used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading With nothing to do that day, the bearers had enjoyed life by taking a long nap.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading Every wire had been gone over, the motor had been tuned and found to be in perfect working condition, and the two boys were confident of being able to carry out their part of the program.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading In the grove in the background, Frank could see here and there the gleam of one of the cooking fires about which the bearers left to him and Bob were preparing their evening meal.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
third-person singular of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Behind him at the radio station was Bob with Samba seated before the transmitter.
backgroundnounUS /ˈbækɡraʊnd/
a person's social heritage: previous experience or training
From this reading In the grove in the background, Frank could see here and there the gleam of one of the cooking fires about which the bearers left to him and Bob were preparing their evening meal.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Every wire had been gone over, the motor had been tuned and found to be in perfect working condition, and the two boys were confident of being able to carry out their part of the program.
bearersnounUS /ˈberərz/
plural of “bearer” — someone whose employment involves carrying something
From this reading In the grove in the background, Frank could see here and there the gleam of one of the cooking fires about which the bearers left to him and Bob were preparing their evening meal.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Every wire had been gone over, the motor had been tuned and found to be in perfect working condition, and the two boys were confident of being able to carry out their part of the program.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Behind him at the radio station was Bob with Samba seated before the transmitter.
BehindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Behind him at the radio station was Bob with Samba seated before the transmitter.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Every wire had been gone over, the motor had been tuned and found to be in perfect working condition, and the two boys were confident of being able to carry out their part of the program.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
bluffnounUS /blʌf/
a high steep bank (usually formed by river erosion)
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
move up and down repeatedly
From this reading Behind him at the radio station was Bob with Samba seated before the transmitter.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading Every wire had been gone over, the motor had been tuned and found to be in perfect working condition, and the two boys were confident of being able to carry out their part of the program.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading Every wire had been gone over, the motor had been tuned and found to be in perfect working condition, and the two boys were confident of being able to carry out their part of the program.
a state at a particular time
From this reading Every wire had been gone over, the motor had been tuned and found to be in perfect working condition, and the two boys were confident of being able to carry out their part of the program.
confidentadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːnfədənt/
having or marked by confidence or assurance
From this reading Every wire had been gone over, the motor had been tuned and found to be in perfect working condition, and the two boys were confident of being able to carry out their part of the program.
cookingnounUS /ˈkʊkɪŋ/
the act of preparing something (as food) by the application of heat
From this reading In the grove in the background, Frank could see here and there the gleam of one of the cooking fires about which the bearers left to him and Bob were preparing their evening meal.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading In the grove in the background, Frank could see here and there the gleam of one of the cooking fires about which the bearers left to him and Bob were preparing their evening meal.
darkenedadjectiveUS /ˈdɑːrkənd/
(of fabrics and paper) grown dark in color over time
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading With nothing to do that day, the bearers had enjoyed life by taking a long nap.
a line leading to a place or point
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading With nothing to do that day, the bearers had enjoyed life by taking a long nap.
the boundary of a surface
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading With nothing to do that day, the bearers had enjoyed life by taking a long nap.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading In the grove in the background, Frank could see here and there the gleam of one of the cooking fires about which the bearers left to him and Bob were preparing their evening meal.
EverydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Every wire had been gone over, the motor had been tuned and found to be in perfect working condition, and the two boys were confident of being able to carry out their part of the program.
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
plural of “fire” — the event of something burning (often destructive)
From this reading In the grove in the background, Frank could see here and there the gleam of one of the cooking fires about which the bearers left to him and Bob were preparing their evening meal.
flarenounUS /fler/
a shape that spreads outward
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
set up or found
From this reading Every wire had been gone over, the motor had been tuned and found to be in perfect working condition, and the two boys were confident of being able to carry out their part of the program.
characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
-ing form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
(plural) optical instrument consisting of a frame that holds a pair of lenses for correcting defective vision
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
gleamverbUS /ɡliːm/
be shiny, as if wet
From this reading In the grove in the background, Frank could see here and there the gleam of one of the cooking fires about which the bearers left to him and Bob were preparing their evening meal.
destroyed or killed
From this reading Every wire had been gone over, the motor had been tuned and found to be in perfect working condition, and the two boys were confident of being able to carry out their part of the program.
grovenounUS /ɡroʊv/
a small growth of trees without underbrush
From this reading In the grove in the background, Frank could see here and there the gleam of one of the cooking fires about which the bearers left to him and Bob were preparing their evening meal.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Every wire had been gone over, the motor had been tuned and found to be in perfect working condition, and the two boys were confident of being able to carry out their part of the program.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading In the grove in the background, Frank could see here and there the gleam of one of the cooking fires about which the bearers left to him and Bob were preparing their evening meal.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Behind him at the radio station was Bob with Samba seated before the transmitter.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
indicatedverbUS /ˈɪndəkeɪtəd/
past form of “indicate” — be a signal for or a symptom of
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
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 In the grove in the background, Frank could see here and there the gleam of one of the cooking fires about which the bearers left to him and Bob were preparing their evening meal.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading With nothing to do that day, the bearers had enjoyed life by taking a long nap.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading With nothing to do that day, the bearers had enjoyed life by taking a long nap.
the food served and eaten at one time
From this reading In the grove in the background, Frank could see here and there the gleam of one of the cooking fires about which the bearers left to him and Bob were preparing their evening meal.
