used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After a while they steadied on their respective helms.
(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 Then, with all lights screened, came a pair of lean destroyers, zigzagging their way through the mine-field.
alteredadjectiveUS /ˈɔːltərd/
changed in form or character without becoming something else
From this reading Unless they altered course, they would pass at a distance not less than five cable-lengths from the lurking submarine.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
answeringadjectiveUS /ˈænsərɪŋ/
replying
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Unless they altered course, they would pass at a distance not less than five cable-lengths from the lurking submarine.
cable-lengths
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unless they altered course, they would pass at a distance not less than five cable-lengths from the lurking submarine.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Then, with all lights screened, came a pair of lean destroyers, zigzagging their way through the mine-field.
inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
certnounUS /sɜːrt/
an absolute certainty
From this reading "One of their strafed raiders coming here to roost for a dead cert," quoth the Hon. Derek.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading "One of their strafed raiders coming here to roost for a dead cert," quoth the Hon. Derek.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading Unless they altered course, they would pass at a distance not less than five cable-lengths from the lurking submarine.
the skilled practice of a practical occupation
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life
From this reading "One of their strafed raiders coming here to roost for a dead cert," quoth the Hon. Derek.
Derek
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "One of their strafed raiders coming here to roost for a dead cert," quoth the Hon. Derek.
destroyersnounUS /dɪˈstrɔɪərz/
plural of “destroyer” — a small fast lightly armored but heavily armed warship
From this reading Then, with all lights screened, came a pair of lean destroyers, zigzagging their way through the mine-field.
a line leading to a place or point
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading Unless they altered course, they would pass at a distance not less than five cable-lengths from the lurking submarine.
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading Unless they altered course, they would pass at a distance not less than five cable-lengths from the lurking submarine.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading "One of their strafed raiders coming here to roost for a dead cert," quoth the Hon. Derek.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
a person of German nationality
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
helmsnounUS /helmz/
plural of “helm” — steering mechanism for a vessel; a mechanical device by which a vessel is steered
From this reading After a while they steadied on their respective helms.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading "One of their strafed raiders coming here to roost for a dead cert," quoth the Hon. Derek.
Hon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "One of their strafed raiders coming here to roost for a dead cert," quoth the Hon. Derek.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
leanverbUS /liːn/
to incline or bend from a vertical position
From this reading Then, with all lights screened, came a pair of lean destroyers, zigzagging their way through the mine-field.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading Unless they altered course, they would pass at a distance not less than five cable-lengths from the lurking submarine.
plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation
From this reading Then, with all lights screened, came a pair of lean destroyers, zigzagging their way through the mine-field.
lurkingverbUS /ˈlɜːrkɪŋ/
-ing form of “lurk” — lie in wait, lie in ambush, behave in a sneaky and secretive manner
From this reading Unless they altered course, they would pass at a distance not less than five cable-lengths from the lurking submarine.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
mine-field
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then, with all lights screened, came a pair of lean destroyers, zigzagging their way through the mine-field.
mistyadjectiveUS /ˈmɪsti/
filled or abounding with fog or mist
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
NetnounUS /net/
a computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the TCP/IP network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
night-glasses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Unless they altered course, they would pass at a distance not less than five cable-lengths from the lurking submarine.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading After a while they steadied on their respective helms.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
and nothing more
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
outlinesnounUS /ˈaʊtlaɪnz/
plural of “outline” — the line that appears to bound an object
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
a set of two similar things considered as a unit
From this reading Then, with all lights screened, came a pair of lean destroyers, zigzagging their way through the mine-field.
go across or through
From this reading Unless they altered course, they would pass at a distance not less than five cable-lengths from the lurking submarine.
patrolsnounUS /pəˈtroʊlz/
plural of “patrol” — a detachment used for security or reconnaissance
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
pausingverbUS /ˈpɔːzɪŋ/
-ing form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
having great power or force or potency or effect
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
in the near future
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
quoth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "One of their strafed raiders coming here to roost for a dead cert," quoth the Hon. Derek.
raidersnounUS /ˈreɪdərz/
plural of “raider” — someone who takes spoils or plunder (as in war)
From this reading "One of their strafed raiders coming here to roost for a dead cert," quoth the Hon. Derek.
get something; come into possession of
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
respectiveadjectiveUS /rɪˈspektɪv/
considered individually
From this reading After a while they steadied on their respective helms.
past form of “reveal” — make visible
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
roostverbUS /ruːst/
sit, as on a branch
From this reading "One of their strafed raiders coming here to roost for a dead cert," quoth the Hon. Derek.
screenedverbUS /skriːnd/
past form of “screen” — test or examine for the presence of disease or infection
From this reading Then, with all lights screened, came a pair of lean destroyers, zigzagging their way through the mine-field.
signallingverbUS /ˈsɪɡnəlɪŋ/
inflected form of “signal” — communicate silently and non-verbally by signals or signs
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
southerlyadjectiveUS /ˈsʌðərli/
situated in or oriented toward the south
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
steadiedadjectiveUS /ˈstedid/
made steady or constant
From this reading After a while they steadied on their respective helms.
at a steady rate or pace
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
strafed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "One of their strafed raiders coming here to roost for a dead cert," quoth the Hon. Derek.
submarinenounUS /ˈsʌbməriːn/
a submersible warship usually armed with torpedoes
From this reading Unless they altered course, they would pass at a distance not less than five cable-lengths from the lurking submarine.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Unless they altered course, they would pass at a distance not less than five cable-lengths from the lurking submarine.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Then, with all lights screened, came a pair of lean destroyers, zigzagging their way through the mine-field.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Then, with all lights screened, came a pair of lean destroyers, zigzagging their way through the mine-field.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading After a while they steadied on their respective helms.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Then, with all lights screened, came a pair of lean destroyers, zigzagging their way through the mine-field.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
two-funnelled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
except if; if not
From this reading Unless they altered course, they would pass at a distance not less than five cable-lengths from the lurking submarine.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Caught in the Net Presently the powerful night-glasses revealed the misty outlines of a large two-funnelled craft slowly making her way in a southerly direction, the while signalling steadily, pausing only to receive an answering message from one of the German patrols.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Then, with all lights screened, came a pair of lean destroyers, zigzagging their way through the mine-field.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Unless they altered course, they would pass at a distance not less than five cable-lengths from the lurking submarine.
zigzaggingverbUS /ˈzɪɡzæɡɪŋ/
inflected form of “zigzag” — travel along a zigzag path
From this reading Then, with all lights screened, came a pair of lean destroyers, zigzagging their way through the mine-field.
