used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
abateverbUS /əˈbeɪt/
make less active or intense
From this reading Otherwise he could do nothing but sit in brooding loneliness, listening to the faint, irregular breathing of his companion, waiting for the blizzard to abate.
in addition
From this reading Also he contrived to gather enough downwood to keep a small fire going in the entrance of the cavern.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
have
From this reading He performed the herculean task of skinning and dismembering his bear, and hanging out great haunches of meat to refrigerate in the below-zero cold.
below-zero
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He performed the herculean task of skinning and dismembering his bear, and hanging out great haunches of meat to refrigerate in the below-zero cold.
blizzardnounUS /ˈblɪzərd/
a storm with widespread snowfall accompanied by strong winds
From this reading Otherwise he could do nothing but sit in brooding loneliness, listening to the faint, irregular breathing of his companion, waiting for the blizzard to abate.
borderlineadjectiveUS /ˈbɔːrdərlaɪn/
of questionable or minimal quality
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
the bodily process of inhalation and exhalation; the process of taking in oxygen from inhaled air and releasing carbon dioxide by exhalation
From this reading Otherwise he could do nothing but sit in brooding loneliness, listening to the faint, irregular breathing of his companion, waiting for the blizzard to abate.
broodingnounUS /ˈbruːdɪŋ/
sitting on eggs so as to hatch them by the warmth of the body
From this reading Otherwise he could do nothing but sit in brooding loneliness, listening to the faint, irregular breathing of his companion, waiting for the blizzard to abate.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Otherwise he could do nothing but sit in brooding loneliness, listening to the faint, irregular breathing of his companion, waiting for the blizzard to abate.
a geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
cavernnounUS /ˈkæv.ərn/
A large, vast underground cave, often filled with forgotten ancient treasures.
From this reading Also he contrived to gather enough downwood to keep a small fire going in the entrance of the cavern.
chokedadjectiveUS /tʃoʊkt/
stopped up; clogged up
From this reading On the morning of the fourth day he tumbled out through the drift that choked his front passage, to find the sun shining down on a frozen world of dazzling whiteness.
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading He performed the herculean task of skinning and dismembering his bear, and hanging out great haunches of meat to refrigerate in the below-zero cold.
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading Otherwise he could do nothing but sit in brooding loneliness, listening to the faint, irregular breathing of his companion, waiting for the blizzard to abate.
confinedadjectiveUS /kənˈfaɪnd/
not invading healthy tissue
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
contrivedadjectiveUS /kənˈtraɪvd/
showing effects of planning or manipulation
From this reading Also he contrived to gather enough downwood to keep a small fire going in the entrance of the cavern.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Otherwise he could do nothing but sit in brooding loneliness, listening to the faint, irregular breathing of his companion, waiting for the blizzard to abate.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading On the morning of the fourth day he tumbled out through the drift that choked his front passage, to find the sun shining down on a frozen world of dazzling whiteness.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
dazzlingadjectiveUS /ˈdæzəlɪŋ/
amazingly impressive; suggestive of the flashing of lightning
From this reading On the morning of the fourth day he tumbled out through the drift that choked his front passage, to find the sun shining down on a frozen world of dazzling whiteness.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
DexteradjectiveUS /ˈdekstər/
on or starting from the wearer's right
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
dismemberingverbUS /dɪˈsmembərɪŋ/
-ing form of “dismember” — separate the limbs from the body
From this reading He performed the herculean task of skinning and dismembering his bear, and hanging out great haunches of meat to refrigerate in the below-zero cold.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Otherwise he could do nothing but sit in brooding loneliness, listening to the faint, irregular breathing of his companion, waiting for the blizzard to abate.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading On the morning of the fourth day he tumbled out through the drift that choked his front passage, to find the sun shining down on a frozen world of dazzling whiteness.
downwood
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Also he contrived to gather enough downwood to keep a small fire going in the entrance of the cavern.
driftverbUS /drɪft/
be in motion due to some air or water current
From this reading On the morning of the fourth day he tumbled out through the drift that choked his front passage, to find the sun shining down on a frozen world of dazzling whiteness.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading Also he contrived to gather enough downwood to keep a small fire going in the entrance of the cavern.
something that provides access (to get in or get out)
From this reading Also he contrived to gather enough downwood to keep a small fire going in the entrance of the cavern.
deficient in magnitude; barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness or loudness etc
From this reading Otherwise he could do nothing but sit in brooding loneliness, listening to the faint, irregular breathing of his companion, waiting for the blizzard to abate.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading On the morning of the fourth day he tumbled out through the drift that choked his front passage, to find the sun shining down on a frozen world of dazzling whiteness.
start firing a weapon
From this reading Also he contrived to gather enough downwood to keep a small fire going in the entrance of the cavern.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
following the third position; number four in a countable series
From this reading On the morning of the fourth day he tumbled out through the drift that choked his front passage, to find the sun shining down on a frozen world of dazzling whiteness.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading On the morning of the fourth day he tumbled out through the drift that choked his front passage, to find the sun shining down on a frozen world of dazzling whiteness.
frozenadjectiveUS /ˈfroʊzən/
turned into ice; affected by freezing or by long and severe cold
From this reading On the morning of the fourth day he tumbled out through the drift that choked his front passage, to find the sun shining down on a frozen world of dazzling whiteness.
assemble or get together
From this reading Also he contrived to gather enough downwood to keep a small fire going in the entrance of the cavern.
