used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading After the books had been removed by the soldiers to their own side of the dividing cliff, they found it so hard to leave them that they stopped at home for a whole week, reading by turns and worrying themselves thin about the bones of the cattle.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading After the books had been removed by the soldiers to their own side of the dividing cliff, they found it so hard to leave them that they stopped at home for a whole week, reading by turns and worrying themselves thin about the bones of the cattle.
abundantadjectiveUS /əˈbʌndənt/
present in great quantity
From this reading They had abundant need at this time to keep their flesh and spirits, for two more of the nine sacks of corn had been ground in the mill, and the prospect for the future was more dismal than ever.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After the books had been removed by the soldiers to their own side of the dividing cliff, they found it so hard to leave them that they stopped at home for a whole week, reading by turns and worrying themselves thin about the bones of the cattle.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading In fact, so long as any part of the library remained where they had found it, they had come to wander hopelessly in the early morning along the ledges which upheld the smaller plateau, and then retire to the cool house to read.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading STARVATION Following their first visit, the three soldiers returned during four successive days to the deserted house and the field surrounding it.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading In fact, so long as any part of the library remained where they had found it, they had come to wander hopelessly in the early morning along the ledges which upheld the smaller plateau, and then retire to the cool house to read.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading By this time they had carried home the last of the books by pailfuls, making the long journey through the cave of the bats by torch-light; but they had arrived no nearer to the solution of the riddle of the cattle.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In fact, so long as any part of the library remained where they had found it, they had come to wander hopelessly in the early morning along the ledges which upheld the smaller plateau, and then retire to the cool house to read.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading After the books had been removed by the soldiers to their own side of the dividing cliff, they found it so hard to leave them that they stopped at home for a whole week, reading by turns and worrying themselves thin about the bones of the cattle.
batsadjectiveUS /bæts/
informal or slang terms for mentally irregular
From this reading By this time they had carried home the last of the books by pailfuls, making the long journey through the cave of the bats by torch-light; but they had arrived no nearer to the solution of the riddle of the cattle.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading After the books had been removed by the soldiers to their own side of the dividing cliff, they found it so hard to leave them that they stopped at home for a whole week, reading by turns and worrying themselves thin about the bones of the cattle.
(used in the plural) a percussion instrument consisting of a pair of hollow pieces of wood or bone (usually held between the thumb and fingers) that are made to click together (as by Spanish dancers) in rhythm with the dance
From this reading After the books had been removed by the soldiers to their own side of the dividing cliff, they found it so hard to leave them that they stopped at home for a whole week, reading by turns and worrying themselves thin about the bones of the cattle.
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading By this time they had carried home the last of the books by pailfuls, making the long journey through the cave of the bats by torch-light; but they had arrived no nearer to the solution of the riddle of the cattle.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading By this time they had carried home the last of the books by pailfuls, making the long journey through the cave of the bats by torch-light; but they had arrived no nearer to the solution of the riddle of the cattle.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading By this time they had carried home the last of the books by pailfuls, making the long journey through the cave of the bats by torch-light; but they had arrived no nearer to the solution of the riddle of the cattle.
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading By this time they had carried home the last of the books by pailfuls, making the long journey through the cave of the bats by torch-light; but they had arrived no nearer to the solution of the riddle of the cattle.
domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age
From this reading By this time they had carried home the last of the books by pailfuls, making the long journey through the cave of the bats by torch-light; but they had arrived no nearer to the solution of the riddle of the cattle.
a geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea
From this reading By this time they had carried home the last of the books by pailfuls, making the long journey through the cave of the bats by torch-light; but they had arrived no nearer to the solution of the riddle of the cattle.
a steep high face of rock
From this reading After the books had been removed by the soldiers to their own side of the dividing cliff, they found it so hard to leave them that they stopped at home for a whole week, reading by turns and worrying themselves thin about the bones of the cattle.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading In fact, so long as any part of the library remained where they had found it, they had come to wander hopelessly in the early morning along the ledges which upheld the smaller plateau, and then retire to the cool house to read.
neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat
From this reading In fact, so long as any part of the library remained where they had found it, they had come to wander hopelessly in the early morning along the ledges which upheld the smaller plateau, and then retire to the cool house to read.
