used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading For many days they made a point of never leaving the nest at the same time, for fear their tender family should suffer for want of their parents' warmth and protection.
affectionateadjectiveUS /əˈfekʃənət/
having or displaying warmth or affection
From this reading And I am sure that more attentive and affectionate parents than Brush and his companion could not be found, even among the human race.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading The important event upon which Leatherwing had been in such haste to congratulate his friend, really took place in two days after the conversation just related.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading And I am sure that more attentive and affectionate parents than Brush and his companion could not be found, even among the human race.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading And I am sure that more attentive and affectionate parents than Brush and his companion could not be found, even among the human race.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In other words, the joys and cares of our squirrels were increased by the presence of four young ones, as fine healthy little creatures as their hearts could desire.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In other words, the joys and cares of our squirrels were increased by the presence of four young ones, as fine healthy little creatures as their hearts could desire.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading For many days they made a point of never leaving the nest at the same time, for fear their tender family should suffer for want of their parents' warmth and protection.
attentiveadjectiveUS /əˈtentɪv/
(often followed by “to”) giving care or attention
From this reading And I am sure that more attentive and affectionate parents than Brush and his companion could not be found, even among the human race.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading And I am sure that more attentive and affectionate parents than Brush and his companion could not be found, even among the human race.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading And though Brush was naturally such a playful rattling fellow, you might have observed some difference in his behaviour, since he became the father of four helpless children.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The important event upon which Leatherwing had been in such haste to congratulate his friend, really took place in two days after the conversation just related.
behaviournounUS /bɪˈheɪvjər/
the action or reaction of something (as a machine or substance) under specified circumstances
From this reading And though Brush was naturally such a playful rattling fellow, you might have observed some difference in his behaviour, since he became the father of four helpless children.
BrushverbUS /brʌʃ/
rub with a brush, or as if with a brush
From this reading And I am sure that more attentive and affectionate parents than Brush and his companion could not be found, even among the human race.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading In other words, the joys and cares of our squirrels were increased by the presence of four young ones, as fine healthy little creatures as their hearts could desire.
caresnounUS /kerz/
plural of “care” — the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading In other words, the joys and cares of our squirrels were increased by the presence of four young ones, as fine healthy little creatures as their hearts could desire.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading And though Brush was naturally such a playful rattling fellow, you might have observed some difference in his behaviour, since he became the father of four helpless children.
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading And I am sure that more attentive and affectionate parents than Brush and his companion could not be found, even among the human race.
congratulateverbUS /kənˈɡrætʃəleɪt/
say something to someone that expresses praise
From this reading The important event upon which Leatherwing had been in such haste to congratulate his friend, really took place in two days after the conversation just related.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading The important event upon which Leatherwing had been in such haste to congratulate his friend, really took place in two days after the conversation just related.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading In other words, the joys and cares of our squirrels were increased by the presence of four young ones, as fine healthy little creatures as their hearts could desire.
plural of “creature” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading In other words, the joys and cares of our squirrels were increased by the presence of four young ones, as fine healthy little creatures as their hearts could desire.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading The important event upon which Leatherwing had been in such haste to congratulate his friend, really took place in two days after the conversation just related.
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading In other words, the joys and cares of our squirrels were increased by the presence of four young ones, as fine healthy little creatures as their hearts could desire.
the quality of being unlike or dissimilar
From this reading And though Brush was naturally such a playful rattling fellow, you might have observed some difference in his behaviour, since he became the father of four helpless children.
divisible by two
From this reading And I am sure that more attentive and affectionate parents than Brush and his companion could not be found, even among the human race.
something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading The important event upon which Leatherwing had been in such haste to congratulate his friend, really took place in two days after the conversation just related.
a social unit living together
From this reading For many days they made a point of never leaving the nest at the same time, for fear their tender family should suffer for want of their parents' warmth and protection.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading And though Brush was naturally such a playful rattling fellow, you might have observed some difference in his behaviour, since he became the father of four helpless children.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading For many days they made a point of never leaving the nest at the same time, for fear their tender family should suffer for want of their parents' warmth and protection.
a boy or man
From this reading And though Brush was naturally such a playful rattling fellow, you might have observed some difference in his behaviour, since he became the father of four helpless children.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading In other words, the joys and cares of our squirrels were increased by the presence of four young ones, as fine healthy little creatures as their hearts could desire.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For many days they made a point of never leaving the nest at the same time, for fear their tender family should suffer for want of their parents' warmth and protection.
