used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading They stood in the middle of the broad plateau, with the horseshoe curve of the mountains hemming them in like the rising tiers of a vast amphitheater.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading AT FIVE HUNDRED YARDS The two officers halted to scan the heights, towering shadowy above them.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Any object moving against the white background of the snow-field must present a conspicuous target, but when Devreaux broke the momentary silence, he spoke without concern, and seemed in no haste to make for cover.
amphitheaternounUS /ˈæmfəθiˈeɪtər/
a sloping gallery with seats for spectators (as in an operating room or theater)
From this reading They stood in the middle of the broad plateau, with the horseshoe curve of the mountains hemming them in like the rising tiers of a vast amphitheater.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The lower slopes were circled by a belt of dense-growing evergreens, but the open, snow-covered level stretched between, and the nearest sheltering thicket was at least a quarter mile distant.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Any object moving against the white background of the snow-field must present a conspicuous target, but when Devreaux broke the momentary silence, he spoke without concern, and seemed in no haste to make for cover.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading AT FIVE HUNDRED YARDS The two officers halted to scan the heights, towering shadowy above them.
backgroundnounUS /ˈbækɡraʊnd/
a person's social heritage: previous experience or training
From this reading Any object moving against the white background of the snow-field must present a conspicuous target, but when Devreaux broke the momentary silence, he spoke without concern, and seemed in no haste to make for cover.
beltnounUS /belt/
endless loop of flexible material between two rotating shafts or pulleys
From this reading The lower slopes were circled by a belt of dense-growing evergreens, but the open, snow-covered level stretched between, and the nearest sheltering thicket was at least a quarter mile distant.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading The lower slopes were circled by a belt of dense-growing evergreens, but the open, snow-covered level stretched between, and the nearest sheltering thicket was at least a quarter mile distant.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading They stood in the middle of the broad plateau, with the horseshoe curve of the mountains hemming them in like the rising tiers of a vast amphitheater.
lacking funds
From this reading Any object moving against the white background of the snow-field must present a conspicuous target, but when Devreaux broke the momentary silence, he spoke without concern, and seemed in no haste to make for cover.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The lower slopes were circled by a belt of dense-growing evergreens, but the open, snow-covered level stretched between, and the nearest sheltering thicket was at least a quarter mile distant.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The lower slopes were circled by a belt of dense-growing evergreens, but the open, snow-covered level stretched between, and the nearest sheltering thicket was at least a quarter mile distant.
circledverbUS /ˈsɜːrkəld/
past form of “circle” — travel around something
From this reading The lower slopes were circled by a belt of dense-growing evergreens, but the open, snow-covered level stretched between, and the nearest sheltering thicket was at least a quarter mile distant.
something that interests you because it is important or affects you
From this reading Any object moving against the white background of the snow-field must present a conspicuous target, but when Devreaux broke the momentary silence, he spoke without concern, and seemed in no haste to make for cover.
conspicuousadjectiveUS /kənˈspɪkjuːəs/
obvious to the eye or mind
From this reading Any object moving against the white background of the snow-field must present a conspicuous target, but when Devreaux broke the momentary silence, he spoke without concern, and seemed in no haste to make for cover.
provide with a covering or cause to be covered
From this reading Any object moving against the white background of the snow-field must present a conspicuous target, but when Devreaux broke the momentary silence, he spoke without concern, and seemed in no haste to make for cover.
Crill
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Crill?" he inquired, with a ruminative glance towards the lower notch.
curvenounUS /kɜːrv/
the trace of a point whose direction of motion changes
From this reading They stood in the middle of the broad plateau, with the horseshoe curve of the mountains hemming them in like the rising tiers of a vast amphitheater.
dense-growing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The lower slopes were circled by a belt of dense-growing evergreens, but the open, snow-covered level stretched between, and the nearest sheltering thicket was at least a quarter mile distant.
Devreaux
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Any object moving against the white background of the snow-field must present a conspicuous target, but when Devreaux broke the momentary silence, he spoke without concern, and seemed in no haste to make for cover.
separated in space or coming from or going to a distance
From this reading The lower slopes were circled by a belt of dense-growing evergreens, but the open, snow-covered level stretched between, and the nearest sheltering thicket was at least a quarter mile distant.
evergreensnounUS /ˈevərɡriːnz/
plural of “evergreen” — a plant having foliage that persists and remains green throughout the year
From this reading The lower slopes were circled by a belt of dense-growing evergreens, but the open, snow-covered level stretched between, and the nearest sheltering thicket was at least a quarter mile distant.
