Chapter III · Guillemots, Razorbill, and Puffin

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Although the Auks are a specialised group, systematists pretty generally agree in associating them more or less closely with the Divers, the Grebes, the Gulls, and the Limicolæ.

plural of “affinity” — (immunology) the attraction between an antigen and an antibody

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

be in accord; be in agreement

From this reading Although the Auks are a specialised group, systematists pretty generally agree in associating them more or less closely with the Divers, the Grebes, the Gulls, and the Limicolæ.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Auks, as they are collectively termed, form the small yet well-defined family Alcidæ.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Although the Auks are a specialised group, systematists pretty generally agree in associating them more or less closely with the Divers, the Grebes, the Gulls, and the Limicolæ.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading The Auks, as they are collectively termed, form the small yet well-defined family Alcidæ.

past form of “associate” — make a logical or causal connection

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

-ing form of “associate” — make a logical or causal connection

From this reading Although the Auks are a specialised group, systematists pretty generally agree in associating them more or less closely with the Divers, the Grebes, the Gulls, and the Limicolæ.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

black-and-white short-necked web-footed diving bird of northern seas

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Auks, as they are collectively termed, form the small yet well-defined family Alcidæ.

plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

elegance by virtue of fineness of manner and expression

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

plural of “change” — an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

plural of “characteristic” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

plural of “cliff” — a steep high face of rock

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

in a close relation or position in time or space

From this reading Although the Auks are a specialised group, systematists pretty generally agree in associating them more or less closely with the Divers, the Grebes, the Gulls, and the Limicolæ.

in conjunction with; combined

From this reading The Auks, as they are collectively termed, form the small yet well-defined family Alcidæ.

too numerous to be counted

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

cause to herd, drive, or crowd together

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

many and different

From this reading Although the Auks are a specialised group, systematists pretty generally agree in associating them more or less closely with the Divers, the Grebes, the Gulls, and the Limicolæ.

a social unit living together

From this reading The Auks, as they are collectively termed, form the small yet well-defined family Alcidæ.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading From whatever point of view we study them, they are intensely interesting birds.

usually; as a rule

From this reading Although the Auks are a specialised group, systematists pretty generally agree in associating them more or less closely with the Divers, the Grebes, the Gulls, and the Limicolæ.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Although the Auks are a specialised group, systematists pretty generally agree in associating them more or less closely with the Divers, the Grebes, the Gulls, and the Limicolæ.

any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading Although the Auks are a specialised group, systematists pretty generally agree in associating them more or less closely with the Divers, the Grebes, the Gulls, and the Limicolæ.

small black or brown speckled auks of northern seas

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

plural of “gull” — a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of

From this reading Although the Auks are a specialised group, systematists pretty generally agree in associating them more or less closely with the Divers, the Grebes, the Gulls, and the Limicolæ.

plural of “habit” — an established custom

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

plural of “haunt” — a frequently visited place

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

plural of “host” — a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

enclosed in the same envelope or package

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

without possibility of separation

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

to a high degree; extremely; in high concentration or density

From this reading From whatever point of view we study them, they are intensely interesting birds.

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

plural of “island” — a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading Although the Auks are a specialised group, systematists pretty generally agree in associating them more or less closely with the Divers, the Grebes, the Gulls, and the Limicolæ.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Although the Auks are a specialised group, systematists pretty generally agree in associating them more or less closely with the Divers, the Grebes, the Gulls, and the Limicolæ.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

of or relating to the sea

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

used to form the superlative

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

above and across; more than

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

the light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading From whatever point of view we study them, they are intensely interesting birds.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading Although the Auks are a specialised group, systematists pretty generally agree in associating them more or less closely with the Divers, the Grebes, the Gulls, and the Limicolæ.

any of two genera of northern seabirds having short necks and brightly colored compressed bills

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

black-and-white northern Atlantic auk having a compressed sharp-edged bill

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The Auks, as they are collectively termed, form the small yet well-defined family Alcidæ.

developed or designed for a special activity or function

From this reading Although the Auks are a specialised group, systematists pretty generally agree in associating them more or less closely with the Divers, the Grebes, the Gulls, and the Limicolæ.

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

(Roman Catholic Church) a devotion consisting of fourteen prayers said before a series of fourteen pictures or carvings representing successive incidents during Jesus' passage from Pilate's house to his crucifixion at Calvary

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading From whatever point of view we study them, they are intensely interesting birds.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Although the Auks are a specialised group, systematists pretty generally agree in associating them more or less closely with the Divers, the Grebes, the Gulls, and the Limicolæ.

past form of “term” — name formally or designate with a term

From this reading The Auks, as they are collectively termed, form the small yet well-defined family Alcidæ.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading From whatever point of view we study them, they are intensely interesting birds.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

in an exhaustive manner

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading From whatever point of view we study them, they are intensely interesting birds.

any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

United States actress and singer (1896-1977)

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading From whatever point of view we study them, they are intensely interesting birds.

having a clean and distinct outline as if precisely cut along the edges

From this reading The Auks, as they are collectively termed, form the small yet well-defined family Alcidæ.

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading From whatever point of view we study them, they are intensely interesting birds.

at the time that

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading _Affinities and Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Guillemot—Brunnich’s Guillemot—Black Guillemot—Razorbill—Little Auk—Puffin._ Few birds are more thoroughly marine in their haunts and their habits than those which are included in the present chapter.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

in the company of; together with

From this reading They are inseparably associated with the sea; they form one of the most interesting features of marine life, whether in summer, when they crowd in countless hosts at their breeding stations upon the cliffs and islands, or in winter, when they spread themselves far and wide over the waste of waters.

but in spite of that

From this reading The Auks, as they are collectively termed, form the small yet well-defined family Alcidæ.