used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading They had gone to search the woods which came down almost to the water’s edge.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Bill Wilder and Red Mike had been away a full hour or more.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
a statute in draft before it becomes law
From this reading Bill Wilder and Red Mike had been away a full hour or more.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
BuckverbUS /bʌk/
to strive with determination
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading They had gone to search the woods which came down almost to the water’s edge.
small and light boat; pointed at both ends; propelled with a paddle
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
Chilcoot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
cladadjectiveUS /klæd/
wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
crazyadjectiveUS /ˈkreɪzi/
affected with madness or insanity
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
a state in which you want to learn more about something
From this reading His deep-set eyes were full of wondering curiosity.
dankadjectiveUS /dæŋk/
unpleasantly cool and humid
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
deep-setadjective
having a sunken area
From this reading His deep-set eyes were full of wondering curiosity.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading They had gone to search the woods which came down almost to the water’s edge.
the boundary of a surface
From this reading They had gone to search the woods which came down almost to the water’s edge.
encampedverbUS /ɪnˈkæmpt/
past form of “encamp” — live in or as if in a tent
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
opinion or judgment
From this reading His deep-set eyes were full of wondering curiosity.
the petals or sepals of a flower that bend downward (especially the outer perianth of an iris)
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
start firing a weapon
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading His deep-set eyes were full of wondering curiosity.
fungusnounUS /ˈfʌŋɡəs/
an organism of the kingdom Fungi lacking chlorophyll and feeding on organic matter; ranging from unicellular or multicellular organisms to spore-bearing syncytia
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
destroyed or killed
From this reading They had gone to search the woods which came down almost to the water’s edge.
a person who keeps watch over something or someone
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
Hekor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His deep-set eyes were full of wondering curiosity.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading Bill Wilder and Red Mike had been away a full hour or more.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
an intermediate platform in a staircase
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
leatheryadjectiveUS /ˈleðəri/
resembling or made to resemble leather; tough but pliable
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
log-built
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
Maberley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
Massy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
MikenounUS /maɪk/
device for converting sound waves into electrical energy
From this reading Bill Wilder and Red Mike had been away a full hour or more.
a particular point in time
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
mooredverbUS /mʊrd/
past form of “moor” — secure in or as if in a berth or dock
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Bill Wilder and Red Mike had been away a full hour or more.
mossesnounUS /ˈmɔːsəz/
plural of “moss” — tiny leafy-stemmed flowerless plants
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
and nothing more
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Bill Wilder and Red Mike had been away a full hour or more.
outfitnounUS /ˈaʊtfɪt/
any cohesive unit such as a military company
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading Bill Wilder and Red Mike had been away a full hour or more.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
rottedadjectiveUS /ˈrɑːtɪd/
damaged by decay; hence unsound and useless
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
the state of being certain that adverse effects will not be caused by some agent under defined conditions
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of
From this reading They had gone to search the woods which came down almost to the water’s edge.
SquatverbUS /skwɑːt/
sit on one's heels
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
having a supporting base
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They had gone to search the woods which came down almost to the water’s edge.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
watchfuladjectiveUS /ˈwɑːtʃfəl/
engaged in or accustomed to close observation
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
water'snounUS /ˈwɔːtərz/
possessive form of “water” — 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 They had gone to search the woods which came down almost to the water’s edge.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading His deep-set eyes were full of wondering curiosity.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
WildernounUS /ˈwaɪldər/
United States writer and dramatist (1897-1975)
From this reading Bill Wilder and Red Mike had been away a full hour or more.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
showing curiosity
From this reading His deep-set eyes were full of wondering curiosity.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading They had gone to search the woods which came down almost to the water’s edge.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading For the moment his work was standing guard over the canoe which was moored to the landing, and which was the only means by which he and his companions could hope to return in safety to Buck Maberley and the rest of the outfit encamped three weeks’ journey away below the Falls of the Hekor River.
a late time of life
From this reading THE HOUSE IN THE VALLEY OF THE FIRE HILLS Squat, broad, watchful Chilcoot Massy was standing on a crazy, log-built landing which the years had rotted and clad with dank mosses and leathery fungus.
