used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading _----James Whitcomb Riley._ A MILE from the Chicken Hill School stood the little vermin-infested house in which the Cavers family lived after they abandoned the weed-choked farm on the river-bank.
forsaken by owner or inhabitants
From this reading _----James Whitcomb Riley._ A MILE from the Chicken Hill School stood the little vermin-infested house in which the Cavers family lived after they abandoned the weed-choked farm on the river-bank.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading The land had been rich and productive, and from it George Steadman had made the money to buy the half-section of school land just across the road and to erect the magnificent brick house and splendid barns that were the pride of his heart.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading _----James Whitcomb Riley._ A MILE from the Chicken Hill School stood the little vermin-infested house in which the Cavers family lived after they abandoned the weed-choked farm on the river-bank.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading This unpretentious log house had been the first home of Mr. and Mrs. Steadman, and was part of the "improvements" specified by the Government to show that a homestead is entered in good faith.
barnsnounUS /bɑːrnz/
plural of “barn” — an outlying farm building for storing grain or animal feed and housing farm animals
From this reading The land had been rich and productive, and from it George Steadman had made the money to buy the half-section of school land just across the road and to erect the magnificent brick house and splendid barns that were the pride of his heart.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading This unpretentious log house had been the first home of Mr. and Mrs. Steadman, and was part of the "improvements" specified by the Government to show that a homestead is entered in good faith.
bricknounUS /brɪk/
rectangular block of clay baked by the sun or in a kiln; used as a building or paving material
From this reading The land had been rich and productive, and from it George Steadman had made the money to buy the half-section of school land just across the road and to erect the magnificent brick house and splendid barns that were the pride of his heart.
obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction
From this reading The land had been rich and productive, and from it George Steadman had made the money to buy the half-section of school land just across the road and to erect the magnificent brick house and splendid barns that were the pride of his heart.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading This unpretentious log house had been the first home of Mr. and Mrs. Steadman, and was part of the "improvements" specified by the Government to show that a homestead is entered in good faith.
Cavers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _----James Whitcomb Riley._ A MILE from the Chicken Hill School stood the little vermin-infested house in which the Cavers family lived after they abandoned the weed-choked farm on the river-bank.
ChickennounUS /ˈtʃɪkən/
the flesh of a chicken used for food
From this reading _----James Whitcomb Riley._ A MILE from the Chicken Hill School stood the little vermin-infested house in which the Cavers family lived after they abandoned the weed-choked farm on the river-bank.
cropnounUS /krɑːp/
the yield from plants in a single growing season
From this reading George Steadman was so keen after money that he even overworked his farms, and now his old farm was so impoverished that it was unable to grow a heavy crop.
utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading THE HOUSE OF TROUBLE There! little girl--don't cry!
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE HOUSE OF TROUBLE There! little girl--don't cry!
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading This unpretentious log house had been the first home of Mr. and Mrs. Steadman, and was part of the "improvements" specified by the Government to show that a homestead is entered in good faith.
erectverbUS /ɪˈrekt/
construct, build, or erect
From this reading The land had been rich and productive, and from it George Steadman had made the money to buy the half-section of school land just across the road and to erect the magnificent brick house and splendid barns that were the pride of his heart.
divisible by two
From this reading George Steadman was so keen after money that he even overworked his farms, and now his old farm was so impoverished that it was unable to grow a heavy crop.
a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny
From this reading This unpretentious log house had been the first home of Mr. and Mrs. Steadman, and was part of the "improvements" specified by the Government to show that a homestead is entered in good faith.
a social unit living together
From this reading _----James Whitcomb Riley._ A MILE from the Chicken Hill School stood the little vermin-infested house in which the Cavers family lived after they abandoned the weed-choked farm on the river-bank.
be a farmer; work as a farmer
From this reading _----James Whitcomb Riley._ A MILE from the Chicken Hill School stood the little vermin-infested house in which the Cavers family lived after they abandoned the weed-choked farm on the river-bank.
farmsnounUS /fɑːrmz/
plural of “farm” — workplace consisting of farm buildings and cultivated land as a unit
From this reading George Steadman was so keen after money that he even overworked his farms, and now his old farm was so impoverished that it was unable to grow a heavy crop.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading This unpretentious log house had been the first home of Mr. and Mrs. Steadman, and was part of the "improvements" specified by the Government to show that a homestead is entered in good faith.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading _----James Whitcomb Riley._ A MILE from the Chicken Hill School stood the little vermin-infested house in which the Cavers family lived after they abandoned the weed-choked farm on the river-bank.
Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)
From this reading The land had been rich and productive, and from it George Steadman had made the money to buy the half-section of school land just across the road and to erect the magnificent brick house and splendid barns that were the pride of his heart.
a young female
From this reading THE HOUSE OF TROUBLE There! little girl--don't cry!
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading This unpretentious log house had been the first home of Mr. and Mrs. Steadman, and was part of the "improvements" specified by the Government to show that a homestead is entered in good faith.
the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit
From this reading This unpretentious log house had been the first home of Mr. and Mrs. Steadman, and was part of the "improvements" specified by the Government to show that a homestead is entered in good faith.
pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading George Steadman was so keen after money that he even overworked his farms, and now his old farm was so impoverished that it was unable to grow a heavy crop.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading This unpretentious log house had been the first home of Mr. and Mrs. Steadman, and was part of the "improvements" specified by the Government to show that a homestead is entered in good faith.
half-section
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The land had been rich and productive, and from it George Steadman had made the money to buy the half-section of school land just across the road and to erect the magnificent brick house and splendid barns that were the pride of his heart.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading George Steadman was so keen after money that he even overworked his farms, and now his old farm was so impoverished that it was unable to grow a heavy crop.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading The land had been rich and productive, and from it George Steadman had made the money to buy the half-section of school land just across the road and to erect the magnificent brick house and splendid barns that were the pride of his heart.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading George Steadman was so keen after money that he even overworked his farms, and now his old farm was so impoverished that it was unable to grow a heavy crop.
a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading _----James Whitcomb Riley._ A MILE from the Chicken Hill School stood the little vermin-infested house in which the Cavers family lived after they abandoned the weed-choked farm on the river-bank.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The land had been rich and productive, and from it George Steadman had made the money to buy the half-section of school land just across the road and to erect the magnificent brick house and splendid barns that were the pride of his heart.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading This unpretentious log house had been the first home of Mr. and Mrs. Steadman, and was part of the "improvements" specified by the Government to show that a homestead is entered in good faith.
homesteadnounUS /ˈhoʊmsted/
the home and adjacent grounds occupied by a family
From this reading This unpretentious log house had been the first home of Mr. and Mrs. Steadman, and was part of the "improvements" specified by the Government to show that a homestead is entered in good faith.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading THE HOUSE OF TROUBLE There! little girl--don't cry!
impoverishedadjectiveUS /ɪmˈpɒv.ər.ɪʃt/
Reduced to poverty; having very little money or resources.
From this reading George Steadman was so keen after money that he even overworked his farms, and now his old farm was so impoverished that it was unable to grow a heavy crop.
improvementsnounUS /ˌɪmˈpruːvmənts/
plural of “improvement” — a change for the better; progress in development
From this reading This unpretentious log house had been the first home of Mr. and Mrs. Steadman, and was part of the "improvements" specified by the Government to show that a homestead is entered in good faith.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading _----James Whitcomb Riley._ A MILE from the Chicken Hill School stood the little vermin-infested house in which the Cavers family lived after they abandoned the weed-choked farm on the river-bank.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This unpretentious log house had been the first home of Mr. and Mrs. Steadman, and was part of the "improvements" specified by the Government to show that a homestead is entered in good faith.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The land had been rich and productive, and from it George Steadman had made the money to buy the half-section of school land just across the road and to erect the magnificent brick house and splendid barns that were the pride of his heart.
a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)
From this reading _----James Whitcomb Riley._ A MILE from the Chicken Hill School stood the little vermin-infested house in which the Cavers family lived after they abandoned the weed-choked farm on the river-bank.
and nothing more
From this reading The land had been rich and productive, and from it George Steadman had made the money to buy the half-section of school land just across the road and to erect the magnificent brick house and splendid barns that were the pride of his heart.
having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading George Steadman was so keen after money that he even overworked his farms, and now his old farm was so impoverished that it was unable to grow a heavy crop.
