used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading "The sooner the better," replied Slade, shortly, for in the keen biting air talking could only be maintained by an effort.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading "We'll strike an arm of the creek in a few minutes," observed Stockton.
a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
From this reading "We'll strike an arm of the creek in a few minutes," observed Stockton.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading GERALD'S RUSE IT will now be necessary to return to the events that befell the expedition.
befellverbUS /bɪˈfel/
inflected form of “befall” — become of; happen to
From this reading GERALD'S RUSE IT will now be necessary to return to the events that befell the expedition.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading "The sooner the better," replied Slade, shortly, for in the keen biting air talking could only be maintained by an effort.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
bitingadjectiveUS /ˈbaɪtɪŋ/
capable of wounding
From this reading "The sooner the better," replied Slade, shortly, for in the keen biting air talking could only be maintained by an effort.
marked by strong resentment or cynicism
From this reading Every breath seemed to lacerate the lungs, while the wind was so bitter that the thick woollen garments worn by the men seemed totally insufficient to withstand the numbing effects of the intense cold.
the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading Every breath seemed to lacerate the lungs, while the wind was so bitter that the thick woollen garments worn by the men seemed totally insufficient to withstand the numbing effects of the intense cold.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading "The sooner the better," replied Slade, shortly, for in the keen biting air talking could only be maintained by an effort.
clearingnounUS /ˈklɪrɪŋ/
a tract of land with few or no trees in the middle of a wooded area
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
clumpsnounUS /klʌmps/
plural of “clump” — a grouping of a number of similar things
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
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 Every breath seemed to lacerate the lungs, while the wind was so bitter that the thick woollen garments worn by the men seemed totally insufficient to withstand the numbing effects of the intense cold.
comparativeadjectiveUS /kəmˈperətɪv/
relating to or based on or involving comparison
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading "The sooner the better," replied Slade, shortly, for in the keen biting air talking could only be maintained by an effort.
a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)
From this reading "We'll strike an arm of the creek in a few minutes," observed Stockton.
move gently or carefully
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
effectsnounUS /ɪˈfekts/
property of a personal character that is portable but not used in business
From this reading Every breath seemed to lacerate the lungs, while the wind was so bitter that the thick woollen garments worn by the men seemed totally insufficient to withstand the numbing effects of the intense cold.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading "The sooner the better," replied Slade, shortly, for in the keen biting air talking could only be maintained by an effort.
plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading GERALD'S RUSE IT will now be necessary to return to the events that befell the expedition.
EverydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Every breath seemed to lacerate the lungs, while the wind was so bitter that the thick woollen garments worn by the men seemed totally insufficient to withstand the numbing effects of the intense cold.
a military campaign designed to achieve a specific objective in a foreign country
From this reading GERALD'S RUSE IT will now be necessary to return to the events that befell the expedition.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading "We'll strike an arm of the creek in a few minutes," observed Stockton.
the cardinal number that is the product of ten and five
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
many times at short intervals
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
garmentsnounUS /ˈɡɑːrmənts/
plural of “garment” — an article of clothing
From this reading Every breath seemed to lacerate the lungs, while the wind was so bitter that the thick woollen garments worn by the men seemed totally insufficient to withstand the numbing effects of the intense cold.
GERALD'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GERALD'S RUSE IT will now be necessary to return to the events that befell the expedition.
a state of partial or total darkness
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
Havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
ten 10s
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
insufficientadjectiveUS /ˌɪnsəˈfɪʃənt/
of a quantity not able to fulfill a need or requirement
From this reading Every breath seemed to lacerate the lungs, while the wind was so bitter that the thick woollen garments worn by the men seemed totally insufficient to withstand the numbing effects of the intense cold.
possessing or displaying a distinctive feature to a heightened degree
From this reading Every breath seemed to lacerate the lungs, while the wind was so bitter that the thick woollen garments worn by the men seemed totally insufficient to withstand the numbing effects of the intense cold.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading GERALD'S RUSE IT will now be necessary to return to the events that befell the expedition.
having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading "The sooner the better," replied Slade, shortly, for in the keen biting air talking could only be maintained by an effort.
lacerateverbUS /ˈlæsəreɪt/
cut or tear irregularly
From this reading Every breath seemed to lacerate the lungs, while the wind was so bitter that the thick woollen garments worn by the men seemed totally insufficient to withstand the numbing effects of the intense cold.
lungsnounUS /lʌŋz/
plural of “lung” — either of two saclike respiratory organs in the chest of vertebrates; serves to remove carbon dioxide and provide oxygen to the blood
From this reading Every breath seemed to lacerate the lungs, while the wind was so bitter that the thick woollen garments worn by the men seemed totally insufficient to withstand the numbing effects of the intense cold.
maintainedadjectiveUS /meɪnˈteɪnd/
kept in good condition
From this reading "The sooner the better," replied Slade, shortly, for in the keen biting air talking could only be maintained by an effort.
