Chapter XV · Chapter 15

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

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

plural of “aborigine” — an indigenous person who was born in a particular place

From this reading But they were not sufficiently skilled in the arts and subtleties of the aborigines to work out the "code" of footprints and twists, tears, and breaks in the grass, twigs and foliage.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

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

From this reading So the result of the inspection of an apparently recent battle ground was nil.

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

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

from appearances alone

From this reading So the result of the inspection of an apparently recent battle ground was nil.

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

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

a particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography)

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)

From this reading But they were not sufficiently skilled in the arts and subtleties of the aborigines to work out the "code" of footprints and twists, tears, and breaks in the grass, twigs and foliage.

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

From this reading First they scrutinized every foot of ground where the grass had been trampled so violently, it seemed, as to suggest a physical combat.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading So the result of the inspection of an apparently recent battle ground was nil.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading First they scrutinized every foot of ground where the grass had been trampled so violently, it seemed, as to suggest a physical combat.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading "I believe we've exhausted every possibility of a clew to the mystery in this spot," declared Cub at the end of half an hour's search.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

plural of “break” — some abrupt occurrence that interrupts an ongoing activity

From this reading But they were not sufficiently skilled in the arts and subtleties of the aborigines to work out the "code" of footprints and twists, tears, and breaks in the grass, twigs and foliage.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But they were not sufficiently skilled in the arts and subtleties of the aborigines to work out the "code" of footprints and twists, tears, and breaks in the grass, twigs and foliage.

exercising caution or showing care or attention

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

a ball of yarn or cord or thread

From this reading "I believe we've exhausted every possibility of a clew to the mystery in this spot," declared Cub at the end of half an hour's search.

a set of rules or principles or laws (especially written ones)

From this reading But they were not sufficiently skilled in the arts and subtleties of the aborigines to work out the "code" of footprints and twists, tears, and breaks in the grass, twigs and foliage.

an engagement fought between two military forces

From this reading First they scrutinized every foot of ground where the grass had been trampled so violently, it seemed, as to suggest a physical combat.

possessive form of “cousin” — the child of your aunt or uncle

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

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

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

an awkward and inexperienced youth

From this reading "I believe we've exhausted every possibility of a clew to the mystery in this spot," declared Cub at the end of half an hour's search.

made known or openly avowed

From this reading "I believe we've exhausted every possibility of a clew to the mystery in this spot," declared Cub at the end of half an hour's search.

resist or confront with resistance

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

a daily written record of (usually personal) experiences and observations

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading "I believe we've exhausted every possibility of a clew to the mystery in this spot," declared Cub at the end of half an hour's search.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading First they scrutinized every foot of ground where the grass had been trampled so violently, it seemed, as to suggest a physical combat.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

drained of energy or effectiveness; extremely tired; completely exhausted

From this reading "I believe we've exhausted every possibility of a clew to the mystery in this spot," declared Cub at the end of half an hour's search.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading First they scrutinized every foot of ground where the grass had been trampled so violently, it seemed, as to suggest a physical combat.

the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading But they were not sufficiently skilled in the arts and subtleties of the aborigines to work out the "code" of footprints and twists, tears, and breaks in the grass, twigs and foliage.

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading First they scrutinized every foot of ground where the grass had been trampled so violently, it seemed, as to suggest a physical combat.

plural of “footprint” — a mark of a foot or shoe on a surface

From this reading But they were not sufficiently skilled in the arts and subtleties of the aborigines to work out the "code" of footprints and twists, tears, and breaks in the grass, twigs and foliage.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

set up or found

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

shoot down, of birds

From this reading First they scrutinized every foot of ground where the grass had been trampled so violently, it seemed, as to suggest a physical combat.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading First they scrutinized every foot of ground where the grass had been trampled so violently, it seemed, as to suggest a physical combat.

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

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

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

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading "I believe we've exhausted every possibility of a clew to the mystery in this spot," declared Cub at the end of half an hour's search.

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

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

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

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

possessive form of “hour” — a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading "I believe we've exhausted every possibility of a clew to the mystery in this spot," declared Cub at the end of half an hour's search.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "I believe we've exhausted every possibility of a clew to the mystery in this spot," declared Cub at the end of half an hour's search.

