Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

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

From this reading In a little tent pitched in the midst of an Arab camp in the extreme south of Southern Algeria Craven sat writing.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading His thin silk shirt, widely open at the throat, the sleeves rolled up above his elbows, clung limply to his broad shoulders.

lacking fresh air

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

a republic in northwestern Africa on the Mediterranean Sea with a population that is predominantly Sunni Muslim; colonized by France in the 19th century but gained autonomy in the early 1960s

From this reading In a little tent pitched in the midst of an Arab camp in the extreme south of Southern Algeria Craven sat writing.

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

From this reading In a little tent pitched in the midst of an Arab camp in the extreme south of Southern Algeria Craven sat writing.

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

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

a member of a Semitic people originally from the Arabian peninsula and surrounding territories who speaks Arabic and who inhabits much of the Middle East and northern Africa

From this reading In a little tent pitched in the midst of an Arab camp in the extreme south of Southern Algeria Craven sat writing.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading His thin silk shirt, widely open at the throat, the sleeves rolled up above his elbows, clung limply to his broad shoulders.

past form of “attract” — direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes

From this reading A multitude of tiny flies attracted by the light circled round the lamp eddying in the heat of the flame, immolating themselves, and falling thickly on the closely written sheets of paper that strewed the camp table, smeared the still wet ink and clogged his pen.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading He swept them away impatiently from time to time.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

inflected form of “blot” — dry (ink) with blotting paper

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading His thin silk shirt, widely open at the throat, the sleeves rolled up above his elbows, clung limply to his broad shoulders.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading In a little tent pitched in the midst of an Arab camp in the extreme south of Southern Algeria Craven sat writing.

past form of “circle” — travel around something

From this reading A multitude of tiny flies attracted by the light circled round the lamp eddying in the heat of the flame, immolating themselves, and falling thickly on the closely written sheets of paper that strewed the camp table, smeared the still wet ink and clogged his pen.

thickened or coalesced in soft thick lumps (such as clogs or clots)

From this reading A multitude of tiny flies attracted by the light circled round the lamp eddying in the heat of the flame, immolating themselves, and falling thickly on the closely written sheets of paper that strewed the camp table, smeared the still wet ink and clogged his pen.

in a close relation or position in time or space

From this reading A multitude of tiny flies attracted by the light circled round the lamp eddying in the heat of the flame, immolating themselves, and falling thickly on the closely written sheets of paper that strewed the camp table, smeared the still wet ink and clogged his pen.

inflected form of “cling” — come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation

From this reading His thin silk shirt, widely open at the throat, the sleeves rolled up above his elbows, clung limply to his broad shoulders.

lacking even the rudiments of courage; abjectly fearful

From this reading In a little tent pitched in the midst of an Arab camp in the extreme south of Southern Algeria Craven sat writing.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

inflected form of “drip” — fall in drops

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

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

From this reading A multitude of tiny flies attracted by the light circled round the lamp eddying in the heat of the flame, immolating themselves, and falling thickly on the closely written sheets of paper that strewed the camp table, smeared the still wet ink and clogged his pen.

plural of “elbow” — hinge joint between the forearm and upper arm and the corresponding joint in the forelimb of a quadruped

From this reading His thin silk shirt, widely open at the throat, the sleeves rolled up above his elbows, clung limply to his broad shoulders.

apart from; not including

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity

From this reading In a little tent pitched in the midst of an Arab camp in the extreme south of Southern Algeria Craven sat writing.

decreasing in amount or degree

From this reading A multitude of tiny flies attracted by the light circled round the lamp eddying in the heat of the flame, immolating themselves, and falling thickly on the closely written sheets of paper that strewed the camp table, smeared the still wet ink and clogged his pen.

plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.

From this reading A multitude of tiny flies attracted by the light circled round the lamp eddying in the heat of the flame, immolating themselves, and falling thickly on the closely written sheets of paper that strewed the camp table, smeared the still wet ink and clogged his pen.

