used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading FLAMINGOES THE QUEST FOR THEIR "INCUNABULA" The flamingo stands in a class apart.
abnormaladjectiveUS /æbˈnɔːrməl/
not normal; not typical or usual or regular or conforming to a norm
From this reading Its nesting habits, and the method by which a bird of such abnormal build could incubate its eggs, formed for generations a "vexed question" in bird-life.
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading Allied to no other bird-form--hardly so much as related--it may be regarded almost as a separate act of creation.
AlliedadjectiveUS /əˈlaɪd/
related by common characteristics or ancestry
From this reading Allied to no other bird-form--hardly so much as related--it may be regarded almost as a separate act of creation.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Allied to no other bird-form--hardly so much as related--it may be regarded almost as a separate act of creation.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading The story of the efforts made by British naturalists to solve the problem ranks among the classics of ornithology.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Its nesting habits, and the method by which a bird of such abnormal build could incubate its eggs, formed for generations a "vexed question" in bird-life.
separated or at a distance in place or position or time
From this reading FLAMINGOES THE QUEST FOR THEIR "INCUNABULA" The flamingo stands in a class apart.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Allied to no other bird-form--hardly so much as related--it may be regarded almost as a separate act of creation.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Allied to no other bird-form--hardly so much as related--it may be regarded almost as a separate act of creation.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading Its nesting habits, and the method by which a bird of such abnormal build could incubate its eggs, formed for generations a "vexed question" in bird-life.
bird-form
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Allied to no other bird-form--hardly so much as related--it may be regarded almost as a separate act of creation.
bird-life
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Its nesting habits, and the method by which a bird of such abnormal build could incubate its eggs, formed for generations a "vexed question" in bird-life.
the people of Great Britain
From this reading The story of the efforts made by British naturalists to solve the problem ranks among the classics of ornithology.
make by combining materials and parts
From this reading Its nesting habits, and the method by which a bird of such abnormal build could incubate its eggs, formed for generations a "vexed question" in bird-life.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Its nesting habits, and the method by which a bird of such abnormal build could incubate its eggs, formed for generations a "vexed question" in bird-life.
a collection of things sharing a common attribute
From this reading FLAMINGOES THE QUEST FOR THEIR "INCUNABULA" The flamingo stands in a class apart.
classicsnounUS /ˈklæsɪks/
study of the literary works of ancient Greece and Rome
From this reading The story of the efforts made by British naturalists to solve the problem ranks among the classics of ornithology.
combinedadjectiveUS /kəmˈbaɪnd/
made or joined or united into one
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Its nesting habits, and the method by which a bird of such abnormal build could incubate its eggs, formed for generations a "vexed question" in bird-life.
countiesnounUS /ˈkaʊntiz/
plural of “county” — (United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
creationnounUS /kriˈeɪʃən/
the human act of creating
From this reading Allied to no other bird-form--hardly so much as related--it may be regarded almost as a separate act of creation.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
lying toward or situated in the east
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading The story of the efforts made by British naturalists to solve the problem ranks among the classics of ornithology.
oval reproductive body of a fowl (especially a hen) used as food
From this reading Its nesting habits, and the method by which a bird of such abnormal build could incubate its eggs, formed for generations a "vexed question" in bird-life.
EuropeannounUS /ˌjʊrəˈpiːən/
a native or inhabitant of Europe
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
explorationnounUS /ˌeksplərˈeɪʃən/
to travel for the purpose of discovery
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
the point or degree to which something extends
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
flamingonounUS /fləˈmɪŋɡoʊ/
large pink to scarlet web-footed wading bird with down-bent bill; inhabits brackish lakes
From this reading FLAMINGOES THE QUEST FOR THEIR "INCUNABULA" The flamingo stands in a class apart.
FLAMINGOES
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FLAMINGOES THE QUEST FOR THEIR "INCUNABULA" The flamingo stands in a class apart.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading FLAMINGOES THE QUEST FOR THEIR "INCUNABULA" The flamingo stands in a class apart.
having or given a form or shape
From this reading Its nesting habits, and the method by which a bird of such abnormal build could incubate its eggs, formed for generations a "vexed question" in bird-life.
frustrateverbUS /ˈfrʌstreɪt/
hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
generationsnounUS /ˌdʒenərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “generation” — all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age
From this reading Its nesting habits, and the method by which a bird of such abnormal build could incubate its eggs, formed for generations a "vexed question" in bird-life.
Guadalquivir
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
plural of “habit” — an established custom
From this reading Its nesting habits, and the method by which a bird of such abnormal build could incubate its eggs, formed for generations a "vexed question" in bird-life.
only a very short time before
From this reading Allied to no other bird-form--hardly so much as related--it may be regarded almost as a separate act of creation.
HowardnounUS /ˈhaʊərd/
English actor of stage and screen (1893-1943)
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading FLAMINGOES THE QUEST FOR THEIR "INCUNABULA" The flamingo stands in a class apart.
incubateverbUS /ˈɪnkjəbeɪt/
grow under conditions that promote development
From this reading Its nesting habits, and the method by which a bird of such abnormal build could incubate its eggs, formed for generations a "vexed question" in bird-life.
