120
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was in 1863 that the first sod was turned in the construction of the first line which was destined to bring San Francisco within 120 hours’ journey of New York, and which changed completely the whole stream of traffic flowing round one-half of the northern hemisphere.
1863
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was in 1863 that the first sod was turned in the construction of the first line which was destined to bring San Francisco within 120 hours’ journey of New York, and which changed completely the whole stream of traffic flowing round one-half of the northern hemisphere.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
academicadjectiveUS /ˌækəˈdemɪk/
associated with academia or an academy
From this reading But for some years before the spade was driven into the earth to signal the commencement of this enterprise, the idea had been contemplated and discussed in a more or less academic manner.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading But that concise statement concealed one of the most romantic stories in the history of railway engineering: of grim battles every hour either against the hostile forces of nature or of mankind.
North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
AtlanticnounUS /ətˈlæntɪk/
the 2nd largest ocean; separates North and South America on the west from Europe and Africa on the east
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
battlesnounUS /ˈbætəlz/
plural of “battle” — a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading But that concise statement concealed one of the most romantic stories in the history of railway engineering: of grim battles every hour either against the hostile forces of nature or of mankind.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading But for some years before the spade was driven into the earth to signal the commencement of this enterprise, the idea had been contemplated and discussed in a more or less academic manner.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading But for some years before the spade was driven into the earth to signal the commencement of this enterprise, the idea had been contemplated and discussed in a more or less academic manner.
bondnounUS /bɑːnd/
an electrical force linking atoms
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading It was in 1863 that the first sod was turned in the construction of the first line which was destined to bring San Francisco within 120 hours’ journey of New York, and which changed completely the whole stream of traffic flowing round one-half of the northern hemisphere.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But that concise statement concealed one of the most romantic stories in the history of railway engineering: of grim battles every hour either against the hostile forces of nature or of mankind.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
made or become different in nature or form
From this reading It was in 1863 that the first sod was turned in the construction of the first line which was destined to bring San Francisco within 120 hours’ journey of New York, and which changed completely the whole stream of traffic flowing round one-half of the northern hemisphere.
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
Collis
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
commencementnounUS /kəˈmensmənt/
the time at which something is supposed to begin
From this reading But for some years before the spade was driven into the earth to signal the commencement of this enterprise, the idea had been contemplated and discussed in a more or less academic manner.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading It was in 1863 that the first sod was turned in the construction of the first line which was destined to bring San Francisco within 120 hours’ journey of New York, and which changed completely the whole stream of traffic flowing round one-half of the northern hemisphere.
not accessible to view
From this reading But that concise statement concealed one of the most romantic stories in the history of railway engineering: of grim battles every hour either against the hostile forces of nature or of mankind.
conciseadjectiveUS /kənˈsaɪs/
expressing much in few words
From this reading But that concise statement concealed one of the most romantic stories in the history of railway engineering: of grim battles every hour either against the hostile forces of nature or of mankind.
CongressnounUS /ˈkɑːŋɡrəs/
the legislature of the United States government
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
constructionnounUS /kənˈstrʌkʃən/
the act of constructing something
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
contemplatedverbUS /ˈkɑːntəmpleɪtɪd/
past form of “contemplate” — look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought
From this reading But for some years before the spade was driven into the earth to signal the commencement of this enterprise, the idea had been contemplated and discussed in a more or less academic manner.
desertsnounUS /ˈdezərts/
plural of “desert” — arid land with little or no vegetation
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
destinedadjectiveUS /ˈdestɪnd/
headed or intending to head in a certain direction; often used as a combining form as in “college-bound students”
From this reading It was in 1863 that the first sod was turned in the construction of the first line which was destined to bring San Francisco within 120 hours’ journey of New York, and which changed completely the whole stream of traffic flowing round one-half of the northern hemisphere.
plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
discussedverbUS /dɪˈskʌst/
past form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing
From this reading But for some years before the spade was driven into the earth to signal the commencement of this enterprise, the idea had been contemplated and discussed in a more or less academic manner.
compelled forcibly by an outside agency
From this reading But for some years before the spade was driven into the earth to signal the commencement of this enterprise, the idea had been contemplated and discussed in a more or less academic manner.
