used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The Finding of Fortunate Spring For several days after leaving the scene of Bob's adventure the travellers struggled over a most disheartening tract of country.
take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
From this reading The Finding of Fortunate Spring For several days after leaving the scene of Bob's adventure the travellers struggled over a most disheartening tract of country.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading The Finding of Fortunate Spring For several days after leaving the scene of Bob's adventure the travellers struggled over a most disheartening tract of country.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
amidprepositionUS /əˈmɪd/
in the middle of; surrounded by
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
aridadjectiveUS /ˈærəd/
lacking sufficient water or rainfall
From this reading It was well for them that water had been found so opportunely, for assuredly none promised in the arid sands they were now encountering.
assuredlyadverbUS /əˈʃʊrədli/
without a doubt
From this reading It was well for them that water had been found so opportunely, for assuredly none promised in the arid sands they were now encountering.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
completely unclothed
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
barrenadjectiveUS /ˈbærən/
providing no shelter or sustenance
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It was well for them that water had been found so opportunely, for assuredly none promised in the arid sands they were now encountering.
beltnounUS /belt/
endless loop of flexible material between two rotating shafts or pulleys
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading The fifth day, however, brought with it the hope of better things.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
Bob'snounUS /bɑːbz/
possessive form of “bob” — a former monetary unit in Great Britain
From this reading The Finding of Fortunate Spring For several days after leaving the scene of Bob's adventure the travellers struggled over a most disheartening tract of country.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading The fifth day, however, brought with it the hope of better things.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
clumpsnounUS /klʌmps/
plural of “clump” — a grouping of a number of similar things
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
continue a certain state, condition, or activity
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading The Finding of Fortunate Spring For several days after leaving the scene of Bob's adventure the travellers struggled over a most disheartening tract of country.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading The fifth day, however, brought with it the hope of better things.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading The Finding of Fortunate Spring For several days after leaving the scene of Bob's adventure the travellers struggled over a most disheartening tract of country.
leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
dishearteningadjectiveUS /dɪsˈhɑːrtənɪŋ/
destructive of morale and self-reliance
From this reading The Finding of Fortunate Spring For several days after leaving the scene of Bob's adventure the travellers struggled over a most disheartening tract of country.
doggedadjectiveUS /dɔːɡd/
stubbornly unyielding
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
encounteringverbUS /enˈkaʊntərɪŋ/
-ing form of “encounter” — come together
From this reading It was well for them that water had been found so opportunely, for assuredly none promised in the arid sands they were now encountering.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
extendingverbUS /ɪkˈstendɪŋ/
-ing form of “extend” — extend in scope or range or area
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
fifthnounUS /fɪfθ/
a quantity of liquor equal to one fifth of a United States gallon
From this reading The fifth day, however, brought with it the hope of better things.
the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation
From this reading The Finding of Fortunate Spring For several days after leaving the scene of Bob's adventure the travellers struggled over a most disheartening tract of country.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The Finding of Fortunate Spring For several days after leaving the scene of Bob's adventure the travellers struggled over a most disheartening tract of country.
produced by or subjected to forcing
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
having unexpected good fortune
From this reading The Finding of Fortunate Spring For several days after leaving the scene of Bob's adventure the travellers struggled over a most disheartening tract of country.
set up or found
From this reading It was well for them that water had been found so opportunely, for assuredly none promised in the arid sands they were now encountering.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
shoot down, of birds
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
haltingadjectiveUS /ˈhɔːltɪŋ/
disabled in the feet or legs
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading The fifth day, however, brought with it the hope of better things.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading The fifth day, however, brought with it the hope of better things.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
the act of departing
From this reading The Finding of Fortunate Spring For several days after leaving the scene of Bob's adventure the travellers struggled over a most disheartening tract of country.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
marchingnounUS /ˈmɑːrtʃɪŋ/
the act of marching; walking with regular steps (especially in a procession of some kind)
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
strongly marked; easily noticeable
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
used to form the superlative
From this reading The Finding of Fortunate Spring For several days after leaving the scene of Bob's adventure the travellers struggled over a most disheartening tract of country.
