used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading To reply would have been a waste of ammunition, for owing to the swirling of the current it was impossible for the crew to take a careful aim at their foes.
acceleratedadjectiveUS /ækˈseləreɪtɪd/
speeded up, as of an academic course
From this reading But, in spite of the accelerated speed of the boat, the implacable Arabs held tenaciously to their tactics of riding ahead and firing volleys from ambush.
at or in the front
From this reading Just before midday an ominous increase in the rate of the stream betokened cataracts or rapids ahead.
aimverbUS /eɪm/
point or cause to go (blows, weapons, or objects such as photographic equipment) towards
From this reading To reply would have been a waste of ammunition, for owing to the swirling of the current it was impossible for the crew to take a careful aim at their foes.
(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 Reeves calculated that nearly five hundred shots had been fired at the boat without much damage being done; but at length one bullet did more harm than all the rest put together.
ambushverbUS /ˈæmbʊʃ/
wait in hiding to attack
From this reading But, in spite of the accelerated speed of the boat, the implacable Arabs held tenaciously to their tactics of riding ahead and firing volleys from ambush.
ammunitionnounUS /ˌæmjəˈnɪʃən/
projectiles to be fired from a gun
From this reading To reply would have been a waste of ammunition, for owing to the swirling of the current it was impossible for the crew to take a careful aim at their foes.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Just before midday an ominous increase in the rate of the stream betokened cataracts or rapids ahead.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading But, in spite of the accelerated speed of the boat, the implacable Arabs held tenaciously to their tactics of riding ahead and firing volleys from ambush.
ArabsnounUS /ˈærəbz/
plural of “arab” — a member of a Semitic people originally from the Arabian peninsula and surrounding territories who speaks Arabic and who inhabits much of the Middle East and northern Africa
From this reading But, in spite of the accelerated speed of the boat, the implacable Arabs held tenaciously to their tactics of riding ahead and firing volleys from ambush.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading To reply would have been a waste of ammunition, for owing to the swirling of the current it was impossible for the crew to take a careful aim at their foes.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading To reply would have been a waste of ammunition, for owing to the swirling of the current it was impossible for the crew to take a careful aim at their foes.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Just before midday an ominous increase in the rate of the stream betokened cataracts or rapids ahead.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Reeves calculated that nearly five hundred shots had been fired at the boat without much damage being done; but at length one bullet did more harm than all the rest put together.
betokened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Just before midday an ominous increase in the rate of the stream betokened cataracts or rapids ahead.
a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading But, in spite of the accelerated speed of the boat, the implacable Arabs held tenaciously to their tactics of riding ahead and firing volleys from ambush.
bulletnounUS /ˈbʊlət/
a projectile that is fired from a gun
From this reading Reeves calculated that nearly five hundred shots had been fired at the boat without much damage being done; but at length one bullet did more harm than all the rest put together.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But, in spite of the accelerated speed of the boat, the implacable Arabs held tenaciously to their tactics of riding ahead and firing volleys from ambush.
calculatedadjectiveUS /ˈkælkjəleɪtɪd/
carefully thought out in advance
From this reading Reeves calculated that nearly five hundred shots had been fired at the boat without much damage being done; but at length one bullet did more harm than all the rest put together.
exercising caution or showing care or attention
From this reading To reply would have been a waste of ammunition, for owing to the swirling of the current it was impossible for the crew to take a careful aim at their foes.
cataractsnounUS /ˈkætərækts/
plural of “cataract” — an eye disease that involves the clouding or opacification of the natural lens of the eye
From this reading Just before midday an ominous increase in the rate of the stream betokened cataracts or rapids ahead.
correspondent's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Perils of the River THE correspondent's fear was only too well grounded.
the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)
From this reading To reply would have been a waste of ammunition, for owing to the swirling of the current it was impossible for the crew to take a careful aim at their foes.
a flow of electricity through a conductor
From this reading To reply would have been a waste of ammunition, for owing to the swirling of the current it was impossible for the crew to take a careful aim at their foes.
damagenounUS /ˈdæmədʒ/
the occurrence of a change for the worse
From this reading Reeves calculated that nearly five hundred shots had been fired at the boat without much damage being done; but at length one bullet did more harm than all the rest put together.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Reeves calculated that nearly five hundred shots had been fired at the boat without much damage being done; but at length one bullet did more harm than all the rest put together.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading Reeves calculated that nearly five hundred shots had been fired at the boat without much damage being done; but at length one bullet did more harm than all the rest put together.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading The Perils of the River THE correspondent's fear was only too well grounded.
firedadjectiveUS /ˈfaɪərd/
having lost your job
From this reading Reeves calculated that nearly five hundred shots had been fired at the boat without much damage being done; but at length one bullet did more harm than all the rest put together.
firingnounUS /ˈfaɪrɪŋ/
the act of firing weapons or artillery at an enemy
From this reading But, in spite of the accelerated speed of the boat, the implacable Arabs held tenaciously to their tactics of riding ahead and firing volleys from ambush.
