Chapter VIII

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

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

to or in a foreign country

From this reading But the time for their long sleep was not yet quite arrived, and on fine days they were still to be seen abroad, roaming about from tree to tree, and sometimes bringing home a few more nuts and acorns.

plural of “acorn” — fruit of the oak tree: a smooth thin-walled nut in a woody cup-shaped base

From this reading But the time for their long sleep was not yet quite arrived, and on fine days they were still to be seen abroad, roaming about from tree to tree, and sometimes bringing home a few more nuts and acorns.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading One day as they were rummaging about among the dry leaves, under the hazel-bushes, the squirrels fell in with the very oddest creature they had ever seen.

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

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

plural of “animal” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading But the time for their long sleep was not yet quite arrived, and on fine days they were still to be seen abroad, roaming about from tree to tree, and sometimes bringing home a few more nuts and acorns.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading One day as they were rummaging about among the dry leaves, under the hazel-bushes, the squirrels fell in with the very oddest creature they had ever seen.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading But the time for their long sleep was not yet quite arrived, and on fine days they were still to be seen abroad, roaming about from tree to tree, and sometimes bringing home a few more nuts and acorns.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Now they were relieved from the dread of being seized by their terrible enemy, they could ramble about where they pleased.

the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)

From this reading But the time for their long sleep was not yet quite arrived, and on fine days they were still to be seen abroad, roaming about from tree to tree, and sometimes bringing home a few more nuts and acorns.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But the time for their long sleep was not yet quite arrived, and on fine days they were still to be seen abroad, roaming about from tree to tree, and sometimes bringing home a few more nuts and acorns.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

brought together in one place

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Now they were relieved from the dread of being seized by their terrible enemy, they could ramble about where they pleased.

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading One day as they were rummaging about among the dry leaves, under the hazel-bushes, the squirrels fell in with the very oddest creature they had ever seen.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading One day as they were rummaging about among the dry leaves, under the hazel-bushes, the squirrels fell in with the very oddest creature they had ever seen.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading But the time for their long sleep was not yet quite arrived, and on fine days they were still to be seen abroad, roaming about from tree to tree, and sometimes bringing home a few more nuts and acorns.

causing dejection

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

fearful expectation or anticipation

From this reading Now they were relieved from the dread of being seized by their terrible enemy, they could ramble about where they pleased.

free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet

From this reading One day as they were rummaging about among the dry leaves, under the hazel-bushes, the squirrels fell in with the very oddest creature they had ever seen.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

an opposing military force

From this reading Now they were relieved from the dread of being seized by their terrible enemy, they could ramble about where they pleased.

at any time

From this reading One day as they were rummaging about among the dry leaves, under the hazel-bushes, the squirrels fell in with the very oddest creature they had ever seen.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading One day as they were rummaging about among the dry leaves, under the hazel-bushes, the squirrels fell in with the very oddest creature they had ever seen.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading But the time for their long sleep was not yet quite arrived, and on fine days they were still to be seen abroad, roaming about from tree to tree, and sometimes bringing home a few more nuts and acorns.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading But to find these they were now obliged to search on the ground, for the wind had shaken the ripe fruit from the trees.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading But the time for their long sleep was not yet quite arrived, and on fine days they were still to be seen abroad, roaming about from tree to tree, and sometimes bringing home a few more nuts and acorns.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading But the time for their long sleep was not yet quite arrived, and on fine days they were still to be seen abroad, roaming about from tree to tree, and sometimes bringing home a few more nuts and acorns.

the ripened reproductive body of a seed plant

From this reading But to find these they were now obliged to search on the ground, for the wind had shaken the ripe fruit from the trees.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading But to find these they were now obliged to search on the ground, for the wind had shaken the ripe fruit from the trees.

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

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

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

From this reading One day as they were rummaging about among the dry leaves, under the hazel-bushes, the squirrels fell in with the very oddest creature they had ever seen.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading But the time for their long sleep was not yet quite arrived, and on fine days they were still to be seen abroad, roaming about from tree to tree, and sometimes bringing home a few more nuts and acorns.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

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

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading One day as they were rummaging about among the dry leaves, under the hazel-bushes, the squirrels fell in with the very oddest creature they had ever seen.

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading But the time for their long sleep was not yet quite arrived, and on fine days they were still to be seen abroad, roaming about from tree to tree, and sometimes bringing home a few more nuts and acorns.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading But to find these they were now obliged to search on the ground, for the wind had shaken the ripe fruit from the trees.

informal or slang terms for mentally irregular

From this reading But the time for their long sleep was not yet quite arrived, and on fine days they were still to be seen abroad, roaming about from tree to tree, and sometimes bringing home a few more nuts and acorns.