tall annual cereal grass bearing kernels on large ears: widely cultivated in America in many varieties; the principal cereal in Mexico and Central and South America since pre-Columbian times
From this reading They had abundant need at this time to keep their flesh and spirits, for two more of the nine sacks of corn had been ground in the mill, and the prospect for the future was more dismal than ever.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading STARVATION Following their first visit, the three soldiers returned during four successive days to the deserted house and the field surrounding it.
forsaken by owner or inhabitants
From this reading STARVATION Following their first visit, the three soldiers returned during four successive days to the deserted house and the field surrounding it.
dismaladjectiveUS /ˈdɪzməl/
causing dejection
From this reading They had abundant need at this time to keep their flesh and spirits, for two more of the nine sacks of corn had been ground in the mill, and the prospect for the future was more dismal than ever.
dividingverbUS /dɪˈvaɪdɪŋ/
-ing form of “divide” — separate into parts or portions
From this reading After the books had been removed by the soldiers to their own side of the dividing cliff, they found it so hard to leave them that they stopped at home for a whole week, reading by turns and worrying themselves thin about the bones of the cattle.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading STARVATION Following their first visit, the three soldiers returned during four successive days to the deserted house and the field surrounding it.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading In fact, so long as any part of the library remained where they had found it, they had come to wander hopelessly in the early morning along the ledges which upheld the smaller plateau, and then retire to the cool house to read.
at any time
From this reading They had abundant need at this time to keep their flesh and spirits, for two more of the nine sacks of corn had been ground in the mill, and the prospect for the future was more dismal than ever.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading In fact, so long as any part of the library remained where they had found it, they had come to wander hopelessly in the early morning along the ledges which upheld the smaller plateau, and then retire to the cool house to read.
a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed
From this reading STARVATION Following their first visit, the three soldiers returned during four successive days to the deserted house and the field surrounding it.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading STARVATION Following their first visit, the three soldiers returned during four successive days to the deserted house and the field surrounding it.
the soft tissue of the body of a vertebrate: mainly muscle tissue and fat
From this reading They had abundant need at this time to keep their flesh and spirits, for two more of the nine sacks of corn had been ground in the mill, and the prospect for the future was more dismal than ever.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading STARVATION Following their first visit, the three soldiers returned during four successive days to the deserted house and the field surrounding it.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading After the books had been removed by the soldiers to their own side of the dividing cliff, they found it so hard to leave them that they stopped at home for a whole week, reading by turns and worrying themselves thin about the bones of the cattle.
set up or found
From this reading In fact, so long as any part of the library remained where they had found it, they had come to wander hopelessly in the early morning along the ledges which upheld the smaller plateau, and then retire to the cool house to read.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading STARVATION Following their first visit, the three soldiers returned during four successive days to the deserted house and the field surrounding it.
yet to be or coming
From this reading They had abundant need at this time to keep their flesh and spirits, for two more of the nine sacks of corn had been ground in the mill, and the prospect for the future was more dismal than ever.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading They had abundant need at this time to keep their flesh and spirits, for two more of the nine sacks of corn had been ground in the mill, and the prospect for the future was more dismal than ever.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading By this time they had carried home the last of the books by pailfuls, making the long journey through the cave of the bats by torch-light; but they had arrived no nearer to the solution of the riddle of the cattle.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading After the books had been removed by the soldiers to their own side of the dividing cliff, they found it so hard to leave them that they stopped at home for a whole week, reading by turns and worrying themselves thin about the bones of the cattle.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading By this time they had carried home the last of the books by pailfuls, making the long journey through the cave of the bats by torch-light; but they had arrived no nearer to the solution of the riddle of the cattle.
