used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE WORK OF AN ENEMY It was a bitter morning when a weary man, sprinkled white with powdery snow, came limping into Thurston's camp, which was then pitched in the canyon.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading A pitiless wind swept down from the range side across the thrashing pines, and filled the deep rift with its shrill moaning which sounded above the diapason of the shrunken river.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading A pitiless wind swept down from the range side across the thrashing pines, and filled the deep rift with its shrill moaning which sounded above the diapason of the shrunken river.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading The canyon was a scene of appalling desolation, but few of the long-booted men who hurried among the boulders had leisure to contemplate it.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading THE WORK OF AN ENEMY It was a bitter morning when a weary man, sprinkled white with powdery snow, came limping into Thurston's camp, which was then pitched in the canyon.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A pitiless wind swept down from the range side across the thrashing pines, and filled the deep rift with its shrill moaning which sounded above the diapason of the shrunken river.
appallingnounUS /əˈpɔːlɪŋ/
an experience that appalls
From this reading The canyon was a scene of appalling desolation, but few of the long-booted men who hurried among the boulders had leisure to contemplate it.
completely unclothed
From this reading A haze of frost-dried snow infinitesimally fine, which stung the unprotected skin like the prick of hot needles, whirled before the wind and then thinned, leaving bare the higher shoulders of the hills, though a rush of dingy vapor hid the ice-ribbed peaks above.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading A haze of frost-dried snow infinitesimally fine, which stung the unprotected skin like the prick of hot needles, whirled before the wind and then thinned, leaving bare the higher shoulders of the hills, though a rush of dingy vapor hid the ice-ribbed peaks above.
marked by strong resentment or cynicism
From this reading THE WORK OF AN ENEMY It was a bitter morning when a weary man, sprinkled white with powdery snow, came limping into Thurston's camp, which was then pitched in the canyon.
bouldersnounUS /ˈboʊldərz/
plural of “boulder” — a large smooth mass of rock detached from its place of origin
From this reading The canyon was a scene of appalling desolation, but few of the long-booted men who hurried among the boulders had leisure to contemplate it.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The canyon was a scene of appalling desolation, but few of the long-booted men who hurried among the boulders had leisure to contemplate it.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading THE WORK OF AN ENEMY It was a bitter morning when a weary man, sprinkled white with powdery snow, came limping into Thurston's camp, which was then pitched in the canyon.
temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers
From this reading THE WORK OF AN ENEMY It was a bitter morning when a weary man, sprinkled white with powdery snow, came limping into Thurston's camp, which was then pitched in the canyon.
canyonnounUS /ˈkænjən/
a ravine formed by a river in an area with little rainfall
From this reading THE WORK OF AN ENEMY It was a bitter morning when a weary man, sprinkled white with powdery snow, came limping into Thurston's camp, which was then pitched in the canyon.
contemplateverbUS /ˈkɑːntəmpleɪt/
look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought
From this reading The canyon was a scene of appalling desolation, but few of the long-booted men who hurried among the boulders had leisure to contemplate it.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading A pitiless wind swept down from the range side across the thrashing pines, and filled the deep rift with its shrill moaning which sounded above the diapason of the shrunken river.
desolationnounUS /ˌdesəˈleɪʃən/
the state of being decayed or destroyed
From this reading The canyon was a scene of appalling desolation, but few of the long-booted men who hurried among the boulders had leisure to contemplate it.
diapasonnoun
either of the two main stops on a pipe organ
From this reading A pitiless wind swept down from the range side across the thrashing pines, and filled the deep rift with its shrill moaning which sounded above the diapason of the shrunken river.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The men were working for Geoffrey Thurston, who did not encourage idleness.
dingyadjectiveUS /ˈdɪndʒi/
thickly covered with ingrained dirt or soot
From this reading A haze of frost-dried snow infinitesimally fine, which stung the unprotected skin like the prick of hot needles, whirled before the wind and then thinned, leaving bare the higher shoulders of the hills, though a rush of dingy vapor hid the ice-ribbed peaks above.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading A pitiless wind swept down from the range side across the thrashing pines, and filled the deep rift with its shrill moaning which sounded above the diapason of the shrunken river.
