used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading When passing Chatham Islands we saw in the distance an unusual disturbance on the surface of the water, which, on our getting nearer, we found to be caused by a school of bottle-nosed whales.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Hundreds of them were playing about, turning over and over on the surface of the water.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading When passing Chatham Islands we saw in the distance an unusual disturbance on the surface of the water, which, on our getting nearer, we found to be caused by a school of bottle-nosed whales.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Hundreds of them were playing about, turning over and over on the surface of the water.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At sunset heavy woolly-looking clouds began to rise in the south and the wind had a moaning, sad sound.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading When passing Chatham Islands we saw in the distance an unusual disturbance on the surface of the water, which, on our getting nearer, we found to be caused by a school of bottle-nosed whales.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The sailors said we should have a gale before the day was out, and sure enough we had.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading At sunset heavy woolly-looking clouds began to rise in the south and the wind had a moaning, sad sound.
Bertie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading STORMY WEATHER WE had fine clear weather when leaving Wellington, the sea was smooth so that the “Bertie” made fair speed through the water with every stitch of canvas set.
bottle-nosed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When passing Chatham Islands we saw in the distance an unusual disturbance on the surface of the water, which, on our getting nearer, we found to be caused by a school of bottle-nosed whales.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading When passing Chatham Islands we saw in the distance an unusual disturbance on the surface of the water, which, on our getting nearer, we found to be caused by a school of bottle-nosed whales.
canvasnounUS /ˈkænvəs/
a heavy, closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or sails or tents)
From this reading STORMY WEATHER WE had fine clear weather when leaving Wellington, the sea was smooth so that the “Bertie” made fair speed through the water with every stitch of canvas set.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading When passing Chatham Islands we saw in the distance an unusual disturbance on the surface of the water, which, on our getting nearer, we found to be caused by a school of bottle-nosed whales.
Chatham
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When passing Chatham Islands we saw in the distance an unusual disturbance on the surface of the water, which, on our getting nearer, we found to be caused by a school of bottle-nosed whales.
rid of obstructions
From this reading STORMY WEATHER WE had fine clear weather when leaving Wellington, the sea was smooth so that the “Bertie” made fair speed through the water with every stitch of canvas set.
plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible
From this reading At sunset heavy woolly-looking clouds began to rise in the south and the wind had a moaning, sad sound.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading The sailors said we should have a gale before the day was out, and sure enough we had.
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading When passing Chatham Islands we saw in the distance an unusual disturbance on the surface of the water, which, on our getting nearer, we found to be caused by a school of bottle-nosed whales.
disturbancenounUS /dɪˈstɜːrbəns/
activity that is a malfunction, intrusion, or interruption
From this reading When passing Chatham Islands we saw in the distance an unusual disturbance on the surface of the water, which, on our getting nearer, we found to be caused by a school of bottle-nosed whales.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading The sailors said we should have a gale before the day was out, and sure enough we had.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading STORMY WEATHER WE had fine clear weather when leaving Wellington, the sea was smooth so that the “Bertie” made fair speed through the water with every stitch of canvas set.
free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules
From this reading STORMY WEATHER WE had fine clear weather when leaving Wellington, the sea was smooth so that the “Bertie” made fair speed through the water with every stitch of canvas set.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading STORMY WEATHER WE had fine clear weather when leaving Wellington, the sea was smooth so that the “Bertie” made fair speed through the water with every stitch of canvas set.
set up or found
From this reading When passing Chatham Islands we saw in the distance an unusual disturbance on the surface of the water, which, on our getting nearer, we found to be caused by a school of bottle-nosed whales.
galenounUS /ɡeɪl/
a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale
From this reading The sailors said we should have a gale before the day was out, and sure enough we had.
the act of acquiring something
From this reading When passing Chatham Islands we saw in the distance an unusual disturbance on the surface of the water, which, on our getting nearer, we found to be caused by a school of bottle-nosed whales.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading STORMY WEATHER WE had fine clear weather when leaving Wellington, the sea was smooth so that the “Bertie” made fair speed through the water with every stitch of canvas set.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The sailors said we should have a gale before the day was out, and sure enough we had.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading At sunset heavy woolly-looking clouds began to rise in the south and the wind had a moaning, sad sound.
