Chapter I

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

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

be able to spare or give up

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

in the past

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

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

From this reading Its name was Aidennsport.

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

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

apoapsis in solar orbit; the point in the orbit of a planet or comet that is at the greatest distance from the sun

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading His own destination, a small, shabby, corporate plantation, was less impressive in appearance.

reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

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

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

a system of two stars that revolve around each other under their mutual gravitation

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

composed of or containing or resembling calcium carbonate or calcite or chalk

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

examine so as to determine accuracy, quality, or condition

From this reading _Wellesley was ordered to check on deviants or mutants.

coldness due to a cold environment

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

plural of “city” — a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

a society in an advanced state of social development (e.g., with complex legal and political and religious organizations)

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

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 But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

of or belonging to a corporation

From this reading His own destination, a small, shabby, corporate plantation, was less impressive in appearance.

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

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

having hills and crags

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

plural of “crustacean” — any mainly aquatic arthropod usually having a segmented body and chitinous exoskeleton

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

the place designated as the end (as of a race or journey)

From this reading His own destination, a small, shabby, corporate plantation, was less impressive in appearance.

plural of “deviant” — a person whose behavior deviates from what is acceptable especially in sexual behavior

From this reading _Wellesley was ordered to check on deviants or mutants.

in a dim indistinct manner

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

an inhabitant of the earth

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

relating to the vicinity of the equator

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

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

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

being or from or characteristic of another place or part of the world

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

plural of “expectation” — belief about (or mental picture of) the future

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

opinion or judgment

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

any of numerous flowerless and seedless vascular plants having true roots from a rhizome and fronds that uncurl upward; reproduce by spores

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

plural of “forest” — the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

any creature of exceptional size

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

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

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

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

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

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

From this reading His own destination, a small, shabby, corporate plantation, was less impressive in appearance.

not solid; having a space or gap or cavity

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

ten 10s

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

making a strong or vivid impression

From this reading His own destination, a small, shabby, corporate plantation, was less impressive in appearance.

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

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

being of such surpassing excellence as to suggest inspiration by the gods

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

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 But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

a story about mythical or supernatural beings or events

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading His own destination, a small, shabby, corporate plantation, was less impressive in appearance.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

characterized by grandeur

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

being nothing more than specified

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

lacking the thinking capacity characteristic of a conscious being

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

plural of “mist” — a thin fog with condensation near the ground

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

plural of “mutant” — (biology) an organism that has characteristics resulting from chromosomal alteration

From this reading _Wellesley was ordered to check on deviants or mutants.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Its name was Aidennsport.

plural of “ocean” — a large body of water constituting a principal part of the hydrosphere

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

many times at short intervals

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading _Wellesley was ordered to check on deviants or mutants.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

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

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading _Wellesley was ordered to check on deviants or mutants.

having a systematic arrangement; especially having elements succeeding in order according to rule

From this reading _Wellesley was ordered to check on deviants or mutants.

a fully differentiated structural and functional unit in an animal that is specialized for some particular function

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

above and across; more than

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading His own destination, a small, shabby, corporate plantation, was less impressive in appearance.

a tube with a small bowl at one end; used for smoking tobacco

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

(astronomy) any of the nine large celestial bodies in the solar system that revolve around the sun and shine by reflected light

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

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

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

an estate where cash crops are grown on a large scale (especially in tropical areas)

From this reading His own destination, a small, shabby, corporate plantation, was less impressive in appearance.

plural of “prominence” — the state of being prominent: widely known or eminent

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

located far away spatially

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

possessive form of “serpent” — limbless scaly elongate reptile; some are venomous

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

showing signs of wear and tear

From this reading His own destination, a small, shabby, corporate plantation, was less impressive in appearance.

plural of “shell” — ammunition consisting of a cylindrical metal casing containing an explosive charge and a projectile; fired from a large gun

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

past form of “shroud” — cover as if with a shroud

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

marked by absence of sound

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

plural of “sun” — the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

plural of “swamp” — low land that is seasonally flooded; has more woody plants than a marsh and better drainage than a bog

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

carry out

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

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

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

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

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

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

From this reading _Wellesley was ordered to check on deviants or mutants.

plural of “tower” — a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

the visual percept of a region

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

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

From this reading _Wellesley was ordered to check on deviants or mutants.

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

From this reading _Wellesley was ordered to check on deviants or mutants.

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

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

at the time that

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.

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

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

a late time of life

From this reading From space one might look down upon the vista of these latter prominences and imagine a vast, exotic civilization spread over the face of the equinoctial swamps, but Wellesley knew that the giant towers were mere calcareous shells, hollow as the expectations they had inspired in the first planeteers to arrive here two hundred years ago--they were the work, in fact, of small, mindless crustaceans.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading But the evidence was often subtle, and he knew he couldn't afford to take a chance...._ The Earthman, Wellesley, came to Ophir in the season of aphelion, when the binary suns of that remote planet were cold serpent's eyes, dimly seen above the chill mists that shrouded its fern forests and craggy, young mountains, its silent oceans and magnificent organ pipe cities of legend.