encourageverbUS /enˈkɜːrɪdʒ/
contribute to the progress or growth of
From this reading The men were working for Geoffrey Thurston, who did not encourage idleness.
an opposing military force
From this reading THE WORK OF AN ENEMY It was a bitter morning when a weary man, sprinkled white with powdery snow, came limping into Thurston's camp, which was then pitched in the canyon.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading The canyon was a scene of appalling desolation, but few of the long-booted men who hurried among the boulders had leisure to contemplate it.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading A pitiless wind swept down from the range side across the thrashing pines, and filled the deep rift with its shrill moaning which sounded above the diapason of the shrunken river.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading A haze of frost-dried snow infinitesimally fine, which stung the unprotected skin like the prick of hot needles, whirled before the wind and then thinned, leaving bare the higher shoulders of the hills, though a rush of dingy vapor hid the ice-ribbed peaks above.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The men were working for Geoffrey Thurston, who did not encourage idleness.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A pitiless wind swept down from the range side across the thrashing pines, and filled the deep rift with its shrill moaning which sounded above the diapason of the shrunken river.
frost-dried
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A haze of frost-dried snow infinitesimally fine, which stung the unprotected skin like the prick of hot needles, whirled before the wind and then thinned, leaving bare the higher shoulders of the hills, though a rush of dingy vapor hid the ice-ribbed peaks above.
Geoffrey
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The men were working for Geoffrey Thurston, who did not encourage idleness.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The canyon was a scene of appalling desolation, but few of the long-booted men who hurried among the boulders had leisure to contemplate it.
hazenounUS /heɪz/
atmospheric moisture or dust or smoke that causes reduced visibility
From this reading A haze of frost-dried snow infinitesimally fine, which stung the unprotected skin like the prick of hot needles, whirled before the wind and then thinned, leaving bare the higher shoulders of the hills, though a rush of dingy vapor hid the ice-ribbed peaks above.
inflected form of “hide” — prevent from being seen or discovered
From this reading A haze of frost-dried snow infinitesimally fine, which stung the unprotected skin like the prick of hot needles, whirled before the wind and then thinned, leaving bare the higher shoulders of the hills, though a rush of dingy vapor hid the ice-ribbed peaks above.
advanced in complexity or elaboration
From this reading A haze of frost-dried snow infinitesimally fine, which stung the unprotected skin like the prick of hot needles, whirled before the wind and then thinned, leaving bare the higher shoulders of the hills, though a rush of dingy vapor hid the ice-ribbed peaks above.
plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading A haze of frost-dried snow infinitesimally fine, which stung the unprotected skin like the prick of hot needles, whirled before the wind and then thinned, leaving bare the higher shoulders of the hills, though a rush of dingy vapor hid the ice-ribbed peaks above.
used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
From this reading A haze of frost-dried snow infinitesimally fine, which stung the unprotected skin like the prick of hot needles, whirled before the wind and then thinned, leaving bare the higher shoulders of the hills, though a rush of dingy vapor hid the ice-ribbed peaks above.
moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste
From this reading The canyon was a scene of appalling desolation, but few of the long-booted men who hurried among the boulders had leisure to contemplate it.
ice-ribbed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A haze of frost-dried snow infinitesimally fine, which stung the unprotected skin like the prick of hot needles, whirled before the wind and then thinned, leaving bare the higher shoulders of the hills, though a rush of dingy vapor hid the ice-ribbed peaks above.
idlenessnounUS /ˈaɪdəlnəs/
having no employment
From this reading The men were working for Geoffrey Thurston, who did not encourage idleness.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE WORK OF AN ENEMY It was a bitter morning when a weary man, sprinkled white with powdery snow, came limping into Thurston's camp, which was then pitched in the canyon.
