used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Under the sun, standing directly overhead in a cloudless sky, the irregular floor of sand stretching illimitably in three directions like gently-rolling waves of the sea arrested in motion, seemed radiating heat waves like the top of a stove.
AfricanadjectiveUS /ˈæfrəkən/
of or relating to the nations of Africa or their peoples
From this reading Steep, precipitous, verdureless, the mountains rose in great masses of rock directly out of the sand, just as the Pillars of Hercules, guarding the Strait of Gibraltar, rise out of the sea at the northwestern extremity of the African continent.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading For the first time by daylight they had a good look at it, and involuntarily both Jack and Frank drew in their breaths at the sight.
arrestedverbUS /ərˈestɪd/
past form of “arrest” — take into custody
From this reading Under the sun, standing directly overhead in a cloudless sky, the irregular floor of sand stretching illimitably in three directions like gently-rolling waves of the sea arrested in motion, seemed radiating heat waves like the top of a stove.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Steep, precipitous, verdureless, the mountains rose in great masses of rock directly out of the sand, just as the Pillars of Hercules, guarding the Strait of Gibraltar, rise out of the sea at the northwestern extremity of the African continent.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading In the fourth direction, at their backs, stretched away on either hand the Great Mountain Wall.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading In the fourth direction, at their backs, stretched away on either hand the Great Mountain Wall.
backsnounUS /bæks/
plural of “back” — the posterior part of a human (or animal) body from the neck to the end of the spine
From this reading In the fourth direction, at their backs, stretched away on either hand the Great Mountain Wall.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading When they emerged from the Great Road, the Great Desert lay shimmering before them.
the two together, not just one
From this reading For the first time by daylight they had a good look at it, and involuntarily both Jack and Frank drew in their breaths at the sight.
breathsnounUS /breθs/
plural of “breath” — the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading For the first time by daylight they had a good look at it, and involuntarily both Jack and Frank drew in their breaths at the sight.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading For the first time by daylight they had a good look at it, and involuntarily both Jack and Frank drew in their breaths at the sight.
cloudlessadjectiveUS /ˈklaʊdləs/
free from clouds
From this reading Under the sun, standing directly overhead in a cloudless sky, the irregular floor of sand stretching illimitably in three directions like gently-rolling waves of the sea arrested in motion, seemed radiating heat waves like the top of a stove.
continentnounUS /ˈkɑːntənənt/
one of the large landmasses of the earth
From this reading Steep, precipitous, verdureless, the mountains rose in great masses of rock directly out of the sand, just as the Pillars of Hercules, guarding the Strait of Gibraltar, rise out of the sea at the northwestern extremity of the African continent.
the time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside
From this reading For the first time by daylight they had a good look at it, and involuntarily both Jack and Frank drew in their breaths at the sight.
leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch
From this reading When they emerged from the Great Road, the Great Desert lay shimmering before them.
a line leading to a place or point
From this reading In the fourth direction, at their backs, stretched away on either hand the Great Mountain Wall.
plural of “direction” — a line leading to a place or point
From this reading Under the sun, standing directly overhead in a cloudless sky, the irregular floor of sand stretching illimitably in three directions like gently-rolling waves of the sea arrested in motion, seemed radiating heat waves like the top of a stove.
without deviation
From this reading Under the sun, standing directly overhead in a cloudless sky, the irregular floor of sand stretching illimitably in three directions like gently-rolling waves of the sea arrested in motion, seemed radiating heat waves like the top of a stove.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading For the first time by daylight they had a good look at it, and involuntarily both Jack and Frank drew in their breaths at the sight.
one or the other of two
From this reading In the fourth direction, at their backs, stretched away on either hand the Great Mountain Wall.
emergedverbUS /ɪˈmɜːrdʒd/
past form of “emerge” — come out into view, as from concealment
From this reading When they emerged from the Great Road, the Great Desert lay shimmering before them.
extremitynounUS /ekˈstreməti/
an external body part that projects from the body
From this reading Steep, precipitous, verdureless, the mountains rose in great masses of rock directly out of the sand, just as the Pillars of Hercules, guarding the Strait of Gibraltar, rise out of the sea at the northwestern extremity of the African continent.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading For the first time by daylight they had a good look at it, and involuntarily both Jack and Frank drew in their breaths at the sight.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading Under the sun, standing directly overhead in a cloudless sky, the irregular floor of sand stretching illimitably in three directions like gently-rolling waves of the sea arrested in motion, seemed radiating heat waves like the top of a stove.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For the first time by daylight they had a good look at it, and involuntarily both Jack and Frank drew in their breaths at the sight.
