used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A Pleasant Resting-place.--The Turtle.--A Knavish Trick.--Destitution.--An Exploring Expedition.--Lake Scenery.--A Wrecked Vessel.--Strange Footsteps.--A Prudent Retreat.--Return of the Explorers.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading After walking about a quarter of a mile towards the north, they reached a nook, surrounded by mangrove-trees, which, like the banyan-tree, formed bowers propped by pillars of successive trunks and stems, and interwoven with roots and branches.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After walking about a quarter of a mile towards the north, they reached a nook, surrounded by mangrove-trees, which, like the banyan-tree, formed bowers propped by pillars of successive trunks and stems, and interwoven with roots and branches.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A Pleasant Resting-place.--The Turtle.--A Knavish Trick.--Destitution.--An Exploring Expedition.--Lake Scenery.--A Wrecked Vessel.--Strange Footsteps.--A Prudent Retreat.--Return of the Explorers.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading After walking about a quarter of a mile towards the north, they reached a nook, surrounded by mangrove-trees, which, like the banyan-tree, formed bowers propped by pillars of successive trunks and stems, and interwoven with roots and branches.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The mangrove-wood, spreading up the steep cliff, was backed by some loftier trees; and it appeared as if an impenetrable barricade was formed by nature to forbid approach to the interior.
move towards
From this reading The mangrove-wood, spreading up the steep cliff, was backed by some loftier trees; and it appeared as if an impenetrable barricade was formed by nature to forbid approach to the interior.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The mangrove-wood, spreading up the steep cliff, was backed by some loftier trees; and it appeared as if an impenetrable barricade was formed by nature to forbid approach to the interior.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At the part nearest to the sea, the lower branches were without leaves, and had been evidently laid bare by the visits of the sea.
backedadjectiveUS /bækt/
having a back or backing, usually of a specified type
From this reading The mangrove-wood, spreading up the steep cliff, was backed by some loftier trees; and it appeared as if an impenetrable barricade was formed by nature to forbid approach to the interior.
banyan-tree
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After walking about a quarter of a mile towards the north, they reached a nook, surrounded by mangrove-trees, which, like the banyan-tree, formed bowers propped by pillars of successive trunks and stems, and interwoven with roots and branches.
completely unclothed
From this reading At the part nearest to the sea, the lower branches were without leaves, and had been evidently laid bare by the visits of the sea.
barricadenounUS /ˈbærəkeɪd/
a barrier set up by police to stop traffic on a street or road in order to catch a fugitive or inspect traffic etc.
From this reading The mangrove-wood, spreading up the steep cliff, was backed by some loftier trees; and it appeared as if an impenetrable barricade was formed by nature to forbid approach to the interior.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading At the part nearest to the sea, the lower branches were without leaves, and had been evidently laid bare by the visits of the sea.
bowersnounUS /ˈbaʊərz/
plural of “bower” — a framework that supports climbing plants
From this reading After walking about a quarter of a mile towards the north, they reached a nook, surrounded by mangrove-trees, which, like the banyan-tree, formed bowers propped by pillars of successive trunks and stems, and interwoven with roots and branches.
plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization
From this reading After walking about a quarter of a mile towards the north, they reached a nook, surrounded by mangrove-trees, which, like the banyan-tree, formed bowers propped by pillars of successive trunks and stems, and interwoven with roots and branches.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading After walking about a quarter of a mile towards the north, they reached a nook, surrounded by mangrove-trees, which, like the banyan-tree, formed bowers propped by pillars of successive trunks and stems, and interwoven with roots and branches.
a steep high face of rock
From this reading The mangrove-wood, spreading up the steep cliff, was backed by some loftier trees; and it appeared as if an impenetrable barricade was formed by nature to forbid approach to the interior.
clusteredadjectiveUS /ˈklʌstərd/
growing close together but not in dense mats
From this reading These branches were now at low tide uncovered, and clustered with oysters.