infinitesimally
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A haze of frost-dried snow infinitesimally fine, which stung the unprotected skin like the prick of hot needles, whirled before the wind and then thinned, leaving bare the higher shoulders of the hills, though a rush of dingy vapor hid the ice-ribbed peaks above.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading THE WORK OF AN ENEMY It was a bitter morning when a weary man, sprinkled white with powdery snow, came limping into Thurston's camp, which was then pitched in the canyon.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE WORK OF AN ENEMY It was a bitter morning when a weary man, sprinkled white with powdery snow, came limping into Thurston's camp, which was then pitched in the canyon.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading A pitiless wind swept down from the range side across the thrashing pines, and filled the deep rift with its shrill moaning which sounded above the diapason of the shrunken river.
the act of departing
From this reading A haze of frost-dried snow infinitesimally fine, which stung the unprotected skin like the prick of hot needles, whirled before the wind and then thinned, leaving bare the higher shoulders of the hills, though a rush of dingy vapor hid the ice-ribbed peaks above.
leisurenounUS /ˈleʒər/
time available for ease and relaxation
From this reading The canyon was a scene of appalling desolation, but few of the long-booted men who hurried among the boulders had leisure to contemplate it.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading A haze of frost-dried snow infinitesimally fine, which stung the unprotected skin like the prick of hot needles, whirled before the wind and then thinned, leaving bare the higher shoulders of the hills, though a rush of dingy vapor hid the ice-ribbed peaks above.
limpingnounUS /ˈlɪmpɪŋ/
disability of walking due to crippling of the legs or feet
From this reading THE WORK OF AN ENEMY It was a bitter morning when a weary man, sprinkled white with powdery snow, came limping into Thurston's camp, which was then pitched in the canyon.
long-booted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The canyon was a scene of appalling desolation, but few of the long-booted men who hurried among the boulders had leisure to contemplate it.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading THE WORK OF AN ENEMY It was a bitter morning when a weary man, sprinkled white with powdery snow, came limping into Thurston's camp, which was then pitched in the canyon.
the force of workers available
From this reading The canyon was a scene of appalling desolation, but few of the long-booted men who hurried among the boulders had leisure to contemplate it.
moaningverbUS /ˈmoʊnɪŋ/
-ing form of “moan” — indicate pain, discomfort, or displeasure
From this reading A pitiless wind swept down from the range side across the thrashing pines, and filled the deep rift with its shrill moaning which sounded above the diapason of the shrunken river.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading THE WORK OF AN ENEMY It was a bitter morning when a weary man, sprinkled white with powdery snow, came limping into Thurston's camp, which was then pitched in the canyon.
needlesnounUS /ˈniːdəlz/
plural of “needle” — the leaf of a conifer
From this reading A haze of frost-dried snow infinitesimally fine, which stung the unprotected skin like the prick of hot needles, whirled before the wind and then thinned, leaving bare the higher shoulders of the hills, though a rush of dingy vapor hid the ice-ribbed peaks above.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The men were working for Geoffrey Thurston, who did not encourage idleness.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE WORK OF AN ENEMY It was a bitter morning when a weary man, sprinkled white with powdery snow, came limping into Thurston's camp, which was then pitched in the canyon.
peaksnounUS /piːks/
plural of “peak” — the most extreme possible amount or value
From this reading A haze of frost-dried snow infinitesimally fine, which stung the unprotected skin like the prick of hot needles, whirled before the wind and then thinned, leaving bare the higher shoulders of the hills, though a rush of dingy vapor hid the ice-ribbed peaks above.
pinesnounUS /paɪnz/
plural of “pine” — a coniferous tree
From this reading A pitiless wind swept down from the range side across the thrashing pines, and filled the deep rift with its shrill moaning which sounded above the diapason of the shrunken river.
pitchedadjectiveUS /pɪtʃt/
(of sound) set to a certain pitch or key; usually used as a combining form
From this reading THE WORK OF AN ENEMY It was a bitter morning when a weary man, sprinkled white with powdery snow, came limping into Thurston's camp, which was then pitched in the canyon.
pitilessadjectiveUS /ˈpɪtiləs/
without mercy or pity
From this reading A pitiless wind swept down from the range side across the thrashing pines, and filled the deep rift with its shrill moaning which sounded above the diapason of the shrunken river.