following the third position; number four in a countable series
From this reading In the fourth direction, at their backs, stretched away on either hand the Great Mountain Wall.
characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion
From this reading For the first time by daylight they had a good look at it, and involuntarily both Jack and Frank drew in their breaths at the sight.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading When they emerged from the Great Road, the Great Desert lay shimmering before them.
gently-rolling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Under the sun, standing directly overhead in a cloudless sky, the irregular floor of sand stretching illimitably in three directions like gently-rolling waves of the sea arrested in motion, seemed radiating heat waves like the top of a stove.
GibraltarnounUS /dʒɪˈbrɔːltər/
location of a colony of the United Kingdom on a limestone promontory at the southern tip of Spain; strategically important because it can control the entrance of ships into the Mediterranean; one of the Pillars of Hercules
From this reading Steep, precipitous, verdureless, the mountains rose in great masses of rock directly out of the sand, just as the Pillars of Hercules, guarding the Strait of Gibraltar, rise out of the sea at the northwestern extremity of the African continent.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading For the first time by daylight they had a good look at it, and involuntarily both Jack and Frank drew in their breaths at the sight.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading When they emerged from the Great Road, the Great Desert lay shimmering before them.
guardingverbUS /ˈɡɑːrdɪŋ/
-ing form of “guard” — to keep watch over
From this reading Steep, precipitous, verdureless, the mountains rose in great masses of rock directly out of the sand, just as the Pillars of Hercules, guarding the Strait of Gibraltar, rise out of the sea at the northwestern extremity of the African continent.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading For the first time by daylight they had a good look at it, and involuntarily both Jack and Frank drew in their breaths at the sight.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading In the fourth direction, at their backs, stretched away on either hand the Great Mountain Wall.
a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature
From this reading Under the sun, standing directly overhead in a cloudless sky, the irregular floor of sand stretching illimitably in three directions like gently-rolling waves of the sea arrested in motion, seemed radiating heat waves like the top of a stove.
HerculesnounUS /ˈhɜːrkjəliːz/
(classical mythology) a hero noted for his strength; performed 12 immense labors to gain immortality
From this reading Steep, precipitous, verdureless, the mountains rose in great masses of rock directly out of the sand, just as the Pillars of Hercules, guarding the Strait of Gibraltar, rise out of the sea at the northwestern extremity of the African continent.
illimitably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Under the sun, standing directly overhead in a cloudless sky, the irregular floor of sand stretching illimitably in three directions like gently-rolling waves of the sea arrested in motion, seemed radiating heat waves like the top of a stove.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Under the sun, standing directly overhead in a cloudless sky, the irregular floor of sand stretching illimitably in three directions like gently-rolling waves of the sea arrested in motion, seemed radiating heat waves like the top of a stove.
involuntarilyadverbUS /ˌɪnvoʊˈlʌntərɪli/
against your will
From this reading For the first time by daylight they had a good look at it, and involuntarily both Jack and Frank drew in their breaths at the sight.
irregularadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈreɡjələr/
contrary to rule or accepted order or general practice
From this reading Under the sun, standing directly overhead in a cloudless sky, the irregular floor of sand stretching illimitably in three directions like gently-rolling waves of the sea arrested in motion, seemed radiating heat waves like the top of a stove.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading For the first time by daylight they had a good look at it, and involuntarily both Jack and Frank drew in their breaths at the sight.
a small worthless amount
From this reading For the first time by daylight they had a good look at it, and involuntarily both Jack and Frank drew in their breaths at the sight.
and nothing more
From this reading Steep, precipitous, verdureless, the mountains rose in great masses of rock directly out of the sand, just as the Pillars of Hercules, guarding the Strait of Gibraltar, rise out of the sea at the northwestern extremity of the African continent.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading When they emerged from the Great Road, the Great Desert lay shimmering before them.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Under the sun, standing directly overhead in a cloudless sky, the irregular floor of sand stretching illimitably in three directions like gently-rolling waves of the sea arrested in motion, seemed radiating heat waves like the top of a stove.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading For the first time by daylight they had a good look at it, and involuntarily both Jack and Frank drew in their breaths at the sight.
