Chapter X · Chapter 10

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

From this reading A large tree, not fifty yards from the caravan, was struck by the lightning, and came down with an appalling crash.

having companions or an escort

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

(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 lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading A large tree, not fifty yards from the caravan, was struck by the lightning, and came down with an appalling crash.

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

From this reading They had scarcely gained the wagons before the thunder and lightning became incessant, and so loud as to be deafening.

an experience that appalls

From this reading A large tree, not fifty yards from the caravan, was struck by the lightning, and came down with an appalling crash.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading It appeared as if they were in the very center of the contending elements, and the wind rose and blew with terrific force, while the rain poured down as if the flood-gates of heaven were indeed opened.

nonfictional prose forming an independent part of a publication

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

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

From this reading They had scarcely gained the wagons before the thunder and lightning became incessant, and so loud as to be deafening.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading They had scarcely gained the wagons before the thunder and lightning became incessant, and so loud as to be deafening.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading They had scarcely gained the wagons before the thunder and lightning became incessant, and so loud as to be deafening.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading They had scarcely gained the wagons before the thunder and lightning became incessant, and so loud as to be deafening.

inflected form of “blow” — exhale hard

From this reading It appeared as if they were in the very center of the contending elements, and the wind rose and blew with terrific force, while the rain poured down as if the flood-gates of heaven were indeed opened.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

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

From this reading The Caffres had all roused up, and had sheltered themselves under the wagons.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading A large tree, not fifty yards from the caravan, was struck by the lightning, and came down with an appalling crash.

a procession (of wagons or mules or camels) traveling together in single file

From this reading A large tree, not fifty yards from the caravan, was struck by the lightning, and came down with an appalling crash.

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

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

The middle point or core of an area.

From this reading It appeared as if they were in the very center of the contending elements, and the wind rose and blew with terrific force, while the rain poured down as if the flood-gates of heaven were indeed opened.

rid of obstructions

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

injury to the brain caused by a blow; usually resulting in loss of consciousness

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

-ing form of “contend” — maintain or assert

From this reading It appeared as if they were in the very center of the contending elements, and the wind rose and blew with terrific force, while the rain poured down as if the flood-gates of heaven were indeed opened.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

fall or come down violently

From this reading A large tree, not fifty yards from the caravan, was struck by the lightning, and came down with an appalling crash.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

loud enough to cause (temporary) hearing loss

From this reading They had scarcely gained the wagons before the thunder and lightning became incessant, and so loud as to be deafening.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading It appeared as if they were in the very center of the contending elements, and the wind rose and blew with terrific force, while the rain poured down as if the flood-gates of heaven were indeed opened.

violent or severe weather (viewed as caused by the action of the four elements)

From this reading It appeared as if they were in the very center of the contending elements, and the wind rose and blew with terrific force, while the rain poured down as if the flood-gates of heaven were indeed opened.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

the cardinal number that is the product of ten and five

From this reading A large tree, not fifty yards from the caravan, was struck by the lightning, and came down with an appalling crash.

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

From this reading It appeared as if they were in the very center of the contending elements, and the wind rose and blew with terrific force, while the rain poured down as if the flood-gates of heaven were indeed opened.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading It appeared as if they were in the very center of the contending elements, and the wind rose and blew with terrific force, while the rain poured down as if the flood-gates of heaven were indeed opened.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

past form of “gain” — obtain

From this reading They had scarcely gained the wagons before the thunder and lightning became incessant, and so loud as to be deafening.

a state of partial or total darkness

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

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

From this reading They had scarcely gained the wagons before the thunder and lightning became incessant, and so loud as to be deafening.

any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading It appeared as if they were in the very center of the contending elements, and the wind rose and blew with terrific force, while the rain poured down as if the flood-gates of heaven were indeed opened.

the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading It appeared as if they were in the very center of the contending elements, and the wind rose and blew with terrific force, while the rain poured down as if the flood-gates of heaven were indeed opened.