hopelesslyadverbUS /ˈhoʊpləsli/
in a hopeless manner
From this reading In fact, so long as any part of the library remained where they had found it, they had come to wander hopelessly in the early morning along the ledges which upheld the smaller plateau, and then retire to the cool house to read.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading STARVATION Following their first visit, the three soldiers returned during four successive days to the deserted house and the field surrounding it.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In fact, so long as any part of the library remained where they had found it, they had come to wander hopelessly in the early morning along the ledges which upheld the smaller plateau, and then retire to the cool house to read.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading STARVATION Following their first visit, the three soldiers returned during four successive days to the deserted house and the field surrounding it.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading By this time they had carried home the last of the books by pailfuls, making the long journey through the cave of the bats by torch-light; but they had arrived no nearer to the solution of the riddle of the cattle.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading They had abundant need at this time to keep their flesh and spirits, for two more of the nine sacks of corn had been ground in the mill, and the prospect for the future was more dismal than ever.
immediately past
From this reading By this time they had carried home the last of the books by pailfuls, making the long journey through the cave of the bats by torch-light; but they had arrived no nearer to the solution of the riddle of the cattle.
go away from a place
From this reading After the books had been removed by the soldiers to their own side of the dividing cliff, they found it so hard to leave them that they stopped at home for a whole week, reading by turns and worrying themselves thin about the bones of the cattle.
ledgesnounUS /ˈledʒɪz/
plural of “ledge” — a projecting ridge on a mountain or submerged under water
From this reading In fact, so long as any part of the library remained where they had found it, they had come to wander hopelessly in the early morning along the ledges which upheld the smaller plateau, and then retire to the cool house to read.
a room where books are kept
From this reading In fact, so long as any part of the library remained where they had found it, they had come to wander hopelessly in the early morning along the ledges which upheld the smaller plateau, and then retire to the cool house to read.
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 By this time they had carried home the last of the books by pailfuls, making the long journey through the cave of the bats by torch-light; but they had arrived no nearer to the solution of the riddle of the cattle.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading By this time they had carried home the last of the books by pailfuls, making the long journey through the cave of the bats by torch-light; but they had arrived no nearer to the solution of the riddle of the cattle.
millverbUS /mɪl/
move about in a confused manner
From this reading They had abundant need at this time to keep their flesh and spirits, for two more of the nine sacks of corn had been ground in the mill, and the prospect for the future was more dismal than ever.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading They had abundant need at this time to keep their flesh and spirits, for two more of the nine sacks of corn had been ground in the mill, and the prospect for the future was more dismal than ever.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading In fact, so long as any part of the library remained where they had found it, they had come to wander hopelessly in the early morning along the ledges which upheld the smaller plateau, and then retire to the cool house to read.
(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance
From this reading By this time they had carried home the last of the books by pailfuls, making the long journey through the cave of the bats by torch-light; but they had arrived no nearer to the solution of the riddle of the cattle.
a condition requiring relief
From this reading They had abundant need at this time to keep their flesh and spirits, for two more of the nine sacks of corn had been ground in the mill, and the prospect for the future was more dismal than ever.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
From this reading They had abundant need at this time to keep their flesh and spirits, for two more of the nine sacks of corn had been ground in the mill, and the prospect for the future was more dismal than ever.
not any; not one
From this reading By this time they had carried home the last of the books by pailfuls, making the long journey through the cave of the bats by torch-light; but they had arrived no nearer to the solution of the riddle of the cattle.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading By this time they had carried home the last of the books by pailfuls, making the long journey through the cave of the bats by torch-light; but they had arrived no nearer to the solution of the riddle of the cattle.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading After the books had been removed by the soldiers to their own side of the dividing cliff, they found it so hard to leave them that they stopped at home for a whole week, reading by turns and worrying themselves thin about the bones of the cattle.
pailfuls
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By this time they had carried home the last of the books by pailfuls, making the long journey through the cave of the bats by torch-light; but they had arrived no nearer to the solution of the riddle of the cattle.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading In fact, so long as any part of the library remained where they had found it, they had come to wander hopelessly in the early morning along the ledges which upheld the smaller plateau, and then retire to the cool house to read.
plateaunounUS /plæˈtoʊ/
a relatively flat highland
From this reading In fact, so long as any part of the library remained where they had found it, they had come to wander hopelessly in the early morning along the ledges which upheld the smaller plateau, and then retire to the cool house to read.
