used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
the state of being absent
From this reading It was the work of but a few moments for Darke, while Vinnie lighted a candle, to rekindle the fire that had burned out during their absence.
adheredverbUS /ædˈhɪrd/
past form of “adhere” — be compatible or in accordance with
From this reading The fire was now crackling merrily on the hearth, sending showers of sparks up the wide chimney, and Darke, divesting himself of his hunting-shirt and belt, stood before its genial blaze to dry the water that adhered to his deer-skin apparel.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading The girl set the light on the table, and almost exhausted with the vicissitudes of the past few hours, threw herself upon a seat.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Hand in hand Vinnie and her father hurried on through the storm and darkness.
apparelnounUS /əˈpærəl/
clothing in general
From this reading The fire was now crackling merrily on the hearth, sending showers of sparks up the wide chimney, and Darke, divesting himself of his hunting-shirt and belt, stood before its genial blaze to dry the water that adhered to his deer-skin apparel.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The fire was now crackling merrily on the hearth, sending showers of sparks up the wide chimney, and Darke, divesting himself of his hunting-shirt and belt, stood before its genial blaze to dry the water that adhered to his deer-skin apparel.
beltnounUS /belt/
endless loop of flexible material between two rotating shafts or pulleys
From this reading The fire was now crackling merrily on the hearth, sending showers of sparks up the wide chimney, and Darke, divesting himself of his hunting-shirt and belt, stood before its genial blaze to dry the water that adhered to his deer-skin apparel.
blacknessnounUS /ˈblæknəs/
the quality or state of the achromatic color of least lightness (bearing the least resemblance to white)
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
blazenounUS /bleɪz/
a strong flame that burns brightly
From this reading The fire was now crackling merrily on the hearth, sending showers of sparks up the wide chimney, and Darke, divesting himself of his hunting-shirt and belt, stood before its genial blaze to dry the water that adhered to his deer-skin apparel.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
treated by heating to a high temperature but below the melting or fusing point
From this reading It was the work of but a few moments for Darke, while Vinnie lighted a candle, to rekindle the fire that had burned out during their absence.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
small room on a ship or boat where people sleep
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
stick of wax with a wick in the middle
From this reading It was the work of but a few moments for Darke, while Vinnie lighted a candle, to rekindle the fire that had burned out during their absence.
chimneynounUS /ˈtʃɪmni/
a vertical flue that provides a path through which smoke from a fire is carried away through the wall or roof of a building
From this reading The fire was now crackling merrily on the hearth, sending showers of sparks up the wide chimney, and Darke, divesting himself of his hunting-shirt and belt, stood before its genial blaze to dry the water that adhered to his deer-skin apparel.
clearingnounUS /ˈklɪrɪŋ/
a tract of land with few or no trees in the middle of a wooded area
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
cracklingnounUS /ˈkræklɪŋ/
the residue that remains after animal fat has been rendered
From this reading The fire was now crackling merrily on the hearth, sending showers of sparks up the wide chimney, and Darke, divesting himself of his hunting-shirt and belt, stood before its genial blaze to dry the water that adhered to his deer-skin apparel.
Darke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the work of but a few moments for Darke, while Vinnie lighted a candle, to rekindle the fire that had burned out during their absence.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading Hand in hand Vinnie and her father hurried on through the storm and darkness.
deer-skin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The fire was now crackling merrily on the hearth, sending showers of sparks up the wide chimney, and Darke, divesting himself of his hunting-shirt and belt, stood before its genial blaze to dry the water that adhered to his deer-skin apparel.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
divestingverbUS /daɪˈvestɪŋ/
-ing form of “divest” — take away possessions from someone
From this reading The fire was now crackling merrily on the hearth, sending showers of sparks up the wide chimney, and Darke, divesting himself of his hunting-shirt and belt, stood before its genial blaze to dry the water that adhered to his deer-skin apparel.
free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet
From this reading The fire was now crackling merrily on the hearth, sending showers of sparks up the wide chimney, and Darke, divesting himself of his hunting-shirt and belt, stood before its genial blaze to dry the water that adhered to his deer-skin apparel.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading It was the work of but a few moments for Darke, while Vinnie lighted a candle, to rekindle the fire that had burned out during their absence.