the force of workers available
From this reading Every breath seemed to lacerate the lungs, while the wind was so bitter that the thick woollen garments worn by the men seemed totally insufficient to withstand the numbing effects of the intense cold.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading "We'll strike an arm of the creek in a few minutes," observed Stockton.
absolutely essential
From this reading GERALD'S RUSE IT will now be necessary to return to the events that befell the expedition.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading GERALD'S RUSE IT will now be necessary to return to the events that befell the expedition.
numbingadjectiveUS /ˈnʌmɪŋ/
causing numbness or insensitivity
From this reading Every breath seemed to lacerate the lungs, while the wind was so bitter that the thick woollen garments worn by the men seemed totally insufficient to withstand the numbing effects of the intense cold.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading "We'll strike an arm of the creek in a few minutes," observed Stockton.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
and nothing more
From this reading "The sooner the better," replied Slade, shortly, for in the keen biting air talking could only be maintained by an effort.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
past form of “plunge” — thrust or throw into
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
inflected form of “reply” — react verbally
From this reading "The sooner the better," replied Slade, shortly, for in the keen biting air talking could only be maintained by an effort.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading GERALD'S RUSE IT will now be necessary to return to the events that befell the expedition.
RUSEnounUS /ruːz/
a deceptive maneuver (especially to avoid capture)
From this reading GERALD'S RUSE IT will now be necessary to return to the events that befell the expedition.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Every breath seemed to lacerate the lungs, while the wind was so bitter that the thick woollen garments worn by the men seemed totally insufficient to withstand the numbing effects of the intense cold.
for a short time
From this reading "The sooner the better," replied Slade, shortly, for in the keen biting air talking could only be maintained by an effort.
Slade
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "The sooner the better," replied Slade, shortly, for in the keen biting air talking could only be maintained by an effort.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Every breath seemed to lacerate the lungs, while the wind was so bitter that the thick woollen garments worn by the men seemed totally insufficient to withstand the numbing effects of the intense cold.
sombreadjective
lacking brightness or color; dull
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
comparatives of “soon” or “early”
From this reading "The sooner the better," replied Slade, shortly, for in the keen biting air talking could only be maintained by an effort.
StocktonnounUS /ˈstɑːktən/
United States writer (1834-1902)
From this reading "We'll strike an arm of the creek in a few minutes," observed Stockton.
deliver a sharp blow, as with the hand, fist, or weapon
From this reading "We'll strike an arm of the creek in a few minutes," observed Stockton.
an exchange of ideas via conversation
From this reading "The sooner the better," replied Slade, shortly, for in the keen biting air talking could only be maintained by an effort.
termedverbUS /tɜːrmd/
past form of “term” — name formally or designate with a term
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading GERALD'S RUSE IT will now be necessary to return to the events that befell the expedition.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading GERALD'S RUSE IT will now be necessary to return to the events that befell the expedition.
not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions
From this reading Every breath seemed to lacerate the lungs, while the wind was so bitter that the thick woollen garments worn by the men seemed totally insufficient to withstand the numbing effects of the intense cold.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading GERALD'S RUSE IT will now be necessary to return to the events that befell the expedition.
totallyadverbUS /ˈtoʊtəli/
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading Every breath seemed to lacerate the lungs, while the wind was so bitter that the thick woollen garments worn by the men seemed totally insufficient to withstand the numbing effects of the intense cold.
tracksnounUS /træks/
plural of “track” — a line or route along which something travels or moves
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Every breath seemed to lacerate the lungs, while the wind was so bitter that the thick woollen garments worn by the men seemed totally insufficient to withstand the numbing effects of the intense cold.
We'll
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "We'll strike an arm of the creek in a few minutes," observed Stockton.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Every breath seemed to lacerate the lungs, while the wind was so bitter that the thick woollen garments worn by the men seemed totally insufficient to withstand the numbing effects of the intense cold.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading GERALD'S RUSE IT will now be necessary to return to the events that befell the expedition.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading Every breath seemed to lacerate the lungs, while the wind was so bitter that the thick woollen garments worn by the men seemed totally insufficient to withstand the numbing effects of the intense cold.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
withstandverbUS /wɪθˈstænd/
resist or confront with resistance
From this reading Every breath seemed to lacerate the lungs, while the wind was so bitter that the thick woollen garments worn by the men seemed totally insufficient to withstand the numbing effects of the intense cold.
woollennounUS /ˈwʊlən/
a fabric made from the hair of sheep
From this reading Every breath seemed to lacerate the lungs, while the wind was so bitter that the thick woollen garments worn by the men seemed totally insufficient to withstand the numbing effects of the intense cold.
Damaged or thinned by continuous use.
From this reading Every breath seemed to lacerate the lungs, while the wind was so bitter that the thick woollen garments worn by the men seemed totally insufficient to withstand the numbing effects of the intense cold.
plural of “yard” — a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride
From this reading Having followed the tracks across the open plain with comparative ease the party plunged into the sombre gloom of the forest, if forest it might be termed, for the trees grew in clumps with frequently a clearing of fifty to a hundred yards between.
