Chapter VI · Petrels

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Their crepuscular, or nocturnal, habits during their short visits to the land to breed, their sombre hues, their low flight, just above the waves, all combine in rendering these birds exceptionally difficult of observation.

(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 _Petrels—Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Fulmar Petrel—Fork-tailed Petrel—Stormy Petrel—Manx Shearwater._ Of all sea-birds, the Petrels are the most pelagic.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading The Petrels present such exclusively distinctive characters that many systematists relegate them to an order by themselves.

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

From this reading They are the birds of the wide ocean, even showing small partiality for narrow seas, and chiefly frequenting for breeding purposes only such spots as face the widest expanses of water.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading They are the most marine of birds, yet they form one of the least apparent features in the bird-life of the sea, and more especially when that bird-life is studied from the coast.

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

From this reading _Petrels—Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Fulmar Petrel—Fork-tailed Petrel—Stormy Petrel—Manx Shearwater._ Of all sea-birds, the Petrels are the most pelagic.

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

From this reading They are the birds of the wide ocean, even showing small partiality for narrow seas, and chiefly frequenting for breeding purposes only such spots as face the widest expanses of water.

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

From this reading They are the most marine of birds, yet they form one of the least apparent features in the bird-life of the sea, and more especially when that bird-life is studied from the coast.

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

From this reading They are the birds of the wide ocean, even showing small partiality for narrow seas, and chiefly frequenting for breeding purposes only such spots as face the widest expanses of water.

call forth

From this reading Their crepuscular, or nocturnal, habits during their short visits to the land to breed, their sombre hues, their low flight, just above the waves, all combine in rendering these birds exceptionally difficult of observation.

elegance by virtue of fineness of manner and expression

From this reading They are the birds of the wide ocean, even showing small partiality for narrow seas, and chiefly frequenting for breeding purposes only such spots as face the widest expanses of water.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The Petrels present such exclusively distinctive characters that many systematists relegate them to an order by themselves.

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

From this reading _Petrels—Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Fulmar Petrel—Fork-tailed Petrel—Stormy Petrel—Manx Shearwater._ Of all sea-birds, the Petrels are the most pelagic.

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

From this reading _Petrels—Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Fulmar Petrel—Fork-tailed Petrel—Stormy Petrel—Manx Shearwater._ Of all sea-birds, the Petrels are the most pelagic.

plural of “character” — an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading The Petrels present such exclusively distinctive characters that many systematists relegate them to an order by themselves.

for the most part

From this reading They are the birds of the wide ocean, even showing small partiality for narrow seas, and chiefly frequenting for breeding purposes only such spots as face the widest expanses of water.

the shore of a sea or ocean

From this reading They are the most marine of birds, yet they form one of the least apparent features in the bird-life of the sea, and more especially when that bird-life is studied from the coast.

have or possess in combination

From this reading Their crepuscular, or nocturnal, habits during their short visits to the land to breed, their sombre hues, their low flight, just above the waves, all combine in rendering these birds exceptionally difficult of observation.

like twilight; dim

From this reading Their crepuscular, or nocturnal, habits during their short visits to the land to breed, their sombre hues, their low flight, just above the waves, all combine in rendering these birds exceptionally difficult of observation.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading Their crepuscular, or nocturnal, habits during their short visits to the land to breed, their sombre hues, their low flight, just above the waves, all combine in rendering these birds exceptionally difficult of observation.

of a feature that helps to distinguish a person or thing

From this reading The Petrels present such exclusively distinctive characters that many systematists relegate them to an order by themselves.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading Their crepuscular, or nocturnal, habits during their short visits to the land to breed, their sombre hues, their low flight, just above the waves, all combine in rendering these birds exceptionally difficult of observation.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading They are the most marine of birds, yet they form one of the least apparent features in the bird-life of the sea, and more especially when that bird-life is studied from the coast.

divisible by two

From this reading They are the birds of the wide ocean, even showing small partiality for narrow seas, and chiefly frequenting for breeding purposes only such spots as face the widest expanses of water.

to an exceptional degree

From this reading Their crepuscular, or nocturnal, habits during their short visits to the land to breed, their sombre hues, their low flight, just above the waves, all combine in rendering these birds exceptionally difficult of observation.

without any others being included or involved

From this reading The Petrels present such exclusively distinctive characters that many systematists relegate them to an order by themselves.

plural of “expanse” — a wide scope

From this reading They are the birds of the wide ocean, even showing small partiality for narrow seas, and chiefly frequenting for breeding purposes only such spots as face the widest expanses of water.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading They are the birds of the wide ocean, even showing small partiality for narrow seas, and chiefly frequenting for breeding purposes only such spots as face the widest expanses of water.

