used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading Their businesslike air supplied the tonic she needed.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
disposed or placed in a particular kind of order
From this reading Barth arranged the contents of Karl's bulky package on a small table, and the porter busied himself with lighting a fire in a Swiss stove that stood in the center of the outer room.
BarthnounUS /bɑːrθ/
Swiss Protestant theologian (1886-1968)
From this reading Barth arranged the contents of Karl's bulky package on a small table, and the porter busied himself with lighting a fire in a Swiss stove that stood in the center of the outer room.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
a long seat for more than one person
From this reading She sank exhausted on a rough bench, and watched the matter-of-fact Engadiners unpacking the stores and firewood carried in their rucksacks.
bulkyadjectiveUS /ˈbʌlki/
of large size for its weight
From this reading Barth arranged the contents of Karl's bulky package on a small table, and the porter busied himself with lighting a fire in a Swiss stove that stood in the center of the outer room.
busiedverbUS /ˈbɪzid/
inflected form of “busy” — keep busy with
From this reading Barth arranged the contents of Karl's bulky package on a small table, and the porter busied himself with lighting a fire in a Swiss stove that stood in the center of the outer room.
businesslikeadjectiveUS /ˈbɪznɪslaɪk/
exhibiting methodical and systematic characteristics that would be useful in business
From this reading Their businesslike air supplied the tonic she needed.
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading She sank exhausted on a rough bench, and watched the matter-of-fact Engadiners unpacking the stores and firewood carried in their rucksacks.
centernounUS /ˈsɛn.tər/
The middle point or core of an area.
From this reading Barth arranged the contents of Karl's bulky package on a small table, and the porter busied himself with lighting a fire in a Swiss stove that stood in the center of the outer room.
(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something
From this reading Barth arranged the contents of Karl's bulky package on a small table, and the porter busied himself with lighting a fire in a Swiss stove that stood in the center of the outer room.
coollyadverbUS /ˈkuːli/
in a composed and unconcerned manner
From this reading Though the howling storm seemed to threaten the tiny refuge with destruction, these two men set to work, coolly and methodically, to prepare a meal.
crudeadjectiveUS /kruːd/
not carefully or expertly made
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
destructionnounUS /dɪˈstrʌkʃən/
the termination of something by causing so much damage to it that it cannot be repaired or no longer exists
From this reading Though the howling storm seemed to threaten the tiny refuge with destruction, these two men set to work, coolly and methodically, to prepare a meal.
Engadiners
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She sank exhausted on a rough bench, and watched the matter-of-fact Engadiners unpacking the stores and firewood carried in their rucksacks.
essentialsnounUS /eˈsenʃəlz/
plural of “essential” — anything indispensable
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
ETTA'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
drained of energy or effectiveness; extremely tired; completely exhausted
From this reading She sank exhausted on a rough bench, and watched the matter-of-fact Engadiners unpacking the stores and firewood carried in their rucksacks.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
start firing a weapon
From this reading Barth arranged the contents of Karl's bulky package on a small table, and the porter busied himself with lighting a fire in a Swiss stove that stood in the center of the outer room.
firewoodnounUS /ˈfaɪərwʊd/
wood used for fuel
From this reading She sank exhausted on a rough bench, and watched the matter-of-fact Engadiners unpacking the stores and firewood carried in their rucksacks.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
hailedverbUS /heɪld/
past form of “hail” — praise vociferously
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
heartfeltadjectiveUS /ˈhɑːrtfelt/
sincerely earnest
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
(Greek mythology) the beautiful daughter of Zeus and Leda who was abducted by Paris; the Greek army sailed to Troy to get her back which resulted in the Trojan War
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Barth arranged the contents of Karl's bulky package on a small table, and the porter busied himself with lighting a fire in a Swiss stove that stood in the center of the outer room.
howlingnounUS /ˈhaʊlɪŋ/
a long loud emotional utterance
From this reading Though the howling storm seemed to threaten the tiny refuge with destruction, these two men set to work, coolly and methodically, to prepare a meal.
temporary military shelter
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading She sank exhausted on a rough bench, and watched the matter-of-fact Engadiners unpacking the stores and firewood carried in their rucksacks.
Karl's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Barth arranged the contents of Karl's bulky package on a small table, and the porter busied himself with lighting a fire in a Swiss stove that stood in the center of the outer room.
lightingnounUS /ˈlaɪtɪŋ/
having abundant light or illumination
From this reading Barth arranged the contents of Karl's bulky package on a small table, and the porter busied himself with lighting a fire in a Swiss stove that stood in the center of the outer room.
luxuriesnounUS /ˈlʌɡʒəriz/
plural of “luxury” — something that is an indulgence rather than a necessity
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
matter-of-factadjective
not fanciful or imaginative
From this reading She sank exhausted on a rough bench, and watched the matter-of-fact Engadiners unpacking the stores and firewood carried in their rucksacks.
the food served and eaten at one time
From this reading Though the howling storm seemed to threaten the tiny refuge with destruction, these two men set to work, coolly and methodically, to prepare a meal.
the force of workers available
From this reading Though the howling storm seemed to threaten the tiny refuge with destruction, these two men set to work, coolly and methodically, to prepare a meal.
methodicallyadverbUS /məˈθɑːdɪkəli/
in a methodical manner
From this reading Though the howling storm seemed to threaten the tiny refuge with destruction, these two men set to work, coolly and methodically, to prepare a meal.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading Their businesslike air supplied the tonic she needed.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading She sank exhausted on a rough bench, and watched the matter-of-fact Engadiners unpacking the stores and firewood carried in their rucksacks.