plural of “hundred” — ten 10s
From this reading Hundreds of them were playing about, turning over and over on the surface of the water.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When passing Chatham Islands we saw in the distance an unusual disturbance on the surface of the water, which, on our getting nearer, we found to be caused by a school of bottle-nosed whales.
plural of “island” — a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading When passing Chatham Islands we saw in the distance an unusual disturbance on the surface of the water, which, on our getting nearer, we found to be caused by a school of bottle-nosed whales.
the act of departing
From this reading STORMY WEATHER WE had fine clear weather when leaving Wellington, the sea was smooth so that the “Bertie” made fair speed through the water with every stitch of canvas set.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading STORMY WEATHER WE had fine clear weather when leaving Wellington, the sea was smooth so that the “Bertie” made fair speed through the water with every stitch of canvas set.
moaningverbUS /ˈmoʊnɪŋ/
-ing form of “moan” — indicate pain, discomfort, or displeasure
From this reading At sunset heavy woolly-looking clouds began to rise in the south and the wind had a moaning, sad sound.
(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance
From this reading When passing Chatham Islands we saw in the distance an unusual disturbance on the surface of the water, which, on our getting nearer, we found to be caused by a school of bottle-nosed whales.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading STORMY WEATHER WE had fine clear weather when leaving Wellington, the sea was smooth so that the “Bertie” made fair speed through the water with every stitch of canvas set.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading When passing Chatham Islands we saw in the distance an unusual disturbance on the surface of the water, which, on our getting nearer, we found to be caused by a school of bottle-nosed whales.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading When passing Chatham Islands we saw in the distance an unusual disturbance on the surface of the water, which, on our getting nearer, we found to be caused by a school of bottle-nosed whales.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The sailors said we should have a gale before the day was out, and sure enough we had.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Hundreds of them were playing about, turning over and over on the surface of the water.
(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate
From this reading When passing Chatham Islands we saw in the distance an unusual disturbance on the surface of the water, which, on our getting nearer, we found to be caused by a school of bottle-nosed whales.
the act of playing a musical instrument
From this reading Hundreds of them were playing about, turning over and over on the surface of the water.
move upward
From this reading At sunset heavy woolly-looking clouds began to rise in the south and the wind had a moaning, sad sound.
experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness
From this reading At sunset heavy woolly-looking clouds began to rise in the south and the wind had a moaning, sad sound.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading The sailors said we should have a gale before the day was out, and sure enough we had.
plural of “sailor” — any member of a ship's crew
From this reading The sailors said we should have a gale before the day was out, and sure enough we had.
cut with a saw
From this reading When passing Chatham Islands we saw in the distance an unusual disturbance on the surface of the water, which, on our getting nearer, we found to be caused by a school of bottle-nosed whales.
an educational institution
From this reading When passing Chatham Islands we saw in the distance an unusual disturbance on the surface of the water, which, on our getting nearer, we found to be caused by a school of bottle-nosed whales.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading STORMY WEATHER WE had fine clear weather when leaving Wellington, the sea was smooth so that the “Bertie” made fair speed through the water with every stitch of canvas set.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading STORMY WEATHER WE had fine clear weather when leaving Wellington, the sea was smooth so that the “Bertie” made fair speed through the water with every stitch of canvas set.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading The sailors said we should have a gale before the day was out, and sure enough we had.
having a surface free from roughness or bumps or ridges or irregularities
From this reading STORMY WEATHER WE had fine clear weather when leaving Wellington, the sea was smooth so that the “Bertie” made fair speed through the water with every stitch of canvas set.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading STORMY WEATHER WE had fine clear weather when leaving Wellington, the sea was smooth so that the “Bertie” made fair speed through the water with every stitch of canvas set.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading At sunset heavy woolly-looking clouds began to rise in the south and the wind had a moaning, sad sound.
the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading At sunset heavy woolly-looking clouds began to rise in the south and the wind had a moaning, sad sound.
move hurridly
From this reading STORMY WEATHER WE had fine clear weather when leaving Wellington, the sea was smooth so that the “Bertie” made fair speed through the water with every stitch of canvas set.
stitchnounUS /stɪtʃ/
a link or loop or knot made by an implement in knitting, crocheting, embroidery, or sewing
From this reading STORMY WEATHER WE had fine clear weather when leaving Wellington, the sea was smooth so that the “Bertie” made fair speed through the water with every stitch of canvas set.
