adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The bullets, however, did sing through the fast-gathering darkness with a vicious sound, and struck the heavy sides and sloping front of the ice cave with a disconcerting "ping!"
aimverbUS /eɪm/
point or cause to go (blows, weapons, or objects such as photographic equipment) towards
From this reading Fortunately they only had old-fashioned, muzzle-loading muskets, and, as their aim was none of the best, there was comparatively little danger.
AIRSHIPnounUS /ˈerʃɪp/
a steerable self-propelled aircraft
From this reading THE WRECK OF THE AIRSHIP Almost before our friends could retreat into the cave which now sheltered the RED CLOUD, the attacking natives opened fire.
AlmostadverbUS /ˈɔːlmoʊst/
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading THE WRECK OF THE AIRSHIP Almost before our friends could retreat into the cave which now sheltered the RED CLOUD, the attacking natives opened fire.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Fortunately they only had old-fashioned, muzzle-loading muskets, and, as their aim was none of the best, there was comparatively little danger.
Andy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I don't hear Andy or his father firing!" called Tom, as he and the others returned the fire of the savage Indians.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Fortunately they only had old-fashioned, muzzle-loading muskets, and, as their aim was none of the best, there was comparatively little danger.
attackingadjectiveUS /əˈtækɪŋ/
disposed to attack
From this reading THE WRECK OF THE AIRSHIP Almost before our friends could retreat into the cave which now sheltered the RED CLOUD, the attacking natives opened fire.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading THE WRECK OF THE AIRSHIP Almost before our friends could retreat into the cave which now sheltered the RED CLOUD, the attacking natives opened fire.
bestnounUS /best/
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading Fortunately they only had old-fashioned, muzzle-loading muskets, and, as their aim was none of the best, there was comparatively little danger.
bulletsnounUS /ˈbʊləts/
plural of “bullet” — a projectile that is fired from a gun
From this reading The bullets, however, did sing through the fast-gathering darkness with a vicious sound, and struck the heavy sides and sloping front of the ice cave with a disconcerting "ping!"
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading "I could tell their guns by the sharper reports.
calledverbUS /kɔːld/
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading "I don't hear Andy or his father firing!" called Tom, as he and the others returned the fire of the savage Indians.
cavenounUS /keɪv/
a geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea
From this reading THE WRECK OF THE AIRSHIP Almost before our friends could retreat into the cave which now sheltered the RED CLOUD, the attacking natives opened fire.
CLOUDverbUS /klaʊd/
make overcast or cloudy
From this reading THE WRECK OF THE AIRSHIP Almost before our friends could retreat into the cave which now sheltered the RED CLOUD, the attacking natives opened fire.
comparativelyadverbUS /kəmˈperətɪvli/
in a relative manner; by comparison to something else
From this reading Fortunately they only had old-fashioned, muzzle-loading muskets, and, as their aim was none of the best, there was comparatively little danger.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading THE WRECK OF THE AIRSHIP Almost before our friends could retreat into the cave which now sheltered the RED CLOUD, the attacking natives opened fire.
dangernounUS /ˈdeɪndʒər/
the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading Fortunately they only had old-fashioned, muzzle-loading muskets, and, as their aim was none of the best, there was comparatively little danger.
darknessnounUS /ˈdɑːrknəs/
absence of light or illumination
From this reading The bullets, however, did sing through the fast-gathering darkness with a vicious sound, and struck the heavy sides and sloping front of the ice cave with a disconcerting "ping!"
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The bullets, however, did sing through the fast-gathering darkness with a vicious sound, and struck the heavy sides and sloping front of the ice cave with a disconcerting "ping!"
disconcertingadjectiveUS /ˌdɪskənˈsɜːrtɪŋ/
causing an emotional disturbance
From this reading The bullets, however, did sing through the fast-gathering darkness with a vicious sound, and struck the heavy sides and sloping front of the ice cave with a disconcerting "ping!"
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I don't hear Andy or his father firing!" called Tom, as he and the others returned the fire of the savage Indians.
fast-gathering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The bullets, however, did sing through the fast-gathering darkness with a vicious sound, and struck the heavy sides and sloping front of the ice cave with a disconcerting "ping!"
fathernounUS /ˈfɑːðər/
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading "I don't hear Andy or his father firing!" called Tom, as he and the others returned the fire of the savage Indians.
fireverbUS /ˈfaɪər/
start firing a weapon
From this reading THE WRECK OF THE AIRSHIP Almost before our friends could retreat into the cave which now sheltered the RED CLOUD, the attacking natives opened fire.
firingnounUS /ˈfaɪrɪŋ/
the act of firing weapons or artillery at an enemy
From this reading "I don't hear Andy or his father firing!" called Tom, as he and the others returned the fire of the savage Indians.