DestitutionnounUS /ˈdestətuːʃən/
a state without friends or money or prospects
From this reading A Pleasant Resting-place.--The Turtle.--A Knavish Trick.--Destitution.--An Exploring Expedition.--Lake Scenery.--A Wrecked Vessel.--Strange Footsteps.--A Prudent Retreat.--Return of the Explorers.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading At the part nearest to the sea, the lower branches were without leaves, and had been evidently laid bare by the visits of the sea.
a military campaign designed to achieve a specific objective in a foreign country
From this reading A Pleasant Resting-place.--The Turtle.--A Knavish Trick.--Destitution.--An Exploring Expedition.--Lake Scenery.--A Wrecked Vessel.--Strange Footsteps.--A Prudent Retreat.--Return of the Explorers.
ExplorersnounUS /ɪkˈsplɔːrərz/
plural of “explorer” — someone who travels into little known regions (especially for some scientific purpose)
From this reading A Pleasant Resting-place.--The Turtle.--A Knavish Trick.--Destitution.--An Exploring Expedition.--Lake Scenery.--A Wrecked Vessel.--Strange Footsteps.--A Prudent Retreat.--Return of the Explorers.
ExploringverbUS /ɪkˈsplɔːrɪŋ/
-ing form of “explore” — inquire into
From this reading A Pleasant Resting-place.--The Turtle.--A Knavish Trick.--Destitution.--An Exploring Expedition.--Lake Scenery.--A Wrecked Vessel.--Strange Footsteps.--A Prudent Retreat.--Return of the Explorers.
plural of “footstep” — the sound of a step of someone walking
From this reading A Pleasant Resting-place.--The Turtle.--A Knavish Trick.--Destitution.--An Exploring Expedition.--Lake Scenery.--A Wrecked Vessel.--Strange Footsteps.--A Prudent Retreat.--Return of the Explorers.
forbidverbUS /fərˈbɪd/
command against
From this reading The mangrove-wood, spreading up the steep cliff, was backed by some loftier trees; and it appeared as if an impenetrable barricade was formed by nature to forbid approach to the interior.
having or given a form or shape
From this reading After walking about a quarter of a mile towards the north, they reached a nook, surrounded by mangrove-trees, which, like the banyan-tree, formed bowers propped by pillars of successive trunks and stems, and interwoven with roots and branches.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading At the part nearest to the sea, the lower branches were without leaves, and had been evidently laid bare by the visits of the sea.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The mangrove-wood, spreading up the steep cliff, was backed by some loftier trees; and it appeared as if an impenetrable barricade was formed by nature to forbid approach to the interior.
impenetrableadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpenətrəbəl/
not admitting of penetration or passage into or through
From this reading The mangrove-wood, spreading up the steep cliff, was backed by some loftier trees; and it appeared as if an impenetrable barricade was formed by nature to forbid approach to the interior.
interioradjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtɪriər/
situated within or suitable for inside a building
From this reading The mangrove-wood, spreading up the steep cliff, was backed by some loftier trees; and it appeared as if an impenetrable barricade was formed by nature to forbid approach to the interior.
interwovenadjectiveUS /ˌɪntərˈwoʊvən/
linked or locked closely together as by dovetailing
From this reading After walking about a quarter of a mile towards the north, they reached a nook, surrounded by mangrove-trees, which, like the banyan-tree, formed bowers propped by pillars of successive trunks and stems, and interwoven with roots and branches.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The mangrove-wood, spreading up the steep cliff, was backed by some loftier trees; and it appeared as if an impenetrable barricade was formed by nature to forbid approach to the interior.
Knavishadjective
marked by skill in deception
From this reading A Pleasant Resting-place.--The Turtle.--A Knavish Trick.--Destitution.--An Exploring Expedition.--Lake Scenery.--A Wrecked Vessel.--Strange Footsteps.--A Prudent Retreat.--Return of the Explorers.
set down according to a plan
From this reading At the part nearest to the sea, the lower branches were without leaves, and had been evidently laid bare by the visits of the sea.
a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land
From this reading A Pleasant Resting-place.--The Turtle.--A Knavish Trick.--Destitution.--An Exploring Expedition.--Lake Scenery.--A Wrecked Vessel.--Strange Footsteps.--A Prudent Retreat.--Return of the Explorers.
plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants
From this reading At the part nearest to the sea, the lower branches were without leaves, and had been evidently laid bare by the visits of the sea.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading After walking about a quarter of a mile towards the north, they reached a nook, surrounded by mangrove-trees, which, like the banyan-tree, formed bowers propped by pillars of successive trunks and stems, and interwoven with roots and branches.
loftieradjectiveUS /ˈlɔːftiər/
comparative of “lofty” — of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style
From this reading The mangrove-wood, spreading up the steep cliff, was backed by some loftier trees; and it appeared as if an impenetrable barricade was formed by nature to forbid approach to the interior.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading These branches were now at low tide uncovered, and clustered with oysters.
move something or somebody to a lower position
From this reading At the part nearest to the sea, the lower branches were without leaves, and had been evidently laid bare by the visits of the sea.
mangrove-trees
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After walking about a quarter of a mile towards the north, they reached a nook, surrounded by mangrove-trees, which, like the banyan-tree, formed bowers propped by pillars of successive trunks and stems, and interwoven with roots and branches.
mangrove-wood
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The mangrove-wood, spreading up the steep cliff, was backed by some loftier trees; and it appeared as if an impenetrable barricade was formed by nature to forbid approach to the interior.
a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading After walking about a quarter of a mile towards the north, they reached a nook, surrounded by mangrove-trees, which, like the banyan-tree, formed bowers propped by pillars of successive trunks and stems, and interwoven with roots and branches.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading The mangrove-wood, spreading up the steep cliff, was backed by some loftier trees; and it appeared as if an impenetrable barricade was formed by nature to forbid approach to the interior.
(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance
From this reading At the part nearest to the sea, the lower branches were without leaves, and had been evidently laid bare by the visits of the sea.
nooknounUS /nʊk/
a sheltered and secluded place
From this reading After walking about a quarter of a mile towards the north, they reached a nook, surrounded by mangrove-trees, which, like the banyan-tree, formed bowers propped by pillars of successive trunks and stems, and interwoven with roots and branches.
the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading After walking about a quarter of a mile towards the north, they reached a nook, surrounded by mangrove-trees, which, like the banyan-tree, formed bowers propped by pillars of successive trunks and stems, and interwoven with roots and branches.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading These branches were now at low tide uncovered, and clustered with oysters.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A Pleasant Resting-place.--The Turtle.--A Knavish Trick.--Destitution.--An Exploring Expedition.--Lake Scenery.--A Wrecked Vessel.--Strange Footsteps.--A Prudent Retreat.--Return of the Explorers.
oystersnounUS /ˈɔɪstərz/
plural of “oyster” — marine mollusks having a rough irregular shell; found on the sea bed mostly in coastal waters
From this reading These branches were now at low tide uncovered, and clustered with oysters.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading At the part nearest to the sea, the lower branches were without leaves, and had been evidently laid bare by the visits of the sea.
pillarsnounUS /ˈpɪlərz/
plural of “pillar” — a fundamental principle or practice
From this reading After walking about a quarter of a mile towards the north, they reached a nook, surrounded by mangrove-trees, which, like the banyan-tree, formed bowers propped by pillars of successive trunks and stems, and interwoven with roots and branches.
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading A Pleasant Resting-place.--The Turtle.--A Knavish Trick.--Destitution.--An Exploring Expedition.--Lake Scenery.--A Wrecked Vessel.--Strange Footsteps.--A Prudent Retreat.--Return of the Explorers.
proppedverbUS /prɑːpt/
inflected form of “prop” — support by placing against something solid or rigid
From this reading After walking about a quarter of a mile towards the north, they reached a nook, surrounded by mangrove-trees, which, like the banyan-tree, formed bowers propped by pillars of successive trunks and stems, and interwoven with roots and branches.