STORMYadjectiveUS /ˈstɔːrmi/
(especially of weather) affected or characterized by storms or commotion
From this reading STORMY WEATHER WE had fine clear weather when leaving Wellington, the sea was smooth so that the “Bertie” made fair speed through the water with every stitch of canvas set.
the time in the evening at which the sun begins to fall below the horizon
From this reading At sunset heavy woolly-looking clouds began to rise in the south and the wind had a moaning, sad sound.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading The sailors said we should have a gale before the day was out, and sure enough we had.
the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary
From this reading When passing Chatham Islands we saw in the distance an unusual disturbance on the surface of the water, which, on our getting nearer, we found to be caused by a school of bottle-nosed whales.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading STORMY WEATHER WE had fine clear weather when leaving Wellington, the sea was smooth so that the “Bertie” made fair speed through the water with every stitch of canvas set.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading STORMY WEATHER WE had fine clear weather when leaving Wellington, the sea was smooth so that the “Bertie” made fair speed through the water with every stitch of canvas set.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Hundreds of them were playing about, turning over and over on the surface of the water.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading STORMY WEATHER WE had fine clear weather when leaving Wellington, the sea was smooth so that the “Bertie” made fair speed through the water with every stitch of canvas set.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When passing Chatham Islands we saw in the distance an unusual disturbance on the surface of the water, which, on our getting nearer, we found to be caused by a school of bottle-nosed whales.
the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
From this reading Hundreds of them were playing about, turning over and over on the surface of the water.
not usual or common or ordinary
From this reading When passing Chatham Islands we saw in the distance an unusual disturbance on the surface of the water, which, on our getting nearer, we found to be caused by a school of bottle-nosed whales.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading STORMY WEATHER WE had fine clear weather when leaving Wellington, the sea was smooth so that the “Bertie” made fair speed through the water with every stitch of canvas set.
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 STORMY WEATHER WE had fine clear weather when leaving Wellington, the sea was smooth so that the “Bertie” made fair speed through the water with every stitch of canvas set.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading STORMY WEATHER WE had fine clear weather when leaving Wellington, the sea was smooth so that the “Bertie” made fair speed through the water with every stitch of canvas set.
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading STORMY WEATHER WE had fine clear weather when leaving Wellington, the sea was smooth so that the “Bertie” made fair speed through the water with every stitch of canvas set.
WellingtonnounUS /ˈwelɪŋtən/
British general and statesman; he defeated Napoleon at Waterloo; subsequently served as Prime Minister (1769-1852)
From this reading STORMY WEATHER WE had fine clear weather when leaving Wellington, the sea was smooth so that the “Bertie” made fair speed through the water with every stitch of canvas set.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Hundreds of them were playing about, turning over and over on the surface of the water.
whalesnounUS /weɪlz/
plural of “whale” — a very large person; impressive in size or qualities
From this reading When passing Chatham Islands we saw in the distance an unusual disturbance on the surface of the water, which, on our getting nearer, we found to be caused by a school of bottle-nosed whales.
at the time that
From this reading STORMY WEATHER WE had fine clear weather when leaving Wellington, the sea was smooth so that the “Bertie” made fair speed through the water with every stitch of canvas set.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading When passing Chatham Islands we saw in the distance an unusual disturbance on the surface of the water, which, on our getting nearer, we found to be caused by a school of bottle-nosed whales.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading At sunset heavy woolly-looking clouds began to rise in the south and the wind had a moaning, sad sound.
in the company of; together with
From this reading STORMY WEATHER WE had fine clear weather when leaving Wellington, the sea was smooth so that the “Bertie” made fair speed through the water with every stitch of canvas set.
woolly-looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At sunset heavy woolly-looking clouds began to rise in the south and the wind had a moaning, sad sound.