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

From this reading But they were not sufficiently skilled in the arts and subtleties of the aborigines to work out the "code" of footprints and twists, tears, and breaks in the grass, twigs and foliage.

a formal or official examination

From this reading So the result of the inspection of an apparently recent battle ground was nil.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading First they scrutinized every foot of ground where the grass had been trampled so violently, it seemed, as to suggest a physical combat.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

a science (or group of related sciences) dealing with the logic of quantity and shape and arrangement

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

a form of address for a man

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

a quantity of no importance

From this reading So the result of the inspection of an apparently recent battle ground was nil.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But they were not sufficiently skilled in the arts and subtleties of the aborigines to work out the "code" of footprints and twists, tears, and breaks in the grass, twigs and foliage.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

To move from a closed position.

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading But they were not sufficiently skilled in the arts and subtleties of the aborigines to work out the "code" of footprints and twists, tears, and breaks in the grass, twigs and foliage.

United States philosopher (1876-1957)

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit

From this reading First they scrutinized every foot of ground where the grass had been trampled so violently, it seemed, as to suggest a physical combat.

a future prospect or potential

From this reading "I believe we've exhausted every possibility of a clew to the mystery in this spot," declared Cub at the end of half an hour's search.

new

From this reading So the result of the inspection of an apparently recent battle ground was nil.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading So the result of the inspection of an apparently recent battle ground was nil.

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

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

past form of “scrutinize” — to look at critically or searchingly, or in minute detail

From this reading First they scrutinized every foot of ground where the grass had been trampled so violently, it seemed, as to suggest a physical combat.

try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of

From this reading "I believe we've exhausted every possibility of a clew to the mystery in this spot," declared Cub at the end of half an hour's search.

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

From this reading First they scrutinized every foot of ground where the grass had been trampled so violently, it seemed, as to suggest a physical combat.

the land along the edge of a body of water

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

having or showing or requiring special skill

From this reading But they were not sufficiently skilled in the arts and subtleties of the aborigines to work out the "code" of footprints and twists, tears, and breaks in the grass, twigs and foliage.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading First they scrutinized every foot of ground where the grass had been trampled so violently, it seemed, as to suggest a physical combat.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading "I believe we've exhausted every possibility of a clew to the mystery in this spot," declared Cub at the end of half an hour's search.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

plural of “subtlety” — a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude

From this reading But they were not sufficiently skilled in the arts and subtleties of the aborigines to work out the "code" of footprints and twists, tears, and breaks in the grass, twigs and foliage.

to a sufficient degree

From this reading But they were not sufficiently skilled in the arts and subtleties of the aborigines to work out the "code" of footprints and twists, tears, and breaks in the grass, twigs and foliage.

make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading First they scrutinized every foot of ground where the grass had been trampled so violently, it seemed, as to suggest a physical combat.

the environmental condition

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)

From this reading But they were not sufficiently skilled in the arts and subtleties of the aborigines to work out the "code" of footprints and twists, tears, and breaks in the grass, twigs and foliage.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

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

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

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

From this reading First they scrutinized every foot of ground where the grass had been trampled so violently, it seemed, as to suggest a physical combat.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading "I believe we've exhausted every possibility of a clew to the mystery in this spot," declared Cub at the end of half an hour's search.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

propel through the air

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

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

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

past form of “trample” — tread or stomp heavily or roughly

From this reading First they scrutinized every foot of ground where the grass had been trampled so violently, it seemed, as to suggest a physical combat.

plural of “twig” — a small branch or division of a branch (especially a terminal division); usually applied to branches of the current or preceding year

From this reading But they were not sufficiently skilled in the arts and subtleties of the aborigines to work out the "code" of footprints and twists, tears, and breaks in the grass, twigs and foliage.

plural of “twist” — an unforeseen development

From this reading But they were not sufficiently skilled in the arts and subtleties of the aborigines to work out the "code" of footprints and twists, tears, and breaks in the grass, twigs and foliage.

in a violent manner

From this reading First they scrutinized every foot of ground where the grass had been trampled so violently, it seemed, as to suggest a physical combat.

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

From this reading So the result of the inspection of an apparently recent battle ground was nil.

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

From this reading "I believe we've exhausted every possibility of a clew to the mystery in this spot," declared Cub at the end of half an hour's search.

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

From this reading But they were not sufficiently skilled in the arts and subtleties of the aborigines to work out the "code" of footprints and twists, tears, and breaks in the grass, twigs and foliage.

in or at the place that

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

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

From this reading The Hook-Up on Shore Arrived at the open area where Hal had found his cousin's "Crusoe diary", the three boys and Mr. Perry began a careful examination of the surroundings for further evidence that might throw light on the strange affair, which, for the time at least, appeared to defy the mystery scoffer's "mathematics".

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading But they were not sufficiently skilled in the arts and subtleties of the aborigines to work out the "code" of footprints and twists, tears, and breaks in the grass, twigs and foliage.