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading But for some years before the spade was driven into the earth to signal the commencement of this enterprise, the idea had been contemplated and discussed in a more or less academic manner.
one or the other of two
From this reading But that concise statement concealed one of the most romantic stories in the history of railway engineering: of grim battles every hour either against the hostile forces of nature or of mankind.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
engineeringnounUS /ˈendʒəˈnɪrɪŋ/
the practical application of technical and scientific knowledge to commerce or industry
From this reading But that concise statement concealed one of the most romantic stories in the history of railway engineering: of grim battles every hour either against the hostile forces of nature or of mankind.
enterprisenounUS /ˈentərpraɪz/
a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)
From this reading But for some years before the spade was driven into the earth to signal the commencement of this enterprise, the idea had been contemplated and discussed in a more or less academic manner.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading But that concise statement concealed one of the most romantic stories in the history of railway engineering: of grim battles every hour either against the hostile forces of nature or of mankind.
excessnounUS /ˈekses/
a quantity much larger than is needed
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
FIRSTadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
flatsnounUS /flæts/
footwear (shoes or slippers) with no heel (or a very low heel)
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
flowingnounUS /ˈfloʊɪŋ/
the motion characteristic of fluids (liquids or gases)
From this reading It was in 1863 that the first sod was turned in the construction of the first line which was destined to bring San Francisco within 120 hours’ journey of New York, and which changed completely the whole stream of traffic flowing round one-half of the northern hemisphere.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But for some years before the spade was driven into the earth to signal the commencement of this enterprise, the idea had been contemplated and discussed in a more or less academic manner.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
plural of “force” — a powerful effect or influence
From this reading But that concise statement concealed one of the most romantic stories in the history of railway engineering: of grim battles every hour either against the hostile forces of nature or of mankind.
Francisco
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was in 1863 that the first sod was turned in the construction of the first line which was destined to bring San Francisco within 120 hours’ journey of New York, and which changed completely the whole stream of traffic flowing round one-half of the northern hemisphere.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
gorgesnounUS /ˈɡɔːrdʒəz/
plural of “gorge” — a deep ravine (usually with a river running through it)
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
From this reading But that concise statement concealed one of the most romantic stories in the history of railway engineering: of grim battles every hour either against the hostile forces of nature or of mankind.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading But for some years before the spade was driven into the earth to signal the commencement of this enterprise, the idea had been contemplated and discussed in a more or less academic manner.
a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
hemispherenounUS /ˈhemɪsfɪr/
half of the terrestrial globe
From this reading It was in 1863 that the first sod was turned in the construction of the first line which was destined to bring San Francisco within 120 hours’ journey of New York, and which changed completely the whole stream of traffic flowing round one-half of the northern hemisphere.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
the aggregate of past events
From this reading But that concise statement concealed one of the most romantic stories in the history of railway engineering: of grim battles every hour either against the hostile forces of nature or of mankind.
hostileadjectiveUS /ˈhɑːstəl/
characterized by enmity or ill will
From this reading But that concise statement concealed one of the most romantic stories in the history of railway engineering: of grim battles every hour either against the hostile forces of nature or of mankind.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading But that concise statement concealed one of the most romantic stories in the history of railway engineering: of grim battles every hour either against the hostile forces of nature or of mankind.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading It was in 1863 that the first sod was turned in the construction of the first line which was destined to bring San Francisco within 120 hours’ journey of New York, and which changed completely the whole stream of traffic flowing round one-half of the northern hemisphere.
