used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A DESPERATE VENTURE Slowly, like a convalescent taking his first walk and as yet doubtful of his strength, the _Hawk_ began to push the seas aside and move ahead.
highly skilled
From this reading The first duty accomplished after the clearing up of the decks was the disposal of the dead, which were placed in canvas bags weighted with firebars to ensure their sinking.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading The first duty accomplished after the clearing up of the decks was the disposal of the dead, which were placed in canvas bags weighted with firebars to ensure their sinking.
at or in the front
From this reading A DESPERATE VENTURE Slowly, like a convalescent taking his first walk and as yet doubtful of his strength, the _Hawk_ began to push the seas aside and move ahead.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A DESPERATE VENTURE Slowly, like a convalescent taking his first walk and as yet doubtful of his strength, the _Hawk_ began to push the seas aside and move ahead.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading There were no prayers, services, or ceremonies of any kind; they were simply dropped over the side....
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A DESPERATE VENTURE Slowly, like a convalescent taking his first walk and as yet doubtful of his strength, the _Hawk_ began to push the seas aside and move ahead.
on or to one side
From this reading A DESPERATE VENTURE Slowly, like a convalescent taking his first walk and as yet doubtful of his strength, the _Hawk_ began to push the seas aside and move ahead.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading In the hold Calamity and the mate were at work with their coats off and shirt-sleeves rolled up.
bagsnounUS /bæɡz/
plural of “bag” — a flexible container with a single opening
From this reading The first duty accomplished after the clearing up of the decks was the disposal of the dead, which were placed in canvas bags weighted with firebars to ensure their sinking.
bangingnounUS /ˈbæŋɪŋ/
a continuing very loud noise
From this reading The engines, instead of working with rhythmic regularity, were banging and thumping in jerky spasms--still, they were working--the bridge shook with their ponderous vibrations, while the wire funnel stays tautened and slacked as the smokestack quivered.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading A DESPERATE VENTURE Slowly, like a convalescent taking his first walk and as yet doubtful of his strength, the _Hawk_ began to push the seas aside and move ahead.
a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.
From this reading The engines, instead of working with rhythmic regularity, were banging and thumping in jerky spasms--still, they were working--the bridge shook with their ponderous vibrations, while the wire funnel stays tautened and slacked as the smokestack quivered.
CalamitynounUS /kəˈlæməti/
an event resulting in great loss and misfortune
From this reading In the hold Calamity and the mate were at work with their coats off and shirt-sleeves rolled up.
canvasnounUS /ˈkænvəs/
a heavy, closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or sails or tents)
From this reading The first duty accomplished after the clearing up of the decks was the disposal of the dead, which were placed in canvas bags weighted with firebars to ensure their sinking.
ceremoniesnounUS /ˈserəmoʊniz/
plural of “ceremony” — a formal event performed on a special occasion
From this reading There were no prayers, services, or ceremonies of any kind; they were simply dropped over the side....
clearingnounUS /ˈklɪrɪŋ/
a tract of land with few or no trees in the middle of a wooded area
From this reading The first duty accomplished after the clearing up of the decks was the disposal of the dead, which were placed in canvas bags weighted with firebars to ensure their sinking.
coatsnounUS /koʊts/
plural of “coat” — an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors
From this reading In the hold Calamity and the mate were at work with their coats off and shirt-sleeves rolled up.
convalescentnounUS /ˌkɑːnvəˈlesənt/
a person who is recovering from illness
From this reading A DESPERATE VENTURE Slowly, like a convalescent taking his first walk and as yet doubtful of his strength, the _Hawk_ began to push the seas aside and move ahead.
no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life
From this reading The first duty accomplished after the clearing up of the decks was the disposal of the dead, which were placed in canvas bags weighted with firebars to ensure their sinking.
decksnounUS /deks/
plural of “deck” — any of various platforms built into a vessel
From this reading The first duty accomplished after the clearing up of the decks was the disposal of the dead, which were placed in canvas bags weighted with firebars to ensure their sinking.
arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope
From this reading A DESPERATE VENTURE Slowly, like a convalescent taking his first walk and as yet doubtful of his strength, the _Hawk_ began to push the seas aside and move ahead.
disposalnounUS /dɪˈspoʊzəl/
the power to use something or someone
From this reading The first duty accomplished after the clearing up of the decks was the disposal of the dead, which were placed in canvas bags weighted with firebars to ensure their sinking.
doubtfuladjectiveUS /ˈdaʊtfəl/
open to doubt or suspicion
From this reading A DESPERATE VENTURE Slowly, like a convalescent taking his first walk and as yet doubtful of his strength, the _Hawk_ began to push the seas aside and move ahead.
inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground
From this reading There were no prayers, services, or ceremonies of any kind; they were simply dropped over the side....