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

From this reading They are the most marine of birds, yet they form one of the least apparent features in the bird-life of the sea, and more especially when that bird-life is studied from the coast.

a formation of aircraft in flight

From this reading Their crepuscular, or nocturnal, habits during their short visits to the land to breed, their sombre hues, their low flight, just above the waves, all combine in rendering these birds exceptionally difficult of observation.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading They are the birds of the wide ocean, even showing small partiality for narrow seas, and chiefly frequenting for breeding purposes only such spots as face the widest expanses of water.

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

From this reading _Petrels—Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Fulmar Petrel—Fork-tailed Petrel—Stormy Petrel—Manx Shearwater._ Of all sea-birds, the Petrels are the most pelagic.

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

From this reading They are the most marine of birds, yet they form one of the least apparent features in the bird-life of the sea, and more especially when that bird-life is studied from the coast.

-ing form of “frequent” — do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of

From this reading They are the birds of the wide ocean, even showing small partiality for narrow seas, and chiefly frequenting for breeding purposes only such spots as face the widest expanses of water.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading They are the most marine of birds, yet they form one of the least apparent features in the bird-life of the sea, and more especially when that bird-life is studied from the coast.

heavy short-tailed oceanic bird of polar regions

From this reading _Petrels—Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Fulmar Petrel—Fork-tailed Petrel—Stormy Petrel—Manx Shearwater._ Of all sea-birds, the Petrels are the most pelagic.

plural of “habit” — an established custom

From this reading Their crepuscular, or nocturnal, habits during their short visits to the land to breed, their sombre hues, their low flight, just above the waves, all combine in rendering these birds exceptionally difficult of observation.

plural of “hue” — the quality of a color as determined by its dominant wavelength

From this reading Their crepuscular, or nocturnal, habits during their short visits to the land to breed, their sombre hues, their low flight, just above the waves, all combine in rendering these birds exceptionally difficult of observation.

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

From this reading They are the most marine of birds, yet they form one of the least apparent features in the bird-life of the sea, and more especially when that bird-life is studied from the coast.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading They are the most marine of birds, yet they form one of the least apparent features in the bird-life of the sea, and more especially when that bird-life is studied from the coast.

and nothing more

From this reading Their crepuscular, or nocturnal, habits during their short visits to the land to breed, their sombre hues, their low flight, just above the waves, all combine in rendering these birds exceptionally difficult of observation.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading Their crepuscular, or nocturnal, habits during their short visits to the land to breed, their sombre hues, their low flight, just above the waves, all combine in rendering these birds exceptionally difficult of observation.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading They are the most marine of birds, yet they form one of the least apparent features in the bird-life of the sea, and more especially when that bird-life is studied from the coast.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Their crepuscular, or nocturnal, habits during their short visits to the land to breed, their sombre hues, their low flight, just above the waves, all combine in rendering these birds exceptionally difficult of observation.

the ancient Gaelic formerly spoken on the Isle of Man; the language is sometimes used on ceremonial occasions

From this reading _Petrels—Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Fulmar Petrel—Fork-tailed Petrel—Stormy Petrel—Manx Shearwater._ Of all sea-birds, the Petrels are the most pelagic.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading The Petrels present such exclusively distinctive characters that many systematists relegate them to an order by themselves.

of or relating to the sea

From this reading They are the most marine of birds, yet they form one of the least apparent features in the bird-life of the sea, and more especially when that bird-life is studied from the coast.