the possibility of future success
From this reading They had abundant need at this time to keep their flesh and spirits, for two more of the nine sacks of corn had been ground in the mill, and the prospect for the future was more dismal than ever.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading In fact, so long as any part of the library remained where they had found it, they had come to wander hopelessly in the early morning along the ledges which upheld the smaller plateau, and then retire to the cool house to read.
the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message
From this reading After the books had been removed by the soldiers to their own side of the dividing cliff, they found it so hard to leave them that they stopped at home for a whole week, reading by turns and worrying themselves thin about the bones of the cattle.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading In fact, so long as any part of the library remained where they had found it, they had come to wander hopelessly in the early morning along the ledges which upheld the smaller plateau, and then retire to the cool house to read.
separated in relationship by a given degree of descent
From this reading After the books had been removed by the soldiers to their own side of the dividing cliff, they found it so hard to leave them that they stopped at home for a whole week, reading by turns and worrying themselves thin about the bones of the cattle.
retireverbUS /rɪˈtaɪr/
go into retirement; stop performing one's work or withdraw from one's position
From this reading In fact, so long as any part of the library remained where they had found it, they had come to wander hopelessly in the early morning along the ledges which upheld the smaller plateau, and then retire to the cool house to read.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading STARVATION Following their first visit, the three soldiers returned during four successive days to the deserted house and the field surrounding it.
riddleverbUS /ˈrɪdəl/
pierce with many holes
From this reading By this time they had carried home the last of the books by pailfuls, making the long journey through the cave of the bats by torch-light; but they had arrived no nearer to the solution of the riddle of the cattle.
sacksnounUS /sæks/
plural of “sack” — a bag made of paper or plastic for holding customer's purchases
From this reading They had abundant need at this time to keep their flesh and spirits, for two more of the nine sacks of corn had been ground in the mill, and the prospect for the future was more dismal than ever.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading After the books had been removed by the soldiers to their own side of the dividing cliff, they found it so hard to leave them that they stopped at home for a whole week, reading by turns and worrying themselves thin about the bones of the cattle.
small or little relative to something else
From this reading In fact, so long as any part of the library remained where they had found it, they had come to wander hopelessly in the early morning along the ledges which upheld the smaller plateau, and then retire to the cool house to read.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading In fact, so long as any part of the library remained where they had found it, they had come to wander hopelessly in the early morning along the ledges which upheld the smaller plateau, and then retire to the cool house to read.
plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
From this reading STARVATION Following their first visit, the three soldiers returned during four successive days to the deserted house and the field surrounding it.
solutionnounUS /səˈluːʃən/
a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances; frequently (but not necessarily) a liquid solution
From this reading By this time they had carried home the last of the books by pailfuls, making the long journey through the cave of the bats by torch-light; but they had arrived no nearer to the solution of the riddle of the cattle.
an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented
From this reading They had abundant need at this time to keep their flesh and spirits, for two more of the nine sacks of corn had been ground in the mill, and the prospect for the future was more dismal than ever.
STARVATIONnounUS /stɑːrˈveɪʃən/
a state of extreme hunger resulting from lack of essential nutrients over a prolonged period
From this reading STARVATION Following their first visit, the three soldiers returned during four successive days to the deserted house and the field surrounding it.
(of a nose) blocked
From this reading After the books had been removed by the soldiers to their own side of the dividing cliff, they found it so hard to leave them that they stopped at home for a whole week, reading by turns and worrying themselves thin about the bones of the cattle.
successiveadjectiveUS /səkˈsesɪv/
in regular succession without gaps
From this reading STARVATION Following their first visit, the three soldiers returned during four successive days to the deserted house and the field surrounding it.
