used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The novice when making his first descent beneath the waves in a diving dress is apt to find himself confronted with numerous surprises.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading To his amazement he is able to move about with as much freedom as he was accustomed to do on land.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading To his amazement he is able to move about with as much freedom as he was accustomed to do on land.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
commonly used or practiced; usual
From this reading To his amazement he is able to move about with as much freedom as he was accustomed to do on land.
adventurousadjectiveUS /ædˈventʃərəs/
willing to undertake or seeking out new and daring enterprises
From this reading As stated in the previous chapter, as soon as the glass had been screwed into the front of my helmet I waved a farewell to my friends on the schooner's deck and began to descend the ladder on my adventurous journey.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading In the first place he discovers that the dress itself, which, when he stood upon the deck, had appeared such a cumbersome and altogether unwieldy affair, becomes as light as any feather as soon as he is below the surface.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading In the first place he discovers that the dress itself, which, when he stood upon the deck, had appeared such a cumbersome and altogether unwieldy affair, becomes as light as any feather as soon as he is below the surface.
the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising
From this reading To his amazement he is able to move about with as much freedom as he was accustomed to do on land.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In the first place he discovers that the dress itself, which, when he stood upon the deck, had appeared such a cumbersome and altogether unwieldy affair, becomes as light as any feather as soon as he is below the surface.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading In the first place he discovers that the dress itself, which, when he stood upon the deck, had appeared such a cumbersome and altogether unwieldy affair, becomes as light as any feather as soon as he is below the surface.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading In the first place he discovers that the dress itself, which, when he stood upon the deck, had appeared such a cumbersome and altogether unwieldy affair, becomes as light as any feather as soon as he is below the surface.
aptadjectiveUS /æpt/
(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward
From this reading The novice when making his first descent beneath the waves in a diving dress is apt to find himself confronted with numerous surprises.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In the first place he discovers that the dress itself, which, when he stood upon the deck, had appeared such a cumbersome and altogether unwieldy affair, becomes as light as any feather as soon as he is below the surface.
third-person singular of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading In the first place he discovers that the dress itself, which, when he stood upon the deck, had appeared such a cumbersome and altogether unwieldy affair, becomes as light as any feather as soon as he is below the surface.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading As stated in the previous chapter, as soon as the glass had been screwed into the front of my helmet I waved a farewell to my friends on the schooner's deck and began to descend the ladder on my adventurous journey.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading As stated in the previous chapter, as soon as the glass had been screwed into the front of my helmet I waved a farewell to my friends on the schooner's deck and began to descend the ladder on my adventurous journey.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading In the first place he discovers that the dress itself, which, when he stood upon the deck, had appeared such a cumbersome and altogether unwieldy affair, becomes as light as any feather as soon as he is below the surface.
Directly under; in or to a lower position than.
From this reading The novice when making his first descent beneath the waves in a diving dress is apt to find himself confronted with numerous surprises.
breatheverbUS /briːð/
draw air into, and expel out of, the lungs
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
small room on a ship or boat where people sleep
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled
From this reading As stated in the previous chapter, as soon as the glass had been screwed into the front of my helmet I waved a farewell to my friends on the schooner's deck and began to descend the ladder on my adventurous journey.
comfortablyadverbUS /ˈkʌmfərtəbli/
in mental comfort; without stress
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
confrontedverbUS /kənˈfrʌntəd/
past form of “confront” — oppose, as in hostility or a competition
From this reading The novice when making his first descent beneath the waves in a diving dress is apt to find himself confronted with numerous surprises.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
cumbersomeadjectiveUS /ˈkʌmbərsəm/
difficult to handle or use especially because of size or weight
From this reading In the first place he discovers that the dress itself, which, when he stood upon the deck, had appeared such a cumbersome and altogether unwieldy affair, becomes as light as any feather as soon as he is below the surface.
any of various platforms built into a vessel
From this reading In the first place he discovers that the dress itself, which, when he stood upon the deck, had appeared such a cumbersome and altogether unwieldy affair, becomes as light as any feather as soon as he is below the surface.
descendverbUS /dɪˈsend/
move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way
From this reading As stated in the previous chapter, as soon as the glass had been screwed into the front of my helmet I waved a farewell to my friends on the schooner's deck and began to descend the ladder on my adventurous journey.
descentnounUS /dɪˈsent/
An action of moving downward, dropping, or falling into a deeper place.
