Chapter XXVIII · Chapter 28

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

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Where a plow ran or a scraper scooped earth, snow speedily obliterated the mark, and with the passing of time both men and animals found it necessary to struggle more and more desperately in the dirt cut against mud and snow and gloom.

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

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

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

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

plural of “animal” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading Where a plow ran or a scraper scooped earth, snow speedily obliterated the mark, and with the passing of time both men and animals found it necessary to struggle more and more desperately in the dirt cut against mud and snow and gloom.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Carrigan contracted his working line, placing the torches at shorter intervals and keeping the scrapers in close succession.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Where a plow ran or a scraper scooped earth, snow speedily obliterated the mark, and with the passing of time both men and animals found it necessary to struggle more and more desperately in the dirt cut against mud and snow and gloom.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

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

From this reading Carrigan contracted his working line, placing the torches at shorter intervals and keeping the scrapers in close succession.

stopped up; clogged up

From this reading It mantled the shoulders of the workmen and the withers of the horses; it clogged the wheels of the fresnos so that dirt was moved with ever-increasing difficulty; it veiled the flaring gasolene torches and choked the night.

thickened or coalesced in soft thick lumps (such as clogs or clots)

From this reading It mantled the shoulders of the workmen and the withers of the horses; it clogged the wheels of the fresnos so that dirt was moved with ever-increasing difficulty; it veiled the flaring gasolene torches and choked the night.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading Carrigan contracted his working line, placing the torches at shorter intervals and keeping the scrapers in close succession.

remaining in force or being carried on without letup

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

reduced in size or pulled together

From this reading Carrigan contracted his working line, placing the torches at shorter intervals and keeping the scrapers in close succession.

plural of “crew” — the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)

From this reading The foremen informed him frequently that the men were growing exhausted and rebellious, but he ordered them to hold the crews at the task.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading Where a plow ran or a scraper scooped earth, snow speedily obliterated the mark, and with the passing of time both men and animals found it necessary to struggle more and more desperately in the dirt cut against mud and snow and gloom.

with great urgency

From this reading Where a plow ran or a scraper scooped earth, snow speedily obliterated the mark, and with the passing of time both men and animals found it necessary to struggle more and more desperately in the dirt cut against mud and snow and gloom.

an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading It mantled the shoulders of the workmen and the withers of the horses; it clogged the wheels of the fresnos so that dirt was moved with ever-increasing difficulty; it veiled the flaring gasolene torches and choked the night.

the part of the earth's surface consisting of humus and disintegrated rock

From this reading It mantled the shoulders of the workmen and the withers of the horses; it clogged the wheels of the fresnos so that dirt was moved with ever-increasing difficulty; it veiled the flaring gasolene torches and choked the night.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

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

From this reading It mantled the shoulders of the workmen and the withers of the horses; it clogged the wheels of the fresnos so that dirt was moved with ever-increasing difficulty; it veiled the flaring gasolene torches and choked the night.

drained of energy or effectiveness; extremely tired; completely exhausted

From this reading The foremen informed him frequently that the men were growing exhausted and rebellious, but he ordered them to hold the crews at the task.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

any material that fills a space or container

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

plural of “flake” — a crystal of snow

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

streaming or flapping or spreading wide as if in a current of air

From this reading It mantled the shoulders of the workmen and the withers of the horses; it clogged the wheels of the fresnos so that dirt was moved with ever-increasing difficulty; it veiled the flaring gasolene torches and choked the night.

plural of “foreman” — a person who exercises control over workers

From this reading The foremen informed him frequently that the men were growing exhausted and rebellious, but he ordered them to hold the crews at the task.

set up or found

From this reading Where a plow ran or a scraper scooped earth, snow speedily obliterated the mark, and with the passing of time both men and animals found it necessary to struggle more and more desperately in the dirt cut against mud and snow and gloom.

many times at short intervals

From this reading The foremen informed him frequently that the men were growing exhausted and rebellious, but he ordered them to hold the crews at the task.

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

From this reading It mantled the shoulders of the workmen and the withers of the horses; it clogged the wheels of the fresnos so that dirt was moved with ever-increasing difficulty; it veiled the flaring gasolene torches and choked the night.

a volatile flammable mixture of hydrocarbons (hexane and heptane and octane etc.) derived from petroleum; used mainly as a fuel in internal-combustion engines

From this reading It mantled the shoulders of the workmen and the withers of the horses; it clogged the wheels of the fresnos so that dirt was moved with ever-increasing difficulty; it veiled the flaring gasolene torches and choked the night.

a state of partial or total darkness

From this reading Where a plow ran or a scraper scooped earth, snow speedily obliterated the mark, and with the passing of time both men and animals found it necessary to struggle more and more desperately in the dirt cut against mud and snow and gloom.