FortunatelyadverbUS /ˈfɔːrtʃənətli/
by good fortune
From this reading Fortunately they only had old-fashioned, muzzle-loading muskets, and, as their aim was none of the best, there was comparatively little danger.
friendsnounUS /frendz/
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading THE WRECK OF THE AIRSHIP Almost before our friends could retreat into the cave which now sheltered the RED CLOUD, the attacking natives opened fire.
frontnounUS /frʌnt/
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading The bullets, however, did sing through the fast-gathering darkness with a vicious sound, and struck the heavy sides and sloping front of the ice cave with a disconcerting "ping!"
gunsnounUS /ɡʌnz/
plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
From this reading "I could tell their guns by the sharper reports.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Fortunately they only had old-fashioned, muzzle-loading muskets, and, as their aim was none of the best, there was comparatively little danger.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "I don't hear Andy or his father firing!" called Tom, as he and the others returned the fire of the savage Indians.
hearverbUS /hiːr/
perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
From this reading "I don't hear Andy or his father firing!" called Tom, as he and the others returned the fire of the savage Indians.
heavyadjectiveUS /ˈhevi/
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading The bullets, however, did sing through the fast-gathering darkness with a vicious sound, and struck the heavy sides and sloping front of the ice cave with a disconcerting "ping!"
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading "I don't hear Andy or his father firing!" called Tom, as he and the others returned the fire of the savage Indians.
howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading The bullets, however, did sing through the fast-gathering darkness with a vicious sound, and struck the heavy sides and sloping front of the ice cave with a disconcerting "ping!"
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I don't hear Andy or his father firing!" called Tom, as he and the others returned the fire of the savage Indians.
icenounUS /aɪs/
water frozen in the solid state
From this reading The bullets, however, did sing through the fast-gathering darkness with a vicious sound, and struck the heavy sides and sloping front of the ice cave with a disconcerting "ping!"
IndiansnounUS /ˈɪndiənz/
plural of “indian” — a native or inhabitant of India
From this reading "I don't hear Andy or his father firing!" called Tom, as he and the others returned the fire of the savage Indians.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading THE WRECK OF THE AIRSHIP Almost before our friends could retreat into the cave which now sheltered the RED CLOUD, the attacking natives opened fire.
littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Fortunately they only had old-fashioned, muzzle-loading muskets, and, as their aim was none of the best, there was comparatively little danger.
muskets
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fortunately they only had old-fashioned, muzzle-loading muskets, and, as their aim was none of the best, there was comparatively little danger.
muzzle-loadingadjective
(of firearms) taking the projectile or cartridge through the muzzle
From this reading Fortunately they only had old-fashioned, muzzle-loading muskets, and, as their aim was none of the best, there was comparatively little danger.
nativesnounUS /ˈneɪtɪvz/
plural of “native” — an indigenous person who was born in a particular place
From this reading THE WRECK OF THE AIRSHIP Almost before our friends could retreat into the cave which now sheltered the RED CLOUD, the attacking natives opened fire.
nonepronounUS /nʌn/
not one, and not any
From this reading Fortunately they only had old-fashioned, muzzle-loading muskets, and, as their aim was none of the best, there was comparatively little danger.
nowadverbUS /naʊ/
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading THE WRECK OF THE AIRSHIP Almost before our friends could retreat into the cave which now sheltered the RED CLOUD, the attacking natives opened fire.
OFprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE WRECK OF THE AIRSHIP Almost before our friends could retreat into the cave which now sheltered the RED CLOUD, the attacking natives opened fire.
old-fashionedadjectiveUS /ˌoʊldˈfæʃənd/
out of fashion
From this reading Fortunately they only had old-fashioned, muzzle-loading muskets, and, as their aim was none of the best, there was comparatively little danger.
onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/
and nothing more
From this reading Fortunately they only had old-fashioned, muzzle-loading muskets, and, as their aim was none of the best, there was comparatively little danger.
openedadjectiveUS /ˈoʊpənd/
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading THE WRECK OF THE AIRSHIP Almost before our friends could retreat into the cave which now sheltered the RED CLOUD, the attacking natives opened fire.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading "I don't hear Andy or his father firing!" called Tom, as he and the others returned the fire of the savage Indians.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I don't hear Andy or his father firing!" called Tom, as he and the others returned the fire of the savage Indians.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading THE WRECK OF THE AIRSHIP Almost before our friends could retreat into the cave which now sheltered the RED CLOUD, the attacking natives opened fire.
pingverbUS /pɪŋ/
hit with a pinging noise
From this reading The bullets, however, did sing through the fast-gathering darkness with a vicious sound, and struck the heavy sides and sloping front of the ice cave with a disconcerting "ping!"