the act of departing
From this reading Also he contrived to gather enough downwood to keep a small fire going in the entrance of the cavern.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading He performed the herculean task of skinning and dismembering his bear, and hanging out great haunches of meat to refrigerate in the below-zero cold.
decoration that is hung (as a tapestry) on a wall or over a window
From this reading He performed the herculean task of skinning and dismembering his bear, and hanging out great haunches of meat to refrigerate in the below-zero cold.
haunches
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He performed the herculean task of skinning and dismembering his bear, and hanging out great haunches of meat to refrigerate in the below-zero cold.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He performed the herculean task of skinning and dismembering his bear, and hanging out great haunches of meat to refrigerate in the below-zero cold.
herculeanadjectiveUS /hərˈkjuːliən/
displaying superhuman strength or power
From this reading He performed the herculean task of skinning and dismembering his bear, and hanging out great haunches of meat to refrigerate in the below-zero cold.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
irregularadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈreɡjələr/
contrary to rule or accepted order or general practice
From this reading Otherwise he could do nothing but sit in brooding loneliness, listening to the faint, irregular breathing of his companion, waiting for the blizzard to abate.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading Also he contrived to gather enough downwood to keep a small fire going in the entrance of the cavern.
the act of hearing attentively
From this reading Otherwise he could do nothing but sit in brooding loneliness, listening to the faint, irregular breathing of his companion, waiting for the blizzard to abate.
lonelinessnounUS /ˈloʊnlinəs/
the state of being alone in solitary isolation
From this reading Otherwise he could do nothing but sit in brooding loneliness, listening to the faint, irregular breathing of his companion, waiting for the blizzard to abate.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
the flesh of animals (including fishes and birds and snails) used as food
From this reading He performed the herculean task of skinning and dismembering his bear, and hanging out great haunches of meat to refrigerate in the below-zero cold.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading On the morning of the fourth day he tumbled out through the drift that choked his front passage, to find the sun shining down on a frozen world of dazzling whiteness.
plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Otherwise he could do nothing but sit in brooding loneliness, listening to the faint, irregular breathing of his companion, waiting for the blizzard to abate.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
in other respects or ways
From this reading Otherwise he could do nothing but sit in brooding loneliness, listening to the faint, irregular breathing of his companion, waiting for the blizzard to abate.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading He performed the herculean task of skinning and dismembering his bear, and hanging out great haunches of meat to refrigerate in the below-zero cold.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading On the morning of the fourth day he tumbled out through the drift that choked his front passage, to find the sun shining down on a frozen world of dazzling whiteness.
performedverbUS /pərˈfɔːrmd/
past form of “perform” — carry out or perform an action
From this reading He performed the herculean task of skinning and dismembering his bear, and hanging out great haunches of meat to refrigerate in the below-zero cold.
ragedverbUS /reɪdʒd/
past form of “rage” — behave violently, as if in state of a great anger
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
refrigerateverbUS /rɪˈfrɪdʒəreɪt/
preserve by chilling
From this reading He performed the herculean task of skinning and dismembering his bear, and hanging out great haunches of meat to refrigerate in the below-zero cold.
work done by one person or group that benefits another
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
shadowyadjectiveUS /ˈʃædoʊi/
filled with shade
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
marked by exceptional merit
From this reading On the morning of the fourth day he tumbled out through the drift that choked his front passage, to find the sun shining down on a frozen world of dazzling whiteness.
be seated
From this reading Otherwise he could do nothing but sit in brooding loneliness, listening to the faint, irregular breathing of his companion, waiting for the blizzard to abate.
skinning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He performed the herculean task of skinning and dismembering his bear, and hanging out great haunches of meat to refrigerate in the below-zero cold.
slumbered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Also he contrived to gather enough downwood to keep a small fire going in the entrance of the cavern.
behave violently, as if in state of a great anger
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading On the morning of the fourth day he tumbled out through the drift that choked his front passage, to find the sun shining down on a frozen world of dazzling whiteness.
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading He performed the herculean task of skinning and dismembering his bear, and hanging out great haunches of meat to refrigerate in the below-zero cold.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading On the morning of the fourth day he tumbled out through the drift that choked his front passage, to find the sun shining down on a frozen world of dazzling whiteness.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading On the morning of the fourth day he tumbled out through the drift that choked his front passage, to find the sun shining down on a frozen world of dazzling whiteness.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He performed the herculean task of skinning and dismembering his bear, and hanging out great haunches of meat to refrigerate in the below-zero cold.
tumbledverbUS /ˈtʌmbəld/
past form of “tumble” — fall down, as if collapsing
From this reading On the morning of the fourth day he tumbled out through the drift that choked his front passage, to find the sun shining down on a frozen world of dazzling whiteness.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading Otherwise he could do nothing but sit in brooding loneliness, listening to the faint, irregular breathing of his companion, waiting for the blizzard to abate.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
the act of observing; taking a patient look
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
whitenessnounUS /ˈwaɪtnəs/
the quality or state of the achromatic color of greatest lightness (bearing the least resemblance to black)
From this reading On the morning of the fourth day he tumbled out through the drift that choked his front passage, to find the sun shining down on a frozen world of dazzling whiteness.
which person or people
From this reading THE HONOR OF THE SERVICE While the storm raged over the mountains Dexter was confined in his cave for three days and nights, watching over a man who slumbered on the shadowy borderline of death.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading On the morning of the fourth day he tumbled out through the drift that choked his front passage, to find the sun shining down on a frozen world of dazzling whiteness.