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading The first duty accomplished after the clearing up of the decks was the disposal of the dead, which were placed in canvas bags weighted with firebars to ensure their sinking.
enginesnounUS /ˈendʒənz/
plural of “engine” — motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work
From this reading The engines, instead of working with rhythmic regularity, were banging and thumping in jerky spasms--still, they were working--the bridge shook with their ponderous vibrations, while the wire funnel stays tautened and slacked as the smokestack quivered.
ensureverbUS /enˈʃʊr/
make certain of
From this reading The first duty accomplished after the clearing up of the decks was the disposal of the dead, which were placed in canvas bags weighted with firebars to ensure their sinking.
firebars
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first duty accomplished after the clearing up of the decks was the disposal of the dead, which were placed in canvas bags weighted with firebars to ensure their sinking.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading A DESPERATE VENTURE Slowly, like a convalescent taking his first walk and as yet doubtful of his strength, the _Hawk_ began to push the seas aside and move ahead.
funnelnounUS /ˈfʌnəl/
a conical shape with a wider and a narrower opening at the two ends
From this reading The engines, instead of working with rhythmic regularity, were banging and thumping in jerky spasms--still, they were working--the bridge shook with their ponderous vibrations, while the wire funnel stays tautened and slacked as the smokestack quivered.
HawknounUS /hɔːk/
diurnal bird of prey typically having short rounded wings and a long tail
From this reading A DESPERATE VENTURE Slowly, like a convalescent taking his first walk and as yet doubtful of his strength, the _Hawk_ began to push the seas aside and move ahead.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A DESPERATE VENTURE Slowly, like a convalescent taking his first walk and as yet doubtful of his strength, the _Hawk_ began to push the seas aside and move ahead.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading In the hold Calamity and the mate were at work with their coats off and shirt-sleeves rolled up.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The engines, instead of working with rhythmic regularity, were banging and thumping in jerky spasms--still, they were working--the bridge shook with their ponderous vibrations, while the wire funnel stays tautened and slacked as the smokestack quivered.
in place of, or as an alternative to
From this reading The engines, instead of working with rhythmic regularity, were banging and thumping in jerky spasms--still, they were working--the bridge shook with their ponderous vibrations, while the wire funnel stays tautened and slacked as the smokestack quivered.
jerkyadjectiveUS /ˈdʒɜːrki/
lacking a steady rhythm
From this reading The engines, instead of working with rhythmic regularity, were banging and thumping in jerky spasms--still, they were working--the bridge shook with their ponderous vibrations, while the wire funnel stays tautened and slacked as the smokestack quivered.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading There were no prayers, services, or ceremonies of any kind; they were simply dropped over the side....
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading A DESPERATE VENTURE Slowly, like a convalescent taking his first walk and as yet doubtful of his strength, the _Hawk_ began to push the seas aside and move ahead.
the officer below the master on a commercial ship
From this reading In the hold Calamity and the mate were at work with their coats off and shirt-sleeves rolled up.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading A DESPERATE VENTURE Slowly, like a convalescent taking his first walk and as yet doubtful of his strength, the _Hawk_ began to push the seas aside and move ahead.
not any; not one
From this reading There were no prayers, services, or ceremonies of any kind; they were simply dropped over the side....
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A DESPERATE VENTURE Slowly, like a convalescent taking his first walk and as yet doubtful of his strength, the _Hawk_ began to push the seas aside and move ahead.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading In the hold Calamity and the mate were at work with their coats off and shirt-sleeves rolled up.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading There were no prayers, services, or ceremonies of any kind; they were simply dropped over the side....
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading There were no prayers, services, or ceremonies of any kind; they were simply dropped over the side....