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

From this reading It appeared as if they were in the very center of the contending elements, and the wind rose and blew with terrific force, while the rain poured down as if the flood-gates of heaven were indeed opened.

uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing

From this reading They had scarcely gained the wagons before the thunder and lightning became incessant, and so loud as to be deafening.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading It appeared as if they were in the very center of the contending elements, and the wind rose and blew with terrific force, while the rain poured down as if the flood-gates of heaven were indeed opened.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It appeared as if they were in the very center of the contending elements, and the wind rose and blew with terrific force, while the rain poured down as if the flood-gates of heaven were indeed opened.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading A large tree, not fifty yards from the caravan, was struck by the lightning, and came down with an appalling crash.

past form of “last” — persist for a specified period of time

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

abrupt electric discharge from cloud to cloud or from cloud to earth accompanied by the emission of light

From this reading They had scarcely gained the wagons before the thunder and lightning became incessant, and so loud as to be deafening.

characterized by or producing sound of great volume or intensity

From this reading They had scarcely gained the wagons before the thunder and lightning became incessant, and so loud as to be deafening.

a particular point in time

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading A large tree, not fifty yards from the caravan, was struck by the lightning, and came down with an appalling crash.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It appeared as if they were in the very center of the contending elements, and the wind rose and blew with terrific force, while the rain poured down as if the flood-gates of heaven were indeed opened.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading It appeared as if they were in the very center of the contending elements, and the wind rose and blew with terrific force, while the rain poured down as if the flood-gates of heaven were indeed opened.

past form of “pour” — cause to run

From this reading It appeared as if they were in the very center of the contending elements, and the wind rose and blew with terrific force, while the rain poured down as if the flood-gates of heaven were indeed opened.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading It appeared as if they were in the very center of the contending elements, and the wind rose and blew with terrific force, while the rain poured down as if the flood-gates of heaven were indeed opened.

plural of “report” — a written document describing the findings of some individual or group

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading It appeared as if they were in the very center of the contending elements, and the wind rose and blew with terrific force, while the rain poured down as if the flood-gates of heaven were indeed opened.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

past form of “rouse” — become active

From this reading The Caffres had all roused up, and had sheltered themselves under the wagons.

only a very short time before

From this reading They had scarcely gained the wagons before the thunder and lightning became incessant, and so loud as to be deafening.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

protected from danger or bad weather

From this reading The Caffres had all roused up, and had sheltered themselves under the wagons.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading They had scarcely gained the wagons before the thunder and lightning became incessant, and so loud as to be deafening.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading A large tree, not fifty yards from the caravan, was struck by the lightning, and came down with an appalling crash.

commanding attention

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

very great or intense

From this reading It appeared as if they were in the very center of the contending elements, and the wind rose and blew with terrific force, while the rain poured down as if the flood-gates of heaven were indeed opened.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

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

From this reading They had scarcely gained the wagons before the thunder and lightning became incessant, and so loud as to be deafening.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading They had scarcely gained the wagons before the thunder and lightning became incessant, and so loud as to be deafening.

move fast, noisily, and heavily

From this reading They had scarcely gained the wagons before the thunder and lightning became incessant, and so loud as to be deafening.

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

From this reading They had scarcely gained the wagons before the thunder and lightning became incessant, and so loud as to be deafening.

a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading A large tree, not fifty yards from the caravan, was struck by the lightning, and came down with an appalling crash.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading The Caffres had all roused up, and had sheltered themselves under the wagons.

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

From this reading The Caffres had all roused up, and had sheltered themselves under the wagons.

precisely as stated

From this reading It appeared as if they were in the very center of the contending elements, and the wind rose and blew with terrific force, while the rain poured down as if the flood-gates of heaven were indeed opened.

shake, quiver, or throb; move back and forth rapidly, usually in an uncontrolled manner

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

evoking lifelike images within the mind

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

plural of “wagon” — any of various kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by an animal or a tractor

From this reading They had scarcely gained the wagons before the thunder and lightning became incessant, and so loud as to be deafening.

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

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

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

From this reading It appeared as if they were in the very center of the contending elements, and the wind rose and blew with terrific force, while the rain poured down as if the flood-gates of heaven were indeed opened.

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

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.

during the time that

From this reading It appeared as if they were in the very center of the contending elements, and the wind rose and blew with terrific force, while the rain poured down as if the flood-gates of heaven were indeed opened.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading It appeared as if they were in the very center of the contending elements, and the wind rose and blew with terrific force, while the rain poured down as if the flood-gates of heaven were indeed opened.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It appeared as if they were in the very center of the contending elements, and the wind rose and blew with terrific force, while the rain poured down as if the flood-gates of heaven were indeed opened.

plural of “yard” — a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading A large tree, not fifty yards from the caravan, was struck by the lightning, and came down with an appalling crash.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading The lightning was so vivid, that for the second that it lasted you could see the country round to the horizon almost as clear as day; the next moment all was terrific gloom accompanied by the stunning reports of the thunder, which caused every article in the wagons, and the wagons themselves, to vibrate from the concussion.