used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading PROFESSOR "WANDERING WILLIAM" The ponies, and the larger steeds ridden by the elders of the party, were pushed forward at a rapid gait all the morning.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading PROFESSOR "WANDERING WILLIAM" The ponies, and the larger steeds ridden by the elders of the party, were pushed forward at a rapid gait all the morning.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading In this way enough was carried for each of the animals to have a scanty supply, although there was none too much left over.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading In the meantime, water was carried by means of an ingenious arrangement of Mr. Bell's.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading PROFESSOR "WANDERING WILLIAM" The ponies, and the larger steeds ridden by the elders of the party, were pushed forward at a rapid gait all the morning.
plural of “animal” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading In this way enough was carried for each of the animals to have a scanty supply, although there was none too much left over.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
arrangementnounUS /ərˈeɪndʒmənt/
the thing arranged or agreed to
From this reading In the meantime, water was carried by means of an ingenious arrangement of Mr. Bell's.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading PROFESSOR "WANDERING WILLIAM" The ponies, and the larger steeds ridden by the elders of the party, were pushed forward at a rapid gait all the morning.
backsnounUS /bæks/
plural of “back” — the posterior part of a human (or animal) body from the neck to the end of the spine
From this reading This was nothing more or less than two large bags of water-proof fabric, which could be filled and then flung on the pack burros' backs.
bagsnounUS /bæɡz/
plural of “bag” — a flexible container with a single opening
From this reading This was nothing more or less than two large bags of water-proof fabric, which could be filled and then flung on the pack burros' backs.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading This was nothing more or less than two large bags of water-proof fabric, which could be filled and then flung on the pack burros' backs.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
Bell'snounUS /belz/
possessive form of “bell” — a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck
From this reading In the meantime, water was carried by means of an ingenious arrangement of Mr. Bell's.
burrosnounUS /ˈbɜːroʊz/
plural of “burro” — small donkey used as a pack animal
From this reading This was nothing more or less than two large bags of water-proof fabric, which could be filled and then flung on the pack burros' backs.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading PROFESSOR "WANDERING WILLIAM" The ponies, and the larger steeds ridden by the elders of the party, were pushed forward at a rapid gait all the morning.
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading In the meantime, water was carried by means of an ingenious arrangement of Mr. Bell's.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading In this way enough was carried for each of the animals to have a scanty supply, although there was none too much left over.
eldersnounUS /ˈeldərz/
plural of “elder” — a person who is older than you are
From this reading PROFESSOR "WANDERING WILLIAM" The ponies, and the larger steeds ridden by the elders of the party, were pushed forward at a rapid gait all the morning.
encounterverbUS /ɪnˈkaʊntər/
come together
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading In this way enough was carried for each of the animals to have a scanty supply, although there was none too much left over.
past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
fabricnounUS /ˈfæbrɪk/
artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers
From this reading This was nothing more or less than two large bags of water-proof fabric, which could be filled and then flung on the pack burros' backs.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading This was nothing more or less than two large bags of water-proof fabric, which could be filled and then flung on the pack burros' backs.
inflected form of “fling” — throw with force or recklessness
From this reading This was nothing more or less than two large bags of water-proof fabric, which could be filled and then flung on the pack burros' backs.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading PROFESSOR "WANDERING WILLIAM" The ponies, and the larger steeds ridden by the elders of the party, were pushed forward at a rapid gait all the morning.
past form of “gain” — obtain
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
gaitnounUS /ɡeɪt/
the rate of moving (especially walking or running)
From this reading PROFESSOR "WANDERING WILLIAM" The ponies, and the larger steeds ridden by the elders of the party, were pushed forward at a rapid gait all the morning.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading In this way enough was carried for each of the animals to have a scanty supply, although there was none too much left over.
holesnounUS /hoʊlz/
plural of “hole” — an opening into or through something
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In the meantime, water was carried by means of an ingenious arrangement of Mr. Bell's.
ingeniousadjectiveUS /ɪnˈdʒiː.ni.əs/
Clever, original, and remarkably inventive in design and execution.
From this reading In the meantime, water was carried by means of an ingenious arrangement of Mr. Bell's.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading This was nothing more or less than two large bags of water-proof fabric, which could be filled and then flung on the pack burros' backs.
large or big relative to something else
From this reading PROFESSOR "WANDERING WILLIAM" The ponies, and the larger steeds ridden by the elders of the party, were pushed forward at a rapid gait all the morning.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading In this way enough was carried for each of the animals to have a scanty supply, although there was none too much left over.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading This was nothing more or less than two large bags of water-proof fabric, which could be filled and then flung on the pack burros' backs.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading In the meantime, water was carried by means of an ingenious arrangement of Mr. Bell's.
the time between one event, process, or period and another
From this reading In the meantime, water was carried by means of an ingenious arrangement of Mr. Bell's.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading PROFESSOR "WANDERING WILLIAM" The ponies, and the larger steeds ridden by the elders of the party, were pushed forward at a rapid gait all the morning.
