Chapter XVI

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

From this reading A WILD RACE Tom Clifton, ever watchful, had discovered the stampeded mustangs just an instant before Bob Somers shouted his warning.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading It was a moment when quick thought and equally quick action were absolutely necessary.

something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading It was a moment when quick thought and equally quick action were absolutely necessary.

at or in the front

From this reading Tom’s quirt cracked like a revolver shot, he gave a yell of command, and the pony leaped ahead as though hurled through the air by the force of powerful springs.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading Tom’s quirt cracked like a revolver shot, he gave a yell of command, and the pony leaped ahead as though hurled through the air by the force of powerful springs.

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

From this reading A WILD RACE Tom Clifton, ever watchful, had discovered the stampeded mustangs just an instant before Bob Somers shouted his warning.

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

From this reading Nearer the center of the onrushing steeds, however, the lad instantly realized that if he chose the direction in which Bob had gone, he would be overtaken, perhaps knocked from his saddle and trampled under foot.

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

From this reading Tom’s quirt cracked like a revolver shot, he gave a yell of command, and the pony leaped ahead as though hurled through the air by the force of powerful springs.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading One glance at the panic-stricken beasts bearing down upon him, like the blasts of the gale, decided his course.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Nearer the center of the onrushing steeds, however, the lad instantly realized that if he chose the direction in which Bob had gone, he would be overtaken, perhaps knocked from his saddle and trampled under foot.

relevant relation or interconnection

From this reading One glance at the panic-stricken beasts bearing down upon him, like the blasts of the gale, decided his course.

plural of “beast” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading One glance at the panic-stricken beasts bearing down upon him, like the blasts of the gale, decided his course.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading A WILD RACE Tom Clifton, ever watchful, had discovered the stampeded mustangs just an instant before Bob Somers shouted his warning.

plural of “blast” — a very long fly ball

From this reading One glance at the panic-stricken beasts bearing down upon him, like the blasts of the gale, decided his course.

move up and down repeatedly

From this reading A WILD RACE Tom Clifton, ever watchful, had discovered the stampeded mustangs just an instant before Bob Somers shouted his warning.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Tom’s quirt cracked like a revolver shot, he gave a yell of command, and the pony leaped ahead as though hurled through the air by the force of powerful springs.

The middle point or core of an area.

From this reading Nearer the center of the onrushing steeds, however, the lad instantly realized that if he chose the direction in which Bob had gone, he would be overtaken, perhaps knocked from his saddle and trampled under foot.

inflected form of “choose” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives

From this reading Nearer the center of the onrushing steeds, however, the lad instantly realized that if he chose the direction in which Bob had gone, he would be overtaken, perhaps knocked from his saddle and trampled under foot.

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

From this reading A WILD RACE Tom Clifton, ever watchful, had discovered the stampeded mustangs just an instant before Bob Somers shouted his warning.

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading Tom’s quirt cracked like a revolver shot, he gave a yell of command, and the pony leaped ahead as though hurled through the air by the force of powerful springs.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading One glance at the panic-stricken beasts bearing down upon him, like the blasts of the gale, decided his course.

used of skin roughened as a result of cold or exposure

From this reading Tom’s quirt cracked like a revolver shot, he gave a yell of command, and the pony leaped ahead as though hurled through the air by the force of powerful springs.

recognizable; marked

From this reading One glance at the panic-stricken beasts bearing down upon him, like the blasts of the gale, decided his course.

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading Nearer the center of the onrushing steeds, however, the lad instantly realized that if he chose the direction in which Bob had gone, he would be overtaken, perhaps knocked from his saddle and trampled under foot.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading A WILD RACE Tom Clifton, ever watchful, had discovered the stampeded mustangs just an instant before Bob Somers shouted his warning.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading One glance at the panic-stricken beasts bearing down upon him, like the blasts of the gale, decided his course.

to the same degree (often followed by “as”)

From this reading It was a moment when quick thought and equally quick action were absolutely necessary.

at any time

From this reading A WILD RACE Tom Clifton, ever watchful, had discovered the stampeded mustangs just an instant before Bob Somers shouted his warning.

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

From this reading Nearer the center of the onrushing steeds, however, the lad instantly realized that if he chose the direction in which Bob had gone, he would be overtaken, perhaps knocked from his saddle and trampled under foot.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading Tom’s quirt cracked like a revolver shot, he gave a yell of command, and the pony leaped ahead as though hurled through the air by the force of powerful springs.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Nearer the center of the onrushing steeds, however, the lad instantly realized that if he chose the direction in which Bob had gone, he would be overtaken, perhaps knocked from his saddle and trampled under foot.

a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale

From this reading One glance at the panic-stricken beasts bearing down upon him, like the blasts of the gale, decided his course.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Tom’s quirt cracked like a revolver shot, he gave a yell of command, and the pony leaped ahead as though hurled through the air by the force of powerful springs.

throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading One glance at the panic-stricken beasts bearing down upon him, like the blasts of the gale, decided his course.

destroyed or killed

From this reading Nearer the center of the onrushing steeds, however, the lad instantly realized that if he chose the direction in which Bob had gone, he would be overtaken, perhaps knocked from his saddle and trampled under foot.