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

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

under a moral obligation to do something

From this reading But to find these they were now obliged to search on the ground, for the wind had shaken the ripe fruit from the trees.

superlative of “odd” — not divisible by two

From this reading One day as they were rummaging about among the dry leaves, under the hazel-bushes, the squirrels fell in with the very oddest creature they had ever seen.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading But the time for their long sleep was not yet quite arrived, and on fine days they were still to be seen abroad, roaming about from tree to tree, and sometimes bringing home a few more nuts and acorns.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One day as they were rummaging about among the dry leaves, under the hazel-bushes, the squirrels fell in with the very oddest creature they had ever seen.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

experiencing or manifesting pleasure

From this reading Now they were relieved from the dread of being seized by their terrible enemy, they could ramble about where they pleased.

a stock or supply of foods

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading But the time for their long sleep was not yet quite arrived, and on fine days they were still to be seen abroad, roaming about from tree to tree, and sometimes bringing home a few more nuts and acorns.

continue talking or writing in a desultory manner

From this reading Now they were relieved from the dread of being seized by their terrible enemy, they could ramble about where they pleased.

on the contrary

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

(of pain or sorrow) made easier to bear

From this reading Now they were relieved from the dread of being seized by their terrible enemy, they could ramble about where they pleased.

fully developed or matured and ready to be eaten or used

From this reading But to find these they were now obliged to search on the ground, for the wind had shaken the ripe fruit from the trees.

-ing form of “roam” — move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

From this reading But the time for their long sleep was not yet quite arrived, and on fine days they were still to be seen abroad, roaming about from tree to tree, and sometimes bringing home a few more nuts and acorns.

-ing form of “rummage” — search haphazardly

From this reading One day as they were rummaging about among the dry leaves, under the hazel-bushes, the squirrels fell in with the very oddest creature they had ever seen.

try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of

From this reading But to find these they were now obliged to search on the ground, for the wind had shaken the ripe fruit from the trees.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading But the time for their long sleep was not yet quite arrived, and on fine days they were still to be seen abroad, roaming about from tree to tree, and sometimes bringing home a few more nuts and acorns.

past form of “seize” — take hold of; grab

From this reading Now they were relieved from the dread of being seized by their terrible enemy, they could ramble about where they pleased.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

disturbed psychologically as if by a physical jolt or shock

From this reading But to find these they were now obliged to search on the ground, for the wind had shaken the ripe fruit from the trees.

a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended

From this reading But the time for their long sleep was not yet quite arrived, and on fine days they were still to be seen abroad, roaming about from tree to tree, and sometimes bringing home a few more nuts and acorns.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading But the time for their long sleep was not yet quite arrived, and on fine days they were still to be seen abroad, roaming about from tree to tree, and sometimes bringing home a few more nuts and acorns.

plural of “squirrel” — a kind of arboreal rodent having a long bushy tail

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

not in physical motion

From this reading But the time for their long sleep was not yet quite arrived, and on fine days they were still to be seen abroad, roaming about from tree to tree, and sometimes bringing home a few more nuts and acorns.

the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

express in words

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

plural of “tenant” — someone who pays rent to use land or a building or a car that is owned by someone else

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading Now they were relieved from the dread of being seized by their terrible enemy, they could ramble about where they pleased.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

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

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading But the time for their long sleep was not yet quite arrived, and on fine days they were still to be seen abroad, roaming about from tree to tree, and sometimes bringing home a few more nuts and acorns.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading But to find these they were now obliged to search on the ground, for the wind had shaken the ripe fruit from the trees.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading But the time for their long sleep was not yet quite arrived, and on fine days they were still to be seen abroad, roaming about from tree to tree, and sometimes bringing home a few more nuts and acorns.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

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

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading But the time for their long sleep was not yet quite arrived, and on fine days they were still to be seen abroad, roaming about from tree to tree, and sometimes bringing home a few more nuts and acorns.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading But to find these they were now obliged to search on the ground, for the wind had shaken the ripe fruit from the trees.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading One day as they were rummaging about among the dry leaves, under the hazel-bushes, the squirrels fell in with the very oddest creature they had ever seen.

precisely as stated

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

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

From this reading But the time for their long sleep was not yet quite arrived, and on fine days they were still to be seen abroad, roaming about from tree to tree, and sometimes bringing home a few more nuts and acorns.

the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading But the time for their long sleep was not yet quite arrived, and on fine days they were still to be seen abroad, roaming about from tree to tree, and sometimes bringing home a few more nuts and acorns.

in or at the place that

From this reading Now they were relieved from the dread of being seized by their terrible enemy, they could ramble about where they pleased.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading But to find these they were now obliged to search on the ground, for the wind had shaken the ripe fruit from the trees.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

in the company of; together with

From this reading One day as they were rummaging about among the dry leaves, under the hazel-bushes, the squirrels fell in with the very oddest creature they had ever seen.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.

but in spite of that

From this reading But the time for their long sleep was not yet quite arrived, and on fine days they were still to be seen abroad, roaming about from tree to tree, and sometimes bringing home a few more nuts and acorns.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading I have not much more to tell you about "Squirrels and other Animals," for by the time the tenants of the oak-tree had collected a good stock of provisions, the weather had become rather cold and dismal, and it seemed likely that the winter would set in very early that year.