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
not one, and not any
From this reading It was well for them that water had been found so opportunely, for assuredly none promised in the arid sands they were now encountering.
the middle of the day
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
north-westadverb
to, toward, or in the northwest
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading It was well for them that water had been found so opportunely, for assuredly none promised in the arid sands they were now encountering.
occasionaladjectiveUS /əˈkeɪʒənəl/
occurring from time to time
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Finding of Fortunate Spring For several days after leaving the scene of Bob's adventure the travellers struggled over a most disheartening tract of country.
opportunelyadverb
at an opportune time
From this reading It was well for them that water had been found so opportunely, for assuredly none promised in the arid sands they were now encountering.
oppressiveadjectiveUS /əˈpresɪv/
weighing heavily on the senses or spirit
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The Finding of Fortunate Spring For several days after leaving the scene of Bob's adventure the travellers struggled over a most disheartening tract of country.
past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment
From this reading It was well for them that water had been found so opportunely, for assuredly none promised in the arid sands they were now encountering.
established beyond doubt
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
river-bed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
saltbushnoun
any of various shrubby plants of the genus Atriplex that thrive in dry alkaline soil
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
sandsnounUS /sændz/
the region of the shore of a lake or sea or ocean
From this reading It was well for them that water had been found so opportunely, for assuredly none promised in the arid sands they were now encountering.
except for; apart from
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
the place where some action occurs
From this reading The Finding of Fortunate Spring For several days after leaving the scene of Bob's adventure the travellers struggled over a most disheartening tract of country.
scopenounUS /skoʊp/
an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading The Finding of Fortunate Spring For several days after leaving the scene of Bob's adventure the travellers struggled over a most disheartening tract of country.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It was well for them that water had been found so opportunely, for assuredly none promised in the arid sands they were now encountering.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
spinifex
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
the season of growth
From this reading The Finding of Fortunate Spring For several days after leaving the scene of Bob's adventure the travellers struggled over a most disheartening tract of country.
(especially of eyes) bulging or protruding as with fear
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
stripverbUS /strɪp/
take away possessions from someone
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
struggledverbUS /ˈstrʌɡəld/
past form of “struggle” — make a strenuous or labored effort
From this reading The Finding of Fortunate Spring For several days after leaving the scene of Bob's adventure the travellers struggled over a most disheartening tract of country.
sullenadjectiveUS /ˈsʌlən/
showing a brooding ill humor
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
sunrisenounUS /ˈsʌnraɪz/
the first light of day
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
terriblyadverbUS /ˈterəbli/
used as intensifiers
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was well for them that water had been found so opportunely, for assuredly none promised in the arid sands they were now encountering.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Finding of Fortunate Spring For several days after leaving the scene of Bob's adventure the travellers struggled over a most disheartening tract of country.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading It was well for them that water had been found so opportunely, for assuredly none promised in the arid sands they were now encountering.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading The fifth day, however, brought with it the hope of better things.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
timbernounUS /ˈtɪmbər/
the wood of trees cut and prepared for use as building material
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
in the direction of
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
tractnounUS /trækt/
an extended area of land
From this reading The Finding of Fortunate Spring For several days after leaving the scene of Bob's adventure the travellers struggled over a most disheartening tract of country.
travellersnounUS /ˈtrævələrz/
plural of “traveller” — a person who changes location
From this reading The Finding of Fortunate Spring For several days after leaving the scene of Bob's adventure the travellers struggled over a most disheartening tract of country.
tuftsnounUS /tʌfts/
plural of “tuft” — a bunch of hair or feathers or growing grass
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
vegetationnounUS /ˌvedʒəˈteɪʃən/
all the plant life in a particular region or period
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was well for them that water had been found so opportunely, for assuredly none promised in the arid sands they were now encountering.
any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading It was well for them that water had been found so opportunely, for assuredly none promised in the arid sands they were now encountering.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was well for them that water had been found so opportunely, for assuredly none promised in the arid sands they were now encountering.
at the time that
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The timber belt amid which they had discovered water proved to be but a narrow strip, extending down from the north-west; it evidently marked the course of an ancient river-bed, for immediately beyond its scope the sullen desert appeared bare of all vegetation, save for occasional clumps of saltbush and tufts of spinifex grass.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The fifth day, however, brought with it the hope of better things.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Over this barren waste they forced their dogged course, starting at sunrise and halting towards noon, when the heat became too terribly oppressive both for man and beast; then in the evening they would continue the journey, sometimes marching late into the night.
