used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading FIRST AND SECOND CUTTERS TO THE RESCUE It was still but a dim light when the commander appeared on deck.
tending to become more severe or wider in scope
From this reading He could not have slept more than an hour, but he was as wideawake and active as ever before in his life.
in the past
From this reading "Mr. Scott reported cries from that direction not ten minutes ago, and the lookout aloft hailed the deck a minute or two later," replied the first officer.
aloftadverbUS /əˈlɔːft/
at or on or to the masthead or upper rigging of a ship
From this reading "Mr. Scott reported cries from that direction not ten minutes ago, and the lookout aloft hailed the deck a minute or two later," replied the first officer.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He could not have slept more than an hour, but he was as wideawake and active as ever before in his life.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading FIRST AND SECOND CUTTERS TO THE RESCUE It was still but a dim light when the commander appeared on deck.
any thing at all
From this reading He had a spyglass in his hand, with which he proceeded to examine the wreck as soon as he had obtained its bearings; for he never did anything, even under such desperate circumstances as the present, until he had first ascertained what was best to be done.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading FIRST AND SECOND CUTTERS TO THE RESCUE It was still but a dim light when the commander appeared on deck.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He could not have slept more than an hour, but he was as wideawake and active as ever before in his life.
ascertainedadjectiveUS /ˌæsərˈteɪnd/
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading He had a spyglass in his hand, with which he proceeded to examine the wreck as soon as he had obtained its bearings; for he never did anything, even under such desperate circumstances as the present, until he had first ascertained what was best to be done.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He had a spyglass in his hand, with which he proceeded to examine the wreck as soon as he had obtained its bearings; for he never did anything, even under such desperate circumstances as the present, until he had first ascertained what was best to be done.
bearingsnounUS /ˈberɪŋz/
plural of “bearing” — relevant relation or interconnection
From this reading He had a spyglass in his hand, with which he proceeded to examine the wreck as soon as he had obtained its bearings; for he never did anything, even under such desperate circumstances as the present, until he had first ascertained what was best to be done.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading He could not have slept more than an hour, but he was as wideawake and active as ever before in his life.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading He had a spyglass in his hand, with which he proceeded to examine the wreck as soon as he had obtained its bearings; for he never did anything, even under such desperate circumstances as the present, until he had first ascertained what was best to be done.
Boulong
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "How long is it since you made out the wreck, Mr. Boulong?" he inquired, still looking through the glass.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading FIRST AND SECOND CUTTERS TO THE RESCUE It was still but a dim light when the commander appeared on deck.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading He had a spyglass in his hand, with which he proceeded to examine the wreck as soon as he had obtained its bearings; for he never did anything, even under such desperate circumstances as the present, until he had first ascertained what was best to be done.
commandernounUS /kəˈmændər/
an officer in command of a military unit
From this reading FIRST AND SECOND CUTTERS TO THE RESCUE It was still but a dim light when the commander appeared on deck.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He could not have slept more than an hour, but he was as wideawake and active as ever before in his life.
plural of “cry” — a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition
From this reading "Mr. Scott reported cries from that direction not ten minutes ago, and the lookout aloft hailed the deck a minute or two later," replied the first officer.
CUTTERSnounUS /ˈkʌtərz/
plural of “cutter” — someone who cuts or carves stone
From this reading FIRST AND SECOND CUTTERS TO THE RESCUE It was still but a dim light when the commander appeared on deck.
any of various platforms built into a vessel
From this reading FIRST AND SECOND CUTTERS TO THE RESCUE It was still but a dim light when the commander appeared on deck.
arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope
From this reading He had a spyglass in his hand, with which he proceeded to examine the wreck as soon as he had obtained its bearings; for he never did anything, even under such desperate circumstances as the present, until he had first ascertained what was best to be done.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He had a spyglass in his hand, with which he proceeded to examine the wreck as soon as he had obtained its bearings; for he never did anything, even under such desperate circumstances as the present, until he had first ascertained what was best to be done.
lacking in light; not bright or harsh
From this reading FIRST AND SECOND CUTTERS TO THE RESCUE It was still but a dim light when the commander appeared on deck.
a line leading to a place or point
From this reading "Mr. Scott reported cries from that direction not ten minutes ago, and the lookout aloft hailed the deck a minute or two later," replied the first officer.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading He had a spyglass in his hand, with which he proceeded to examine the wreck as soon as he had obtained its bearings; for he never did anything, even under such desperate circumstances as the present, until he had first ascertained what was best to be done.
divisible by two
From this reading He had a spyglass in his hand, with which he proceeded to examine the wreck as soon as he had obtained its bearings; for he never did anything, even under such desperate circumstances as the present, until he had first ascertained what was best to be done.
at any time
From this reading He could not have slept more than an hour, but he was as wideawake and active as ever before in his life.
examineverbUS /ɪɡˈzæmɪn/
consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning
From this reading He had a spyglass in his hand, with which he proceeded to examine the wreck as soon as he had obtained its bearings; for he never did anything, even under such desperate circumstances as the present, until he had first ascertained what was best to be done.
FIRSTadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading FIRST AND SECOND CUTTERS TO THE RESCUE It was still but a dim light when the commander appeared on deck.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He had a spyglass in his hand, with which he proceeded to examine the wreck as soon as he had obtained its bearings; for he never did anything, even under such desperate circumstances as the present, until he had first ascertained what was best to be done.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading "Mr. Scott reported cries from that direction not ten minutes ago, and the lookout aloft hailed the deck a minute or two later," replied the first officer.
a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure
From this reading "How long is it since you made out the wreck, Mr. Boulong?" he inquired, still looking through the glass.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He had a spyglass in his hand, with which he proceeded to examine the wreck as soon as he had obtained its bearings; for he never did anything, even under such desperate circumstances as the present, until he had first ascertained what was best to be done.
hailedverbUS /heɪld/
past form of “hail” — praise vociferously
From this reading "Mr. Scott reported cries from that direction not ten minutes ago, and the lookout aloft hailed the deck a minute or two later," replied the first officer.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading He had a spyglass in his hand, with which he proceeded to examine the wreck as soon as he had obtained its bearings; for he never did anything, even under such desperate circumstances as the present, until he had first ascertained what was best to be done.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading He could not have slept more than an hour, but he was as wideawake and active as ever before in his life.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He could not have slept more than an hour, but he was as wideawake and active as ever before in his life.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He could not have slept more than an hour, but he was as wideawake and active as ever before in his life.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading He could not have slept more than an hour, but he was as wideawake and active as ever before in his life.
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "How long is it since you made out the wreck, Mr. Boulong?" he inquired, still looking through the glass.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He could not have slept more than an hour, but he was as wideawake and active as ever before in his life.
past form of “inquire” — address a question to and expect an answer from
From this reading "How long is it since you made out the wreck, Mr. Boulong?" he inquired, still looking through the glass.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "How long is it since you made out the wreck, Mr. Boulong?" he inquired, still looking through the glass.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading FIRST AND SECOND CUTTERS TO THE RESCUE It was still but a dim light when the commander appeared on deck.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading He had a spyglass in his hand, with which he proceeded to examine the wreck as soon as he had obtained its bearings; for he never did anything, even under such desperate circumstances as the present, until he had first ascertained what was best to be done.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading "Mr. Scott reported cries from that direction not ten minutes ago, and the lookout aloft hailed the deck a minute or two later," replied the first officer.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading He could not have slept more than an hour, but he was as wideawake and active as ever before in his life.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading FIRST AND SECOND CUTTERS TO THE RESCUE It was still but a dim light when the commander appeared on deck.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading "How long is it since you made out the wreck, Mr. Boulong?" he inquired, still looking through the glass.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading "How long is it since you made out the wreck, Mr. Boulong?" he inquired, still looking through the glass.
lookoutnounUS /ˈlʊkaʊt/
a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
From this reading "Mr. Scott reported cries from that direction not ten minutes ago, and the lookout aloft hailed the deck a minute or two later," replied the first officer.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading "How long is it since you made out the wreck, Mr. Boulong?" he inquired, still looking through the glass.
a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour
From this reading "Mr. Scott reported cries from that direction not ten minutes ago, and the lookout aloft hailed the deck a minute or two later," replied the first officer.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading "Mr. Scott reported cries from that direction not ten minutes ago, and the lookout aloft hailed the deck a minute or two later," replied the first officer.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading He could not have slept more than an hour, but he was as wideawake and active as ever before in his life.
a form of address for a man
From this reading "How long is it since you made out the wreck, Mr. Boulong?" he inquired, still looking through the glass.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading He had a spyglass in his hand, with which he proceeded to examine the wreck as soon as he had obtained its bearings; for he never did anything, even under such desperate circumstances as the present, until he had first ascertained what was best to be done.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He could not have slept more than an hour, but he was as wideawake and active as ever before in his life.
past form of “obtain” — come into possession of
From this reading He had a spyglass in his hand, with which he proceeded to examine the wreck as soon as he had obtained its bearings; for he never did anything, even under such desperate circumstances as the present, until he had first ascertained what was best to be done.
any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading "Mr. Scott reported cries from that direction not ten minutes ago, and the lookout aloft hailed the deck a minute or two later," replied the first officer.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading FIRST AND SECOND CUTTERS TO THE RESCUE It was still but a dim light when the commander appeared on deck.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading "Mr. Scott reported cries from that direction not ten minutes ago, and the lookout aloft hailed the deck a minute or two later," replied the first officer.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading "How long is it since you made out the wreck, Mr. Boulong?" he inquired, still looking through the glass.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading He had a spyglass in his hand, with which he proceeded to examine the wreck as soon as he had obtained its bearings; for he never did anything, even under such desperate circumstances as the present, until he had first ascertained what was best to be done.