From this reading The novice when making his first descent beneath the waves in a diving dress is apt to find himself confronted with numerous surprises.
although something is true; in spite of
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
discoversverbUS /dɪˈskʌvərz/
third-person singular of “discover” — discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading In the first place he discovers that the dress itself, which, when he stood upon the deck, had appeared such a cumbersome and altogether unwieldy affair, becomes as light as any feather as soon as he is below the surface.
divingnounUS /ˈdaɪvɪŋ/
an athletic competition that involves diving into water
From this reading The novice when making his first descent beneath the waves in a diving dress is apt to find himself confronted with numerous surprises.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading To his amazement he is able to move about with as much freedom as he was accustomed to do on land.
put on clothes
From this reading The novice when making his first descent beneath the waves in a diving dress is apt to find himself confronted with numerous surprises.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
an acknowledgment or expression of goodwill at parting
From this reading As stated in the previous chapter, as soon as the glass had been screwed into the front of my helmet I waved a farewell to my friends on the schooner's deck and began to descend the ladder on my adventurous journey.
featherverbUS /ˈfeðər/
join tongue and groove, in carpentry
From this reading In the first place he discovers that the dress itself, which, when he stood upon the deck, had appeared such a cumbersome and altogether unwieldy affair, becomes as light as any feather as soon as he is below the surface.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading The novice when making his first descent beneath the waves in a diving dress is apt to find himself confronted with numerous surprises.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading The novice when making his first descent beneath the waves in a diving dress is apt to find himself confronted with numerous surprises.
the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints
From this reading To his amazement he is able to move about with as much freedom as he was accustomed to do on land.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading As stated in the previous chapter, as soon as the glass had been screwed into the front of my helmet I waved a farewell to my friends on the schooner's deck and began to descend the ladder on my adventurous journey.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading As stated in the previous chapter, as soon as the glass had been screwed into the front of my helmet I waved a farewell to my friends on the schooner's deck and began to descend the ladder on my adventurous journey.
a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure
From this reading As stated in the previous chapter, as soon as the glass had been screwed into the front of my helmet I waved a farewell to my friends on the schooner's deck and began to descend the ladder on my adventurous journey.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In the first place he discovers that the dress itself, which, when he stood upon the deck, had appeared such a cumbersome and altogether unwieldy affair, becomes as light as any feather as soon as he is below the surface.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In the first place he discovers that the dress itself, which, when he stood upon the deck, had appeared such a cumbersome and altogether unwieldy affair, becomes as light as any feather as soon as he is below the surface.
helmetnounUS /ˈhelmət/
armor plate that protects the head
From this reading As stated in the previous chapter, as soon as the glass had been screwed into the front of my helmet I waved a farewell to my friends on the schooner's deck and began to descend the ladder on my adventurous journey.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading The novice when making his first descent beneath the waves in a diving dress is apt to find himself confronted with numerous surprises.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The novice when making his first descent beneath the waves in a diving dress is apt to find himself confronted with numerous surprises.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading As stated in the previous chapter, as soon as the glass had been screwed into the front of my helmet I waved a farewell to my friends on the schooner's deck and began to descend the ladder on my adventurous journey.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The novice when making his first descent beneath the waves in a diving dress is apt to find himself confronted with numerous surprises.
india-rubber
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading As stated in the previous chapter, as soon as the glass had been screwed into the front of my helmet I waved a farewell to my friends on the schooner's deck and began to descend the ladder on my adventurous journey.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The novice when making his first descent beneath the waves in a diving dress is apt to find himself confronted with numerous surprises.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading In the first place he discovers that the dress itself, which, when he stood upon the deck, had appeared such a cumbersome and altogether unwieldy affair, becomes as light as any feather as soon as he is below the surface.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading As stated in the previous chapter, as soon as the glass had been screwed into the front of my helmet I waved a farewell to my friends on the schooner's deck and began to descend the ladder on my adventurous journey.
laddernounUS /ˈlædər/
steps consisting of two parallel members connected by rungs; for climbing up or down
From this reading As stated in the previous chapter, as soon as the glass had been screwed into the front of my helmet I waved a farewell to my friends on the schooner's deck and began to descend the ladder on my adventurous journey.
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading To his amazement he is able to move about with as much freedom as he was accustomed to do on land.
in the recent past
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading In the first place he discovers that the dress itself, which, when he stood upon the deck, had appeared such a cumbersome and altogether unwieldy affair, becomes as light as any feather as soon as he is below the surface.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading The novice when making his first descent beneath the waves in a diving dress is apt to find himself confronted with numerous surprises.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading To his amazement he is able to move about with as much freedom as he was accustomed to do on land.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading To his amazement he is able to move about with as much freedom as he was accustomed to do on land.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading As stated in the previous chapter, as soon as the glass had been screwed into the front of my helmet I waved a farewell to my friends on the schooner's deck and began to descend the ladder on my adventurous journey.
nervousnessnounUS /ˈnɜːrvəsnəs/
the anxious feeling you have when you have the jitters
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
novicenounUS /ˈnɑːvəs/
someone who has entered a religious order but has not taken final vows
From this reading The novice when making his first descent beneath the waves in a diving dress is apt to find himself confronted with numerous surprises.