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

From this reading A WILD RACE Tom Clifton, ever watchful, had discovered the stampeded mustangs just an instant before Bob Somers shouted his warning.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Nearer the center of the onrushing steeds, however, the lad instantly realized that if he chose the direction in which Bob had gone, he would be overtaken, perhaps knocked from his saddle and trampled under foot.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading One glance at the panic-stricken beasts bearing down upon him, like the blasts of the gale, decided his course.

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

From this reading A WILD RACE Tom Clifton, ever watchful, had discovered the stampeded mustangs just an instant before Bob Somers shouted his warning.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading Nearer the center of the onrushing steeds, however, the lad instantly realized that if he chose the direction in which Bob had gone, he would be overtaken, perhaps knocked from his saddle and trampled under foot.

past form of “hurl” — throw forcefully

From this reading Tom’s quirt cracked like a revolver shot, he gave a yell of command, and the pony leaped ahead as though hurled through the air by the force of powerful springs.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Nearer the center of the onrushing steeds, however, the lad instantly realized that if he chose the direction in which Bob had gone, he would be overtaken, perhaps knocked from his saddle and trampled under foot.

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

From this reading Nearer the center of the onrushing steeds, however, the lad instantly realized that if he chose the direction in which Bob had gone, he would be overtaken, perhaps knocked from his saddle and trampled under foot.

a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)

From this reading A WILD RACE Tom Clifton, ever watchful, had discovered the stampeded mustangs just an instant before Bob Somers shouted his warning.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading Nearer the center of the onrushing steeds, however, the lad instantly realized that if he chose the direction in which Bob had gone, he would be overtaken, perhaps knocked from his saddle and trampled under foot.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was a moment when quick thought and equally quick action were absolutely necessary.

and nothing more

From this reading A WILD RACE Tom Clifton, ever watchful, had discovered the stampeded mustangs just an instant before Bob Somers shouted his warning.

past form of “knock” — deliver a sharp blow or push

From this reading Nearer the center of the onrushing steeds, however, the lad instantly realized that if he chose the direction in which Bob had gone, he would be overtaken, perhaps knocked from his saddle and trampled under foot.

a boy or man

From this reading Nearer the center of the onrushing steeds, however, the lad instantly realized that if he chose the direction in which Bob had gone, he would be overtaken, perhaps knocked from his saddle and trampled under foot.

past form of “leap” — move forward by leaps and bounds

From this reading Tom’s quirt cracked like a revolver shot, he gave a yell of command, and the pony leaped ahead as though hurled through the air by the force of powerful springs.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading One glance at the panic-stricken beasts bearing down upon him, like the blasts of the gale, decided his course.

a particular point in time

From this reading It was a moment when quick thought and equally quick action were absolutely necessary.

plural of “mustang” — small hardy range horse of the western plains descended from horses brought by the Spanish

From this reading A WILD RACE Tom Clifton, ever watchful, had discovered the stampeded mustangs just an instant before Bob Somers shouted his warning.

(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance

From this reading Nearer the center of the onrushing steeds, however, the lad instantly realized that if he chose the direction in which Bob had gone, he would be overtaken, perhaps knocked from his saddle and trampled under foot.

absolutely essential

From this reading It was a moment when quick thought and equally quick action were absolutely necessary.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Nearer the center of the onrushing steeds, however, the lad instantly realized that if he chose the direction in which Bob had gone, he would be overtaken, perhaps knocked from his saddle and trampled under foot.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One glance at the panic-stricken beasts bearing down upon him, like the blasts of the gale, decided his course.

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

From this reading Nearer the center of the onrushing steeds, however, the lad instantly realized that if he chose the direction in which Bob had gone, he would be overtaken, perhaps knocked from his saddle and trampled under foot.

inflected form of “overtake” — catch up with and possibly overtake

From this reading Nearer the center of the onrushing steeds, however, the lad instantly realized that if he chose the direction in which Bob had gone, he would be overtaken, perhaps knocked from his saddle and trampled under foot.

thrown into a state of intense fear or desperation

From this reading One glance at the panic-stricken beasts bearing down upon him, like the blasts of the gale, decided his course.

by chance

From this reading Nearer the center of the onrushing steeds, however, the lad instantly realized that if he chose the direction in which Bob had gone, he would be overtaken, perhaps knocked from his saddle and trampled under foot.

a range horse of the western United States

From this reading Tom’s quirt cracked like a revolver shot, he gave a yell of command, and the pony leaped ahead as though hurled through the air by the force of powerful springs.

having great power or force or potency or effect

From this reading Tom’s quirt cracked like a revolver shot, he gave a yell of command, and the pony leaped ahead as though hurled through the air by the force of powerful springs.

accomplished rapidly and without delay

From this reading It was a moment when quick thought and equally quick action were absolutely necessary.

whip with a leather thong at the end

From this reading Tom’s quirt cracked like a revolver shot, he gave a yell of command, and the pony leaped ahead as though hurled through the air by the force of powerful springs.

any competition

From this reading A WILD RACE Tom Clifton, ever watchful, had discovered the stampeded mustangs just an instant before Bob Somers shouted his warning.