a form of address for a man
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading In this way enough was carried for each of the animals to have a scanty supply, although there was none too much left over.
absolutely essential
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
not one, and not any
From this reading In this way enough was carried for each of the animals to have a scanty supply, although there was none too much left over.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading This was nothing more or less than two large bags of water-proof fabric, which could be filled and then flung on the pack burros' backs.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading PROFESSOR "WANDERING WILLIAM" The ponies, and the larger steeds ridden by the elders of the party, were pushed forward at a rapid gait all the morning.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading This was nothing more or less than two large bags of water-proof fabric, which could be filled and then flung on the pack burros' backs.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading This was nothing more or less than two large bags of water-proof fabric, which could be filled and then flung on the pack burros' backs.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading In this way enough was carried for each of the animals to have a scanty supply, although there was none too much left over.
arrange in a container
From this reading This was nothing more or less than two large bags of water-proof fabric, which could be filled and then flung on the pack burros' backs.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading PROFESSOR "WANDERING WILLIAM" The ponies, and the larger steeds ridden by the elders of the party, were pushed forward at a rapid gait all the morning.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
poniesnounUS /ˈpoʊniz/
plural of “pony” — a range horse of the western United States
From this reading PROFESSOR "WANDERING WILLIAM" The ponies, and the larger steeds ridden by the elders of the party, were pushed forward at a rapid gait all the morning.
someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university
From this reading PROFESSOR "WANDERING WILLIAM" The ponies, and the larger steeds ridden by the elders of the party, were pushed forward at a rapid gait all the morning.
past form of “push” — move with force
From this reading PROFESSOR "WANDERING WILLIAM" The ponies, and the larger steeds ridden by the elders of the party, were pushed forward at a rapid gait all the morning.
rapidadjectiveUS /ˈræpəd/
done or occurring in a brief period of time
From this reading PROFESSOR "WANDERING WILLIAM" The ponies, and the larger steeds ridden by the elders of the party, were pushed forward at a rapid gait all the morning.
reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
riddenverbUS /ˈrɪdən/
inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
From this reading PROFESSOR "WANDERING WILLIAM" The ponies, and the larger steeds ridden by the elders of the party, were pushed forward at a rapid gait all the morning.
scantyadjectiveUS /ˈskænti/
lacking in magnitude or quantity
From this reading In this way enough was carried for each of the animals to have a scanty supply, although there was none too much left over.
steedsnounUS /stiːdz/
plural of “steed” — (literary) a spirited horse for state of war
From this reading PROFESSOR "WANDERING WILLIAM" The ponies, and the larger steeds ridden by the elders of the party, were pushed forward at a rapid gait all the morning.
SteerverbUS /stɪr/
direct the course; determine the direction of travelling
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
sundownnounUS /ˈsʌndaʊn/
the time in the evening at which the sun begins to fall below the horizon
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
give something useful or necessary to
From this reading In this way enough was carried for each of the animals to have a scanty supply, although there was none too much left over.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading This was nothing more or less than two large bags of water-proof fabric, which could be filled and then flung on the pack burros' backs.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading PROFESSOR "WANDERING WILLIAM" The ponies, and the larger steeds ridden by the elders of the party, were pushed forward at a rapid gait all the morning.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading This was nothing more or less than two large bags of water-proof fabric, which could be filled and then flung on the pack burros' backs.
in or at that place or location
From this reading In this way enough was carried for each of the animals to have a scanty supply, although there was none too much left over.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This was nothing more or less than two large bags of water-proof fabric, which could be filled and then flung on the pack burros' backs.
up to a particular time
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading In this way enough was carried for each of the animals to have a scanty supply, although there was none too much left over.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading This was nothing more or less than two large bags of water-proof fabric, which could be filled and then flung on the pack burros' backs.
migratory
From this reading PROFESSOR "WANDERING WILLIAM" The ponies, and the larger steeds ridden by the elders of the party, were pushed forward at a rapid gait all the morning.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
water-proof
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was nothing more or less than two large bags of water-proof fabric, which could be filled and then flung on the pack burros' backs.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading In this way enough was carried for each of the animals to have a scanty supply, although there was none too much left over.
WellsnounUS /welz/
prolific English writer best known for his science-fiction novels; he also wrote on contemporary social problems and wrote popular accounts of history and science (1866-1946)
From this reading As had been explained by Mr. Bell, it was necessary for them to reach Steer Wells by sundown, as they could not hope to encounter any more water holes till they gained that point.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading PROFESSOR "WANDERING WILLIAM" The ponies, and the larger steeds ridden by the elders of the party, were pushed forward at a rapid gait all the morning.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading This was nothing more or less than two large bags of water-proof fabric, which could be filled and then flung on the pack burros' backs.
WILLIAM
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PROFESSOR "WANDERING WILLIAM" The ponies, and the larger steeds ridden by the elders of the party, were pushed forward at a rapid gait all the morning.
