Chapter XXI

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

From this reading The editor of _The Alpine Journal_ writes: "On the morning of 17th August last four parties of travellers left the lower hut on the mountain and attained the summit.

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

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

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

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment

From this reading Practically unused to Alpine climbing, thinly clothed, and accompanied by young guides of third-rate ability, what wonder is it that when caught in a storm, a member of the party, whose expedition is described below, perished?

having companions or an escort

From this reading Practically unused to Alpine climbing, thinly clothed, and accompanied by young guides of third-rate ability, what wonder is it that when caught in a storm, a member of the party, whose expedition is described below, perished?

(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 But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

relating to or characteristic of alps

From this reading Practically unused to Alpine climbing, thinly clothed, and accompanied by young guides of third-rate ability, what wonder is it that when caught in a storm, a member of the party, whose expedition is described below, perished?

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

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

From this reading In fine settled weather they contrived to get safely up and down the mountain.

an upward slope or grade (as in a road)

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

relating to or located in the atmosphere

From this reading But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

achieved or reached

From this reading The editor of _The Alpine Journal_ writes: "On the morning of 17th August last four parties of travellers left the lower hut on the mountain and attained the summit.

the month following July and preceding September

From this reading The editor of _The Alpine Journal_ writes: "On the morning of 17th August last four parties of travellers left the lower hut on the mountain and attained the summit.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading Practically unused to Alpine climbing, thinly clothed, and accompanied by young guides of third-rate ability, what wonder is it that when caught in a storm, a member of the party, whose expedition is described below, perished?

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading Practically unused to Alpine climbing, thinly clothed, and accompanied by young guides of third-rate ability, what wonder is it that when caught in a storm, a member of the party, whose expedition is described below, perished?

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

plural of “change” — an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another

From this reading But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

an event that involves rising to a higher point (as in altitude or temperature or intensity etc.)

From this reading Practically unused to Alpine climbing, thinly clothed, and accompanied by young guides of third-rate ability, what wonder is it that when caught in a storm, a member of the party, whose expedition is described below, perished?

wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination

From this reading Practically unused to Alpine climbing, thinly clothed, and accompanied by young guides of third-rate ability, what wonder is it that when caught in a storm, a member of the party, whose expedition is described below, perished?

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

showing effects of planning or manipulation

From this reading In fine settled weather they contrived to get safely up and down the mountain.

An action of moving downward, dropping, or falling into a deeper place.

From this reading But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

represented in words especially with sharpness and detail

From this reading Practically unused to Alpine climbing, thinly clothed, and accompanied by young guides of third-rate ability, what wonder is it that when caught in a storm, a member of the party, whose expedition is described below, perished?

an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading In fine settled weather they contrived to get safely up and down the mountain.

a person responsible for the editorial aspects of publication; the person who determines the final content of a text (especially of a newspaper or magazine)

From this reading The editor of _The Alpine Journal_ writes: "On the morning of 17th August last four parties of travellers left the lower hut on the mountain and attained the summit.

divisible by two

From this reading But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

a military campaign designed to achieve a specific objective in a foreign country

From this reading Practically unused to Alpine climbing, thinly clothed, and accompanied by young guides of third-rate ability, what wonder is it that when caught in a storm, a member of the party, whose expedition is described below, perished?

having experience; having knowledge or skill from observation or participation

From this reading But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity

From this reading But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

decreasing in amount or degree

From this reading But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading In fine settled weather they contrived to get safely up and down the mountain.

of the highest quality

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading The editor of _The Alpine Journal_ writes: "On the morning of 17th August last four parties of travellers left the lower hut on the mountain and attained the summit.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading In fine settled weather they contrived to get safely up and down the mountain.

someone employed to conduct others

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

plural of “guide” — someone employed to conduct others

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

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

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

temporary military shelter

From this reading The editor of _The Alpine Journal_ writes: "On the morning of 17th August last four parties of travellers left the lower hut on the mountain and attained the summit.

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

From this reading In fine settled weather they contrived to get safely up and down the mountain.

someone who is not competent to take effective action

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

lacking practical experience or training

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

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

From this reading But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

a daily written record of (usually personal) experiences and observations

From this reading The editor of _The Alpine Journal_ writes: "On the morning of 17th August last four parties of travellers left the lower hut on the mountain and attained the summit.

immediately past

From this reading The editor of _The Alpine Journal_ writes: "On the morning of 17th August last four parties of travellers left the lower hut on the mountain and attained the summit.

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 The editor of _The Alpine Journal_ writes: "On the morning of 17th August last four parties of travellers left the lower hut on the mountain and attained the summit.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

move something or somebody to a lower position

From this reading The editor of _The Alpine Journal_ writes: "On the morning of 17th August last four parties of travellers left the lower hut on the mountain and attained the summit.

engage in

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

a mountain in the Alps on the border between Switzerland and Italy (14,780 feet high); noted for its distinctive shape

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading Practically unused to Alpine climbing, thinly clothed, and accompanied by young guides of third-rate ability, what wonder is it that when caught in a storm, a member of the party, whose expedition is described below, perished?