PrudentadjectiveUS /ˈpruːdənt/
careful and sensible; marked by sound judgment
From this reading A Pleasant Resting-place.--The Turtle.--A Knavish Trick.--Destitution.--An Exploring Expedition.--Lake Scenery.--A Wrecked Vessel.--Strange Footsteps.--A Prudent Retreat.--Return of the Explorers.
one of four equal parts
From this reading After walking about a quarter of a mile towards the north, they reached a nook, surrounded by mangrove-trees, which, like the banyan-tree, formed bowers propped by pillars of successive trunks and stems, and interwoven with roots and branches.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading After walking about a quarter of a mile towards the north, they reached a nook, surrounded by mangrove-trees, which, like the banyan-tree, formed bowers propped by pillars of successive trunks and stems, and interwoven with roots and branches.
Resting-place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A Pleasant Resting-place.--The Turtle.--A Knavish Trick.--Destitution.--An Exploring Expedition.--Lake Scenery.--A Wrecked Vessel.--Strange Footsteps.--A Prudent Retreat.--Return of the Explorers.
(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat
From this reading A Pleasant Resting-place.--The Turtle.--A Knavish Trick.--Destitution.--An Exploring Expedition.--Lake Scenery.--A Wrecked Vessel.--Strange Footsteps.--A Prudent Retreat.--Return of the Explorers.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading A Pleasant Resting-place.--The Turtle.--A Knavish Trick.--Destitution.--An Exploring Expedition.--Lake Scenery.--A Wrecked Vessel.--Strange Footsteps.--A Prudent Retreat.--Return of the Explorers.
rootsnounUS /ruːts/
the condition of belonging to a particular place or group by virtue of social or ethnic or cultural lineage
From this reading After walking about a quarter of a mile towards the north, they reached a nook, surrounded by mangrove-trees, which, like the banyan-tree, formed bowers propped by pillars of successive trunks and stems, and interwoven with roots and branches.
ScenerynounUS /ˈsiːnəri/
the painted structures of a stage set that are intended to suggest a particular locale
From this reading A Pleasant Resting-place.--The Turtle.--A Knavish Trick.--Destitution.--An Exploring Expedition.--Lake Scenery.--A Wrecked Vessel.--Strange Footsteps.--A Prudent Retreat.--Return of the Explorers.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading At the part nearest to the sea, the lower branches were without leaves, and had been evidently laid bare by the visits of the sea.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading The mangrove-wood, spreading up the steep cliff, was backed by some loftier trees; and it appeared as if an impenetrable barricade was formed by nature to forbid approach to the interior.
spreadingnounUS /ˈspredɪŋ/
process or result of distributing or extending over a wide expanse of space
From this reading The mangrove-wood, spreading up the steep cliff, was backed by some loftier trees; and it appeared as if an impenetrable barricade was formed by nature to forbid approach to the interior.
having a sharp inclination
From this reading The mangrove-wood, spreading up the steep cliff, was backed by some loftier trees; and it appeared as if an impenetrable barricade was formed by nature to forbid approach to the interior.
stemsnounUS /stemz/
plural of “stem” — (linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed
From this reading After walking about a quarter of a mile towards the north, they reached a nook, surrounded by mangrove-trees, which, like the banyan-tree, formed bowers propped by pillars of successive trunks and stems, and interwoven with roots and branches.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading A Pleasant Resting-place.--The Turtle.--A Knavish Trick.--Destitution.--An Exploring Expedition.--Lake Scenery.--A Wrecked Vessel.--Strange Footsteps.--A Prudent Retreat.--Return of the Explorers.
successiveadjectiveUS /səkˈsesɪv/
in regular succession without gaps
From this reading After walking about a quarter of a mile towards the north, they reached a nook, surrounded by mangrove-trees, which, like the banyan-tree, formed bowers propped by pillars of successive trunks and stems, and interwoven with roots and branches.
confined on all sides
From this reading After walking about a quarter of a mile towards the north, they reached a nook, surrounded by mangrove-trees, which, like the banyan-tree, formed bowers propped by pillars of successive trunks and stems, and interwoven with roots and branches.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A Pleasant Resting-place.--The Turtle.--A Knavish Trick.--Destitution.--An Exploring Expedition.--Lake Scenery.--A Wrecked Vessel.--Strange Footsteps.--A Prudent Retreat.--Return of the Explorers.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading These branches were now at low tide uncovered, and clustered with oysters.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading After walking about a quarter of a mile towards the north, they reached a nook, surrounded by mangrove-trees, which, like the banyan-tree, formed bowers propped by pillars of successive trunks and stems, and interwoven with roots and branches.