powderyadjectiveUS /ˈpaʊdəri/
consisting of fine particles
From this reading THE WORK OF AN ENEMY It was a bitter morning when a weary man, sprinkled white with powdery snow, came limping into Thurston's camp, which was then pitched in the canyon.
prickverbUS /prɪk/
make a small hole into, as with a needle or a thorn
From this reading A haze of frost-dried snow infinitesimally fine, which stung the unprotected skin like the prick of hot needles, whirled before the wind and then thinned, leaving bare the higher shoulders of the hills, though a rush of dingy vapor hid the ice-ribbed peaks above.
an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"
From this reading A pitiless wind swept down from the range side across the thrashing pines, and filled the deep rift with its shrill moaning which sounded above the diapason of the shrunken river.
riftnounUS /rɪft/
a gap between cloud masses
From this reading A pitiless wind swept down from the range side across the thrashing pines, and filled the deep rift with its shrill moaning which sounded above the diapason of the shrunken river.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading A pitiless wind swept down from the range side across the thrashing pines, and filled the deep rift with its shrill moaning which sounded above the diapason of the shrunken river.
move hurridly
From this reading A haze of frost-dried snow infinitesimally fine, which stung the unprotected skin like the prick of hot needles, whirled before the wind and then thinned, leaving bare the higher shoulders of the hills, though a rush of dingy vapor hid the ice-ribbed peaks above.
the place where some action occurs
From this reading The canyon was a scene of appalling desolation, but few of the long-booted men who hurried among the boulders had leisure to contemplate it.
plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm
From this reading A haze of frost-dried snow infinitesimally fine, which stung the unprotected skin like the prick of hot needles, whirled before the wind and then thinned, leaving bare the higher shoulders of the hills, though a rush of dingy vapor hid the ice-ribbed peaks above.
shrilladjectiveUS /ʃrɪl/
having or emitting a high-pitched and sharp tone or tones
From this reading A pitiless wind swept down from the range side across the thrashing pines, and filled the deep rift with its shrill moaning which sounded above the diapason of the shrunken river.
shrunkenadjectiveUS /ˈʃrʌŋkən/
lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness
From this reading A pitiless wind swept down from the range side across the thrashing pines, and filled the deep rift with its shrill moaning which sounded above the diapason of the shrunken river.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading A pitiless wind swept down from the range side across the thrashing pines, and filled the deep rift with its shrill moaning which sounded above the diapason of the shrunken river.
a natural protective body covering and site of the sense of touch
From this reading A haze of frost-dried snow infinitesimally fine, which stung the unprotected skin like the prick of hot needles, whirled before the wind and then thinned, leaving bare the higher shoulders of the hills, though a rush of dingy vapor hid the ice-ribbed peaks above.
precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
From this reading THE WORK OF AN ENEMY It was a bitter morning when a weary man, sprinkled white with powdery snow, came limping into Thurston's camp, which was then pitched in the canyon.
past form of “sound” — appear in a certain way
From this reading A pitiless wind swept down from the range side across the thrashing pines, and filled the deep rift with its shrill moaning which sounded above the diapason of the shrunken river.
sprinkledverbUS /ˈsprɪŋkəld/
past form of “sprinkle” — distribute loosely
From this reading THE WORK OF AN ENEMY It was a bitter morning when a weary man, sprinkled white with powdery snow, came limping into Thurston's camp, which was then pitched in the canyon.
stungadjectiveUS /stʌŋ/
aroused to impatience or anger
From this reading A haze of frost-dried snow infinitesimally fine, which stung the unprotected skin like the prick of hot needles, whirled before the wind and then thinned, leaving bare the higher shoulders of the hills, though a rush of dingy vapor hid the ice-ribbed peaks above.
possessing sweep
From this reading A pitiless wind swept down from the range side across the thrashing pines, and filled the deep rift with its shrill moaning which sounded above the diapason of the shrunken river.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE WORK OF AN ENEMY It was a bitter morning when a weary man, sprinkled white with powdery snow, came limping into Thurston's camp, which was then pitched in the canyon.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading THE WORK OF AN ENEMY It was a bitter morning when a weary man, sprinkled white with powdery snow, came limping into Thurston's camp, which was then pitched in the canyon.