INCUNABULA
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FLAMINGOES THE QUEST FOR THEIR "INCUNABULA" The flamingo stands in a class apart.
irregularitynounUS /ˌɪreɡjəˈlerəti/
behavior that breaches the rule or etiquette or custom or morality
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Allied to no other bird-form--hardly so much as related--it may be regarded almost as a separate act of creation.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Its nesting habits, and the method by which a bird of such abnormal build could incubate its eggs, formed for generations a "vexed question" in bird-life.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading The story of the efforts made by British naturalists to solve the problem ranks among the classics of ornithology.
marismas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Allied to no other bird-form--hardly so much as related--it may be regarded almost as a separate act of creation.
a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)
From this reading Its nesting habits, and the method by which a bird of such abnormal build could incubate its eggs, formed for generations a "vexed question" in bird-life.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Allied to no other bird-form--hardly so much as related--it may be regarded almost as a separate act of creation.
naturalistsnounUS /ˈnætʃərəlɪsts/
plural of “naturalist” — an advocate of the doctrine that the world can be understood in scientific terms
From this reading The story of the efforts made by British naturalists to solve the problem ranks among the classics of ornithology.
a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
nestingverbUS /ˈnestɪŋ/
-ing form of “nest” — inhabit a nest, usually after building
From this reading Its nesting habits, and the method by which a bird of such abnormal build could incubate its eggs, formed for generations a "vexed question" in bird-life.
not any; not one
From this reading Allied to no other bird-form--hardly so much as related--it may be regarded almost as a separate act of creation.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Allied to no other bird-form--hardly so much as related--it may be regarded almost as a separate act of creation.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
and nothing more
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
ornithologynounUS /ˌɔːrnɪˈθɑːlədʒi/
the branch of zoology that studies birds
From this reading The story of the efforts made by British naturalists to solve the problem ranks among the classics of ornithology.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Allied to no other bird-form--hardly so much as related--it may be regarded almost as a separate act of creation.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved
From this reading The story of the efforts made by British naturalists to solve the problem ranks among the classics of ornithology.
QUESTnounUS /kwest/
a search for an alternative that meets cognitive criteria
From this reading FLAMINGOES THE QUEST FOR THEIR "INCUNABULA" The flamingo stands in a class apart.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading Its nesting habits, and the method by which a bird of such abnormal build could incubate its eggs, formed for generations a "vexed question" in bird-life.
ranksnounUS /ræŋks/
plural of “rank” — a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another
From this reading The story of the efforts made by British naturalists to solve the problem ranks among the classics of ornithology.
past form of “regard” — deem to be
From this reading Allied to no other bird-form--hardly so much as related--it may be regarded almost as a separate act of creation.
being connected either logically or causally or by shared characteristics
From this reading Allied to no other bird-form--hardly so much as related--it may be regarded almost as a separate act of creation.
stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
Saunders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
seasonsnounUS /ˈsiːzənz/
plural of “season” — a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
act as a barrier between; stand between
From this reading Allied to no other bird-form--hardly so much as related--it may be regarded almost as a separate act of creation.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Allied to no other bird-form--hardly so much as related--it may be regarded almost as a separate act of creation.
solveverbUS /sɑːlv/
find the solution to (a problem or question) or understand the meaning of
From this reading The story of the efforts made by British naturalists to solve the problem ranks among the classics of ornithology.
plural of “stand” — a support or foundation
From this reading FLAMINGOES THE QUEST FOR THEIR "INCUNABULA" The flamingo stands in a class apart.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading The story of the efforts made by British naturalists to solve the problem ranks among the classics of ornithology.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Its nesting habits, and the method by which a bird of such abnormal build could incubate its eggs, formed for generations a "vexed question" in bird-life.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading FLAMINGOES THE QUEST FOR THEIR "INCUNABULA" The flamingo stands in a class apart.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading FLAMINGOES THE QUEST FOR THEIR "INCUNABULA" The flamingo stands in a class apart.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Allied to no other bird-form--hardly so much as related--it may be regarded almost as a separate act of creation.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
vexedadjectiveUS /vekst/
troubled persistently especially with petty annoyances
From this reading Its nesting habits, and the method by which a bird of such abnormal build could incubate its eggs, formed for generations a "vexed question" in bird-life.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
wettestadjectiveUS /ˈwetəst/
superlative of “wet” — covered or soaked with a liquid such as water
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Its nesting habits, and the method by which a bird of such abnormal build could incubate its eggs, formed for generations a "vexed question" in bird-life.
inflected form of “write” — produce a literary work
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
a late time of life
From this reading The marismas of Guadalquivir were early known to be one of the few European _incunabula_ of the flamingo; but their vast extent--"as big as our eastern counties," Howard Saunders wrote--and the irregularity of the seasons (since flamingoes only remain to nest in the wettest years) combined to frustrate exploration.