HuntingtonnounUS /ˈhʌntɪŋtən/
United States physician who first described Huntington's chorea
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading But for some years before the spade was driven into the earth to signal the commencement of this enterprise, the idea had been contemplated and discussed in a more or less academic manner.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
plural of “indian” — a native or inhabitant of India
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading But for some years before the spade was driven into the earth to signal the commencement of this enterprise, the idea had been contemplated and discussed in a more or less academic manner.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was in 1863 that the first sod was turned in the construction of the first line which was destined to bring San Francisco within 120 hours’ journey of New York, and which changed completely the whole stream of traffic flowing round one-half of the northern hemisphere.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading It was in 1863 that the first sod was turned in the construction of the first line which was destined to bring San Francisco within 120 hours’ journey of New York, and which changed completely the whole stream of traffic flowing round one-half of the northern hemisphere.
conformity or harmony
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading But for some years before the spade was driven into the earth to signal the commencement of this enterprise, the idea had been contemplated and discussed in a more or less academic manner.
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
linkedadjectiveUS /lɪŋkt/
connected by a link, as railway cars or trailer trucks
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
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 THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
mankindnounUS /ˈmænˈkaɪnd/
all of the living human inhabitants of the earth
From this reading But that concise statement concealed one of the most romantic stories in the history of railway engineering: of grim battles every hour either against the hostile forces of nature or of mankind.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading But for some years before the spade was driven into the earth to signal the commencement of this enterprise, the idea had been contemplated and discussed in a more or less academic manner.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading But for some years before the spade was driven into the earth to signal the commencement of this enterprise, the idea had been contemplated and discussed in a more or less academic manner.
used to form the superlative
From this reading But that concise statement concealed one of the most romantic stories in the history of railway engineering: of grim battles every hour either against the hostile forces of nature or of mankind.
plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
in motion
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading But that concise statement concealed one of the most romantic stories in the history of railway engineering: of grim battles every hour either against the hostile forces of nature or of mankind.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading It was in 1863 that the first sod was turned in the construction of the first line which was destined to bring San Francisco within 120 hours’ journey of New York, and which changed completely the whole stream of traffic flowing round one-half of the northern hemisphere.
the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
in or characteristic of a region of the United States north of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading It was in 1863 that the first sod was turned in the construction of the first line which was destined to bring San Francisco within 120 hours’ journey of New York, and which changed completely the whole stream of traffic flowing round one-half of the northern hemisphere.
obstructionsnounUS /əbˈstrʌkʃənz/
plural of “obstruction” — any structure that makes progress difficult
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
one-halfnoun
one of two equal parts of a divisible whole
From this reading It was in 1863 that the first sod was turned in the construction of the first line which was destined to bring San Francisco within 120 hours’ journey of New York, and which changed completely the whole stream of traffic flowing round one-half of the northern hemisphere.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading But that concise statement concealed one of the most romantic stories in the history of railway engineering: of grim battles every hour either against the hostile forces of nature or of mankind.
a multivalent nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family that occurs commonly in inorganic phosphate rocks and as organic phosphates in all living cells; is highly reactive and occurs in several allotropic forms
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
PacificnounUS /pəˈsɪfɪk/
the largest ocean in the world
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
railwaynounUS /ˈreɪlweɪ/
line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
being connected either logically or causally or by shared characteristics
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
romanticadjectiveUS /roʊˈmæntɪk/
belonging to or characteristic of Romanticism or the Romantic Movement in the arts
From this reading But that concise statement concealed one of the most romantic stories in the history of railway engineering: of grim battles every hour either against the hostile forces of nature or of mankind.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading It was in 1863 that the first sod was turned in the construction of the first line which was destined to bring San Francisco within 120 hours’ journey of New York, and which changed completely the whole stream of traffic flowing round one-half of the northern hemisphere.