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading Nearer the center of the onrushing steeds, however, the lad instantly realized that if he chose the direction in which Bob had gone, he would be overtaken, perhaps knocked from his saddle and trampled under foot.

a pistol with a revolving cylinder (usually having six chambers for bullets)

From this reading Tom’s quirt cracked like a revolver shot, he gave a yell of command, and the pony leaped ahead as though hurled through the air by the force of powerful springs.

put a saddle on

From this reading Nearer the center of the onrushing steeds, however, the lad instantly realized that if he chose the direction in which Bob had gone, he would be overtaken, perhaps knocked from his saddle and trampled under foot.

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading Tom’s quirt cracked like a revolver shot, he gave a yell of command, and the pony leaped ahead as though hurled through the air by the force of powerful springs.

in a vehement outcry

From this reading A WILD RACE Tom Clifton, ever watchful, had discovered the stampeded mustangs just an instant before Bob Somers shouted his warning.

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

From this reading A WILD RACE Tom Clifton, ever watchful, had discovered the stampeded mustangs just an instant before Bob Somers shouted his warning.

plural of “spring” — the season of growth

From this reading Tom’s quirt cracked like a revolver shot, he gave a yell of command, and the pony leaped ahead as though hurled through the air by the force of powerful springs.

past form of “stampede” — cause to run in panic

From this reading A WILD RACE Tom Clifton, ever watchful, had discovered the stampeded mustangs just an instant before Bob Somers shouted his warning.

plural of “steed” — (literary) a spirited horse for state of war

From this reading Nearer the center of the onrushing steeds, however, the lad instantly realized that if he chose the direction in which Bob had gone, he would be overtaken, perhaps knocked from his saddle and trampled under foot.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Nearer the center of the onrushing steeds, however, the lad instantly realized that if he chose the direction in which Bob had gone, he would be overtaken, perhaps knocked from his saddle and trampled under foot.

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

From this reading A WILD RACE Tom Clifton, ever watchful, had discovered the stampeded mustangs just an instant before Bob Somers shouted his warning.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Tom’s quirt cracked like a revolver shot, he gave a yell of command, and the pony leaped ahead as though hurled through the air by the force of powerful springs.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading It was a moment when quick thought and equally quick action were absolutely necessary.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Tom’s quirt cracked like a revolver shot, he gave a yell of command, and the pony leaped ahead as though hurled through the air by the force of powerful springs.

male cat

From this reading A WILD RACE Tom Clifton, ever watchful, had discovered the stampeded mustangs just an instant before Bob Somers shouted his warning.

possessive form of “tom” — male cat

From this reading Tom’s quirt cracked like a revolver shot, he gave a yell of command, and the pony leaped ahead as though hurled through the air by the force of powerful springs.

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

From this reading Nearer the center of the onrushing steeds, however, the lad instantly realized that if he chose the direction in which Bob had gone, he would be overtaken, perhaps knocked from his saddle and trampled under foot.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Nearer the center of the onrushing steeds, however, the lad instantly realized that if he chose the direction in which Bob had gone, he would be overtaken, perhaps knocked from his saddle and trampled under foot.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading One glance at the panic-stricken beasts bearing down upon him, like the blasts of the gale, decided his course.

a message informing of danger

From this reading A WILD RACE Tom Clifton, ever watchful, had discovered the stampeded mustangs just an instant before Bob Somers shouted his warning.

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

From this reading It was a moment when quick thought and equally quick action were absolutely necessary.

engaged in or accustomed to close observation

From this reading A WILD RACE Tom Clifton, ever watchful, had discovered the stampeded mustangs just an instant before Bob Somers shouted his warning.

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

From this reading It was a moment when quick thought and equally quick action were absolutely necessary.

at the time that

From this reading It was a moment when quick thought and equally quick action were absolutely necessary.

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

From this reading Nearer the center of the onrushing steeds, however, the lad instantly realized that if he chose the direction in which Bob had gone, he would be overtaken, perhaps knocked from his saddle and trampled under foot.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading A WILD RACE Tom Clifton, ever watchful, had discovered the stampeded mustangs just an instant before Bob Somers shouted his warning.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Nearer the center of the onrushing steeds, however, the lad instantly realized that if he chose the direction in which Bob had gone, he would be overtaken, perhaps knocked from his saddle and trampled under foot.

a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition

From this reading Tom’s quirt cracked like a revolver shot, he gave a yell of command, and the pony leaped ahead as though hurled through the air by the force of powerful springs.