amounting to a large indefinite number
From this reading The novice when making his first descent beneath the waves in a diving dress is apt to find himself confronted with numerous surprises.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading To his amazement he is able to move about with as much freedom as he was accustomed to do on land.
win a victory over
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
pipingnounUS /ˈpaɪpɪŋ/
a thin strip of covered cord used to edge hems
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading In the first place he discovers that the dress itself, which, when he stood upon the deck, had appeared such a cumbersome and altogether unwieldy affair, becomes as light as any feather as soon as he is below the surface.
just preceding something else in time or order
From this reading As stated in the previous chapter, as soon as the glass had been screwed into the front of my helmet I waved a farewell to my friends on the schooner's deck and began to descend the ladder on my adventurous journey.
pumpverbUS /pʌmp/
operate like a pump; move up and down, like a handle or a pedal
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
quitted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
(of pain or sorrow) made easier to bear
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
schooner's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As stated in the previous chapter, as soon as the glass had been screwed into the front of my helmet I waved a farewell to my friends on the schooner's deck and began to descend the ladder on my adventurous journey.
screwedverbUS /skruːd/
past form of “screw” — have sexual intercourse with
From this reading As stated in the previous chapter, as soon as the glass had been screwed into the front of my helmet I waved a farewell to my friends on the schooner's deck and began to descend the ladder on my adventurous journey.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
smellsnounUS /smelz/
plural of “smell” — the sensation that results when olfactory receptors in the nose are stimulated by particular chemicals in gaseous form
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
in the near future
From this reading In the first place he discovers that the dress itself, which, when he stood upon the deck, had appeared such a cumbersome and altogether unwieldy affair, becomes as light as any feather as soon as he is below the surface.
statedadjectiveUS /ˈsteɪtɪd/
declared as fact; explicitly stated
From this reading As stated in the previous chapter, as soon as the glass had been screwed into the front of my helmet I waved a farewell to my friends on the schooner's deck and began to descend the ladder on my adventurous journey.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading In the first place he discovers that the dress itself, which, when he stood upon the deck, had appeared such a cumbersome and altogether unwieldy affair, becomes as light as any feather as soon as he is below the surface.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading In the first place he discovers that the dress itself, which, when he stood upon the deck, had appeared such a cumbersome and altogether unwieldy affair, becomes as light as any feather as soon as he is below the surface.
give something useful or necessary to
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary
From this reading In the first place he discovers that the dress itself, which, when he stood upon the deck, had appeared such a cumbersome and altogether unwieldy affair, becomes as light as any feather as soon as he is below the surface.
surprisesnounUS /sərˈpraɪzɪz/
plural of “surprise” — the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading The novice when making his first descent beneath the waves in a diving dress is apt to find himself confronted with numerous surprises.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading In the first place he discovers that the dress itself, which, when he stood upon the deck, had appeared such a cumbersome and altogether unwieldy affair, becomes as light as any feather as soon as he is below the surface.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The novice when making his first descent beneath the waves in a diving dress is apt to find himself confronted with numerous surprises.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The novice when making his first descent beneath the waves in a diving dress is apt to find himself confronted with numerous surprises.
transmittedadjectiveUS /trænˈsmɪtɪd/
occurring among members of a family usually by heredity
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
unwieldyadjectiveUS /ənˈwiːldi/
difficult to use or handle or manage because of size or weight or shape
From this reading In the first place he discovers that the dress itself, which, when he stood upon the deck, had appeared such a cumbersome and altogether unwieldy affair, becomes as light as any feather as soon as he is below the surface.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading In the first place he discovers that the dress itself, which, when he stood upon the deck, had appeared such a cumbersome and altogether unwieldy affair, becomes as light as any feather as soon as he is below the surface.
a tube in which a body fluid circulates
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading To his amazement he is able to move about with as much freedom as he was accustomed to do on land.
past form of “wave” — signal with the hands or nod
From this reading As stated in the previous chapter, as soon as the glass had been screwed into the front of my helmet I waved a farewell to my friends on the schooner's deck and began to descend the ladder on my adventurous journey.
plural of “wave” — one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
From this reading The novice when making his first descent beneath the waves in a diving dress is apt to find himself confronted with numerous surprises.
at the time that
From this reading The novice when making his first descent beneath the waves in a diving dress is apt to find himself confronted with numerous surprises.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading In the first place he discovers that the dress itself, which, when he stood upon the deck, had appeared such a cumbersome and altogether unwieldy affair, becomes as light as any feather as soon as he is below the surface.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The novice when making his first descent beneath the waves in a diving dress is apt to find himself confronted with numerous surprises.
plural of “yard” — a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride
From this reading And despite the fact that his supply of air is being transmitted to him through many yards of piping from a pump on the deck above, and in consequence smells a little of india-rubber, he is relieved to find, when he has overcome his first nervousness, that he can breathe as comfortably and easily as when seated in the cabin of the vessel he has so lately quitted.