San
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was in 1863 that the first sod was turned in the construction of the first line which was destined to bring San Francisco within 120 hours’ journey of New York, and which changed completely the whole stream of traffic flowing round one-half of the northern hemisphere.
scarcitynounUS /ˈskersɪti/
a small and inadequate amount
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message
From this reading But for some years before the spade was driven into the earth to signal the commencement of this enterprise, the idea had been contemplated and discussed in a more or less academic manner.
snowsnounUS /snoʊz/
plural of “snow” — precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
sodnounUS /sɑːd/
surface layer of ground containing a mat of grass and grass roots
From this reading It was in 1863 that the first sod was turned in the construction of the first line which was destined to bring San Francisco within 120 hours’ journey of New York, and which changed completely the whole stream of traffic flowing round one-half of the northern hemisphere.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading But for some years before the spade was driven into the earth to signal the commencement of this enterprise, the idea had been contemplated and discussed in a more or less academic manner.
spadenounUS /speɪd/
a playing card in the major suit that has one or more black figures on it
From this reading But for some years before the spade was driven into the earth to signal the commencement of this enterprise, the idea had been contemplated and discussed in a more or less academic manner.
an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
a message that is stated or declared; a communication (oral or written) setting forth particulars or facts etc
From this reading But that concise statement concealed one of the most romantic stories in the history of railway engineering: of grim battles every hour either against the hostile forces of nature or of mankind.
plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
an alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
having a sharp inclination
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading But that concise statement concealed one of the most romantic stories in the history of railway engineering: of grim battles every hour either against the hostile forces of nature or of mankind.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
From this reading It was in 1863 that the first sod was turned in the construction of the first line which was destined to bring San Francisco within 120 hours’ journey of New York, and which changed completely the whole stream of traffic flowing round one-half of the northern hemisphere.
terseadjectiveUS /tɜːrs/
brief and to the point; effectively cut short
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
in or at that place or location
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
timbernounUS /ˈtɪmbər/
the wood of trees cut and prepared for use as building material
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
trafficnounUS /ˈtræfɪk/
the aggregation of things (pedestrians or vehicles) coming and going in a particular locality during a specified period of time
From this reading It was in 1863 that the first sod was turned in the construction of the first line which was destined to bring San Francisco within 120 hours’ journey of New York, and which changed completely the whole stream of traffic flowing round one-half of the northern hemisphere.
TRANS-CONTINENTAL
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading It was in 1863 that the first sod was turned in the construction of the first line which was destined to bring San Francisco within 120 hours’ journey of New York, and which changed completely the whole stream of traffic flowing round one-half of the northern hemisphere.
undertakingnounUS /ˈʌndərteɪkɪŋ/
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
UNITEDadjectiveUS /juːˈnaɪtɪd/
characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
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 FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
used to ask for information about something
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
in or at the place that
From this reading THE FIRST TRANS-CONTINENTAL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES “There were difficulties from end to end: from high and steep mountains; from snows; from deserts where there was a scarcity of water, and from gorges and flats where there was an excess; difficulties from cold and heat; from a scarcity of timber and from obstructions of rock; difficulties in keeping a large force on a long line; from Indians; and from want of labour.”
whereby
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was in 1863 that the first sod was turned in the construction of the first line which was destined to bring San Francisco within 120 hours’ journey of New York, and which changed completely the whole stream of traffic flowing round one-half of the northern hemisphere.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading It was in 1863 that the first sod was turned in the construction of the first line which was destined to bring San Francisco within 120 hours’ journey of New York, and which changed completely the whole stream of traffic flowing round one-half of the northern hemisphere.
in the company of; together with
From this reading This was the terse story related to the United States Congress by Collis P. Huntington, one of the moving spirits of what, at that time, was a tremendous undertaking--the construction of the first railway across North America whereby the Atlantic was linked with the Pacific by a bond of steel.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading It was in 1863 that the first sod was turned in the construction of the first line which was destined to bring San Francisco within 120 hours’ journey of New York, and which changed completely the whole stream of traffic flowing round one-half of the northern hemisphere.
a late time of life
From this reading But for some years before the spade was driven into the earth to signal the commencement of this enterprise, the idea had been contemplated and discussed in a more or less academic manner.
the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose
From this reading It was in 1863 that the first sod was turned in the construction of the first line which was destined to bring San Francisco within 120 hours’ journey of New York, and which changed completely the whole stream of traffic flowing round one-half of the northern hemisphere.