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading The land had been rich and productive, and from it George Steadman had made the money to buy the half-section of school land just across the road and to erect the magnificent brick house and splendid barns that were the pride of his heart.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading THE HOUSE OF TROUBLE There! little girl--don't cry!
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading _----James Whitcomb Riley._ A MILE from the Chicken Hill School stood the little vermin-infested house in which the Cavers family lived after they abandoned the weed-choked farm on the river-bank.
logverbUS /lɔːɡ/
enter into a log, as on ships and planes
From this reading This unpretentious log house had been the first home of Mr. and Mrs. Steadman, and was part of the "improvements" specified by the Government to show that a homestead is entered in good faith.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading The land had been rich and productive, and from it George Steadman had made the money to buy the half-section of school land just across the road and to erect the magnificent brick house and splendid barns that were the pride of his heart.
characterized by grandeur
From this reading The land had been rich and productive, and from it George Steadman had made the money to buy the half-section of school land just across the road and to erect the magnificent brick house and splendid barns that were the pride of his heart.
a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading _----James Whitcomb Riley._ A MILE from the Chicken Hill School stood the little vermin-infested house in which the Cavers family lived after they abandoned the weed-choked farm on the river-bank.
the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender
From this reading The land had been rich and productive, and from it George Steadman had made the money to buy the half-section of school land just across the road and to erect the magnificent brick house and splendid barns that were the pride of his heart.
a form of address for a man
From this reading This unpretentious log house had been the first home of Mr. and Mrs. Steadman, and was part of the "improvements" specified by the Government to show that a homestead is entered in good faith.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading This unpretentious log house had been the first home of Mr. and Mrs. Steadman, and was part of the "improvements" specified by the Government to show that a homestead is entered in good faith.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading George Steadman was so keen after money that he even overworked his farms, and now his old farm was so impoverished that it was unable to grow a heavy crop.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE HOUSE OF TROUBLE There! little girl--don't cry!
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading George Steadman was so keen after money that he even overworked his farms, and now his old farm was so impoverished that it was unable to grow a heavy crop.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading _----James Whitcomb Riley._ A MILE from the Chicken Hill School stood the little vermin-infested house in which the Cavers family lived after they abandoned the weed-choked farm on the river-bank.
overworkedverbUS /ˌoʊvərˈwɜːrkt/
past form of “overwork” — use too much
From this reading George Steadman was so keen after money that he even overworked his farms, and now his old farm was so impoverished that it was unable to grow a heavy crop.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading This unpretentious log house had been the first home of Mr. and Mrs. Steadman, and was part of the "improvements" specified by the Government to show that a homestead is entered in good faith.
a feeling of self-respect and personal worth
From this reading The land had been rich and productive, and from it George Steadman had made the money to buy the half-section of school land just across the road and to erect the magnificent brick house and splendid barns that were the pride of his heart.
productiveadjectiveUS /prəˈdʌktɪv/
producing or capable of producing (especially abundantly)
From this reading The land had been rich and productive, and from it George Steadman had made the money to buy the half-section of school land just across the road and to erect the magnificent brick house and splendid barns that were the pride of his heart.
possessing material wealth
From this reading The land had been rich and productive, and from it George Steadman had made the money to buy the half-section of school land just across the road and to erect the magnificent brick house and splendid barns that were the pride of his heart.