(theater) the space over the stage (out of view of the audience) used to store scenery (drop curtains)

From this reading A multitude of tiny flies attracted by the light circled round the lamp eddying in the heat of the flame, immolating themselves, and falling thickly on the closely written sheets of paper that strewed the camp table, smeared the still wet ink and clogged his pen.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

the part of the face above the eyes

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

having or given a form or shape

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

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

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

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

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

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

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

-ing form of “immolate” — offer as a sacrifice by killing or by giving up to destruction

From this reading A multitude of tiny flies attracted by the light circled round the lamp eddying in the heat of the flame, immolating themselves, and falling thickly on the closely written sheets of paper that strewed the camp table, smeared the still wet ink and clogged his pen.

with impatience; in an impatient manner

From this reading He swept them away impatiently from time to time.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

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

From this reading In a little tent pitched in the midst of an Arab camp in the extreme south of Southern Algeria Craven sat writing.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

a liquid used for printing or writing or drawing

From this reading A multitude of tiny flies attracted by the light circled round the lamp eddying in the heat of the flame, immolating themselves, and falling thickly on the closely written sheets of paper that strewed the camp table, smeared the still wet ink and clogged his pen.

possessing or displaying a distinctive feature to a heightened degree

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

an artificial source of visible illumination

From this reading A multitude of tiny flies attracted by the light circled round the lamp eddying in the heat of the flame, immolating themselves, and falling thickly on the closely written sheets of paper that strewed the camp table, smeared the still wet ink and clogged his pen.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading A multitude of tiny flies attracted by the light circled round the lamp eddying in the heat of the flame, immolating themselves, and falling thickly on the closely written sheets of paper that strewed the camp table, smeared the still wet ink and clogged his pen.

without rigidity

From this reading His thin silk shirt, widely open at the throat, the sleeves rolled up above his elbows, clung limply to his broad shoulders.

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

From this reading In a little tent pitched in the midst of an Arab camp in the extreme south of Southern Algeria Craven sat writing.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

the location of something surrounded by other things

From this reading In a little tent pitched in the midst of an Arab camp in the extreme south of Southern Algeria Craven sat writing.

a large indefinite number

From this reading A multitude of tiny flies attracted by the light circled round the lamp eddying in the heat of the flame, immolating themselves, and falling thickly on the closely written sheets of paper that strewed the camp table, smeared the still wet ink and clogged his pen.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In a little tent pitched in the midst of an Arab camp in the extreme south of Southern Algeria Craven sat writing.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading His thin silk shirt, widely open at the throat, the sleeves rolled up above his elbows, clung limply to his broad shoulders.

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

a writing implement with a point from which ink flows

From this reading A multitude of tiny flies attracted by the light circled round the lamp eddying in the heat of the flame, immolating themselves, and falling thickly on the closely written sheets of paper that strewed the camp table, smeared the still wet ink and clogged his pen.

salty fluid secreted by sweat glands

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

(of sound) set to a certain pitch or key; usually used as a combining form

From this reading In a little tent pitched in the midst of an Arab camp in the extreme south of Southern Algeria Craven sat writing.

plural of “pool” — an excavation that is (usually) filled with water

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

not tired; refreshed as by sleeping or relaxing

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

especially of petals or leaves in bud; having margins rolled inward

From this reading His thin silk shirt, widely open at the throat, the sleeves rolled up above his elbows, clung limply to his broad shoulders.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading A multitude of tiny flies attracted by the light circled round the lamp eddying in the heat of the flame, immolating themselves, and falling thickly on the closely written sheets of paper that strewed the camp table, smeared the still wet ink and clogged his pen.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading In a little tent pitched in the midst of an Arab camp in the extreme south of Southern Algeria Craven sat writing.

any broad thin expanse or surface

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

plural of “sheet” — any broad thin expanse or surface

From this reading A multitude of tiny flies attracted by the light circled round the lamp eddying in the heat of the flame, immolating themselves, and falling thickly on the closely written sheets of paper that strewed the camp table, smeared the still wet ink and clogged his pen.

a garment worn on the upper half of the body

From this reading His thin silk shirt, widely open at the throat, the sleeves rolled up above his elbows, clung limply to his broad shoulders.

plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm

From this reading His thin silk shirt, widely open at the throat, the sleeves rolled up above his elbows, clung limply to his broad shoulders.