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

From this reading They are the most marine of birds, yet they form one of the least apparent features in the bird-life of the sea, and more especially when that bird-life is studied from the coast.

used to form the superlative

From this reading _Petrels—Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Fulmar Petrel—Fork-tailed Petrel—Stormy Petrel—Manx Shearwater._ Of all sea-birds, the Petrels are the most pelagic.

make or become more narrow or restricted

From this reading They are the birds of the wide ocean, even showing small partiality for narrow seas, and chiefly frequenting for breeding purposes only such spots as face the widest expanses of water.

belonging to or active during the night

From this reading Their crepuscular, or nocturnal, habits during their short visits to the land to breed, their sombre hues, their low flight, just above the waves, all combine in rendering these birds exceptionally difficult of observation.

the act of making and recording a measurement

From this reading Their crepuscular, or nocturnal, habits during their short visits to the land to breed, their sombre hues, their low flight, just above the waves, all combine in rendering these birds exceptionally difficult of observation.

a large body of water constituting a principal part of the hydrosphere

From this reading They are the birds of the wide ocean, even showing small partiality for narrow seas, and chiefly frequenting for breeding purposes only such spots as face the widest expanses of water.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _Petrels—Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Fulmar Petrel—Fork-tailed Petrel—Stormy Petrel—Manx Shearwater._ Of all sea-birds, the Petrels are the most pelagic.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading They are the most marine of birds, yet they form one of the least apparent features in the bird-life of the sea, and more especially when that bird-life is studied from the coast.

and nothing more

From this reading They are the birds of the wide ocean, even showing small partiality for narrow seas, and chiefly frequenting for breeding purposes only such spots as face the widest expanses of water.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Their crepuscular, or nocturnal, habits during their short visits to the land to breed, their sombre hues, their low flight, just above the waves, all combine in rendering these birds exceptionally difficult of observation.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading The Petrels present such exclusively distinctive characters that many systematists relegate them to an order by themselves.

a predisposition to like something

From this reading They are the birds of the wide ocean, even showing small partiality for narrow seas, and chiefly frequenting for breeding purposes only such spots as face the widest expanses of water.

relating to or occurring or living in or frequenting the open ocean

From this reading _Petrels—Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Fulmar Petrel—Fork-tailed Petrel—Stormy Petrel—Manx Shearwater._ Of all sea-birds, the Petrels are the most pelagic.

relatively small long-winged tube-nosed bird that flies far from land

From this reading _Petrels—Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Fulmar Petrel—Fork-tailed Petrel—Stormy Petrel—Manx Shearwater._ Of all sea-birds, the Petrels are the most pelagic.

plural of “petrel” — relatively small long-winged tube-nosed bird that flies far from land

From this reading _Petrels—Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Fulmar Petrel—Fork-tailed Petrel—Stormy Petrel—Manx Shearwater._ Of all sea-birds, the Petrels are the most pelagic.

the light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds

From this reading _Petrels—Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Fulmar Petrel—Fork-tailed Petrel—Stormy Petrel—Manx Shearwater._ Of all sea-birds, the Petrels are the most pelagic.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading The Petrels present such exclusively distinctive characters that many systematists relegate them to an order by themselves.

plural of “purpose” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading They are the birds of the wide ocean, even showing small partiality for narrow seas, and chiefly frequenting for breeding purposes only such spots as face the widest expanses of water.

refer to another person for decision or judgment

From this reading The Petrels present such exclusively distinctive characters that many systematists relegate them to an order by themselves.

a performance of a musical composition or a dramatic role etc.

From this reading Their crepuscular, or nocturnal, habits during their short visits to the land to breed, their sombre hues, their low flight, just above the waves, all combine in rendering these birds exceptionally difficult of observation.

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

From this reading They are the most marine of birds, yet they form one of the least apparent features in the bird-life of the sea, and more especially when that bird-life is studied from the coast.

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

From this reading _Petrels—Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Fulmar Petrel—Fork-tailed Petrel—Stormy Petrel—Manx Shearwater._ Of all sea-birds, the Petrels are the most pelagic.

plural of “sea” — a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading They are the birds of the wide ocean, even showing small partiality for narrow seas, and chiefly frequenting for breeding purposes only such spots as face the widest expanses of water.

long-winged oceanic bird that in flight skims close to the waves

From this reading _Petrels—Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Fulmar Petrel—Fork-tailed Petrel—Stormy Petrel—Manx Shearwater._ Of all sea-birds, the Petrels are the most pelagic.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading Their crepuscular, or nocturnal, habits during their short visits to the land to breed, their sombre hues, their low flight, just above the waves, all combine in rendering these birds exceptionally difficult of observation.

the display of a motion picture

From this reading They are the birds of the wide ocean, even showing small partiality for narrow seas, and chiefly frequenting for breeding purposes only such spots as face the widest expanses of water.