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading The first duty accomplished after the clearing up of the decks was the disposal of the dead, which were placed in canvas bags weighted with firebars to ensure their sinking.
ponderousadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːndərəs/
slow and laborious because of weight
From this reading The engines, instead of working with rhythmic regularity, were banging and thumping in jerky spasms--still, they were working--the bridge shook with their ponderous vibrations, while the wire funnel stays tautened and slacked as the smokestack quivered.
plural of “prayer” — the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)
From this reading There were no prayers, services, or ceremonies of any kind; they were simply dropped over the side....
pushverbUS /pʊʃ/
move with force
From this reading A DESPERATE VENTURE Slowly, like a convalescent taking his first walk and as yet doubtful of his strength, the _Hawk_ began to push the seas aside and move ahead.
quivered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The engines, instead of working with rhythmic regularity, were banging and thumping in jerky spasms--still, they were working--the bridge shook with their ponderous vibrations, while the wire funnel stays tautened and slacked as the smokestack quivered.
regularitynounUS /ˌreɡjəˈlerəti/
a property of polygons: the property of having equal sides and equal angles
From this reading The engines, instead of working with rhythmic regularity, were banging and thumping in jerky spasms--still, they were working--the bridge shook with their ponderous vibrations, while the wire funnel stays tautened and slacked as the smokestack quivered.
rhythmicadjectiveUS /ˈrɪðmɪk/
recurring with measured regularity
From this reading The engines, instead of working with rhythmic regularity, were banging and thumping in jerky spasms--still, they were working--the bridge shook with their ponderous vibrations, while the wire funnel stays tautened and slacked as the smokestack quivered.
especially of petals or leaves in bud; having margins rolled inward
From this reading In the hold Calamity and the mate were at work with their coats off and shirt-sleeves rolled up.
plural of “sea” — a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading A DESPERATE VENTURE Slowly, like a convalescent taking his first walk and as yet doubtful of his strength, the _Hawk_ began to push the seas aside and move ahead.
performance of duties or provision of space and equipment helpful to others
From this reading There were no prayers, services, or ceremonies of any kind; they were simply dropped over the side....
shirt-sleeves
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the hold Calamity and the mate were at work with their coats off and shirt-sleeves rolled up.
a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment
From this reading The engines, instead of working with rhythmic regularity, were banging and thumping in jerky spasms--still, they were working--the bridge shook with their ponderous vibrations, while the wire funnel stays tautened and slacked as the smokestack quivered.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading There were no prayers, services, or ceremonies of any kind; they were simply dropped over the side....
and nothing more
From this reading There were no prayers, services, or ceremonies of any kind; they were simply dropped over the side....
sinkingnounUS /ˈsɪŋkɪŋ/
a descent as through liquid (especially through water)
From this reading The first duty accomplished after the clearing up of the decks was the disposal of the dead, which were placed in canvas bags weighted with firebars to ensure their sinking.
slackedverbUS /slækt/
past form of “slack” — avoid responsibilities and work, be idle
From this reading The engines, instead of working with rhythmic regularity, were banging and thumping in jerky spasms--still, they were working--the bridge shook with their ponderous vibrations, while the wire funnel stays tautened and slacked as the smokestack quivered.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading A DESPERATE VENTURE Slowly, like a convalescent taking his first walk and as yet doubtful of his strength, the _Hawk_ began to push the seas aside and move ahead.
smokestacknounUS /ˈsmoʊkstæk/
a large tall chimney through which combustion gases and smoke can be evacuated
From this reading The engines, instead of working with rhythmic regularity, were banging and thumping in jerky spasms--still, they were working--the bridge shook with their ponderous vibrations, while the wire funnel stays tautened and slacked as the smokestack quivered.
spasmsnounUS /ˈspæzəmz/
plural of “spasm” — a painful and involuntary muscular contraction
From this reading The engines, instead of working with rhythmic regularity, were banging and thumping in jerky spasms--still, they were working--the bridge shook with their ponderous vibrations, while the wire funnel stays tautened and slacked as the smokestack quivered.
staysnounUS /steɪz/
a woman's close-fitting foundation garment
From this reading The engines, instead of working with rhythmic regularity, were banging and thumping in jerky spasms--still, they were working--the bridge shook with their ponderous vibrations, while the wire funnel stays tautened and slacked as the smokestack quivered.
not in physical motion
From this reading The engines, instead of working with rhythmic regularity, were banging and thumping in jerky spasms--still, they were working--the bridge shook with their ponderous vibrations, while the wire funnel stays tautened and slacked as the smokestack quivered.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading A DESPERATE VENTURE Slowly, like a convalescent taking his first walk and as yet doubtful of his strength, the _Hawk_ began to push the seas aside and move ahead.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading A DESPERATE VENTURE Slowly, like a convalescent taking his first walk and as yet doubtful of his strength, the _Hawk_ began to push the seas aside and move ahead.
