used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Outside, the sun devils were whirling maliciously, here and there kicking up a dust-spout in the wake of the sadly-tormented breezlets which foolishly ventured out in that July inferno.
adobenounUS /əˈdoʊbi/
the clay from which adobe bricks are made
From this reading There was an intolerable shimmer on the low-lying adobe flats to the east, and the sea of alfalfa to the north drooped flaccidly in the furnace heat.
ALARUMS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
alfalfanounUS /ˌælˈfælfə/
important European leguminous forage plant with trifoliate leaves and blue-violet flowers grown widely as a pasture and hay crop
From this reading There was an intolerable shimmer on the low-lying adobe flats to the east, and the sea of alfalfa to the north drooped flaccidly in the furnace heat.
amidstprepositionUS /əˈmɪdst/
in the middle of; surrounded by
From this reading Overhead the sun was herding his cloud flocks to their fold in the brassy west, wearily dipping out of sight momentarily amidst their billowy fleeces.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading There was an intolerable shimmer on the low-lying adobe flats to the east, and the sea of alfalfa to the north drooped flaccidly in the furnace heat.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Outside, the sun devils were whirling maliciously, here and there kicking up a dust-spout in the wake of the sadly-tormented breezlets which foolishly ventured out in that July inferno.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Her neglected novel lay limply on a bamboo tabour at her side and an open letter lay where it had fallen unrecked on the veranda floor.
bamboonounUS /bæmˈbuː/
the hard woody stems of bamboo plants; used in construction and crafts and fishing poles
From this reading Her neglected novel lay limply on a bamboo tabour at her side and an open letter lay where it had fallen unrecked on the veranda floor.
a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
billowyadjective
characterized by great swelling waves or surges
From this reading Overhead the sun was herding his cloud flocks to their fold in the brassy west, wearily dipping out of sight momentarily amidst their billowy fleeces.
brassyadjectiveUS /ˈbræsi/
resembling the sound of a brass instrument
From this reading Overhead the sun was herding his cloud flocks to their fold in the brassy west, wearily dipping out of sight momentarily amidst their billowy fleeces.
breezlets
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Outside, the sun devils were whirling maliciously, here and there kicking up a dust-spout in the wake of the sadly-tormented breezlets which foolishly ventured out in that July inferno.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
a degree on the centigrade scale of temperature
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
CarternounUS /ˈkɑːrtər/
Englishman and Egyptologist who in 1922 discovered and excavated the tomb of Tutankhamen (1873-1939)
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
make overcast or cloudy
From this reading Overhead the sun was herding his cloud flocks to their fold in the brassy west, wearily dipping out of sight momentarily amidst their billowy fleeces.
neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
greatly pleasing or entertaining
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
devilsnounUS /ˈdevəlz/
plural of “devil” — (Judeo-Christian and Islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of God; tempter of mankind; master of Hell
From this reading Outside, the sun devils were whirling maliciously, here and there kicking up a dust-spout in the wake of the sadly-tormented breezlets which foolishly ventured out in that July inferno.
dippingverbUS /ˈdɪpɪŋ/
inflected form of “dip” — immerse briefly into a liquid so as to wet, coat, or saturate
From this reading Overhead the sun was herding his cloud flocks to their fold in the brassy west, wearily dipping out of sight momentarily amidst their billowy fleeces.
dreamilyadverb
in a dreamy manner
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
droopedverbUS /druːpt/
past form of “droop” — droop, sink, or settle from or as if from pressure or loss of tautness
From this reading There was an intolerable shimmer on the low-lying adobe flats to the east, and the sea of alfalfa to the north drooped flaccidly in the furnace heat.
dust-spout
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Outside, the sun devils were whirling maliciously, here and there kicking up a dust-spout in the wake of the sadly-tormented breezlets which foolishly ventured out in that July inferno.
the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
From this reading There was an intolerable shimmer on the low-lying adobe flats to the east, and the sea of alfalfa to the north drooped flaccidly in the furnace heat.
having dropped by the force of gravity
From this reading Her neglected novel lay limply on a bamboo tabour at her side and an open letter lay where it had fallen unrecked on the veranda floor.
quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
flaccidly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was an intolerable shimmer on the low-lying adobe flats to the east, and the sea of alfalfa to the north drooped flaccidly in the furnace heat.
flatsnounUS /flæts/
footwear (shoes or slippers) with no heel (or a very low heel)
From this reading There was an intolerable shimmer on the low-lying adobe flats to the east, and the sea of alfalfa to the north drooped flaccidly in the furnace heat.
fleecesnounUS /ˈfliːsɪz/
plural of “fleece” — the wool of a sheep or similar animal
From this reading Overhead the sun was herding his cloud flocks to their fold in the brassy west, wearily dipping out of sight momentarily amidst their billowy fleeces.