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

From this reading They are the birds of the wide ocean, even showing small partiality for narrow seas, and chiefly frequenting for breeding purposes only such spots as face the widest expanses of water.

lacking brightness or color; dull

From this reading Their crepuscular, or nocturnal, habits during their short visits to the land to breed, their sombre hues, their low flight, just above the waves, all combine in rendering these birds exceptionally difficult of observation.

spots before the eyes caused by opaque cell fragments in the vitreous humor and lens

From this reading They are the birds of the wide ocean, even showing small partiality for narrow seas, and chiefly frequenting for breeding purposes only such spots as face the widest expanses of water.

(especially of weather) affected or characterized by storms or commotion

From this reading _Petrels—Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Fulmar Petrel—Fork-tailed Petrel—Stormy Petrel—Manx Shearwater._ Of all sea-birds, the Petrels are the most pelagic.

produced or marked by conscious design or premeditation

From this reading They are the most marine of birds, yet they form one of the least apparent features in the bird-life of the sea, and more especially when that bird-life is studied from the coast.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading They are the birds of the wide ocean, even showing small partiality for narrow seas, and chiefly frequenting for breeding purposes only such spots as face the widest expanses of water.

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

From this reading The Petrels present such exclusively distinctive characters that many systematists relegate them to an order by themselves.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading They are the most marine of birds, yet they form one of the least apparent features in the bird-life of the sea, and more especially when that bird-life is studied from the coast.

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

From this reading _Petrels—Characteristics—Changes of Plumage—Fulmar Petrel—Fork-tailed Petrel—Stormy Petrel—Manx Shearwater._ Of all sea-birds, the Petrels are the most pelagic.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Their crepuscular, or nocturnal, habits during their short visits to the land to breed, their sombre hues, their low flight, just above the waves, all combine in rendering these birds exceptionally difficult of observation.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The Petrels present such exclusively distinctive characters that many systematists relegate them to an order by themselves.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading The Petrels present such exclusively distinctive characters that many systematists relegate them to an order by themselves.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Their crepuscular, or nocturnal, habits during their short visits to the land to breed, their sombre hues, their low flight, just above the waves, all combine in rendering these birds exceptionally difficult of observation.

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

From this reading They are the birds of the wide ocean, even showing small partiality for narrow seas, and chiefly frequenting for breeding purposes only such spots as face the widest expanses of water.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Their crepuscular, or nocturnal, habits during their short visits to the land to breed, their sombre hues, their low flight, just above the waves, all combine in rendering these birds exceptionally difficult of observation.

plural of “visit” — the act of going to see some person or place or thing for a short time

From this reading Their crepuscular, or nocturnal, habits during their short visits to the land to breed, their sombre hues, their low flight, just above the waves, all combine in rendering these birds exceptionally difficult of observation.

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 They are the birds of the wide ocean, even showing small partiality for narrow seas, and chiefly frequenting for breeding purposes only such spots as face the widest expanses of water.

plural of “wave” — one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)

From this reading Their crepuscular, or nocturnal, habits during their short visits to the land to breed, their sombre hues, their low flight, just above the waves, all combine in rendering these birds exceptionally difficult of observation.

at the time that

From this reading They are the most marine of birds, yet they form one of the least apparent features in the bird-life of the sea, and more especially when that bird-life is studied from the coast.

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

From this reading They are the birds of the wide ocean, even showing small partiality for narrow seas, and chiefly frequenting for breeding purposes only such spots as face the widest expanses of water.

superlative of “wide” — having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading They are the birds of the wide ocean, even showing small partiality for narrow seas, and chiefly frequenting for breeding purposes only such spots as face the widest expanses of water.

but in spite of that

From this reading They are the most marine of birds, yet they form one of the least apparent features in the bird-life of the sea, and more especially when that bird-life is studied from the coast.