surroundingadjectiveUS /sərˈaʊndɪŋ/
closely encircling
From this reading STARVATION Following their first visit, the three soldiers returned during four successive days to the deserted house and the field surrounding it.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading They had abundant need at this time to keep their flesh and spirits, for two more of the nine sacks of corn had been ground in the mill, and the prospect for the future was more dismal than ever.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading After the books had been removed by the soldiers to their own side of the dividing cliff, they found it so hard to leave them that they stopped at home for a whole week, reading by turns and worrying themselves thin about the bones of the cattle.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading STARVATION Following their first visit, the three soldiers returned during four successive days to the deserted house and the field surrounding it.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading STARVATION Following their first visit, the three soldiers returned during four successive days to the deserted house and the field surrounding it.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading After the books had been removed by the soldiers to their own side of the dividing cliff, they found it so hard to leave them that they stopped at home for a whole week, reading by turns and worrying themselves thin about the bones of the cattle.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading After the books had been removed by the soldiers to their own side of the dividing cliff, they found it so hard to leave them that they stopped at home for a whole week, reading by turns and worrying themselves thin about the bones of the cattle.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading In fact, so long as any part of the library remained where they had found it, they had come to wander hopelessly in the early morning along the ledges which upheld the smaller plateau, and then retire to the cool house to read.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading By this time they had carried home the last of the books by pailfuls, making the long journey through the cave of the bats by torch-light; but they had arrived no nearer to the solution of the riddle of the cattle.
Having little thickness or extent.
From this reading After the books had been removed by the soldiers to their own side of the dividing cliff, they found it so hard to leave them that they stopped at home for a whole week, reading by turns and worrying themselves thin about the bones of the cattle.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading By this time they had carried home the last of the books by pailfuls, making the long journey through the cave of the bats by torch-light; but they had arrived no nearer to the solution of the riddle of the cattle.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading STARVATION Following their first visit, the three soldiers returned during four successive days to the deserted house and the field surrounding it.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading By this time they had carried home the last of the books by pailfuls, making the long journey through the cave of the bats by torch-light; but they had arrived no nearer to the solution of the riddle of the cattle.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading By this time they had carried home the last of the books by pailfuls, making the long journey through the cave of the bats by torch-light; but they had arrived no nearer to the solution of the riddle of the cattle.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading STARVATION Following their first visit, the three soldiers returned during four successive days to the deserted house and the field surrounding it.
torch-light
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By this time they had carried home the last of the books by pailfuls, making the long journey through the cave of the bats by torch-light; but they had arrived no nearer to the solution of the riddle of the cattle.
plural of “turn” — a circular segment of a curve
From this reading After the books had been removed by the soldiers to their own side of the dividing cliff, they found it so hard to leave them that they stopped at home for a whole week, reading by turns and worrying themselves thin about the bones of the cattle.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading They had abundant need at this time to keep their flesh and spirits, for two more of the nine sacks of corn had been ground in the mill, and the prospect for the future was more dismal than ever.
upheldverbUS /əpˈheld/
inflected form of “uphold” — keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last
From this reading In fact, so long as any part of the library remained where they had found it, they had come to wander hopelessly in the early morning along the ledges which upheld the smaller plateau, and then retire to the cool house to read.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading STARVATION Following their first visit, the three soldiers returned during four successive days to the deserted house and the field surrounding it.
wanderverbUS /ˈwɑːndər/
move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading In fact, so long as any part of the library remained where they had found it, they had come to wander hopelessly in the early morning along the ledges which upheld the smaller plateau, and then retire to the cool house to read.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading They had abundant need at this time to keep their flesh and spirits, for two more of the nine sacks of corn had been ground in the mill, and the prospect for the future was more dismal than ever.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading After the books had been removed by the soldiers to their own side of the dividing cliff, they found it so hard to leave them that they stopped at home for a whole week, reading by turns and worrying themselves thin about the bones of the cattle.
in or at the place that
From this reading In fact, so long as any part of the library remained where they had found it, they had come to wander hopelessly in the early morning along the ledges which upheld the smaller plateau, and then retire to the cool house to read.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading In fact, so long as any part of the library remained where they had found it, they had come to wander hopelessly in the early morning along the ledges which upheld the smaller plateau, and then retire to the cool house to read.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading After the books had been removed by the soldiers to their own side of the dividing cliff, they found it so hard to leave them that they stopped at home for a whole week, reading by turns and worrying themselves thin about the bones of the cattle.
worryingnounUS /ˈwɜːriɪŋ/
the act of harassing someone
From this reading After the books had been removed by the soldiers to their own side of the dividing cliff, they found it so hard to leave them that they stopped at home for a whole week, reading by turns and worrying themselves thin about the bones of the cattle.
