used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
(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 "Silly fella tink all same proper house," he said, alluding to the crocodile.
alludingverbUS /əˈluːdɪŋ/
-ing form of “allude” — make a more or less disguised reference to
From this reading "Silly fella tink all same proper house," he said, alluding to the crocodile.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading Tom found that his long tramp on the previous day had caused his injured ankle to swell, and he could only get along by hopping on his sound foot.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Tom could not help laughing as he surveyed the ruins of Mwesa’s little building, and the negro himself put his hands on his hips and roared with merriment.
anklenounUS /ˈæŋkəl/
a gliding joint between the distal ends of the tibia and fibula and the proximal end of the talus
From this reading Tom found that his long tramp on the previous day had caused his injured ankle to swell, and he could only get along by hopping on his sound foot.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Tom could not help laughing as he surveyed the ruins of Mwesa’s little building, and the negro himself put his hands on his hips and roared with merriment.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
eat an early morning meal
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading Tom could not help laughing as he surveyed the ruins of Mwesa’s little building, and the negro himself put his hands on his hips and roared with merriment.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Tom found that his long tramp on the previous day had caused his injured ankle to swell, and he could only get along by hopping on his sound foot.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading Tom found that his long tramp on the previous day had caused his injured ankle to swell, and he could only get along by hopping on his sound foot.
rid of obstructions
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
constructverbUS /kənˈstrʌkt/
make by combining materials and parts
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Tom could not help laughing as he surveyed the ruins of Mwesa’s little building, and the negro himself put his hands on his hips and roared with merriment.
crocodilenounUS /ˈkrɑːkədaɪl/
large voracious aquatic reptile having a long snout with massive jaws and sharp teeth and a body covered with bony plates; of sluggish tropical waters
From this reading "Silly fella tink all same proper house," he said, alluding to the crocodile.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Tom found that his long tramp on the previous day had caused his injured ankle to swell, and he could only get along by hopping on his sound foot.
dwellingnounUS /ˈdwelɪŋ/
housing that someone is living in
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
fellanounUS /ˈfelə/
a boy or man
From this reading "Silly fella tink all same proper house," he said, alluding to the crocodile.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading Tom found that his long tramp on the previous day had caused his injured ankle to swell, and he could only get along by hopping on his sound foot.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
set up or found
From this reading Tom found that his long tramp on the previous day had caused his injured ankle to swell, and he could only get along by hopping on his sound foot.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Tom found that his long tramp on the previous day had caused his injured ankle to swell, and he could only get along by hopping on his sound foot.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Tom found that his long tramp on the previous day had caused his injured ankle to swell, and he could only get along by hopping on his sound foot.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading Tom could not help laughing as he surveyed the ruins of Mwesa’s little building, and the negro himself put his hands on his hips and roared with merriment.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Tom could not help laughing as he surveyed the ruins of Mwesa’s little building, and the negro himself put his hands on his hips and roared with merriment.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading Tom could not help laughing as he surveyed the ruins of Mwesa’s little building, and the negro himself put his hands on his hips and roared with merriment.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "Me show him."
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Tom could not help laughing as he surveyed the ruins of Mwesa’s little building, and the negro himself put his hands on his hips and roared with merriment.
hipsnounUS /hɪps/
plural of “hip” — either side of the body below the waist and above the thigh
From this reading Tom could not help laughing as he surveyed the ruins of Mwesa’s little building, and the negro himself put his hands on his hips and roared with merriment.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Tom could not help laughing as he surveyed the ruins of Mwesa’s little building, and the negro himself put his hands on his hips and roared with merriment.
hoppingverbUS /ˈhɑːpɪŋ/
inflected form of “hop” — jump lightly
From this reading Tom found that his long tramp on the previous day had caused his injured ankle to swell, and he could only get along by hopping on his sound foot.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading "Silly fella tink all same proper house," he said, alluding to the crocodile.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
injuredadjectiveUS /ˈɪndʒərd/
harmed
From this reading Tom found that his long tramp on the previous day had caused his injured ankle to swell, and he could only get along by hopping on his sound foot.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness
From this reading Tom could not help laughing as he surveyed the ruins of Mwesa’s little building, and the negro himself put his hands on his hips and roared with merriment.
the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Tom could not help laughing as he surveyed the ruins of Mwesa’s little building, and the negro himself put his hands on his hips and roared with merriment.