past form of “proceed” — continue talking
From this reading He had a spyglass in his hand, with which he proceeded to examine the wreck as soon as he had obtained its bearings; for he never did anything, even under such desperate circumstances as the present, until he had first ascertained what was best to be done.
inflected form of “reply” — react verbally
From this reading "Mr. Scott reported cries from that direction not ten minutes ago, and the lookout aloft hailed the deck a minute or two later," replied the first officer.
reportedadjectiveUS /ˌriːˈpɔːrtɪd/
made known or told about; especially presented in a formal account
From this reading "Mr. Scott reported cries from that direction not ten minutes ago, and the lookout aloft hailed the deck a minute or two later," replied the first officer.
RESCUEverbUS /ˈreskjuː/
free from harm or evil
From this reading FIRST AND SECOND CUTTERS TO THE RESCUE It was still but a dim light when the commander appeared on deck.
ScottnounUS /skɑːt/
award-winning United States film actor (1928-1999)
From this reading "Mr. Scott reported cries from that direction not ten minutes ago, and the lookout aloft hailed the deck a minute or two later," replied the first officer.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading FIRST AND SECOND CUTTERS TO THE RESCUE It was still but a dim light when the commander appeared on deck.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading "How long is it since you made out the wreck, Mr. Boulong?" he inquired, still looking through the glass.
inflected form of “sleep” — be asleep
From this reading He could not have slept more than an hour, but he was as wideawake and active as ever before in his life.
in the near future
From this reading He had a spyglass in his hand, with which he proceeded to examine the wreck as soon as he had obtained its bearings; for he never did anything, even under such desperate circumstances as the present, until he had first ascertained what was best to be done.
spyglassnounUS /ˈspaɪɡlæs/
a small refracting telescope
From this reading He had a spyglass in his hand, with which he proceeded to examine the wreck as soon as he had obtained its bearings; for he never did anything, even under such desperate circumstances as the present, until he had first ascertained what was best to be done.
not in physical motion
From this reading FIRST AND SECOND CUTTERS TO THE RESCUE It was still but a dim light when the commander appeared on deck.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading He had a spyglass in his hand, with which he proceeded to examine the wreck as soon as he had obtained its bearings; for he never did anything, even under such desperate circumstances as the present, until he had first ascertained what was best to be done.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading "Mr. Scott reported cries from that direction not ten minutes ago, and the lookout aloft hailed the deck a minute or two later," replied the first officer.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading He could not have slept more than an hour, but he was as wideawake and active as ever before in his life.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "Mr. Scott reported cries from that direction not ten minutes ago, and the lookout aloft hailed the deck a minute or two later," replied the first officer.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading FIRST AND SECOND CUTTERS TO THE RESCUE It was still but a dim light when the commander appeared on deck.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading "How long is it since you made out the wreck, Mr. Boulong?" he inquired, still looking through the glass.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading FIRST AND SECOND CUTTERS TO THE RESCUE It was still but a dim light when the commander appeared on deck.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading "Mr. Scott reported cries from that direction not ten minutes ago, and the lookout aloft hailed the deck a minute or two later," replied the first officer.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading He had a spyglass in his hand, with which he proceeded to examine the wreck as soon as he had obtained its bearings; for he never did anything, even under such desperate circumstances as the present, until he had first ascertained what was best to be done.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading He had a spyglass in his hand, with which he proceeded to examine the wreck as soon as he had obtained its bearings; for he never did anything, even under such desperate circumstances as the present, until he had first ascertained what was best to be done.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading FIRST AND SECOND CUTTERS TO THE RESCUE It was still but a dim light when the commander appeared on deck.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading He had a spyglass in his hand, with which he proceeded to examine the wreck as soon as he had obtained its bearings; for he never did anything, even under such desperate circumstances as the present, until he had first ascertained what was best to be done.
at the time that
From this reading FIRST AND SECOND CUTTERS TO THE RESCUE It was still but a dim light when the commander appeared on deck.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He had a spyglass in his hand, with which he proceeded to examine the wreck as soon as he had obtained its bearings; for he never did anything, even under such desperate circumstances as the present, until he had first ascertained what was best to be done.
wideawake
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could not have slept more than an hour, but he was as wideawake and active as ever before in his life.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He had a spyglass in his hand, with which he proceeded to examine the wreck as soon as he had obtained its bearings; for he never did anything, even under such desperate circumstances as the present, until he had first ascertained what was best to be done.
wrecknounUS /rek/
something or someone that has suffered ruin or dilapidation
From this reading He had a spyglass in his hand, with which he proceeded to examine the wreck as soon as he had obtained its bearings; for he never did anything, even under such desperate circumstances as the present, until he had first ascertained what was best to be done.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "How long is it since you made out the wreck, Mr. Boulong?" he inquired, still looking through the glass.