thinnedadjectiveUS /θɪnd/
mixed with water
From this reading A haze of frost-dried snow infinitesimally fine, which stung the unprotected skin like the prick of hot needles, whirled before the wind and then thinned, leaving bare the higher shoulders of the hills, though a rush of dingy vapor hid the ice-ribbed peaks above.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading A haze of frost-dried snow infinitesimally fine, which stung the unprotected skin like the prick of hot needles, whirled before the wind and then thinned, leaving bare the higher shoulders of the hills, though a rush of dingy vapor hid the ice-ribbed peaks above.
thrashingnounUS /ˈθræʃɪŋ/
a sound defeat
From this reading A pitiless wind swept down from the range side across the thrashing pines, and filled the deep rift with its shrill moaning which sounded above the diapason of the shrunken river.
Thurston
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The men were working for Geoffrey Thurston, who did not encourage idleness.
Thurston's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE WORK OF AN ENEMY It was a bitter morning when a weary man, sprinkled white with powdery snow, came limping into Thurston's camp, which was then pitched in the canyon.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The canyon was a scene of appalling desolation, but few of the long-booted men who hurried among the boulders had leisure to contemplate it.
unprotectedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnprəˈtektɪd/
lacking protection or defense
From this reading A haze of frost-dried snow infinitesimally fine, which stung the unprotected skin like the prick of hot needles, whirled before the wind and then thinned, leaving bare the higher shoulders of the hills, though a rush of dingy vapor hid the ice-ribbed peaks above.
vapornounUS /ˈveɪpər/
a visible suspension in the air of particles of some substance
From this reading A haze of frost-dried snow infinitesimally fine, which stung the unprotected skin like the prick of hot needles, whirled before the wind and then thinned, leaving bare the higher shoulders of the hills, though a rush of dingy vapor hid the ice-ribbed peaks above.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE WORK OF AN ENEMY It was a bitter morning when a weary man, sprinkled white with powdery snow, came limping into Thurston's camp, which was then pitched in the canyon.
exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress
From this reading THE WORK OF AN ENEMY It was a bitter morning when a weary man, sprinkled white with powdery snow, came limping into Thurston's camp, which was then pitched in the canyon.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The men were working for Geoffrey Thurston, who did not encourage idleness.
at the time that
From this reading THE WORK OF AN ENEMY It was a bitter morning when a weary man, sprinkled white with powdery snow, came limping into Thurston's camp, which was then pitched in the canyon.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading THE WORK OF AN ENEMY It was a bitter morning when a weary man, sprinkled white with powdery snow, came limping into Thurston's camp, which was then pitched in the canyon.
whirledverbUS /wɜːrld/
past form of “whirl” — turn in a twisting or spinning motion
From this reading A haze of frost-dried snow infinitesimally fine, which stung the unprotected skin like the prick of hot needles, whirled before the wind and then thinned, leaving bare the higher shoulders of the hills, though a rush of dingy vapor hid the ice-ribbed peaks above.
a Caucasian
From this reading THE WORK OF AN ENEMY It was a bitter morning when a weary man, sprinkled white with powdery snow, came limping into Thurston's camp, which was then pitched in the canyon.
which person or people
From this reading The canyon was a scene of appalling desolation, but few of the long-booted men who hurried among the boulders had leisure to contemplate it.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading A pitiless wind swept down from the range side across the thrashing pines, and filled the deep rift with its shrill moaning which sounded above the diapason of the shrunken river.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE WORK OF AN ENEMY It was a bitter morning when a weary man, sprinkled white with powdery snow, came limping into Thurston's camp, which was then pitched in the canyon.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading THE WORK OF AN ENEMY It was a bitter morning when a weary man, sprinkled white with powdery snow, came limping into Thurston's camp, which was then pitched in the canyon.
actively engaged in paid work
From this reading The men were working for Geoffrey Thurston, who did not encourage idleness.