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading AT FIVE HUNDRED YARDS The two officers halted to scan the heights, towering shadowy above them.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Any object moving against the white background of the snow-field must present a conspicuous target, but when Devreaux broke the momentary silence, he spoke without concern, and seemed in no haste to make for cover.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading "Crill?" he inquired, with a ruminative glance towards the lower notch.
past form of “halt” — cause to stop
From this reading AT FIVE HUNDRED YARDS The two officers halted to scan the heights, towering shadowy above them.
overly eager speed (and possible carelessness)
From this reading Any object moving against the white background of the snow-field must present a conspicuous target, but when Devreaux broke the momentary silence, he spoke without concern, and seemed in no haste to make for cover.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Any object moving against the white background of the snow-field must present a conspicuous target, but when Devreaux broke the momentary silence, he spoke without concern, and seemed in no haste to make for cover.
heightsnounUS /haɪts/
a high place
From this reading AT FIVE HUNDRED YARDS The two officers halted to scan the heights, towering shadowy above them.
hemmingverbUS /ˈhemɪŋ/
inflected form of “hem” — fold over and sew together to provide with a hem
From this reading They stood in the middle of the broad plateau, with the horseshoe curve of the mountains hemming them in like the rising tiers of a vast amphitheater.
horseshoenounUS /ˈhɔːrsʃuː/
game equipment consisting of an open ring of iron used in playing horseshoes
From this reading They stood in the middle of the broad plateau, with the horseshoe curve of the mountains hemming them in like the rising tiers of a vast amphitheater.
ten 10s
From this reading AT FIVE HUNDRED YARDS The two officers halted to scan the heights, towering shadowy above them.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading They stood in the middle of the broad plateau, with the horseshoe curve of the mountains hemming them in like the rising tiers of a vast amphitheater.
past form of “inquire” — address a question to and expect an answer from
From this reading "Crill?" he inquired, with a ruminative glance towards the lower notch.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading The lower slopes were circled by a belt of dense-growing evergreens, but the open, snow-covered level stretched between, and the nearest sheltering thicket was at least a quarter mile distant.
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading The lower slopes were circled by a belt of dense-growing evergreens, but the open, snow-covered level stretched between, and the nearest sheltering thicket was at least a quarter mile distant.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading They stood in the middle of the broad plateau, with the horseshoe curve of the mountains hemming them in like the rising tiers of a vast amphitheater.
move something or somebody to a lower position
From this reading The lower slopes were circled by a belt of dense-growing evergreens, but the open, snow-covered level stretched between, and the nearest sheltering thicket was at least a quarter mile distant.
engage in
From this reading Any object moving against the white background of the snow-field must present a conspicuous target, but when Devreaux broke the momentary silence, he spoke without concern, and seemed in no haste to make for cover.
an area that is approximately central within some larger region
From this reading They stood in the middle of the broad plateau, with the horseshoe curve of the mountains hemming them in like the rising tiers of a vast amphitheater.
a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading The lower slopes were circled by a belt of dense-growing evergreens, but the open, snow-covered level stretched between, and the nearest sheltering thicket was at least a quarter mile distant.
momentaryadjectiveUS /ˈmoʊmənteri/
lasting for a markedly brief time
From this reading Any object moving against the white background of the snow-field must present a conspicuous target, but when Devreaux broke the momentary silence, he spoke without concern, and seemed in no haste to make for cover.
plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading They stood in the middle of the broad plateau, with the horseshoe curve of the mountains hemming them in like the rising tiers of a vast amphitheater.
in motion
From this reading Any object moving against the white background of the snow-field must present a conspicuous target, but when Devreaux broke the momentary silence, he spoke without concern, and seemed in no haste to make for cover.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Any object moving against the white background of the snow-field must present a conspicuous target, but when Devreaux broke the momentary silence, he spoke without concern, and seemed in no haste to make for cover.
(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance
From this reading The lower slopes were circled by a belt of dense-growing evergreens, but the open, snow-covered level stretched between, and the nearest sheltering thicket was at least a quarter mile distant.
not any; not one
From this reading Any object moving against the white background of the snow-field must present a conspicuous target, but when Devreaux broke the momentary silence, he spoke without concern, and seemed in no haste to make for cover.
notchnounUS /nɑːtʃ/
a V-shaped indentation
From this reading "Crill?" he inquired, with a ruminative glance towards the lower notch.
a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading Any object moving against the white background of the snow-field must present a conspicuous target, but when Devreaux broke the momentary silence, he spoke without concern, and seemed in no haste to make for cover.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading They stood in the middle of the broad plateau, with the horseshoe curve of the mountains hemming them in like the rising tiers of a vast amphitheater.
plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading AT FIVE HUNDRED YARDS The two officers halted to scan the heights, towering shadowy above them.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading The lower slopes were circled by a belt of dense-growing evergreens, but the open, snow-covered level stretched between, and the nearest sheltering thicket was at least a quarter mile distant.
plateaunounUS /plæˈtoʊ/
a relatively flat highland
From this reading They stood in the middle of the broad plateau, with the horseshoe curve of the mountains hemming them in like the rising tiers of a vast amphitheater.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Any object moving against the white background of the snow-field must present a conspicuous target, but when Devreaux broke the momentary silence, he spoke without concern, and seemed in no haste to make for cover.
one of four equal parts
From this reading The lower slopes were circled by a belt of dense-growing evergreens, but the open, snow-covered level stretched between, and the nearest sheltering thicket was at least a quarter mile distant.
