Chapter XVI · Chapter 16

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

From this reading Young Chadmund heard the unmistakable warning of a rattlesnake that was somewhere near him, and on the very point of striking.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

past form of “aim” — point or cause to go (blows, weapons, or objects such as photographic equipment) towards

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading It seemed to him in that brief second he devoted to thought that the venomous reptile lay a little to the left, and he scrambled out of his place with all the celerity at his command.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading AMONG THE MOUNTAINS.

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

From this reading Young Chadmund heard the unmistakable warning of a rattlesnake that was somewhere near him, and on the very point of striking.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Precisely where it was, it was impossible to determine with any certainty; but there was no time to consider the matter.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It seemed to him in that brief second he devoted to thought that the venomous reptile lay a little to the left, and he scrambled out of his place with all the celerity at his command.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

exhale hard

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

a youthful male person

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

of short duration or distance

From this reading It seemed to him in that brief second he devoted to thought that the venomous reptile lay a little to the left, and he scrambled out of his place with all the celerity at his command.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Precisely where it was, it was impossible to determine with any certainty; but there was no time to consider the matter.

a rate that is rapid

From this reading It seemed to him in that brief second he devoted to thought that the venomous reptile lay a little to the left, and he scrambled out of his place with all the celerity at his command.

the state of being certain

From this reading Precisely where it was, it was impossible to determine with any certainty; but there was no time to consider the matter.

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

From this reading Young Chadmund heard the unmistakable warning of a rattlesnake that was somewhere near him, and on the very point of striking.

a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading It seemed to him in that brief second he devoted to thought that the venomous reptile lay a little to the left, and he scrambled out of his place with all the celerity at his command.

deem to be

From this reading Precisely where it was, it was impossible to determine with any certainty; but there was no time to consider the matter.

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

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

causing or capable of causing death

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study

From this reading Precisely where it was, it was impossible to determine with any certainty; but there was no time to consider the matter.

zealous in devotion or affection

From this reading It seemed to him in that brief second he devoted to thought that the venomous reptile lay a little to the left, and he scrambled out of his place with all the celerity at his command.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

having escaped, especially from confinement

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

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

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading It seemed to him in that brief second he devoted to thought that the venomous reptile lay a little to the left, and he scrambled out of his place with all the celerity at his command.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Young Chadmund heard the unmistakable warning of a rattlesnake that was somewhere near him, and on the very point of striking.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Young Chadmund heard the unmistakable warning of a rattlesnake that was somewhere near him, and on the very point of striking.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading It seemed to him in that brief second he devoted to thought that the venomous reptile lay a little to the left, and he scrambled out of his place with all the celerity at his command.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading Precisely where it was, it was impossible to determine with any certainty; but there was no time to consider the matter.

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

From this reading It seemed to him in that brief second he devoted to thought that the venomous reptile lay a little to the left, and he scrambled out of his place with all the celerity at his command.

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

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Precisely where it was, it was impossible to determine with any certainty; but there was no time to consider the matter.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading It seemed to him in that brief second he devoted to thought that the venomous reptile lay a little to the left, and he scrambled out of his place with all the celerity at his command.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading It seemed to him in that brief second he devoted to thought that the venomous reptile lay a little to the left, and he scrambled out of his place with all the celerity at his command.

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

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading It seemed to him in that brief second he devoted to thought that the venomous reptile lay a little to the left, and he scrambled out of his place with all the celerity at his command.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Precisely where it was, it was impossible to determine with any certainty; but there was no time to consider the matter.

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

From this reading AMONG THE MOUNTAINS.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading Young Chadmund heard the unmistakable warning of a rattlesnake that was somewhere near him, and on the very point of striking.