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading The editor of _The Alpine Journal_ writes: "On the morning of 17th August last four parties of travellers left the lower hut on the mountain and attained the summit.

a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading In fine settled weather they contrived to get safely up and down the mountain.

plural of “mountaineer” — someone who climbs mountains

From this reading But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

not any; not one

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

plural of “party” — an organization to gain political power

From this reading The editor of _The Alpine Journal_ writes: "On the morning of 17th August last four parties of travellers left the lower hut on the mountain and attained the summit.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading Practically unused to Alpine climbing, thinly clothed, and accompanied by young guides of third-rate ability, what wonder is it that when caught in a storm, a member of the party, whose expedition is described below, perished?

plural of “peak” — the most extreme possible amount or value

From this reading But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

past form of “perish” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading Practically unused to Alpine climbing, thinly clothed, and accompanied by young guides of third-rate ability, what wonder is it that when caught in a storm, a member of the party, whose expedition is described below, perished?

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

almost; nearly

From this reading Practically unused to Alpine climbing, thinly clothed, and accompanied by young guides of third-rate ability, what wonder is it that when caught in a storm, a member of the party, whose expedition is described below, perished?

with safety; in a safe manner

From this reading In fine settled weather they contrived to get safely up and down the mountain.

established or decided beyond dispute or doubt

From this reading In fine settled weather they contrived to get safely up and down the mountain.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

behave violently, as if in state of a great anger

From this reading Practically unused to Alpine climbing, thinly clothed, and accompanied by young guides of third-rate ability, what wonder is it that when caught in a storm, a member of the party, whose expedition is described below, perished?

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development

From this reading The editor of _The Alpine Journal_ writes: "On the morning of 17th August last four parties of travellers left the lower hut on the mountain and attained the summit.

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Practically unused to Alpine climbing, thinly clothed, and accompanied by young guides of third-rate ability, what wonder is it that when caught in a storm, a member of the party, whose expedition is described below, perished?

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

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

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

From this reading In fine settled weather they contrived to get safely up and down the mountain.

without force or sincere effort

From this reading Practically unused to Alpine climbing, thinly clothed, and accompanied by young guides of third-rate ability, what wonder is it that when caught in a storm, a member of the party, whose expedition is described below, perished?

of lesser quality than second-rate

From this reading Practically unused to Alpine climbing, thinly clothed, and accompanied by young guides of third-rate ability, what wonder is it that when caught in a storm, a member of the party, whose expedition is described below, perished?

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

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

plural of “tragedy” — an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

plural of “traveller” — a person who changes location

From this reading The editor of _The Alpine Journal_ writes: "On the morning of 17th August last four parties of travellers left the lower hut on the mountain and attained the summit.

enter upon an activity or enterprise

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

not yet used or soiled

From this reading Practically unused to Alpine climbing, thinly clothed, and accompanied by young guides of third-rate ability, what wonder is it that when caught in a storm, a member of the party, whose expedition is described below, perished?

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

From this reading In fine settled weather they contrived to get safely up and down the mountain.

the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation

From this reading In fine settled weather they contrived to get safely up and down the mountain.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Practically unused to Alpine climbing, thinly clothed, and accompanied by young guides of third-rate ability, what wonder is it that when caught in a storm, a member of the party, whose expedition is described below, perished?

at the time that

From this reading Practically unused to Alpine climbing, thinly clothed, and accompanied by young guides of third-rate ability, what wonder is it that when caught in a storm, a member of the party, whose expedition is described below, perished?

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

belonging to which person

From this reading Practically unused to Alpine climbing, thinly clothed, and accompanied by young guides of third-rate ability, what wonder is it that when caught in a storm, a member of the party, whose expedition is described below, perished?

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

in the company of; together with

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading Practically unused to Alpine climbing, thinly clothed, and accompanied by young guides of third-rate ability, what wonder is it that when caught in a storm, a member of the party, whose expedition is described below, perished?

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading But like all high peaks the Matterhorn is subject to sudden atmospheric changes, and a high wind or falling snow will in an hour or less change the whole character of the work and make the descent one of extreme difficulty even for experienced mountaineers.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading SOME TRAGEDIES ON THE MATTERHORN By the summer of 1886 it had become common for totally inexperienced persons with incompetent guides (for no first-rate guide would undertake such a task) to make the ascent of the Matterhorn.

third-person singular of “write” — produce a literary work

From this reading The editor of _The Alpine Journal_ writes: "On the morning of 17th August last four parties of travellers left the lower hut on the mountain and attained the summit.

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

From this reading Practically unused to Alpine climbing, thinly clothed, and accompanied by young guides of third-rate ability, what wonder is it that when caught in a storm, a member of the party, whose expedition is described below, perished?