the boundary of a surface
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
drained of energy or effectiveness; extremely tired; completely exhausted
From this reading The girl set the light on the table, and almost exhausted with the vicissitudes of the past few hours, threw herself upon a seat.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading Hand in hand Vinnie and her father hurried on through the storm and darkness.
emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading It was the work of but a few moments for Darke, while Vinnie lighted a candle, to rekindle the fire that had burned out during their absence.
start firing a weapon
From this reading It was the work of but a few moments for Darke, while Vinnie lighted a candle, to rekindle the fire that had burned out during their absence.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was the work of but a few moments for Darke, while Vinnie lighted a candle, to rekindle the fire that had burned out during their absence.
genialadjectiveUS /ˈdʒiːnjəl/
diffusing warmth and friendliness
From this reading The fire was now crackling merrily on the hearth, sending showers of sparks up the wide chimney, and Darke, divesting himself of his hunting-shirt and belt, stood before its genial blaze to dry the water that adhered to his deer-skin apparel.
a young female
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
a state of partial or total darkness
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
feeling or showing gratitude
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
past form of “greet” — express greetings upon meeting someone
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was the work of but a few moments for Darke, while Vinnie lighted a candle, to rekindle the fire that had burned out during their absence.
half-hour's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Hand in hand Vinnie and her father hurried on through the storm and darkness.
hearthnounUS /hɑːrθ/
an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built
From this reading The fire was now crackling merrily on the hearth, sending showers of sparks up the wide chimney, and Darke, divesting himself of his hunting-shirt and belt, stood before its genial blaze to dry the water that adhered to his deer-skin apparel.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Hand in hand Vinnie and her father hurried on through the storm and darkness.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading The girl set the light on the table, and almost exhausted with the vicissitudes of the past few hours, threw herself upon a seat.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading The fire was now crackling merrily on the hearth, sending showers of sparks up the wide chimney, and Darke, divesting himself of his hunting-shirt and belt, stood before its genial blaze to dry the water that adhered to his deer-skin apparel.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The fire was now crackling merrily on the hearth, sending showers of sparks up the wide chimney, and Darke, divesting himself of his hunting-shirt and belt, stood before its genial blaze to dry the water that adhered to his deer-skin apparel.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading The girl set the light on the table, and almost exhausted with the vicissitudes of the past few hours, threw herself upon a seat.
hunting-shirt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The fire was now crackling merrily on the hearth, sending showers of sparks up the wide chimney, and Darke, divesting himself of his hunting-shirt and belt, stood before its genial blaze to dry the water that adhered to his deer-skin apparel.
moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste
From this reading Hand in hand Vinnie and her father hurried on through the storm and darkness.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Hand in hand Vinnie and her father hurried on through the storm and darkness.
intricateadjectiveUS /ˈɪntrəkət/
having many complexly arranged elements; elaborate
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was the work of but a few moments for Darke, while Vinnie lighted a candle, to rekindle the fire that had burned out during their absence.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The fire was now crackling merrily on the hearth, sending showers of sparks up the wide chimney, and Darke, divesting himself of his hunting-shirt and belt, stood before its genial blaze to dry the water that adhered to his deer-skin apparel.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading The girl set the light on the table, and almost exhausted with the vicissitudes of the past few hours, threw herself upon a seat.
set afire or burning
From this reading It was the work of but a few moments for Darke, while Vinnie lighted a candle, to rekindle the fire that had burned out during their absence.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
merrilyadverbUS /ˈmerəli/
in a joyous manner
From this reading The fire was now crackling merrily on the hearth, sending showers of sparks up the wide chimney, and Darke, divesting himself of his hunting-shirt and belt, stood before its genial blaze to dry the water that adhered to his deer-skin apparel.
plural of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading It was the work of but a few moments for Darke, while Vinnie lighted a candle, to rekindle the fire that had burned out during their absence.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading The fire was now crackling merrily on the hearth, sending showers of sparks up the wide chimney, and Darke, divesting himself of his hunting-shirt and belt, stood before its genial blaze to dry the water that adhered to his deer-skin apparel.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Hand in hand Vinnie and her father hurried on through the storm and darkness.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading It was the work of but a few moments for Darke, while Vinnie lighted a candle, to rekindle the fire that had burned out during their absence.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading The girl set the light on the table, and almost exhausted with the vicissitudes of the past few hours, threw herself upon a seat.