(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

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

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

not any; not one

From this reading Precisely where it was, it was impossible to determine with any certainty; but there was no time to consider the matter.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Young Chadmund heard the unmistakable warning of a rattlesnake that was somewhere near him, and on the very point of striking.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Young Chadmund heard the unmistakable warning of a rattlesnake that was somewhere near him, and on the very point of striking.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading It seemed to him in that brief second he devoted to thought that the venomous reptile lay a little to the left, and he scrambled out of his place with all the celerity at his command.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading It seemed to him in that brief second he devoted to thought that the venomous reptile lay a little to the left, and he scrambled out of his place with all the celerity at his command.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading Young Chadmund heard the unmistakable warning of a rattlesnake that was somewhere near him, and on the very point of striking.

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading Precisely where it was, it was impossible to determine with any certainty; but there was no time to consider the matter.

skillful performance or ability without difficulty

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

a rate that is rapid

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

pit viper with horny segments at the end of the tail that rattle when shaken

From this reading Young Chadmund heard the unmistakable warning of a rattlesnake that was somewhere near him, and on the very point of striking.

any cold-blooded vertebrate of the class Reptilia including tortoises, turtles, snakes, lizards, alligators, crocodiles, and extinct forms

From this reading It seemed to him in that brief second he devoted to thought that the venomous reptile lay a little to the left, and he scrambled out of his place with all the celerity at his command.

thrown together in a disorderly fashion

From this reading It seemed to him in that brief second he devoted to thought that the venomous reptile lay a little to the left, and he scrambled out of his place with all the celerity at his command.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading It seemed to him in that brief second he devoted to thought that the venomous reptile lay a little to the left, and he scrambled out of his place with all the celerity at his command.

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

From this reading It seemed to him in that brief second he devoted to thought that the venomous reptile lay a little to the left, and he scrambled out of his place with all the celerity at his command.

moving slowly

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

limbless scaly elongate reptile; some are venomous

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

in or at or to some place

From this reading Young Chadmund heard the unmistakable warning of a rattlesnake that was somewhere near him, and on the very point of striking.

successive (without a break)

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect

From this reading Young Chadmund heard the unmistakable warning of a rattlesnake that was somewhere near him, and on the very point of striking.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Young Chadmund heard the unmistakable warning of a rattlesnake that was somewhere near him, and on the very point of striking.

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

From this reading AMONG THE MOUNTAINS.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Precisely where it was, it was impossible to determine with any certainty; but there was no time to consider the matter.

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

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading It seemed to him in that brief second he devoted to thought that the venomous reptile lay a little to the left, and he scrambled out of his place with all the celerity at his command.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Precisely where it was, it was impossible to determine with any certainty; but there was no time to consider the matter.

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

From this reading Precisely where it was, it was impossible to determine with any certainty; but there was no time to consider the matter.

two times

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

clearly evident to the mind

From this reading Young Chadmund heard the unmistakable warning of a rattlesnake that was somewhere near him, and on the very point of striking.

under normal conditions

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

extremely poisonous or injurious; producing venom

From this reading It seemed to him in that brief second he devoted to thought that the venomous reptile lay a little to the left, and he scrambled out of his place with all the celerity at his command.

precisely as stated

From this reading Young Chadmund heard the unmistakable warning of a rattlesnake that was somewhere near him, and on the very point of striking.

a message informing of danger

From this reading Young Chadmund heard the unmistakable warning of a rattlesnake that was somewhere near him, and on the very point of striking.

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

From this reading Young Chadmund heard the unmistakable warning of a rattlesnake that was somewhere near him, and on the very point of striking.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

at the time that

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

in or at the place that

From this reading Precisely where it was, it was impossible to determine with any certainty; but there was no time to consider the matter.

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

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Precisely where it was, it was impossible to determine with any certainty; but there was no time to consider the matter.

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading The wonderful quickness of this usually sluggish snake, when about to deal its deadly blow is well known, and, had the boy moved with twice the rapidity that he did, Ned could not have escaped that lightning-like dart of the snake, which was aimed straight at his foot, that being the part of the body which was nearest his coil.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading Young Chadmund heard the unmistakable warning of a rattlesnake that was somewhere near him, and on the very point of striking.