flocksnounUS /flɑːks/
plural of “flock” — a church congregation guided by a pastor
From this reading Overhead the sun was herding his cloud flocks to their fold in the brassy west, wearily dipping out of sight momentarily amidst their billowy fleeces.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading Her neglected novel lay limply on a bamboo tabour at her side and an open letter lay where it had fallen unrecked on the veranda floor.
foldnounUS /foʊld/
an angular or rounded shape made by folding
From this reading Overhead the sun was herding his cloud flocks to their fold in the brassy west, wearily dipping out of sight momentarily amidst their billowy fleeces.
foolishlyadverbUS /ˈfuːlɪʃli/
without good sense or judgment
From this reading Outside, the sun devils were whirling maliciously, here and there kicking up a dust-spout in the wake of the sadly-tormented breezlets which foolishly ventured out in that July inferno.
furnacenounUS /ˈfɜːrnəs/
an enclosed chamber in which heat is produced to heat buildings, destroy refuse, smelt or refine ores, etc.
From this reading There was an intolerable shimmer on the low-lying adobe flats to the east, and the sea of alfalfa to the north drooped flaccidly in the furnace heat.
(Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Her neglected novel lay limply on a bamboo tabour at her side and an open letter lay where it had fallen unrecked on the veranda floor.
hammocked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature
From this reading There was an intolerable shimmer on the low-lying adobe flats to the east, and the sea of alfalfa to the north drooped flaccidly in the furnace heat.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Her neglected novel lay limply on a bamboo tabour at her side and an open letter lay where it had fallen unrecked on the veranda floor.
herdingverbUS /ˈhɜːrdɪŋ/
-ing form of “herd” — cause to herd, drive, or crowd together
From this reading Overhead the sun was herding his cloud flocks to their fold in the brassy west, wearily dipping out of sight momentarily amidst their billowy fleeces.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Outside, the sun devils were whirling maliciously, here and there kicking up a dust-spout in the wake of the sadly-tormented breezlets which foolishly ventured out in that July inferno.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Overhead the sun was herding his cloud flocks to their fold in the brassy west, wearily dipping out of sight momentarily amidst their billowy fleeces.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
infernonounUS /ˌɪnˈfɜːrnoʊ/
any place of pain and turmoil
From this reading Outside, the sun devils were whirling maliciously, here and there kicking up a dust-spout in the wake of the sadly-tormented breezlets which foolishly ventured out in that July inferno.
intolerableadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtɑːlərəbəl/
incapable of being tolerated or endured
From this reading There was an intolerable shimmer on the low-lying adobe flats to the east, and the sea of alfalfa to the north drooped flaccidly in the furnace heat.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Her neglected novel lay limply on a bamboo tabour at her side and an open letter lay where it had fallen unrecked on the veranda floor.
the month following June and preceding August
From this reading Outside, the sun devils were whirling maliciously, here and there kicking up a dust-spout in the wake of the sadly-tormented breezlets which foolishly ventured out in that July inferno.
kickingnounUS /ˈkɪkɪŋ/
a rhythmic thrusting movement of the legs as in swimming or calisthenics
From this reading Outside, the sun devils were whirling maliciously, here and there kicking up a dust-spout in the wake of the sadly-tormented breezlets which foolishly ventured out in that July inferno.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading Her neglected novel lay limply on a bamboo tabour at her side and an open letter lay where it had fallen unrecked on the veranda floor.
limplyadverb
without rigidity
From this reading Her neglected novel lay limply on a bamboo tabour at her side and an open letter lay where it had fallen unrecked on the veranda floor.
low-lyingadjective
having a small elevation above the ground or horizon or sea level
From this reading There was an intolerable shimmer on the low-lying adobe flats to the east, and the sea of alfalfa to the north drooped flaccidly in the furnace heat.
Luxuriouslyadverb
in an indulgently luxurious manner
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
maliciouslyadverbUS /məˈlɪʃɪsli/
with malice; in a malicious manner
From this reading Outside, the sun devils were whirling maliciously, here and there kicking up a dust-spout in the wake of the sadly-tormented breezlets which foolishly ventured out in that July inferno.
the location of something surrounded by other things
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
momentarilyadverbUS /ˌmoʊmənˈterəli/
for an instant or moment
From this reading Overhead the sun was herding his cloud flocks to their fold in the brassy west, wearily dipping out of sight momentarily amidst their billowy fleeces.
neglectedadjectiveUS /nəˈɡlektəd/
disregarded
From this reading Her neglected novel lay limply on a bamboo tabour at her side and an open letter lay where it had fallen unrecked on the veranda floor.
the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading There was an intolerable shimmer on the low-lying adobe flats to the east, and the sea of alfalfa to the north drooped flaccidly in the furnace heat.
an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story
From this reading Her neglected novel lay limply on a bamboo tabour at her side and an open letter lay where it had fallen unrecked on the veranda floor.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading Her neglected novel lay limply on a bamboo tabour at her side and an open letter lay where it had fallen unrecked on the veranda floor.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Outside, the sun devils were whirling maliciously, here and there kicking up a dust-spout in the wake of the sadly-tormented breezlets which foolishly ventured out in that July inferno.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading Outside, the sun devils were whirling maliciously, here and there kicking up a dust-spout in the wake of the sadly-tormented breezlets which foolishly ventured out in that July inferno.