patchnounUS /pætʃ/
a small contrasting part of something
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
rekindleverbUS /riˈkɪndəl/
kindle anew, as of a fire
From this reading It was the work of but a few moments for Darke, while Vinnie lighted a candle, to rekindle the fire that had burned out during their absence.
the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading The girl set the light on the table, and almost exhausted with the vicissitudes of the past few hours, threw herself upon a seat.
the act of causing something to go (especially messages)
From this reading The fire was now crackling merrily on the hearth, sending showers of sparks up the wide chimney, and Darke, divesting himself of his hunting-shirt and belt, stood before its genial blaze to dry the water that adhered to his deer-skin apparel.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading The girl set the light on the table, and almost exhausted with the vicissitudes of the past few hours, threw herself upon a seat.
showersnounUS /ˈʃaʊərz/
plural of “shower” — a plumbing fixture that sprays water over you
From this reading The fire was now crackling merrily on the hearth, sending showers of sparks up the wide chimney, and Darke, divesting himself of his hunting-shirt and belt, stood before its genial blaze to dry the water that adhered to his deer-skin apparel.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
sparksnounUS /spɑːrks/
plural of “spark” — a momentary flash of light
From this reading The fire was now crackling merrily on the hearth, sending showers of sparks up the wide chimney, and Darke, divesting himself of his hunting-shirt and belt, stood before its genial blaze to dry the water that adhered to his deer-skin apparel.
make square
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading The fire was now crackling merrily on the hearth, sending showers of sparks up the wide chimney, and Darke, divesting himself of his hunting-shirt and belt, stood before its genial blaze to dry the water that adhered to his deer-skin apparel.
behave violently, as if in state of a great anger
From this reading Hand in hand Vinnie and her father hurried on through the storm and darkness.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading The girl set the light on the table, and almost exhausted with the vicissitudes of the past few hours, threw herself upon a seat.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was the work of but a few moments for Darke, while Vinnie lighted a candle, to rekindle the fire that had burned out during their absence.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Hand in hand Vinnie and her father hurried on through the storm and darkness.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It was the work of but a few moments for Darke, while Vinnie lighted a candle, to rekindle the fire that had burned out during their absence.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading The girl set the light on the table, and almost exhausted with the vicissitudes of the past few hours, threw herself upon a seat.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Hand in hand Vinnie and her father hurried on through the storm and darkness.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The fire was now crackling merrily on the hearth, sending showers of sparks up the wide chimney, and Darke, divesting himself of his hunting-shirt and belt, stood before its genial blaze to dry the water that adhered to his deer-skin apparel.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The girl set the light on the table, and almost exhausted with the vicissitudes of the past few hours, threw herself upon a seat.
vicissitudesnounUS /vɪˈsɪsɪtuːdz/
plural of “vicissitude” — a variation in circumstances or fortune at different times in your life or in the development of something
From this reading The girl set the light on the table, and almost exhausted with the vicissitudes of the past few hours, threw herself upon a seat.
Vinnie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hand in hand Vinnie and her father hurried on through the storm and darkness.
the act of traveling by foot
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading The fire was now crackling merrily on the hearth, sending showers of sparks up the wide chimney, and Darke, divesting himself of his hunting-shirt and belt, stood before its genial blaze to dry the water that adhered to his deer-skin apparel.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading It was the work of but a few moments for Darke, while Vinnie lighted a candle, to rekindle the fire that had burned out during their absence.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading The fire was now crackling merrily on the hearth, sending showers of sparks up the wide chimney, and Darke, divesting himself of his hunting-shirt and belt, stood before its genial blaze to dry the water that adhered to his deer-skin apparel.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The way was intricate and difficult to travel; but a good half-hour’s walk brought them to the edge of the clearing, and the weary girl greeted the sight of the cabin, which looked like a large square patch of blackness, through the gloom, with feelings of grateful satisfaction.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading It was the work of but a few moments for Darke, while Vinnie lighted a candle, to rekindle the fire that had burned out during their absence.
