Chapter XI

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading WINNING HIS FIRST MEDAL Overhead the sun shone mercilessly from a cloudless sky.

marked by sudden changes in subject and sharp transitions

From this reading Hardly a breath of air stirred the stubby grass and scrubby bushes which covered abrupt little hillocks of piled-up coral lightly spread with clinging bits of sandy soil.

something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading It was a busy and interesting scene of action.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading Hardly a breath of air stirred the stubby grass and scrubby bushes which covered abrupt little hillocks of piled-up coral lightly spread with clinging bits of sandy soil.

(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 Marines in khaki and sailors in white were sprinkled over the vast plain, all intent on watching the bobbing rectangles of brownish paper with black, round, bull’s eyes whereon was marked each shot-hole caused by the bullets in their flight.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Hardly a breath of air stirred the stubby grass and scrubby bushes which covered abrupt little hillocks of piled-up coral lightly spread with clinging bits of sandy soil.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

dried out by heat or excessive exposure to sunlight

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

plural of “bit” — a small piece or quantity of something

From this reading Hardly a breath of air stirred the stubby grass and scrubby bushes which covered abrupt little hillocks of piled-up coral lightly spread with clinging bits of sandy soil.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading Marines in khaki and sailors in white were sprinkled over the vast plain, all intent on watching the bobbing rectangles of brownish paper with black, round, bull’s eyes whereon was marked each shot-hole caused by the bullets in their flight.

inflected form of “bob” — move up and down repeatedly

From this reading Marines in khaki and sailors in white were sprinkled over the vast plain, all intent on watching the bobbing rectangles of brownish paper with black, round, bull’s eyes whereon was marked each shot-hole caused by the bullets in their flight.

the application of heat to change something from a liquid to a gas

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing

From this reading Hardly a breath of air stirred the stubby grass and scrubby bushes which covered abrupt little hillocks of piled-up coral lightly spread with clinging bits of sandy soil.

of a color similar to that of wood or earth

From this reading Marines in khaki and sailors in white were sprinkled over the vast plain, all intent on watching the bobbing rectangles of brownish paper with black, round, bull’s eyes whereon was marked each shot-hole caused by the bullets in their flight.

emitting or filled with bubbles as from carbonation or fermentation

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

possessive form of “bull” — uncastrated adult male of domestic cattle

From this reading Marines in khaki and sailors in white were sprinkled over the vast plain, all intent on watching the bobbing rectangles of brownish paper with black, round, bull’s eyes whereon was marked each shot-hole caused by the bullets in their flight.

plural of “bullet” — a projectile that is fired from a gun

From this reading Marines in khaki and sailors in white were sprinkled over the vast plain, all intent on watching the bobbing rectangles of brownish paper with black, round, bull’s eyes whereon was marked each shot-hole caused by the bullets in their flight.

plural of “bush” — a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems

From this reading Hardly a breath of air stirred the stubby grass and scrubby bushes which covered abrupt little hillocks of piled-up coral lightly spread with clinging bits of sandy soil.

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading It was a busy and interesting scene of action.

plural of “butt” — thick end of the handle

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Marines in khaki and sailors in white were sprinkled over the vast plain, all intent on watching the bobbing rectangles of brownish paper with black, round, bull’s eyes whereon was marked each shot-hole caused by the bullets in their flight.

past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally

From this reading Marines in khaki and sailors in white were sprinkled over the vast plain, all intent on watching the bobbing rectangles of brownish paper with black, round, bull’s eyes whereon was marked each shot-hole caused by the bullets in their flight.

-ing form of “cling” — come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation

From this reading Hardly a breath of air stirred the stubby grass and scrubby bushes which covered abrupt little hillocks of piled-up coral lightly spread with clinging bits of sandy soil.

free from clouds

From this reading WINNING HIS FIRST MEDAL Overhead the sun shone mercilessly from a cloudless sky.

capable of being perceived by the senses; not abstract or imaginary

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

a variable color averaging a deep pink

From this reading Hardly a breath of air stirred the stubby grass and scrubby bushes which covered abrupt little hillocks of piled-up coral lightly spread with clinging bits of sandy soil.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading Hardly a breath of air stirred the stubby grass and scrubby bushes which covered abrupt little hillocks of piled-up coral lightly spread with clinging bits of sandy soil.

plural of “deposit” — the phenomenon of sediment or gravel accumulating

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Marines in khaki and sailors in white were sprinkled over the vast plain, all intent on watching the bobbing rectangles of brownish paper with black, round, bull’s eyes whereon was marked each shot-hole caused by the bullets in their flight.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

covered or protected with or as if with a case

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

opinion or judgment

From this reading Marines in khaki and sailors in white were sprinkled over the vast plain, all intent on watching the bobbing rectangles of brownish paper with black, round, bull’s eyes whereon was marked each shot-hole caused by the bullets in their flight.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading WINNING HIS FIRST MEDAL Overhead the sun shone mercilessly from a cloudless sky.