massesnounUS /ˈmæsəz/
the common people generally
From this reading Steep, precipitous, verdureless, the mountains rose in great masses of rock directly out of the sand, just as the Pillars of Hercules, guarding the Strait of Gibraltar, rise out of the sea at the northwestern extremity of the African continent.
the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals
From this reading Under the sun, standing directly overhead in a cloudless sky, the irregular floor of sand stretching illimitably in three directions like gently-rolling waves of the sea arrested in motion, seemed radiating heat waves like the top of a stove.
a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading In the fourth direction, at their backs, stretched away on either hand the Great Mountain Wall.
plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading Steep, precipitous, verdureless, the mountains rose in great masses of rock directly out of the sand, just as the Pillars of Hercules, guarding the Strait of Gibraltar, rise out of the sea at the northwestern extremity of the African continent.
northwesternadjectiveUS /ˌnɔːrˈθwestərn/
situated in or oriented toward the northwest
From this reading Steep, precipitous, verdureless, the mountains rose in great masses of rock directly out of the sand, just as the Pillars of Hercules, guarding the Strait of Gibraltar, rise out of the sea at the northwestern extremity of the African continent.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Under the sun, standing directly overhead in a cloudless sky, the irregular floor of sand stretching illimitably in three directions like gently-rolling waves of the sea arrested in motion, seemed radiating heat waves like the top of a stove.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading In the fourth direction, at their backs, stretched away on either hand the Great Mountain Wall.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Steep, precipitous, verdureless, the mountains rose in great masses of rock directly out of the sand, just as the Pillars of Hercules, guarding the Strait of Gibraltar, rise out of the sea at the northwestern extremity of the African continent.
overheadadverbUS /ˈoʊvərˈhed/
above your head; in the sky
From this reading Under the sun, standing directly overhead in a cloudless sky, the irregular floor of sand stretching illimitably in three directions like gently-rolling waves of the sea arrested in motion, seemed radiating heat waves like the top of a stove.
PillarsnounUS /ˈpɪlərz/
plural of “pillar” — a fundamental principle or practice
From this reading Steep, precipitous, verdureless, the mountains rose in great masses of rock directly out of the sand, just as the Pillars of Hercules, guarding the Strait of Gibraltar, rise out of the sea at the northwestern extremity of the African continent.
precipitousadjectiveUS /prɪˈsɪpɪtəs/
done with very great haste and without due deliberation
From this reading Steep, precipitous, verdureless, the mountains rose in great masses of rock directly out of the sand, just as the Pillars of Hercules, guarding the Strait of Gibraltar, rise out of the sea at the northwestern extremity of the African continent.
radiatingadjectiveUS /ˈreɪdieɪtɪŋ/
diverging from a common point
From this reading Under the sun, standing directly overhead in a cloudless sky, the irregular floor of sand stretching illimitably in three directions like gently-rolling waves of the sea arrested in motion, seemed radiating heat waves like the top of a stove.
move upward
From this reading Steep, precipitous, verdureless, the mountains rose in great masses of rock directly out of the sand, just as the Pillars of Hercules, guarding the Strait of Gibraltar, rise out of the sea at the northwestern extremity of the African continent.
an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
From this reading When they emerged from the Great Road, the Great Desert lay shimmering before them.
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading Steep, precipitous, verdureless, the mountains rose in great masses of rock directly out of the sand, just as the Pillars of Hercules, guarding the Strait of Gibraltar, rise out of the sea at the northwestern extremity of the African continent.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading Steep, precipitous, verdureless, the mountains rose in great masses of rock directly out of the sand, just as the Pillars of Hercules, guarding the Strait of Gibraltar, rise out of the sea at the northwestern extremity of the African continent.
a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral
From this reading Under the sun, standing directly overhead in a cloudless sky, the irregular floor of sand stretching illimitably in three directions like gently-rolling waves of the sea arrested in motion, seemed radiating heat waves like the top of a stove.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading Under the sun, standing directly overhead in a cloudless sky, the irregular floor of sand stretching illimitably in three directions like gently-rolling waves of the sea arrested in motion, seemed radiating heat waves like the top of a stove.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Under the sun, standing directly overhead in a cloudless sky, the irregular floor of sand stretching illimitably in three directions like gently-rolling waves of the sea arrested in motion, seemed radiating heat waves like the top of a stove.
