years, as far as we can judge in advance about so long and dangerous a journey.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading “Here is the road we must take,” said the Captain, and he showed a series of little red crosses marked out on the Sahara desert.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
in or at the place that
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading “Yes, it will take two years, as far as we can judge in advance about so long and dangerous a journey.
in the company of; together with
From this reading With boyish enthusiasm Jean asked: “Then the expedition is really decided on this time?”
a late time of life
From this reading “Yes, it will take two years, as far as we can judge in advance about so long and dangerous a journey.
yellowingverbUS /ˈjeloʊɪŋ/
-ing form of “yellow” — turn yellow
From this reading THE CONSPIRATORS In the garden at Le Maupas, where the roses were fading in the shadow of the yellowing chestnut boughs, Marcel and Jean Berlier were poring over a map of Africa spread out on the slate table.
an affirmative
From this reading “Yes, it will take two years, as far as we can judge in advance about so long and dangerous a journey.
