used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
(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 In the islands off the shore seals and sea lions had it all their own way and basked and frolicked in the sunshine.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading It had changed then, in the early fifties, but half a century has almost forgotten the bareness of it then.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
auks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading What if the tide did run out sweeping like a torrent--were they going to breast the danger back of it?
barenessnoun
a bleak and desolate atmosphere
From this reading It had changed then, in the early fifties, but half a century has almost forgotten the bareness of it then.
baskedverbUS /bæskt/
past form of “bask” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading In the islands off the shore seals and sea lions had it all their own way and basked and frolicked in the sunshine.
an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
the front of the trunk from the neck to the abdomen
From this reading What if the tide did run out sweeping like a torrent--were they going to breast the danger back of it?
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It had changed then, in the early fifties, but half a century has almost forgotten the bareness of it then.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
put or send forth
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
a period of 100 years
From this reading It had changed then, in the early fifties, but half a century has almost forgotten the bareness of it then.
made or become different in nature or form
From this reading It had changed then, in the early fifties, but half a century has almost forgotten the bareness of it then.
the process of giving careful thought to something
From this reading Was the great rocky point worth their consideration?
cormorantsnounUS /ˈkɔːrmərənts/
plural of “cormorant” — large voracious dark-colored long-necked seabird with a distensible pouch for holding fish; used in Asia to catch fish
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading What if the tide did run out sweeping like a torrent--were they going to breast the danger back of it?
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading What if the tide did run out sweeping like a torrent--were they going to breast the danger back of it?
discordantadjectiveUS /dɪˈskɔːrdənt/
not in agreement or harmony
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
drearyadjectiveUS /ˈdrɪri/
lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
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 It had changed then, in the early fifties, but half a century has almost forgotten the bareness of it then.
explorersnounUS /ɪkˈsplɔːrərz/
plural of “explorer” — someone who travels into little known regions (especially for some scientific purpose)
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
more distant in especially space or time
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
fiftiesnounUS /ˈfɪftiz/
the decade from 1950 to 1959
From this reading It had changed then, in the early fifties, but half a century has almost forgotten the bareness of it then.
flankedverbUS /flæŋkt/
past form of “flank” — be located at the sides of something or somebody
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
Not remembered; lapsed from memory.
From this reading It had changed then, in the early fifties, but half a century has almost forgotten the bareness of it then.
FRANCISCO
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
frolicked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the islands off the shore seals and sea lions had it all their own way and basked and frolicked in the sunshine.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
depressingly dark
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
the act of departing
From this reading What if the tide did run out sweeping like a torrent--were they going to breast the danger back of it?
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
gullsnounUS /ɡʌlz/
plural of “gull” — a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In the islands off the shore seals and sea lions had it all their own way and basked and frolicked in the sunshine.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading It had changed then, in the early fifties, but half a century has almost forgotten the bareness of it then.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It had changed then, in the early fifties, but half a century has almost forgotten the bareness of it then.
plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading What if the tide did run out sweeping like a torrent--were they going to breast the danger back of it?
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In the islands off the shore seals and sea lions had it all their own way and basked and frolicked in the sunshine.
inhabitedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈhæbətəd/
having inhabitants; lived in
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
plural of “island” — a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading In the islands off the shore seals and sea lions had it all their own way and basked and frolicked in the sunshine.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading What if the tide did run out sweeping like a torrent--were they going to breast the danger back of it?
lionsnounUS /ˈlaɪənz/
plural of “lion” — large gregarious predatory feline of Africa and India having a tawny coat with a shaggy mane in the male
From this reading In the islands off the shore seals and sea lions had it all their own way and basked and frolicked in the sunshine.
not caught with the senses or the mind
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading What if the tide did run out sweeping like a torrent--were they going to breast the danger back of it?
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading In the islands off the shore seals and sea lions had it all their own way and basked and frolicked in the sunshine.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
outletnounUS /ˈaʊtlet/
a place of business for retailing goods
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
have ownership or possession of
From this reading In the islands off the shore seals and sea lions had it all their own way and basked and frolicked in the sunshine.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading Was the great rocky point worth their consideration?
plural of “rock” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
rockyadjectiveUS /ˈrɑːki/
abounding in rocks or stones
From this reading Was the great rocky point worth their consideration?
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading What if the tide did run out sweeping like a torrent--were they going to breast the danger back of it?
SAN
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
screamingadjectiveUS /ˈskriːmɪŋ/
so extremely intense as to evoke screams
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading In the islands off the shore seals and sea lions had it all their own way and basked and frolicked in the sunshine.
sealsnounUS /siːlz/
plural of “seal” — fastener consisting of a resinous composition that is plastic when warm; used for sealing documents and parcels and letters
From this reading In the islands off the shore seals and sea lions had it all their own way and basked and frolicked in the sunshine.
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
the land along the edge of a body of water
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
the rays of the sun
From this reading In the islands off the shore seals and sea lions had it all their own way and basked and frolicked in the sunshine.
sweepingadjectiveUS /ˈswiːpɪŋ/
taking in or moving over (or as if over) a wide area; often used in combination
From this reading What if the tide did run out sweeping like a torrent--were they going to breast the danger back of it?
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading It had changed then, in the early fifties, but half a century has almost forgotten the bareness of it then.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading What if the tide did run out sweeping like a torrent--were they going to breast the danger back of it?
the periodic rise and fall of the sea level under the gravitational pull of the moon
From this reading What if the tide did run out sweeping like a torrent--were they going to breast the danger back of it?
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading What if the tide did run out sweeping like a torrent--were they going to breast the danger back of it?
torrentnounUS /ˈtɔːrənt/
a heavy rain
From this reading What if the tide did run out sweeping like a torrent--were they going to breast the danger back of it?
Wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading In the islands off the shore seals and sea lions had it all their own way and basked and frolicked in the sunshine.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading What if the tide did run out sweeping like a torrent--were they going to breast the danger back of it?
used to ask for information about something
From this reading What if the tide did run out sweeping like a torrent--were they going to breast the danger back of it?
at the time that
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
From this reading OLD SAN FRANCISCO Was it any wonder the old explorers missed the narrow outlet from the great bay when the hills from the farther shore cast a great gloomy shadow, and dreary rocks flanked the shore, inhabited by cormorants and auks and gulls, screaming out their discordant music?
an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value
From this reading Was the great rocky point worth their consideration?