(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level

From this reading The foremen informed him frequently that the men were growing exhausted and rebellious, but he ordered them to hold the crews at the task.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The foremen informed him frequently that the men were growing exhausted and rebellious, but he ordered them to hold the crews at the task.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The foremen informed him frequently that the men were growing exhausted and rebellious, but he ordered them to hold the crews at the task.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Carrigan contracted his working line, placing the torches at shorter intervals and keeping the scrapers in close succession.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading The foremen informed him frequently that the men were growing exhausted and rebellious, but he ordered them to hold the crews at the task.

plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading It mantled the shoulders of the workmen and the withers of the horses; it clogged the wheels of the fresnos so that dirt was moved with ever-increasing difficulty; it veiled the flaring gasolene torches and choked the night.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

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

From this reading Where a plow ran or a scraper scooped earth, snow speedily obliterated the mark, and with the passing of time both men and animals found it necessary to struggle more and more desperately in the dirt cut against mud and snow and gloom.

having much knowledge or education

From this reading The foremen informed him frequently that the men were growing exhausted and rebellious, but he ordered them to hold the crews at the task.

plural of “interval” — a definite length of time marked off by two instants

From this reading Carrigan contracted his working line, placing the torches at shorter intervals and keeping the scrapers in close succession.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It mantled the shoulders of the workmen and the withers of the horses; it clogged the wheels of the fresnos so that dirt was moved with ever-increasing difficulty; it veiled the flaring gasolene torches and choked the night.

conformity or harmony

From this reading Carrigan contracted his working line, placing the torches at shorter intervals and keeping the scrapers in close succession.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading Carrigan contracted his working line, placing the torches at shorter intervals and keeping the scrapers in close succession.

covered with or as if with clothes or a wrap or cloak

From this reading It mantled the shoulders of the workmen and the withers of the horses; it clogged the wheels of the fresnos so that dirt was moved with ever-increasing difficulty; it veiled the flaring gasolene torches and choked the night.

attach a tag or label to

From this reading Where a plow ran or a scraper scooped earth, snow speedily obliterated the mark, and with the passing of time both men and animals found it necessary to struggle more and more desperately in the dirt cut against mud and snow and gloom.

the force of workers available

From this reading Where a plow ran or a scraper scooped earth, snow speedily obliterated the mark, and with the passing of time both men and animals found it necessary to struggle more and more desperately in the dirt cut against mud and snow and gloom.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Where a plow ran or a scraper scooped earth, snow speedily obliterated the mark, and with the passing of time both men and animals found it necessary to struggle more and more desperately in the dirt cut against mud and snow and gloom.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading It mantled the shoulders of the workmen and the withers of the horses; it clogged the wheels of the fresnos so that dirt was moved with ever-increasing difficulty; it veiled the flaring gasolene torches and choked the night.

water soaked soil; soft wet earth

From this reading Where a plow ran or a scraper scooped earth, snow speedily obliterated the mark, and with the passing of time both men and animals found it necessary to struggle more and more desperately in the dirt cut against mud and snow and gloom.

absolutely essential

From this reading Where a plow ran or a scraper scooped earth, snow speedily obliterated the mark, and with the passing of time both men and animals found it necessary to struggle more and more desperately in the dirt cut against mud and snow and gloom.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading It mantled the shoulders of the workmen and the withers of the horses; it clogged the wheels of the fresnos so that dirt was moved with ever-increasing difficulty; it veiled the flaring gasolene torches and choked the night.

reduced to nothingness

From this reading Where a plow ran or a scraper scooped earth, snow speedily obliterated the mark, and with the passing of time both men and animals found it necessary to struggle more and more desperately in the dirt cut against mud and snow and gloom.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Where a plow ran or a scraper scooped earth, snow speedily obliterated the mark, and with the passing of time both men and animals found it necessary to struggle more and more desperately in the dirt cut against mud and snow and gloom.

having a systematic arrangement; especially having elements succeeding in order according to rule

From this reading The foremen informed him frequently that the men were growing exhausted and rebellious, but he ordered them to hold the crews at the task.

(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

From this reading Where a plow ran or a scraper scooped earth, snow speedily obliterated the mark, and with the passing of time both men and animals found it necessary to struggle more and more desperately in the dirt cut against mud and snow and gloom.

