used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A CLOSE CALL "It's sure coming down on us, Frank!" cried Bob, shortly, as he caught a strange mixture of terrifying sounds.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading He realized that the ledge was just above his head now, and also how necessary it was that they reach it before the rushing flood arrived to fill the gap.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
in addition
From this reading He realized that the ledge was just above his head now, and also how necessary it was that they reach it before the rushing flood arrived to fill the gap.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He realized that the ledge was just above his head now, and also how necessary it was that they reach it before the rushing flood arrived to fill the gap.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading He realized that the ledge was just above his head now, and also how necessary it was that they reach it before the rushing flood arrived to fill the gap.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A CLOSE CALL "It's sure coming down on us, Frank!" cried Bob, shortly, as he caught a strange mixture of terrifying sounds.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading Bob was doing his best.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
move up and down repeatedly
From this reading A CLOSE CALL "It's sure coming down on us, Frank!" cried Bob, shortly, as he caught a strange mixture of terrifying sounds.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading A CLOSE CALL "It's sure coming down on us, Frank!" cried Bob, shortly, as he caught a strange mixture of terrifying sounds.
canyonnounUS /ˈkænjən/
a ravine formed by a river in an area with little rainfall
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading A CLOSE CALL "It's sure coming down on us, Frank!" cried Bob, shortly, as he caught a strange mixture of terrifying sounds.
channelnounUS /ˈtʃænəl/
a path over which electrical signals can pass
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
ClimbverbUS /klaɪm/
go upward with gradual or continuous progress
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading A CLOSE CALL "It's sure coming down on us, Frank!" cried Bob, shortly, as he caught a strange mixture of terrifying sounds.
clutchedverbUS /klʌtʃt/
past form of “clutch” — take hold of; grab
From this reading Now his eager fingers clutched the edge, and he strove to pull himself up higher.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading A CLOSE CALL "It's sure coming down on us, Frank!" cried Bob, shortly, as he caught a strange mixture of terrifying sounds.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading A CLOSE CALL "It's sure coming down on us, Frank!" cried Bob, shortly, as he caught a strange mixture of terrifying sounds.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
-ing form of “do” — engage in
From this reading Bob was doing his best.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading A CLOSE CALL "It's sure coming down on us, Frank!" cried Bob, shortly, as he caught a strange mixture of terrifying sounds.
eageradjectiveUS /ˈiːɡər/
having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy
From this reading Now his eager fingers clutched the edge, and he strove to pull himself up higher.
the boundary of a surface
From this reading Now his eager fingers clutched the edge, and he strove to pull himself up higher.
make full, also in a metaphorical sense
From this reading He realized that the ledge was just above his head now, and also how necessary it was that they reach it before the rushing flood arrived to fill the gap.
plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
From this reading Now his eager fingers clutched the edge, and he strove to pull himself up higher.
floodnounUS /flʌd/
the rising of a body of water and its overflowing onto normally dry land
From this reading He realized that the ledge was just above his head now, and also how necessary it was that they reach it before the rushing flood arrived to fill the gap.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion
From this reading A CLOSE CALL "It's sure coming down on us, Frank!" cried Bob, shortly, as he caught a strange mixture of terrifying sounds.
gapnounUS /ɡæp/
a conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures
From this reading He realized that the ledge was just above his head now, and also how necessary it was that they reach it before the rushing flood arrived to fill the gap.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A CLOSE CALL "It's sure coming down on us, Frank!" cried Bob, shortly, as he caught a strange mixture of terrifying sounds.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading He realized that the ledge was just above his head now, and also how necessary it was that they reach it before the rushing flood arrived to fill the gap.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
advanced in complexity or elaboration
From this reading Now his eager fingers clutched the edge, and he strove to pull himself up higher.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Now his eager fingers clutched the edge, and he strove to pull himself up higher.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Bob was doing his best.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He realized that the ledge was just above his head now, and also how necessary it was that they reach it before the rushing flood arrived to fill the gap.
irresistibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪrɪˈzɪstəbəl/
impossible to resist; overpowering
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He realized that the ledge was just above his head now, and also how necessary it was that they reach it before the rushing flood arrived to fill the gap.
It's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A CLOSE CALL "It's sure coming down on us, Frank!" cried Bob, shortly, as he caught a strange mixture of terrifying sounds.
and nothing more
From this reading He realized that the ledge was just above his head now, and also how necessary it was that they reach it before the rushing flood arrived to fill the gap.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
ledgenounUS /ledʒ/
a projecting ridge on a mountain or submerged under water
From this reading He realized that the ledge was just above his head now, and also how necessary it was that they reach it before the rushing flood arrived to fill the gap.
having or showing great strength or force or intensity
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
mixturenounUS /ˈmɪkstʃər/
(chemistry) a substance consisting of two or more substances mixed together (not in fixed proportions and not with chemical bonding)
From this reading A CLOSE CALL "It's sure coming down on us, Frank!" cried Bob, shortly, as he caught a strange mixture of terrifying sounds.
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
absolutely essential
From this reading He realized that the ledge was just above his head now, and also how necessary it was that they reach it before the rushing flood arrived to fill the gap.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading He realized that the ledge was just above his head now, and also how necessary it was that they reach it before the rushing flood arrived to fill the gap.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A CLOSE CALL "It's sure coming down on us, Frank!" cried Bob, shortly, as he caught a strange mixture of terrifying sounds.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A CLOSE CALL "It's sure coming down on us, Frank!" cried Bob, shortly, as he caught a strange mixture of terrifying sounds.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
cause to move by pulling
From this reading Now his eager fingers clutched the edge, and he strove to pull himself up higher.
reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading He realized that the ledge was just above his head now, and also how necessary it was that they reach it before the rushing flood arrived to fill the gap.
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
rushingnounUS /ˈrʌʃɪŋ/
(American football) an attempt to advance the ball by running into the line
From this reading He realized that the ledge was just above his head now, and also how necessary it was that they reach it before the rushing flood arrived to fill the gap.
shelfnounUS /ʃelf/
A flat horizontal plane used to hold books or scrolls in a library.
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
for a short time
From this reading A CLOSE CALL "It's sure coming down on us, Frank!" cried Bob, shortly, as he caught a strange mixture of terrifying sounds.
in a vehement outcry
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading A CLOSE CALL "It's sure coming down on us, Frank!" cried Bob, shortly, as he caught a strange mixture of terrifying sounds.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading A CLOSE CALL "It's sure coming down on us, Frank!" cried Bob, shortly, as he caught a strange mixture of terrifying sounds.
stroveverbUS /stroʊv/
inflected form of “strive” — attempt by employing effort
From this reading Now his eager fingers clutched the edge, and he strove to pull himself up higher.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading A CLOSE CALL "It's sure coming down on us, Frank!" cried Bob, shortly, as he caught a strange mixture of terrifying sounds.
possessing sweep
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
terrifyingadjectiveUS /ˈterəfaɪɪŋ/
causing extreme terror
From this reading A CLOSE CALL "It's sure coming down on us, Frank!" cried Bob, shortly, as he caught a strange mixture of terrifying sounds.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Now his eager fingers clutched the edge, and he strove to pull himself up higher.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading A CLOSE CALL "It's sure coming down on us, Frank!" cried Bob, shortly, as he caught a strange mixture of terrifying sounds.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
plural of “wall” — 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 "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Bob was doing his best.
one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
in the company of; together with
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading "Climb!" shouted back the other; for he knew they would have about all they could do to reach the shelf of rock before the mighty wave swept through that narrow channel between the high walls of the canyon, with a force utterly irresistible.