footwear (shoes or slippers) with no heel (or a very low heel)

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

a formation of aircraft in flight

From this reading Marines in khaki and sailors in white were sprinkled over the vast plain, all intent on watching the bobbing rectangles of brownish paper with black, round, bull’s eyes whereon was marked each shot-hole caused by the bullets in their flight.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading WINNING HIS FIRST MEDAL Overhead the sun shone mercilessly from a cloudless sky.

brought together in one place

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

shoot down, of birds

From this reading Hardly a breath of air stirred the stubby grass and scrubby bushes which covered abrupt little hillocks of piled-up coral lightly spread with clinging bits of sandy soil.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

only a very short time before

From this reading Hardly a breath of air stirred the stubby grass and scrubby bushes which covered abrupt little hillocks of piled-up coral lightly spread with clinging bits of sandy soil.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Hardly a breath of air stirred the stubby grass and scrubby bushes which covered abrupt little hillocks of piled-up coral lightly spread with clinging bits of sandy soil.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading WINNING HIS FIRST MEDAL Overhead the sun shone mercilessly from a cloudless sky.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading Marines in khaki and sailors in white were sprinkled over the vast plain, all intent on watching the bobbing rectangles of brownish paper with black, round, bull’s eyes whereon was marked each shot-hole caused by the bullets in their flight.

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading It was a busy and interesting scene of action.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was a busy and interesting scene of action.

plural of “jacket” — a short coat

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

of a yellowish brown color

From this reading Marines in khaki and sailors in white were sprinkled over the vast plain, all intent on watching the bobbing rectangles of brownish paper with black, round, bull’s eyes whereon was marked each shot-hole caused by the bullets in their flight.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

take somebody somewhere

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

without good reason

From this reading Hardly a breath of air stirred the stubby grass and scrubby bushes which covered abrupt little hillocks of piled-up coral lightly spread with clinging bits of sandy soil.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Hardly a breath of air stirred the stubby grass and scrubby bushes which covered abrupt little hillocks of piled-up coral lightly spread with clinging bits of sandy soil.

an amphibious division of the United States Navy

From this reading Marines in khaki and sailors in white were sprinkled over the vast plain, all intent on watching the bobbing rectangles of brownish paper with black, round, bull’s eyes whereon was marked each shot-hole caused by the bullets in their flight.

strongly marked; easily noticeable

From this reading Marines in khaki and sailors in white were sprinkled over the vast plain, all intent on watching the bobbing rectangles of brownish paper with black, round, bull’s eyes whereon was marked each shot-hole caused by the bullets in their flight.

an award for winning a championship or commemorating some other event

From this reading WINNING HIS FIRST MEDAL Overhead the sun shone mercilessly from a cloudless sky.

without pity; in a merciless manner

From this reading WINNING HIS FIRST MEDAL Overhead the sun shone mercilessly from a cloudless sky.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Hardly a breath of air stirred the stubby grass and scrubby bushes which covered abrupt little hillocks of piled-up coral lightly spread with clinging bits of sandy soil.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Marines in khaki and sailors in white were sprinkled over the vast plain, all intent on watching the bobbing rectangles of brownish paper with black, round, bull’s eyes whereon was marked each shot-hole caused by the bullets in their flight.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

above and across; more than

From this reading Marines in khaki and sailors in white were sprinkled over the vast plain, all intent on watching the bobbing rectangles of brownish paper with black, round, bull’s eyes whereon was marked each shot-hole caused by the bullets in their flight.

above your head; in the sky

From this reading WINNING HIS FIRST MEDAL Overhead the sun shone mercilessly from a cloudless sky.

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

plural of “pellet” — a small sphere

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Hardly a breath of air stirred the stubby grass and scrubby bushes which covered abrupt little hillocks of piled-up coral lightly spread with clinging bits of sandy soil.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading Marines in khaki and sailors in white were sprinkled over the vast plain, all intent on watching the bobbing rectangles of brownish paper with black, round, bull’s eyes whereon was marked each shot-hole caused by the bullets in their flight.

plural of “position” — the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

plural of “range” — an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

plural of “ray” — a column of light (as from a beacon)

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

plural of “rectangle” — a parallelogram with four right angles

From this reading Marines in khaki and sailors in white were sprinkled over the vast plain, all intent on watching the bobbing rectangles of brownish paper with black, round, bull’s eyes whereon was marked each shot-hole caused by the bullets in their flight.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading Marines in khaki and sailors in white were sprinkled over the vast plain, all intent on watching the bobbing rectangles of brownish paper with black, round, bull’s eyes whereon was marked each shot-hole caused by the bullets in their flight.