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading They stood in the middle of the broad plateau, with the horseshoe curve of the mountains hemming them in like the rising tiers of a vast amphitheater.
ruminativeadjective
deeply or seriously thoughtful
From this reading "Crill?" he inquired, with a ruminative glance towards the lower notch.
scanverbUS /skæn/
examine minutely or intensely
From this reading AT FIVE HUNDRED YARDS The two officers halted to scan the heights, towering shadowy above them.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Any object moving against the white background of the snow-field must present a conspicuous target, but when Devreaux broke the momentary silence, he spoke without concern, and seemed in no haste to make for cover.
shadowyadjectiveUS /ˈʃædoʊi/
filled with shade
From this reading AT FIVE HUNDRED YARDS The two officers halted to scan the heights, towering shadowy above them.
shelteringverbUS /ˈʃeltərɪŋ/
-ing form of “shelter” — provide shelter for
From this reading The lower slopes were circled by a belt of dense-growing evergreens, but the open, snow-covered level stretched between, and the nearest sheltering thicket was at least a quarter mile distant.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading Any object moving against the white background of the snow-field must present a conspicuous target, but when Devreaux broke the momentary silence, he spoke without concern, and seemed in no haste to make for cover.
slopesnounUS /sloʊps/
plural of “slope” — an elevated geological formation
From this reading The lower slopes were circled by a belt of dense-growing evergreens, but the open, snow-covered level stretched between, and the nearest sheltering thicket was at least a quarter mile distant.
snow-coveredadjective
covered with snow
From this reading The lower slopes were circled by a belt of dense-growing evergreens, but the open, snow-covered level stretched between, and the nearest sheltering thicket was at least a quarter mile distant.
snow-field
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Any object moving against the white background of the snow-field must present a conspicuous target, but when Devreaux broke the momentary silence, he spoke without concern, and seemed in no haste to make for cover.
support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim
From this reading Any object moving against the white background of the snow-field must present a conspicuous target, but when Devreaux broke the momentary silence, he spoke without concern, and seemed in no haste to make for cover.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading They stood in the middle of the broad plateau, with the horseshoe curve of the mountains hemming them in like the rising tiers of a vast amphitheater.
(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching
From this reading The lower slopes were circled by a belt of dense-growing evergreens, but the open, snow-covered level stretched between, and the nearest sheltering thicket was at least a quarter mile distant.
targetnounUS /ˈtɑːrɡət/
a reference point to shoot at
From this reading Any object moving against the white background of the snow-field must present a conspicuous target, but when Devreaux broke the momentary silence, he spoke without concern, and seemed in no haste to make for cover.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading AT FIVE HUNDRED YARDS The two officers halted to scan the heights, towering shadowy above them.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading AT FIVE HUNDRED YARDS The two officers halted to scan the heights, towering shadowy above them.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They stood in the middle of the broad plateau, with the horseshoe curve of the mountains hemming them in like the rising tiers of a vast amphitheater.
thicketnounUS /ˈθɪkɪt/
a dense growth of bushes
From this reading The lower slopes were circled by a belt of dense-growing evergreens, but the open, snow-covered level stretched between, and the nearest sheltering thicket was at least a quarter mile distant.
tiersnounUS /tiːrz/
plural of “tier” — a relative position or degree of value in a graded group
From this reading They stood in the middle of the broad plateau, with the horseshoe curve of the mountains hemming them in like the rising tiers of a vast amphitheater.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading AT FIVE HUNDRED YARDS The two officers halted to scan the heights, towering shadowy above them.
in the direction of
From this reading "Crill?" he inquired, with a ruminative glance towards the lower notch.
toweringadjectiveUS /ˈtaʊərɪŋ/
of imposing height; especially standing out above others
From this reading AT FIVE HUNDRED YARDS The two officers halted to scan the heights, towering shadowy above them.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading AT FIVE HUNDRED YARDS The two officers halted to scan the heights, towering shadowy above them.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading They stood in the middle of the broad plateau, with the horseshoe curve of the mountains hemming them in like the rising tiers of a vast amphitheater.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The lower slopes were circled by a belt of dense-growing evergreens, but the open, snow-covered level stretched between, and the nearest sheltering thicket was at least a quarter mile distant.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The lower slopes were circled by a belt of dense-growing evergreens, but the open, snow-covered level stretched between, and the nearest sheltering thicket was at least a quarter mile distant.
at the time that
From this reading Any object moving against the white background of the snow-field must present a conspicuous target, but when Devreaux broke the momentary silence, he spoke without concern, and seemed in no haste to make for cover.
a Caucasian
From this reading Any object moving against the white background of the snow-field must present a conspicuous target, but when Devreaux broke the momentary silence, he spoke without concern, and seemed in no haste to make for cover.
in the company of; together with
From this reading They stood in the middle of the broad plateau, with the horseshoe curve of the mountains hemming them in like the rising tiers of a vast amphitheater.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Any object moving against the white background of the snow-field must present a conspicuous target, but when Devreaux broke the momentary silence, he spoke without concern, and seemed in no haste to make for cover.
plural of “yard” — a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride
From this reading AT FIVE HUNDRED YARDS The two officers halted to scan the heights, towering shadowy above them.