tautened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The engines, instead of working with rhythmic regularity, were banging and thumping in jerky spasms--still, they were working--the bridge shook with their ponderous vibrations, while the wire funnel stays tautened and slacked as the smokestack quivered.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A DESPERATE VENTURE Slowly, like a convalescent taking his first walk and as yet doubtful of his strength, the _Hawk_ began to push the seas aside and move ahead.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The engines, instead of working with rhythmic regularity, were banging and thumping in jerky spasms--still, they were working--the bridge shook with their ponderous vibrations, while the wire funnel stays tautened and slacked as the smokestack quivered.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There were no prayers, services, or ceremonies of any kind; they were simply dropped over the side....
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The engines, instead of working with rhythmic regularity, were banging and thumping in jerky spasms--still, they were working--the bridge shook with their ponderous vibrations, while the wire funnel stays tautened and slacked as the smokestack quivered.
thumpingnounUS /ˈθʌmpɪŋ/
a heavy dull sound (as made by impact of heavy objects)
From this reading The engines, instead of working with rhythmic regularity, were banging and thumping in jerky spasms--still, they were working--the bridge shook with their ponderous vibrations, while the wire funnel stays tautened and slacked as the smokestack quivered.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A DESPERATE VENTURE Slowly, like a convalescent taking his first walk and as yet doubtful of his strength, the _Hawk_ began to push the seas aside and move ahead.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The first duty accomplished after the clearing up of the decks was the disposal of the dead, which were placed in canvas bags weighted with firebars to ensure their sinking.
any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome
From this reading A DESPERATE VENTURE Slowly, like a convalescent taking his first walk and as yet doubtful of his strength, the _Hawk_ began to push the seas aside and move ahead.
vibrationsnounUS /vaɪˈbreɪʃənz/
plural of “vibration” — the act of vibrating
From this reading The engines, instead of working with rhythmic regularity, were banging and thumping in jerky spasms--still, they were working--the bridge shook with their ponderous vibrations, while the wire funnel stays tautened and slacked as the smokestack quivered.
the act of traveling by foot
From this reading A DESPERATE VENTURE Slowly, like a convalescent taking his first walk and as yet doubtful of his strength, the _Hawk_ began to push the seas aside and move ahead.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The first duty accomplished after the clearing up of the decks was the disposal of the dead, which were placed in canvas bags weighted with firebars to ensure their sinking.
weightedadjectiveUS /ˈweɪtɪd/
made heavy or weighted down with weariness
From this reading The first duty accomplished after the clearing up of the decks was the disposal of the dead, which were placed in canvas bags weighted with firebars to ensure their sinking.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The engines, instead of working with rhythmic regularity, were banging and thumping in jerky spasms--still, they were working--the bridge shook with their ponderous vibrations, while the wire funnel stays tautened and slacked as the smokestack quivered.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The first duty accomplished after the clearing up of the decks was the disposal of the dead, which were placed in canvas bags weighted with firebars to ensure their sinking.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading The engines, instead of working with rhythmic regularity, were banging and thumping in jerky spasms--still, they were working--the bridge shook with their ponderous vibrations, while the wire funnel stays tautened and slacked as the smokestack quivered.
ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc
From this reading The engines, instead of working with rhythmic regularity, were banging and thumping in jerky spasms--still, they were working--the bridge shook with their ponderous vibrations, while the wire funnel stays tautened and slacked as the smokestack quivered.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The engines, instead of working with rhythmic regularity, were banging and thumping in jerky spasms--still, they were working--the bridge shook with their ponderous vibrations, while the wire funnel stays tautened and slacked as the smokestack quivered.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading In the hold Calamity and the mate were at work with their coats off and shirt-sleeves rolled up.
actively engaged in paid work
From this reading The engines, instead of working with rhythmic regularity, were banging and thumping in jerky spasms--still, they were working--the bridge shook with their ponderous vibrations, while the wire funnel stays tautened and slacked as the smokestack quivered.
but in spite of that
From this reading A DESPERATE VENTURE Slowly, like a convalescent taking his first walk and as yet doubtful of his strength, the _Hawk_ began to push the seas aside and move ahead.