plural of “row” — an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

plural of “sailor” — any member of a ship's crew

From this reading Marines in khaki and sailors in white were sprinkled over the vast plain, all intent on watching the bobbing rectangles of brownish paper with black, round, bull’s eyes whereon was marked each shot-hole caused by the bullets in their flight.

a compound formed by replacing hydrogen in an acid by a metal (or a radical that acts like a metal)

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

of hair color; pale yellowish to yellowish brown

From this reading Hardly a breath of air stirred the stubby grass and scrubby bushes which covered abrupt little hillocks of piled-up coral lightly spread with clinging bits of sandy soil.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading It was a busy and interesting scene of action.

sparsely covered with stunted trees or vegetation and underbrush

From this reading Hardly a breath of air stirred the stubby grass and scrubby bushes which covered abrupt little hillocks of piled-up coral lightly spread with clinging bits of sandy soil.

the act of causing something to go (especially messages)

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light

From this reading WINNING HIS FIRST MEDAL Overhead the sun shone mercilessly from a cloudless sky.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Marines in khaki and sailors in white were sprinkled over the vast plain, all intent on watching the bobbing rectangles of brownish paper with black, round, bull’s eyes whereon was marked each shot-hole caused by the bullets in their flight.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading WINNING HIS FIRST MEDAL Overhead the sun shone mercilessly from a cloudless sky.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

something (often something deceptively attractive) that catches you unawares

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

the state of being covered with unclean things

From this reading Hardly a breath of air stirred the stubby grass and scrubby bushes which covered abrupt little hillocks of piled-up coral lightly spread with clinging bits of sandy soil.

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading Hardly a breath of air stirred the stubby grass and scrubby bushes which covered abrupt little hillocks of piled-up coral lightly spread with clinging bits of sandy soil.

past form of “sprinkle” — distribute loosely

From this reading Marines in khaki and sailors in white were sprinkled over the vast plain, all intent on watching the bobbing rectangles of brownish paper with black, round, bull’s eyes whereon was marked each shot-hole caused by the bullets in their flight.

an alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading Hardly a breath of air stirred the stubby grass and scrubby bushes which covered abrupt little hillocks of piled-up coral lightly spread with clinging bits of sandy soil.

plural of “streak” — an unbroken series of events

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

short and blunt

From this reading Hardly a breath of air stirred the stubby grass and scrubby bushes which covered abrupt little hillocks of piled-up coral lightly spread with clinging bits of sandy soil.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading WINNING HIS FIRST MEDAL Overhead the sun shone mercilessly from a cloudless sky.

possessive form of “sun” — the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

-ing form of “surmount” — get on top of; deal with successfully

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

plural of “target” — a reference point to shoot at

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading WINNING HIS FIRST MEDAL Overhead the sun shone mercilessly from a cloudless sky.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Marines in khaki and sailors in white were sprinkled over the vast plain, all intent on watching the bobbing rectangles of brownish paper with black, round, bull’s eyes whereon was marked each shot-hole caused by the bullets in their flight.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

ignorance (especially of orthodox beliefs)

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

not alert to danger or deception

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading Marines in khaki and sailors in white were sprinkled over the vast plain, all intent on watching the bobbing rectangles of brownish paper with black, round, bull’s eyes whereon was marked each shot-hole caused by the bullets in their flight.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading It was a busy and interesting scene of action.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading Marines in khaki and sailors in white were sprinkled over the vast plain, all intent on watching the bobbing rectangles of brownish paper with black, round, bull’s eyes whereon was marked each shot-hole caused by the bullets in their flight.

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 From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

in or at the place that

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Marines in khaki and sailors in white were sprinkled over the vast plain, all intent on watching the bobbing rectangles of brownish paper with black, round, bull’s eyes whereon was marked each shot-hole caused by the bullets in their flight.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Hardly a breath of air stirred the stubby grass and scrubby bushes which covered abrupt little hillocks of piled-up coral lightly spread with clinging bits of sandy soil.

a Caucasian

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

which person or people

From this reading From the floor-like level of the baked sand flats, covered with white streaks where the sun’s rays had gathered up the water and left small deposits of salt, the heat-waves rose, bubbling and boiling, a snare to the unwary or unknowing riflemen, who, from various ranges and positions, were sending little pellets of lead encased in steel jackets at rows of paper targets surmounting the earth and concrete parapets, known as the "butts."

having won

From this reading WINNING HIS FIRST MEDAL Overhead the sun shone mercilessly from a cloudless sky.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Hardly a breath of air stirred the stubby grass and scrubby bushes which covered abrupt little hillocks of piled-up coral lightly spread with clinging bits of sandy soil.