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 Tom found that his long tramp on the previous day had caused his injured ankle to swell, and he could only get along by hopping on his sound foot.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "Me show him."
merrimentnoun
a gay feeling
From this reading Tom could not help laughing as he surveyed the ruins of Mwesa’s little building, and the negro himself put his hands on his hips and roared with merriment.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
Mwesa's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tom could not help laughing as he surveyed the ruins of Mwesa’s little building, and the negro himself put his hands on his hips and roared with merriment.
negronounUS /ˈniːɡroʊ/
a person with African ancestry, "Negro" and "Negroid" are archaic and pejorative today
From this reading Tom could not help laughing as he surveyed the ruins of Mwesa’s little building, and the negro himself put his hands on his hips and roared with merriment.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Tom could not help laughing as he surveyed the ruins of Mwesa’s little building, and the negro himself put his hands on his hips and roared with merriment.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Tom could not help laughing as he surveyed the ruins of Mwesa’s little building, and the negro himself put his hands on his hips and roared with merriment.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Tom could not help laughing as he surveyed the ruins of Mwesa’s little building, and the negro himself put his hands on his hips and roared with merriment.
and nothing more
From this reading Tom found that his long tramp on the previous day had caused his injured ankle to swell, and he could only get along by hopping on his sound foot.
just preceding something else in time or order
From this reading Tom found that his long tramp on the previous day had caused his injured ankle to swell, and he could only get along by hopping on his sound foot.
marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness
From this reading "Silly fella tink all same proper house," he said, alluding to the crocodile.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Tom could not help laughing as he surveyed the ruins of Mwesa’s little building, and the negro himself put his hands on his hips and roared with merriment.
stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
roaredverbUS /rɔːrd/
past form of “roar” — make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles
From this reading Tom could not help laughing as he surveyed the ruins of Mwesa’s little building, and the negro himself put his hands on his hips and roared with merriment.
ruinsnounUS /ˈruːənz/
plural of “ruin” — an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction
From this reading Tom could not help laughing as he surveyed the ruins of Mwesa’s little building, and the negro himself put his hands on his hips and roared with merriment.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "Silly fella tink all same proper house," he said, alluding to the crocodile.
Identical; not different.
From this reading "Silly fella tink all same proper house," he said, alluding to the crocodile.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading "Me show him."
ludicrous, foolish
From this reading "Silly fella tink all same proper house," he said, alluding to the crocodile.
sitenounUS /saɪt/
the piece of land on which something is located (or is to be located)
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading Tom found that his long tramp on the previous day had caused his injured ankle to swell, and he could only get along by hopping on his sound foot.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
substantialadjectiveUS /səbˈstænʃəl/
of considerable importance, size, or worth
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
surveynounUS /sərˈveɪ/
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
surveyedverbUS /sərˈveɪd/
past form of “survey” — consider in a comprehensive way
From this reading Tom could not help laughing as he surveyed the ruins of Mwesa’s little building, and the negro himself put his hands on his hips and roared with merriment.
swellverbUS /swel/
increase in size, magnitude, number, or intensity
From this reading Tom found that his long tramp on the previous day had caused his injured ankle to swell, and he could only get along by hopping on his sound foot.
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Tom could not help laughing as he surveyed the ruins of Mwesa’s little building, and the negro himself put his hands on his hips and roared with merriment.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
tinkverb
make or emit a high sound
From this reading "Silly fella tink all same proper house," he said, alluding to the crocodile.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "Silly fella tink all same proper house," he said, alluding to the crocodile.
male cat
From this reading Tom could not help laughing as he surveyed the ruins of Mwesa’s little building, and the negro himself put his hands on his hips and roared with merriment.
trampnounUS /træmp/
a vagrant
From this reading Tom found that his long tramp on the previous day had caused his injured ankle to swell, and he could only get along by hopping on his sound foot.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was clear that their first task, if they were to remain for any length of time in this spot, must be to construct a more substantial dwelling, and after a light breakfast they set forth to survey for a site.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Tom could not help laughing as he surveyed the ruins of Mwesa’s little building, and the negro himself put his hands on his hips and roared with merriment.