a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae

From this reading His thin silk shirt, widely open at the throat, the sleeves rolled up above his elbows, clung limply to his broad shoulders.

plural of “sleeve” — the part of a garment that is attached at the armhole and that provides a cloth covering for the arm

From this reading His thin silk shirt, widely open at the throat, the sleeves rolled up above his elbows, clung limply to his broad shoulders.

past form of “smear” — stain by smearing or daubing with a dirty substance

From this reading A multitude of tiny flies attracted by the light circled round the lamp eddying in the heat of the flame, immolating themselves, and falling thickly on the closely written sheets of paper that strewed the camp table, smeared the still wet ink and clogged his pen.

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading In a little tent pitched in the midst of an Arab camp in the extreme south of Southern Algeria Craven sat writing.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States south of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading In a little tent pitched in the midst of an Arab camp in the extreme south of Southern Algeria Craven sat writing.

having the sticky properties of an adhesive

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

not in physical motion

From this reading A multitude of tiny flies attracted by the light circled round the lamp eddying in the heat of the flame, immolating themselves, and falling thickly on the closely written sheets of paper that strewed the camp table, smeared the still wet ink and clogged his pen.

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

From this reading A multitude of tiny flies attracted by the light circled round the lamp eddying in the heat of the flame, immolating themselves, and falling thickly on the closely written sheets of paper that strewed the camp table, smeared the still wet ink and clogged his pen.

past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

causing difficulty in breathing especially through lack of fresh air and presence of heat

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

possessing sweep

From this reading He swept them away impatiently from time to time.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading A multitude of tiny flies attracted by the light circled round the lamp eddying in the heat of the flame, immolating themselves, and falling thickly on the closely written sheets of paper that strewed the camp table, smeared the still wet ink and clogged his pen.

a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)

From this reading In a little tent pitched in the midst of an Arab camp in the extreme south of Southern Algeria Craven sat writing.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

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

From this reading In a little tent pitched in the midst of an Arab camp in the extreme south of Southern Algeria Craven sat writing.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading He swept them away impatiently from time to time.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading A multitude of tiny flies attracted by the light circled round the lamp eddying in the heat of the flame, immolating themselves, and falling thickly on the closely written sheets of paper that strewed the camp table, smeared the still wet ink and clogged his pen.

spoken with poor articulation as if with a thick tongue

From this reading A multitude of tiny flies attracted by the light circled round the lamp eddying in the heat of the flame, immolating themselves, and falling thickly on the closely written sheets of paper that strewed the camp table, smeared the still wet ink and clogged his pen.

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading His thin silk shirt, widely open at the throat, the sleeves rolled up above his elbows, clung limply to his broad shoulders.

The passage at the back of the mouth.

From this reading His thin silk shirt, widely open at the throat, the sleeves rolled up above his elbows, clung limply to his broad shoulders.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading He swept them away impatiently from time to time.

very small

From this reading A multitude of tiny flies attracted by the light circled round the lamp eddying in the heat of the flame, immolating themselves, and falling thickly on the closely written sheets of paper that strewed the camp table, smeared the still wet ink and clogged his pen.

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

From this reading His thin silk shirt, widely open at the throat, the sleeves rolled up above his elbows, clung limply to his broad shoulders.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading His thin silk shirt, widely open at the throat, the sleeves rolled up above his elbows, clung limply to his broad shoulders.

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

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

covered or soaked with a liquid such as water

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

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

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

to a great degree

From this reading His thin silk shirt, widely open at the throat, the sleeves rolled up above his elbows, clung limply to his broad shoulders.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A day of intense heat had been succeeded by a night airless and suffocating, and he was wet with perspiration that dripped from his forehead and formed in sticky pools under his hand, making writing laborious and difficult, impossible indeed except for the sheet of blotting paper on which his fingers rested.

the act of creating written works

From this reading In a little tent pitched in the midst of an Arab camp in the extreme south of Southern Algeria Craven sat writing.

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading A multitude of tiny flies attracted by the light circled round the lamp eddying in the heat of the flame, immolating themselves, and falling thickly on the closely written sheets of paper that strewed the camp table, smeared the still wet ink and clogged his pen.