-ing form of “place” — put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Carrigan contracted his working line, placing the torches at shorter intervals and keeping the scrapers in close succession.

to break and turn over earth especially with a plow

From this reading Where a plow ran or a scraper scooped earth, snow speedily obliterated the mark, and with the passing of time both men and animals found it necessary to struggle more and more desperately in the dirt cut against mud and snow and gloom.

plural of “precursor” — a substance from which another substance is formed (especially by a metabolic reaction)

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading Where a plow ran or a scraper scooped earth, snow speedily obliterated the mark, and with the passing of time both men and animals found it necessary to struggle more and more desperately in the dirt cut against mud and snow and gloom.

resisting control or authority

From this reading The foremen informed him frequently that the men were growing exhausted and rebellious, but he ordered them to hold the crews at the task.

past form of “scoop” — take out or up with or as if with a scoop

From this reading Where a plow ran or a scraper scooped earth, snow speedily obliterated the mark, and with the passing of time both men and animals found it necessary to struggle more and more desperately in the dirt cut against mud and snow and gloom.

any of various hand tools for scraping

From this reading Where a plow ran or a scraper scooped earth, snow speedily obliterated the mark, and with the passing of time both men and animals found it necessary to struggle more and more desperately in the dirt cut against mud and snow and gloom.

plural of “scraper” — any of various hand tools for scraping

From this reading Carrigan contracted his working line, placing the torches at shorter intervals and keeping the scrapers in close succession.

comparative of “short” — primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading Carrigan contracted his working line, placing the torches at shorter intervals and keeping the scrapers in close succession.

plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm

From this reading It mantled the shoulders of the workmen and the withers of the horses; it clogged the wheels of the fresnos so that dirt was moved with ever-increasing difficulty; it veiled the flaring gasolene torches and choked the night.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading It mantled the shoulders of the workmen and the withers of the horses; it clogged the wheels of the fresnos so that dirt was moved with ever-increasing difficulty; it veiled the flaring gasolene torches and choked the night.

marked by absence of sound

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

with speed

From this reading Where a plow ran or a scraper scooped earth, snow speedily obliterated the mark, and with the passing of time both men and animals found it necessary to struggle more and more desperately in the dirt cut against mud and snow and gloom.

not in physical motion

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

make a strenuous or labored effort

From this reading Where a plow ran or a scraper scooped earth, snow speedily obliterated the mark, and with the passing of time both men and animals found it necessary to struggle more and more desperately in the dirt cut against mud and snow and gloom.

a following of one thing after another in time

From this reading Carrigan contracted his working line, placing the torches at shorter intervals and keeping the scrapers in close succession.

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading The foremen informed him frequently that the men were growing exhausted and rebellious, but he ordered them to hold the crews at the task.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

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

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The foremen informed him frequently that the men were growing exhausted and rebellious, but he ordered them to hold the crews at the task.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Where a plow ran or a scraper scooped earth, snow speedily obliterated the mark, and with the passing of time both men and animals found it necessary to struggle more and more desperately in the dirt cut against mud and snow and gloom.

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

From this reading Where a plow ran or a scraper scooped earth, snow speedily obliterated the mark, and with the passing of time both men and animals found it necessary to struggle more and more desperately in the dirt cut against mud and snow and gloom.

plural of “torch” — a light usually carried in the hand; consists of some flammable substance

From this reading It mantled the shoulders of the workmen and the withers of the horses; it clogged the wheels of the fresnos so that dirt was moved with ever-increasing difficulty; it veiled the flaring gasolene torches and choked the night.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

continuing at full strength or intensity

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

having or as if having a veil or concealing cover

From this reading It mantled the shoulders of the workmen and the withers of the horses; it clogged the wheels of the fresnos so that dirt was moved with ever-increasing difficulty; it veiled the flaring gasolene torches and choked the night.

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

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

plural of “wheel” — a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)

From this reading It mantled the shoulders of the workmen and the withers of the horses; it clogged the wheels of the fresnos so that dirt was moved with ever-increasing difficulty; it veiled the flaring gasolene torches and choked the night.

in or at the place that

From this reading Where a plow ran or a scraper scooped earth, snow speedily obliterated the mark, and with the passing of time both men and animals found it necessary to struggle more and more desperately in the dirt cut against mud and snow and gloom.

changing to a lighter color

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

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

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It mantled the shoulders of the workmen and the withers of the horses; it clogged the wheels of the fresnos so that dirt was moved with ever-increasing difficulty; it veiled the flaring gasolene torches and choked the night.

the highest part of the back at the base of the neck of various animals especially draft animals

From this reading It mantled the shoulders of the workmen and the withers of the horses; it clogged the wheels of the fresnos so that dirt was moved with ever-increasing difficulty; it veiled the flaring gasolene torches and choked the night.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading The first flakes were but the precursors of a heavy fall of snow that almost immediately began, soundless, without wind, filling the air and whitening the earth, and that was still continuing unabated two hours later.

actively engaged in paid work

From this reading Carrigan contracted his working line, placing the torches at shorter intervals and keeping the scrapers in close succession.

plural of “workman” — an employee who performs manual or industrial labor

From this reading It mantled the shoulders of the workmen and the withers of the horses; it clogged the wheels of the fresnos so that dirt was moved with ever-increasing difficulty; it veiled the flaring gasolene torches and choked the night.