RileynounUS /ˈraɪli/
United States poet (1849-1916)
From this reading _----James Whitcomb Riley._ A MILE from the Chicken Hill School stood the little vermin-infested house in which the Cavers family lived after they abandoned the weed-choked farm on the river-bank.
river-bank
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _----James Whitcomb Riley._ A MILE from the Chicken Hill School stood the little vermin-infested house in which the Cavers family lived after they abandoned the weed-choked farm on the river-bank.
an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
From this reading The land had been rich and productive, and from it George Steadman had made the money to buy the half-section of school land just across the road and to erect the magnificent brick house and splendid barns that were the pride of his heart.
an educational institution
From this reading _----James Whitcomb Riley._ A MILE from the Chicken Hill School stood the little vermin-infested house in which the Cavers family lived after they abandoned the weed-choked farm on the river-bank.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading This unpretentious log house had been the first home of Mr. and Mrs. Steadman, and was part of the "improvements" specified by the Government to show that a homestead is entered in good faith.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading George Steadman was so keen after money that he even overworked his farms, and now his old farm was so impoverished that it was unable to grow a heavy crop.
specifiedadjectiveUS /ˈspesəfaɪd/
clearly and explicitly stated
From this reading This unpretentious log house had been the first home of Mr. and Mrs. Steadman, and was part of the "improvements" specified by the Government to show that a homestead is entered in good faith.
having great beauty and splendor
From this reading The land had been rich and productive, and from it George Steadman had made the money to buy the half-section of school land just across the road and to erect the magnificent brick house and splendid barns that were the pride of his heart.
Steadman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This unpretentious log house had been the first home of Mr. and Mrs. Steadman, and was part of the "improvements" specified by the Government to show that a homestead is entered in good faith.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading _----James Whitcomb Riley._ A MILE from the Chicken Hill School stood the little vermin-infested house in which the Cavers family lived after they abandoned the weed-choked farm on the river-bank.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading This unpretentious log house had been the first home of Mr. and Mrs. Steadman, and was part of the "improvements" specified by the Government to show that a homestead is entered in good faith.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE HOUSE OF TROUBLE There! little girl--don't cry!
in or at that place or location
From this reading THE HOUSE OF TROUBLE There! little girl--don't cry!
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading _----James Whitcomb Riley._ A MILE from the Chicken Hill School stood the little vermin-infested house in which the Cavers family lived after they abandoned the weed-choked farm on the river-bank.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This unpretentious log house had been the first home of Mr. and Mrs. Steadman, and was part of the "improvements" specified by the Government to show that a homestead is entered in good faith.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading This unpretentious log house had been the first home of Mr. and Mrs. Steadman, and was part of the "improvements" specified by the Government to show that a homestead is entered in good faith.
a source of difficulty
From this reading THE HOUSE OF TROUBLE There! little girl--don't cry!
(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
From this reading George Steadman was so keen after money that he even overworked his farms, and now his old farm was so impoverished that it was unable to grow a heavy crop.
unpretentiousadjectiveUS /ˌʌnpriˈtenʃəs/
lacking pretension or affectation
From this reading This unpretentious log house had been the first home of Mr. and Mrs. Steadman, and was part of the "improvements" specified by the Government to show that a homestead is entered in good faith.
vermin-infested
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _----James Whitcomb Riley._ A MILE from the Chicken Hill School stood the little vermin-infested house in which the Cavers family lived after they abandoned the weed-choked farm on the river-bank.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This unpretentious log house had been the first home of Mr. and Mrs. Steadman, and was part of the "improvements" specified by the Government to show that a homestead is entered in good faith.
weed-choked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _----James Whitcomb Riley._ A MILE from the Chicken Hill School stood the little vermin-infested house in which the Cavers family lived after they abandoned the weed-choked farm on the river-bank.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The land had been rich and productive, and from it George Steadman had made the money to buy the half-section of school land just across the road and to erect the magnificent brick house and splendid barns that were the pride of his heart.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading _----James Whitcomb Riley._ A MILE from the Chicken Hill School stood the little vermin-infested house in which the Cavers family lived after they abandoned the weed-choked farm on the river-bank.
Whitcomb
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _----James Whitcomb Riley._ A MILE from the Chicken Hill School stood the little vermin-infested house in which the Cavers family lived after they abandoned the weed-choked farm on the river-bank.