REDnounUS /red/
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading THE WRECK OF THE AIRSHIP Almost before our friends could retreat into the cave which now sheltered the RED CLOUD, the attacking natives opened fire.
reportsnounUS /rɪˈpɔːrts/
plural of “report” — a written document describing the findings of some individual or group
From this reading "I could tell their guns by the sharper reports.
retreatnounUS /riˈtriːt/
(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat
From this reading THE WRECK OF THE AIRSHIP Almost before our friends could retreat into the cave which now sheltered the RED CLOUD, the attacking natives opened fire.
returnedverbUS /rɪˈtɜːrnd/
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading "I don't hear Andy or his father firing!" called Tom, as he and the others returned the fire of the savage Indians.
savageadjectiveUS /ˈsævədʒ/
(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
From this reading "I don't hear Andy or his father firing!" called Tom, as he and the others returned the fire of the savage Indians.
sharpernounUS /ˈʃɑːrpər/
a professional card player who makes a living by cheating at card games
From this reading "I could tell their guns by the sharper reports.
shelteredadjectiveUS /ˈʃeltərd/
protected from danger or bad weather
From this reading THE WRECK OF THE AIRSHIP Almost before our friends could retreat into the cave which now sheltered the RED CLOUD, the attacking natives opened fire.
sidesnounUS /saɪdz/
plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading The bullets, however, did sing through the fast-gathering darkness with a vicious sound, and struck the heavy sides and sloping front of the ice cave with a disconcerting "ping!"
singverbUS /sɪŋ/
deliver by singing
From this reading The bullets, however, did sing through the fast-gathering darkness with a vicious sound, and struck the heavy sides and sloping front of the ice cave with a disconcerting "ping!"
slopingadjectiveUS /ˈsloʊpɪŋ/
having an oblique or slanted direction
From this reading The bullets, however, did sing through the fast-gathering darkness with a vicious sound, and struck the heavy sides and sloping front of the ice cave with a disconcerting "ping!"
soundnounUS /saʊnd/
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading The bullets, however, did sing through the fast-gathering darkness with a vicious sound, and struck the heavy sides and sloping front of the ice cave with a disconcerting "ping!"
struckadjectiveUS /strʌk/
(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming
From this reading The bullets, however, did sing through the fast-gathering darkness with a vicious sound, and struck the heavy sides and sloping front of the ice cave with a disconcerting "ping!"
tellverbUS /tel/
express in words
From this reading "I could tell their guns by the sharper reports.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE WRECK OF THE AIRSHIP Almost before our friends could retreat into the cave which now sheltered the RED CLOUD, the attacking natives opened fire.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Fortunately they only had old-fashioned, muzzle-loading muskets, and, as their aim was none of the best, there was comparatively little danger.
thereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading Fortunately they only had old-fashioned, muzzle-loading muskets, and, as their aim was none of the best, there was comparatively little danger.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Fortunately they only had old-fashioned, muzzle-loading muskets, and, as their aim was none of the best, there was comparatively little danger.
throughprepositionUS /θruː/
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading The bullets, however, did sing through the fast-gathering darkness with a vicious sound, and struck the heavy sides and sloping front of the ice cave with a disconcerting "ping!"
TomnounUS /tɑːm/
male cat
From this reading "I don't hear Andy or his father firing!" called Tom, as he and the others returned the fire of the savage Indians.
viciousadjectiveUS /ˈvɪʃəs/
(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
From this reading The bullets, however, did sing through the fast-gathering darkness with a vicious sound, and struck the heavy sides and sloping front of the ice cave with a disconcerting "ping!"
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Fortunately they only had old-fashioned, muzzle-loading muskets, and, as their aim was none of the best, there was comparatively little danger.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading THE WRECK OF THE AIRSHIP Almost before our friends could retreat into the cave which now sheltered the RED CLOUD, the attacking natives opened fire.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The bullets, however, did sing through the fast-gathering darkness with a vicious sound, and struck the heavy sides and sloping front of the ice cave with a disconcerting "ping!"
WRECKnounUS /rek/
something or someone that has suffered ruin or dilapidation
From this reading THE WRECK OF THE AIRSHIP Almost before our friends could retreat into the cave which now sheltered the RED CLOUD, the attacking natives opened fire.