outeradjectiveUS /ˈaʊtər/
being on the outside or further from a center
From this reading Barth arranged the contents of Karl's bulky package on a small table, and the porter busied himself with lighting a fire in a Swiss stove that stood in the center of the outer room.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
packagenounUS /ˈpækədʒ/
a collection of things wrapped or boxed together
From this reading Barth arranged the contents of Karl's bulky package on a small table, and the porter busied himself with lighting a fire in a Swiss stove that stood in the center of the outer room.
porternounUS /ˈpɔːrtər/
a person employed to carry luggage and supplies
From this reading Barth arranged the contents of Karl's bulky package on a small table, and the porter busied himself with lighting a fire in a Swiss stove that stood in the center of the outer room.
prepareverbUS /priˈper/
make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc
From this reading Though the howling storm seemed to threaten the tiny refuge with destruction, these two men set to work, coolly and methodically, to prepare a meal.
a safe place
From this reading Though the howling storm seemed to threaten the tiny refuge with destruction, these two men set to work, coolly and methodically, to prepare a meal.
a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Barth arranged the contents of Karl's bulky package on a small table, and the porter busied himself with lighting a fire in a Swiss stove that stood in the center of the outer room.
having or caused by an irregular surface
From this reading She sank exhausted on a rough bench, and watched the matter-of-fact Engadiners unpacking the stores and firewood carried in their rucksacks.
rucksacks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She sank exhausted on a rough bench, and watched the matter-of-fact Engadiners unpacking the stores and firewood carried in their rucksacks.
inflected form of “sink” — fall or descend to a lower place or level
From this reading She sank exhausted on a rough bench, and watched the matter-of-fact Engadiners unpacking the stores and firewood carried in their rucksacks.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Though the howling storm seemed to threaten the tiny refuge with destruction, these two men set to work, coolly and methodically, to prepare a meal.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Though the howling storm seemed to threaten the tiny refuge with destruction, these two men set to work, coolly and methodically, to prepare a meal.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She sank exhausted on a rough bench, and watched the matter-of-fact Engadiners unpacking the stores and firewood carried in their rucksacks.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Barth arranged the contents of Karl's bulky package on a small table, and the porter busied himself with lighting a fire in a Swiss stove that stood in the center of the outer room.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Barth arranged the contents of Karl's bulky package on a small table, and the porter busied himself with lighting a fire in a Swiss stove that stood in the center of the outer room.
storesnounUS /stɔːrz/
plural of “store” — a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services
From this reading She sank exhausted on a rough bench, and watched the matter-of-fact Engadiners unpacking the stores and firewood carried in their rucksacks.
behave violently, as if in state of a great anger
From this reading Though the howling storm seemed to threaten the tiny refuge with destruction, these two men set to work, coolly and methodically, to prepare a meal.
stovenounUS /stoʊv/
a kitchen appliance used for cooking food
From this reading Barth arranged the contents of Karl's bulky package on a small table, and the porter busied himself with lighting a fire in a Swiss stove that stood in the center of the outer room.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
suppliedverbUS /səˈplaɪd/
inflected form of “supply” — give something useful or necessary to
From this reading Their businesslike air supplied the tonic she needed.
SwissnounUS /swɪs/
the natives or inhabitants of Switzerland
From this reading Barth arranged the contents of Karl's bulky package on a small table, and the porter busied himself with lighting a fire in a Swiss stove that stood in the center of the outer room.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading Barth arranged the contents of Karl's bulky package on a small table, and the porter busied himself with lighting a fire in a Swiss stove that stood in the center of the outer room.
thanksgivingnounUS /ˌθæŋksˈɡɪvɪŋ/
fourth Thursday in November in the United States; second Monday in October in Canada; commemorates a feast held in 1621 by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Barth arranged the contents of Karl's bulky package on a small table, and the porter busied himself with lighting a fire in a Swiss stove that stood in the center of the outer room.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading She sank exhausted on a rough bench, and watched the matter-of-fact Engadiners unpacking the stores and firewood carried in their rucksacks.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Though the howling storm seemed to threaten the tiny refuge with destruction, these two men set to work, coolly and methodically, to prepare a meal.
a special situation
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
threatenverbUS /ˈθretən/
pose a threat to; present a danger to
From this reading Though the howling storm seemed to threaten the tiny refuge with destruction, these two men set to work, coolly and methodically, to prepare a meal.
very small
From this reading Though the howling storm seemed to threaten the tiny refuge with destruction, these two men set to work, coolly and methodically, to prepare a meal.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Though the howling storm seemed to threaten the tiny refuge with destruction, these two men set to work, coolly and methodically, to prepare a meal.
tonicadjectiveUS /ˈtɑːnɪk/
of or relating to or producing normal tone or tonus in muscles or tissue
From this reading Their businesslike air supplied the tonic she needed.
a successful ending of a struggle or contest
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Though the howling storm seemed to threaten the tiny refuge with destruction, these two men set to work, coolly and methodically, to prepare a meal.
unpackingverbUS /ənˈpækɪŋ/
-ing form of “unpack” — remove from its packing
From this reading She sank exhausted on a rough bench, and watched the matter-of-fact Engadiners unpacking the stores and firewood carried in their rucksacks.
plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
past form of “watch” — look attentively
From this reading She sank exhausted on a rough bench, and watched the matter-of-fact Engadiners unpacking the stores and firewood carried in their rucksacks.
in the company of; together with
From this reading "ETTA'S FATHER" Though the hut was a crude thing, a triumph of essentials over luxuries, Helen had never before hailed four walls and a roof with such heartfelt, if silent, thanksgiving.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Though the howling storm seemed to threaten the tiny refuge with destruction, these two men set to work, coolly and methodically, to prepare a meal.