MFUM-BA
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
momentarilyadverbUS /ˌmoʊmənˈterəli/
for an instant or moment
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
motornounUS /ˈmoʊtər/
machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion
From this reading Every wire had been gone over, the motor had been tuned and found to be in perfect working condition, and the two boys were confident of being able to carry out their part of the program.
napnounUS /næp/
a period of time spent sleeping
From this reading With nothing to do that day, the bearers had enjoyed life by taking a long nap.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading With nothing to do that day, the bearers had enjoyed life by taking a long nap.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading In the grove in the background, Frank could see here and there the gleam of one of the cooking fires about which the bearers left to him and Bob were preparing their evening meal.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Every wire had been gone over, the motor had been tuned and found to be in perfect working condition, and the two boys were confident of being able to carry out their part of the program.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Every wire had been gone over, the motor had been tuned and found to be in perfect working condition, and the two boys were confident of being able to carry out their part of the program.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading Every wire had been gone over, the motor had been tuned and found to be in perfect working condition, and the two boys were confident of being able to carry out their part of the program.
being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish
From this reading Every wire had been gone over, the motor had been tuned and found to be in perfect working condition, and the two boys were confident of being able to carry out their part of the program.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
pointersnounUS /ˈpɔɪntərz/
plural of “pointer” — a mark to indicate a direction or relation
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
preparingverbUS /priˈperɪŋ/
-ing form of “prepare” — make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc
From this reading In the grove in the background, Frank could see here and there the gleam of one of the cooking fires about which the bearers left to him and Bob were preparing their evening meal.
programnounUS /ˈproʊɡræm/
a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished
From this reading Every wire had been gone over, the motor had been tuned and found to be in perfect working condition, and the two boys were confident of being able to carry out their part of the program.
radionounUS /ˈreɪdioʊ/
medium for communication
From this reading Behind him at the radio station was Bob with Samba seated before the transmitter.
rocketsnounUS /ˈrɑːkəts/
plural of “rocket” — any vehicle self-propelled by a rocket engine
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
SambanounUS /ˈsɑːmbə/
large west African tree having large palmately lobed leaves and axillary cymose panicles of small white flowers and one-winged seeds; yields soft white to pale yellow wood
From this reading Behind him at the radio station was Bob with Samba seated before the transmitter.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading Behind him at the radio station was Bob with Samba seated before the transmitter.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
the act of causing something to move up and down (or back and forth) with quick movements
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose
From this reading Behind him at the radio station was Bob with Samba seated before the transmitter.
not in physical motion
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading With nothing to do that day, the bearers had enjoyed life by taking a long nap.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading With nothing to do that day, the bearers had enjoyed life by taking a long nap.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Every wire had been gone over, the motor had been tuned and found to be in perfect working condition, and the two boys were confident of being able to carry out their part of the program.
in or at that place or location
From this reading In the grove in the background, Frank could see here and there the gleam of one of the cooking fires about which the bearers left to him and Bob were preparing their evening meal.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
transmitternounUS /trænˈsmɪtər/
someone who transmits a message
From this reading Behind him at the radio station was Bob with Samba seated before the transmitter.
tunedverbUS /tuːnd/
past form of “tune” — adjust for (better) functioning
From this reading Every wire had been gone over, the motor had been tuned and found to be in perfect working condition, and the two boys were confident of being able to carry out their part of the program.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Every wire had been gone over, the motor had been tuned and found to be in perfect working condition, and the two boys were confident of being able to carry out their part of the program.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
a community of people smaller than a town
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Every wire had been gone over, the motor had been tuned and found to be in perfect working condition, and the two boys were confident of being able to carry out their part of the program.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading MFUM-BA APPEARS Hours later Frank was still shaking as he stood in the darkness on the edge of the bluff gazing through the night glasses in the direction indicated by the pointers and waiting for the signal rockets which he expected momentarily to see flare up from the village in the darkened plain far below.
ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc
From this reading Every wire had been gone over, the motor had been tuned and found to be in perfect working condition, and the two boys were confident of being able to carry out their part of the program.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Behind him at the radio station was Bob with Samba seated before the transmitter.
actively engaged in paid work
From this reading Every wire had been gone over, the motor had been tuned and found to be in perfect working condition, and the two boys were confident of being able to carry out their part of the program.
