used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
something done (usually as opposed to something said)
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading The “Great Eastern,” making head against the current, was now only waiting to descend the river with the ebb-tide.
anchor-boat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
anchorsnounUS /ˈæŋkərz/
plural of “anchor” — a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
apparatusnounUS /ˌæpərˈætəs/
equipment designed to serve a specific function
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading The order for departure was given, the paddles slowly struck the water, the screw bubbled at the stern, and the enormous vessel began to move.
Birkenhead
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
bubbledverbUS /ˈbʌbəld/
past form of “bubble” — form, produce, or emit bubbles
From this reading The order for departure was given, the paddles slowly struck the water, the screw bubbled at the stern, and the enormous vessel began to move.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
an occurrence of something
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
chainsnounUS /tʃeɪnz/
metal shackles; for hands or legs
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
clock-towers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
a flow of electricity through a conductor
From this reading The “Great Eastern,” making head against the current, was now only waiting to descend the river with the ebb-tide.
deferredverbUS /dɪˈfɜːrd/
inflected form of “defer” — hold back to a later time
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
the act of departing
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
(plural) the deepest and most remote part
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
descendverbUS /dɪˈsend/
move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way
From this reading The “Great Eastern,” making head against the current, was now only waiting to descend the river with the ebb-tide.
easedadjectiveUS /iːzd/
(of pain or sorrow) made easier to bear
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
lying toward or situated in the east
From this reading The “Great Eastern,” making head against the current, was now only waiting to descend the river with the ebb-tide.
ebb-tide
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The “Great Eastern,” making head against the current, was now only waiting to descend the river with the ebb-tide.
extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree
From this reading The order for departure was given, the paddles slowly struck the water, the screw bubbled at the stern, and the enormous vessel began to move.
an act that fails
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
foot-bridge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The order for departure was given, the paddles slowly struck the water, the screw bubbled at the stern, and the enormous vessel began to move.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading The order for departure was given, the paddles slowly struck the water, the screw bubbled at the stern, and the enormous vessel began to move.
gratings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
hatchings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading The “Great Eastern,” making head against the current, was now only waiting to descend the river with the ebb-tide.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
resulting from one's intentions
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
immediately past
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
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 work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
a commissioned military officer
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
engage in
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading The “Great Eastern,” making head against the current, was now only waiting to descend the river with the ebb-tide.
a particular point in time
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The order for departure was given, the paddles slowly struck the water, the screw bubbled at the stern, and the enormous vessel began to move.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading The “Great Eastern,” making head against the current, was now only waiting to descend the river with the ebb-tide.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
and nothing more
From this reading The “Great Eastern,” making head against the current, was now only waiting to descend the river with the ebb-tide.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading The order for departure was given, the paddles slowly struck the water, the screw bubbled at the stern, and the enormous vessel began to move.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
paddle-wheel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
paddlesnounUS /ˈpædəlz/
plural of “paddle” — small wooden bat with a flat surface; used for hitting balls in various games
From this reading The order for departure was given, the paddles slowly struck the water, the screw bubbled at the stern, and the enormous vessel began to move.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
pilotverbUS /ˈpaɪlət/
operate an airplane
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
one of four equal parts
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
past form of “resume” — take up or begin anew
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading The “Great Eastern,” making head against the current, was now only waiting to descend the river with the ebb-tide.
screwnounUS /skruː/
someone who guards prisoners
From this reading The order for departure was given, the paddles slowly struck the water, the screw bubbled at the stern, and the enormous vessel began to move.
screw-signal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading The order for departure was given, the paddles slowly struck the water, the screw bubbled at the stern, and the enormous vessel began to move.
past form of “sound” — appear in a certain way
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
steam-engine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
steersmen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
sternadjectiveUS /stɜːrn/
of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming
From this reading The order for departure was given, the paddles slowly struck the water, the screw bubbled at the stern, and the enormous vessel began to move.
tenaciousadjectiveUS /təˈneɪʃəs/
good at remembering
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
the periodic rise and fall of the sea level under the gravitational pull of the moon
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
the act of using
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
a tube in which a body fluid circulates
From this reading The order for departure was given, the paddles slowly struck the water, the screw bubbled at the stern, and the enormous vessel began to move.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading The “Great Eastern,” making head against the current, was now only waiting to descend the river with the ebb-tide.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
past form of “watch” — look attentively
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading The order for departure was given, the paddles slowly struck the water, the screw bubbled at the stern, and the enormous vessel began to move.
weighingnounUS /ˈweɪɪŋ/
careful consideration
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
wheelsnounUS /wiːlz/
plural of “wheel” — a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