set up or found
From this reading And I am sure that more attentive and affectionate parents than Brush and his companion could not be found, even among the human race.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading In other words, the joys and cares of our squirrels were increased by the presence of four young ones, as fine healthy little creatures as their hearts could desire.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading The important event upon which Leatherwing had been in such haste to congratulate his friend, really took place in two days after the conversation just related.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The important event upon which Leatherwing had been in such haste to congratulate his friend, really took place in two days after the conversation just related.
overly eager speed (and possible carelessness)
From this reading The important event upon which Leatherwing had been in such haste to congratulate his friend, really took place in two days after the conversation just related.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading And though Brush was naturally such a playful rattling fellow, you might have observed some difference in his behaviour, since he became the father of four helpless children.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading And though Brush was naturally such a playful rattling fellow, you might have observed some difference in his behaviour, since he became the father of four helpless children.
healthyadjectiveUS /ˈhelθi/
having or indicating good health in body or mind; free from infirmity or disease
From this reading In other words, the joys and cares of our squirrels were increased by the presence of four young ones, as fine healthy little creatures as their hearts could desire.
a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades
From this reading In other words, the joys and cares of our squirrels were increased by the presence of four young ones, as fine healthy little creatures as their hearts could desire.
lacking in or deprived of strength or power
From this reading And though Brush was naturally such a playful rattling fellow, you might have observed some difference in his behaviour, since he became the father of four helpless children.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The important event upon which Leatherwing had been in such haste to congratulate his friend, really took place in two days after the conversation just related.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading And I am sure that more attentive and affectionate parents than Brush and his companion could not be found, even among the human race.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading And I am sure that more attentive and affectionate parents than Brush and his companion could not be found, even among the human race.
of great significance or value
From this reading The important event upon which Leatherwing had been in such haste to congratulate his friend, really took place in two days after the conversation just related.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The important event upon which Leatherwing had been in such haste to congratulate his friend, really took place in two days after the conversation just related.
made greater in size or amount or degree
From this reading In other words, the joys and cares of our squirrels were increased by the presence of four young ones, as fine healthy little creatures as their hearts could desire.
joysnounUS /dʒɔɪz/
plural of “joy” — the emotion of great happiness
From this reading In other words, the joys and cares of our squirrels were increased by the presence of four young ones, as fine healthy little creatures as their hearts could desire.
and nothing more
From this reading The important event upon which Leatherwing had been in such haste to congratulate his friend, really took place in two days after the conversation just related.
Leatherwing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The important event upon which Leatherwing had been in such haste to congratulate his friend, really took place in two days after the conversation just related.
the act of departing
From this reading For many days they made a point of never leaving the nest at the same time, for fear their tender family should suffer for want of their parents' warmth and protection.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading In other words, the joys and cares of our squirrels were increased by the presence of four young ones, as fine healthy little creatures as their hearts could desire.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading For many days they made a point of never leaving the nest at the same time, for fear their tender family should suffer for want of their parents' warmth and protection.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading For many days they made a point of never leaving the nest at the same time, for fear their tender family should suffer for want of their parents' warmth and protection.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading And though Brush was naturally such a playful rattling fellow, you might have observed some difference in his behaviour, since he became the father of four helpless children.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading And I am sure that more attentive and affectionate parents than Brush and his companion could not be found, even among the human race.
as might be expected
From this reading And though Brush was naturally such a playful rattling fellow, you might have observed some difference in his behaviour, since he became the father of four helpless children.
a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young
From this reading For many days they made a point of never leaving the nest at the same time, for fear their tender family should suffer for want of their parents' warmth and protection.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading For many days they made a point of never leaving the nest at the same time, for fear their tender family should suffer for want of their parents' warmth and protection.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading And I am sure that more attentive and affectionate parents than Brush and his companion could not be found, even among the human race.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading And though Brush was naturally such a playful rattling fellow, you might have observed some difference in his behaviour, since he became the father of four helpless children.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In other words, the joys and cares of our squirrels were increased by the presence of four young ones, as fine healthy little creatures as their hearts could desire.
plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
From this reading In other words, the joys and cares of our squirrels were increased by the presence of four young ones, as fine healthy little creatures as their hearts could desire.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading In other words, the joys and cares of our squirrels were increased by the presence of four young ones, as fine healthy little creatures as their hearts could desire.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading In other words, the joys and cares of our squirrels were increased by the presence of four young ones, as fine healthy little creatures as their hearts could desire.
plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian
From this reading And I am sure that more attentive and affectionate parents than Brush and his companion could not be found, even among the human race.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading The important event upon which Leatherwing had been in such haste to congratulate his friend, really took place in two days after the conversation just related.