shimmeringverbUS /ˈʃɪmərɪŋ/
-ing form of “shimmer” — shine with a weak or fitful light
From this reading When they emerged from the Great Road, the Great Desert lay shimmering before them.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading For the first time by daylight they had a good look at it, and involuntarily both Jack and Frank drew in their breaths at the sight.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading Under the sun, standing directly overhead in a cloudless sky, the irregular floor of sand stretching illimitably in three directions like gently-rolling waves of the sea arrested in motion, seemed radiating heat waves like the top of a stove.
having a supporting base
From this reading Under the sun, standing directly overhead in a cloudless sky, the irregular floor of sand stretching illimitably in three directions like gently-rolling waves of the sea arrested in motion, seemed radiating heat waves like the top of a stove.
having a sharp inclination
From this reading Steep, precipitous, verdureless, the mountains rose in great masses of rock directly out of the sand, just as the Pillars of Hercules, guarding the Strait of Gibraltar, rise out of the sea at the northwestern extremity of the African continent.
stovenounUS /stoʊv/
a kitchen appliance used for cooking food
From this reading Under the sun, standing directly overhead in a cloudless sky, the irregular floor of sand stretching illimitably in three directions like gently-rolling waves of the sea arrested in motion, seemed radiating heat waves like the top of a stove.
StraitnounUS /streɪt/
a narrow channel of the sea joining two larger bodies of water
From this reading Steep, precipitous, verdureless, the mountains rose in great masses of rock directly out of the sand, just as the Pillars of Hercules, guarding the Strait of Gibraltar, rise out of the sea at the northwestern extremity of the African continent.
(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching
From this reading In the fourth direction, at their backs, stretched away on either hand the Great Mountain Wall.
stretchingnounUS /ˈstretʃɪŋ/
act of expanding by lengthening or widening
From this reading Under the sun, standing directly overhead in a cloudless sky, the irregular floor of sand stretching illimitably in three directions like gently-rolling waves of the sea arrested in motion, seemed radiating heat waves like the top of a stove.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading Under the sun, standing directly overhead in a cloudless sky, the irregular floor of sand stretching illimitably in three directions like gently-rolling waves of the sea arrested in motion, seemed radiating heat waves like the top of a stove.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading When they emerged from the Great Road, the Great Desert lay shimmering before them.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading In the fourth direction, at their backs, stretched away on either hand the Great Mountain Wall.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading When they emerged from the Great Road, the Great Desert lay shimmering before them.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When they emerged from the Great Road, the Great Desert lay shimmering before them.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Under the sun, standing directly overhead in a cloudless sky, the irregular floor of sand stretching illimitably in three directions like gently-rolling waves of the sea arrested in motion, seemed radiating heat waves like the top of a stove.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading For the first time by daylight they had a good look at it, and involuntarily both Jack and Frank drew in their breaths at the sight.
the upper part of anything
From this reading Under the sun, standing directly overhead in a cloudless sky, the irregular floor of sand stretching illimitably in three directions like gently-rolling waves of the sea arrested in motion, seemed radiating heat waves like the top of a stove.
UnderprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Under the sun, standing directly overhead in a cloudless sky, the irregular floor of sand stretching illimitably in three directions like gently-rolling waves of the sea arrested in motion, seemed radiating heat waves like the top of a stove.
verdureless
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Steep, precipitous, verdureless, the mountains rose in great masses of rock directly out of the sand, just as the Pillars of Hercules, guarding the Strait of Gibraltar, rise out of the sea at the northwestern extremity of the African continent.
an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading In the fourth direction, at their backs, stretched away on either hand the Great Mountain Wall.
plural of “wave” — one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
From this reading Under the sun, standing directly overhead in a cloudless sky, the irregular floor of sand stretching illimitably in three directions like gently-rolling waves of the sea arrested in motion, seemed radiating heat waves like the top of a stove.
at the time that
From this reading When they emerged from the Great Road, the Great Desert lay shimmering before them.