the periodic rise and fall of the sea level under the gravitational pull of the moon
From this reading These branches were now at low tide uncovered, and clustered with oysters.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading At the part nearest to the sea, the lower branches were without leaves, and had been evidently laid bare by the visits of the sea.
in the direction of
From this reading After walking about a quarter of a mile towards the north, they reached a nook, surrounded by mangrove-trees, which, like the banyan-tree, formed bowers propped by pillars of successive trunks and stems, and interwoven with roots and branches.
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading The mangrove-wood, spreading up the steep cliff, was backed by some loftier trees; and it appeared as if an impenetrable barricade was formed by nature to forbid approach to the interior.
a cunning or deceitful action or device
From this reading A Pleasant Resting-place.--The Turtle.--A Knavish Trick.--Destitution.--An Exploring Expedition.--Lake Scenery.--A Wrecked Vessel.--Strange Footsteps.--A Prudent Retreat.--Return of the Explorers.
trunksnounUS /trʌŋks/
(used in the plural) trousers that end at or above the knee
From this reading After walking about a quarter of a mile towards the north, they reached a nook, surrounded by mangrove-trees, which, like the banyan-tree, formed bowers propped by pillars of successive trunks and stems, and interwoven with roots and branches.
TurtlenounUS /ˈtɜːrtəl/
a sweater or jersey with a high close-fitting collar
From this reading A Pleasant Resting-place.--The Turtle.--A Knavish Trick.--Destitution.--An Exploring Expedition.--Lake Scenery.--A Wrecked Vessel.--Strange Footsteps.--A Prudent Retreat.--Return of the Explorers.
uncoveredadjectiveUS /ənˈkʌvərd/
not covered with clothing
From this reading These branches were now at low tide uncovered, and clustered with oysters.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The mangrove-wood, spreading up the steep cliff, was backed by some loftier trees; and it appeared as if an impenetrable barricade was formed by nature to forbid approach to the interior.
a tube in which a body fluid circulates
From this reading A Pleasant Resting-place.--The Turtle.--A Knavish Trick.--Destitution.--An Exploring Expedition.--Lake Scenery.--A Wrecked Vessel.--Strange Footsteps.--A Prudent Retreat.--Return of the Explorers.
visitsnounUS /ˈvɪzɪts/
plural of “visit” — the act of going to see some person or place or thing for a short time
From this reading At the part nearest to the sea, the lower branches were without leaves, and had been evidently laid bare by the visits of the sea.
close enough to be walked to
From this reading After walking about a quarter of a mile towards the north, they reached a nook, surrounded by mangrove-trees, which, like the banyan-tree, formed bowers propped by pillars of successive trunks and stems, and interwoven with roots and branches.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The mangrove-wood, spreading up the steep cliff, was backed by some loftier trees; and it appeared as if an impenetrable barricade was formed by nature to forbid approach to the interior.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading At the part nearest to the sea, the lower branches were without leaves, and had been evidently laid bare by the visits of the sea.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading After walking about a quarter of a mile towards the north, they reached a nook, surrounded by mangrove-trees, which, like the banyan-tree, formed bowers propped by pillars of successive trunks and stems, and interwoven with roots and branches.
in the company of; together with
From this reading After walking about a quarter of a mile towards the north, they reached a nook, surrounded by mangrove-trees, which, like the banyan-tree, formed bowers propped by pillars of successive trunks and stems, and interwoven with roots and branches.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading At the part nearest to the sea, the lower branches were without leaves, and had been evidently laid bare by the visits of the sea.
WreckedadjectiveUS /rekt/
destroyed in an accident
From this reading A Pleasant Resting-place.--The Turtle.--A Knavish Trick.--Destitution.--An Exploring Expedition.--Lake Scenery.--A Wrecked Vessel.--Strange Footsteps.--A Prudent Retreat.--Return of the Explorers.