OverheadadverbUS /ˈoʊvərˈhed/
above your head; in the sky
From this reading Overhead the sun was herding his cloud flocks to their fold in the brassy west, wearily dipping out of sight momentarily amidst their billowy fleeces.
purpling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
ranchnounUS /ræntʃ/
farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle)
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
sadly-tormented
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Outside, the sun devils were whirling maliciously, here and there kicking up a dust-spout in the wake of the sadly-tormented breezlets which foolishly ventured out in that July inferno.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading There was an intolerable shimmer on the low-lying adobe flats to the east, and the sea of alfalfa to the north drooped flaccidly in the furnace heat.
shadow-dance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
shimmerverbUS /ˈʃɪmər/
shine with a weak or fitful light
From this reading There was an intolerable shimmer on the low-lying adobe flats to the east, and the sea of alfalfa to the north drooped flaccidly in the furnace heat.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading Her neglected novel lay limply on a bamboo tabour at her side and an open letter lay where it had fallen unrecked on the veranda floor.
plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading Overhead the sun was herding his cloud flocks to their fold in the brassy west, wearily dipping out of sight momentarily amidst their billowy fleeces.
an elevated geological formation
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading Outside, the sun devils were whirling maliciously, here and there kicking up a dust-spout in the wake of the sadly-tormented breezlets which foolishly ventured out in that July inferno.
surroundingadjectiveUS /sərˈaʊndɪŋ/
closely encircling
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
tabournoun
a small drum with one head of soft calfskin
From this reading Her neglected novel lay limply on a bamboo tabour at her side and an open letter lay where it had fallen unrecked on the veranda floor.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Outside, the sun devils were whirling maliciously, here and there kicking up a dust-spout in the wake of the sadly-tormented breezlets which foolishly ventured out in that July inferno.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Overhead the sun was herding his cloud flocks to their fold in the brassy west, wearily dipping out of sight momentarily amidst their billowy fleeces.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Outside, the sun devils were whirling maliciously, here and there kicking up a dust-spout in the wake of the sadly-tormented breezlets which foolishly ventured out in that July inferno.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Overhead the sun was herding his cloud flocks to their fold in the brassy west, wearily dipping out of sight momentarily amidst their billowy fleeces.
unrecked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her neglected novel lay limply on a bamboo tabour at her side and an open letter lay where it had fallen unrecked on the veranda floor.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Outside, the sun devils were whirling maliciously, here and there kicking up a dust-spout in the wake of the sadly-tormented breezlets which foolishly ventured out in that July inferno.
past form of “venture” — proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers
From this reading Outside, the sun devils were whirling maliciously, here and there kicking up a dust-spout in the wake of the sadly-tormented breezlets which foolishly ventured out in that July inferno.
verandanounUS /vərˈændə/
a porch along the outside of a building (sometimes partly enclosed)
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
be awake, be alert, be there
From this reading Outside, the sun devils were whirling maliciously, here and there kicking up a dust-spout in the wake of the sadly-tormented breezlets which foolishly ventured out in that July inferno.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Overhead the sun was herding his cloud flocks to their fold in the brassy west, wearily dipping out of sight momentarily amidst their billowy fleeces.
the act of observing; taking a patient look
From this reading IN THE MIDST OF ALARUMS Luxuriously hammocked in the delightful cool of the broad veranda surrounding three sides of the C Bar ranch house, Grace Carter lay dreamily watching the shadow-dance on the slope of the fast purpling range.
wearilyadverbUS /ˈwerəli/
in a weary manner
From this reading Overhead the sun was herding his cloud flocks to their fold in the brassy west, wearily dipping out of sight momentarily amidst their billowy fleeces.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Outside, the sun devils were whirling maliciously, here and there kicking up a dust-spout in the wake of the sadly-tormented breezlets which foolishly ventured out in that July inferno.
the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America
From this reading Overhead the sun was herding his cloud flocks to their fold in the brassy west, wearily dipping out of sight momentarily amidst their billowy fleeces.
in or at the place that
From this reading Her neglected novel lay limply on a bamboo tabour at her side and an open letter lay where it had fallen unrecked on the veranda floor.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Outside, the sun devils were whirling maliciously, here and there kicking up a dust-spout in the wake of the sadly-tormented breezlets which foolishly ventured out in that July inferno.
whirlingnounUS /ˈwɜːrlɪŋ/
the act of rotating in a circle or spiral
From this reading Outside, the sun devils were whirling maliciously, here and there kicking up a dust-spout in the wake of the sadly-tormented breezlets which foolishly ventured out in that July inferno.
