Chapter IX · Chapter 9

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

From this reading The Man It was the fourth of February in the year 1875.

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

From this reading It had been a severe winter, and the snow lay deep in the gorges of the Gilmerton Mountains.

relating to or used in or promoting agriculture or farming

From this reading From this point the track sweeps downward to Bartons Crossing, Helmdale, and the purely agricultural county of Merton.

North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776

From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.

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

From this reading It had been a severe winter, and the snow lay deep in the gorges of the Gilmerton Mountains.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

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

From this reading From this point the track sweeps downward to Bartons Crossing, Helmdale, and the purely agricultural county of Merton.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading It had been a severe winter, and the snow lay deep in the gorges of the Gilmerton Mountains.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.

full of energetic and noisy activity

From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.

serving as an essential component

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

fossil fuel consisting of carbonized vegetable matter deposited in the Carboniferous period

From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.

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

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

third-person singular of “connect” — connect, fasten, or put together two or more pieces

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.

(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government

From this reading From this point the track sweeps downward to Bartons Crossing, Helmdale, and the purely agricultural county of Merton.

traveling across

From this reading From this point the track sweeps downward to Bartons Crossing, Helmdale, and the purely agricultural county of Merton.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading It had been a severe winter, and the snow lay deep in the gorges of the Gilmerton Mountains.

providing no shelter or sustenance

From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.

extending or moving from a higher to a lower place

From this reading From this point the track sweeps downward to Bartons Crossing, Helmdale, and the purely agricultural county of Merton.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.

the month following January and preceding March

From this reading The Man It was the fourth of February in the year 1875.

following the third position; number four in a countable series

From this reading The Man It was the fourth of February in the year 1875.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

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

From this reading It had been a severe winter, and the snow lay deep in the gorges of the Gilmerton Mountains.

plural of “gorge” — a deep ravine (usually with a river running through it)

From this reading It had been a severe winter, and the snow lay deep in the gorges of the Gilmerton Mountains.

plural of “gradient” — a graded change in the magnitude of some physical quantity or dimension

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

-ing form of “groan” — indicate pain, discomfort, or displeasure

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

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

From this reading It had been a severe winter, and the snow lay deep in the gorges of the Gilmerton Mountains.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

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

From this reading From this point the track sweeps downward to Bartons Crossing, Helmdale, and the purely agricultural county of Merton.

not accessible to view

From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

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

From this reading The Man It was the fourth of February in the year 1875.

a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood

From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.

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

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The Man It was the fourth of February in the year 1875.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading It had been a severe winter, and the snow lay deep in the gorges of the Gilmerton Mountains.

take somebody somewhere

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

plural of “lie” — a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.

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 The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading The Man It was the fourth of February in the year 1875.

United States religious and writer (1915-1968)

From this reading From this point the track sweeps downward to Bartons Crossing, Helmdale, and the purely agricultural county of Merton.

used to form the superlative

From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.

plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading It had been a severe winter, and the snow lay deep in the gorges of the Gilmerton Mountains.

amounting to a large indefinite number

From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Man It was the fourth of February in the year 1875.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

a mineral that contains metal that is valuable enough to be mined

From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.

past form of “pile” — arrange in stacks

From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

plural of “plough” — a group of seven bright stars in the constellation Ursa Major

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading From this point the track sweeps downward to Bartons Crossing, Helmdale, and the purely agricultural county of Merton.

the people who inhabit a territory or state

From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.

restricted to something

From this reading From this point the track sweeps downward to Bartons Crossing, Helmdale, and the purely agricultural county of Merton.

line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

socially incorrect in behavior

From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.

plural of “settlement” — a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality

From this reading It had been a severe winter, and the snow lay deep in the gorges of the Gilmerton Mountains.

a short stretch of railroad track used to store rolling stock or enable trains on the same line to pass

From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading It had been a severe winter, and the snow lay deep in the gorges of the Gilmerton Mountains.

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

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.

travel by means of steam power

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

having a sharp inclination

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

plural of “sweep” — a wide scope

From this reading From this point the track sweeps downward to Bartons Crossing, Helmdale, and the purely agricultural county of Merton.

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

From this reading The Man It was the fourth of February in the year 1875.

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

From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading From this point the track sweeps downward to Bartons Crossing, Helmdale, and the purely agricultural county of Merton.

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

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.

an administrative division of a county

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

a line or route along which something travels or moves

From this reading From this point the track sweeps downward to Bartons Crossing, Helmdale, and the purely agricultural county of Merton.

create by training and teaching

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

plural of “truck” — an automotive vehicle suitable for hauling

From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.

characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity

From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.

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

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

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

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

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

From this reading The Man It was the fourth of February in the year 1875.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money

From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.

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

From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.

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

From this reading The steam ploughs had, however, kept the railroad open, and the evening train which connects the long line of coal-mining and iron-working settlements was slowly groaning its way up the steep gradients which lead from Stagville on the plain to Vermissa, the central township which lies at the head of Vermissa Valley.

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

From this reading It had been a severe winter, and the snow lay deep in the gorges of the Gilmerton Mountains.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It was a single track railroad; but at every siding—and they were numerous—long lines of trucks piled with coal and iron ore told of the hidden wealth which had brought a rude population and a bustling life to this most desolate corner of the United States of America.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading The Man It was the fourth of February in the year 1875.