playfuladjectiveUS /ˈpleɪfəl/
full of fun and high spirits
From this reading And though Brush was naturally such a playful rattling fellow, you might have observed some difference in his behaviour, since he became the father of four helpless children.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading For many days they made a point of never leaving the nest at the same time, for fear their tender family should suffer for want of their parents' warmth and protection.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading In other words, the joys and cares of our squirrels were increased by the presence of four young ones, as fine healthy little creatures as their hearts could desire.
the activity of protecting someone or something
From this reading For many days they made a point of never leaving the nest at the same time, for fear their tender family should suffer for want of their parents' warmth and protection.
any competition
From this reading And I am sure that more attentive and affectionate parents than Brush and his companion could not be found, even among the human race.
rattlingnounUS /ˈrætlɪŋ/
a rapid series of short loud sounds (as might be heard with a stethoscope in some types of respiratory disorders)
From this reading And though Brush was naturally such a playful rattling fellow, you might have observed some difference in his behaviour, since he became the father of four helpless children.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading The important event upon which Leatherwing had been in such haste to congratulate his friend, really took place in two days after the conversation just related.
being connected either logically or causally or by shared characteristics
From this reading The important event upon which Leatherwing had been in such haste to congratulate his friend, really took place in two days after the conversation just related.
Identical; not different.
From this reading For many days they made a point of never leaving the nest at the same time, for fear their tender family should suffer for want of their parents' warmth and protection.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading For many days they made a point of never leaving the nest at the same time, for fear their tender family should suffer for want of their parents' warmth and protection.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading And though Brush was naturally such a playful rattling fellow, you might have observed some difference in his behaviour, since he became the father of four helpless children.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading And though Brush was naturally such a playful rattling fellow, you might have observed some difference in his behaviour, since he became the father of four helpless children.
squirrelsnounUS /ˈskwɜːrəlz/
plural of “squirrel” — a kind of arboreal rodent having a long bushy tail
From this reading In other words, the joys and cares of our squirrels were increased by the presence of four young ones, as fine healthy little creatures as their hearts could desire.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading The important event upon which Leatherwing had been in such haste to congratulate his friend, really took place in two days after the conversation just related.
undergo or be subjected to
From this reading For many days they made a point of never leaving the nest at the same time, for fear their tender family should suffer for want of their parents' warmth and protection.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading And I am sure that more attentive and affectionate parents than Brush and his companion could not be found, even among the human race.
given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality
From this reading For many days they made a point of never leaving the nest at the same time, for fear their tender family should suffer for want of their parents' warmth and protection.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading And I am sure that more attentive and affectionate parents than Brush and his companion could not be found, even among the human race.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading And I am sure that more attentive and affectionate parents than Brush and his companion could not be found, even among the human race.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The important event upon which Leatherwing had been in such haste to congratulate his friend, really took place in two days after the conversation just related.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading In other words, the joys and cares of our squirrels were increased by the presence of four young ones, as fine healthy little creatures as their hearts could desire.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading For many days they made a point of never leaving the nest at the same time, for fear their tender family should suffer for want of their parents' warmth and protection.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading And though Brush was naturally such a playful rattling fellow, you might have observed some difference in his behaviour, since he became the father of four helpless children.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading For many days they made a point of never leaving the nest at the same time, for fear their tender family should suffer for want of their parents' warmth and protection.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The important event upon which Leatherwing had been in such haste to congratulate his friend, really took place in two days after the conversation just related.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading The important event upon which Leatherwing had been in such haste to congratulate his friend, really took place in two days after the conversation just related.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The important event upon which Leatherwing had been in such haste to congratulate his friend, really took place in two days after the conversation just related.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The important event upon which Leatherwing had been in such haste to congratulate his friend, really took place in two days after the conversation just related.
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading For many days they made a point of never leaving the nest at the same time, for fear their tender family should suffer for want of their parents' warmth and protection.
warmthnounUS /wɔːrmθ/
the sensation caused by heat energy
From this reading For many days they made a point of never leaving the nest at the same time, for fear their tender family should suffer for want of their parents' warmth and protection.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading And though Brush was naturally such a playful rattling fellow, you might have observed some difference in his behaviour, since he became the father of four helpless children.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In other words, the joys and cares of our squirrels were increased by the presence of four young ones, as fine healthy little creatures as their hearts could desire.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The important event upon which Leatherwing had been in such haste to congratulate his friend, really took place in two days after the conversation just related.
the words that are spoken
From this reading In other words, the joys and cares of our squirrels were increased by the presence of four young ones, as fine healthy little creatures as their hearts could desire.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading And though Brush was naturally such a playful rattling fellow, you might have observed some difference in his behaviour, since he became the father of four helpless children.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading In other words, the joys and cares of our squirrels were increased by the presence of four young ones, as fine healthy little creatures as their hearts could desire.