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading Reeves calculated that nearly five hundred shots had been fired at the boat without much damage being done; but at length one bullet did more harm than all the rest put together.
foesnounUS /foʊz/
plural of “foe” — an armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force)
From this reading To reply would have been a waste of ammunition, for owing to the swirling of the current it was impossible for the crew to take a careful aim at their foes.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading To reply would have been a waste of ammunition, for owing to the swirling of the current it was impossible for the crew to take a careful aim at their foes.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading But, in spite of the accelerated speed of the boat, the implacable Arabs held tenaciously to their tactics of riding ahead and firing volleys from ambush.
groundedverbUS /ˈɡraʊndɪd/
past form of “ground” — fix firmly and stably
From this reading The Perils of the River THE correspondent's fear was only too well grounded.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Reeves calculated that nearly five hundred shots had been fired at the boat without much damage being done; but at length one bullet did more harm than all the rest put together.
any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.
From this reading Reeves calculated that nearly five hundred shots had been fired at the boat without much damage being done; but at length one bullet did more harm than all the rest put together.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading To reply would have been a waste of ammunition, for owing to the swirling of the current it was impossible for the crew to take a careful aim at their foes.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading But, in spite of the accelerated speed of the boat, the implacable Arabs held tenaciously to their tactics of riding ahead and firing volleys from ambush.
ten 10s
From this reading Reeves calculated that nearly five hundred shots had been fired at the boat without much damage being done; but at length one bullet did more harm than all the rest put together.
implacableadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈplækəbəl/
incapable of being placated
From this reading But, in spite of the accelerated speed of the boat, the implacable Arabs held tenaciously to their tactics of riding ahead and firing volleys from ambush.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading To reply would have been a waste of ammunition, for owing to the swirling of the current it was impossible for the crew to take a careful aim at their foes.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Just before midday an ominous increase in the rate of the stream betokened cataracts or rapids ahead.
increasenounUS /ˌɪnˈkriːs/
a quantity that is added
From this reading Just before midday an ominous increase in the rate of the stream betokened cataracts or rapids ahead.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading To reply would have been a waste of ammunition, for owing to the swirling of the current it was impossible for the crew to take a careful aim at their foes.
and nothing more
From this reading Just before midday an ominous increase in the rate of the stream betokened cataracts or rapids ahead.
the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading Reeves calculated that nearly five hundred shots had been fired at the boat without much damage being done; but at length one bullet did more harm than all the rest put together.
middaynounUS /ˈmɪddeɪ/
the middle of the day
From this reading Just before midday an ominous increase in the rate of the stream betokened cataracts or rapids ahead.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Reeves calculated that nearly five hundred shots had been fired at the boat without much damage being done; but at length one bullet did more harm than all the rest put together.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Reeves calculated that nearly five hundred shots had been fired at the boat without much damage being done; but at length one bullet did more harm than all the rest put together.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Reeves calculated that nearly five hundred shots had been fired at the boat without much damage being done; but at length one bullet did more harm than all the rest put together.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Perils of the River THE correspondent's fear was only too well grounded.
ominousadjectiveUS /ˈɑːmənəs/
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
From this reading Just before midday an ominous increase in the rate of the stream betokened cataracts or rapids ahead.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Reeves calculated that nearly five hundred shots had been fired at the boat without much damage being done; but at length one bullet did more harm than all the rest put together.
and nothing more
From this reading The Perils of the River THE correspondent's fear was only too well grounded.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Just before midday an ominous increase in the rate of the stream betokened cataracts or rapids ahead.
owingadjectiveUS /ˈoʊɪŋ/
owed as a debt
From this reading To reply would have been a waste of ammunition, for owing to the swirling of the current it was impossible for the crew to take a careful aim at their foes.
PerilsnounUS /ˈperəlz/
plural of “peril” — a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
From this reading The Perils of the River THE correspondent's fear was only too well grounded.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Reeves calculated that nearly five hundred shots had been fired at the boat without much damage being done; but at length one bullet did more harm than all the rest put together.
rapidsnounUS /ˈræpədz/
plural of “rapid” — a part of a river where the current is very fast
From this reading Just before midday an ominous increase in the rate of the stream betokened cataracts or rapids ahead.
a magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit
From this reading Just before midday an ominous increase in the rate of the stream betokened cataracts or rapids ahead.
ReevesnounUS /riːvz/
plural of “reeve” — female ruff
From this reading Reeves calculated that nearly five hundred shots had been fired at the boat without much damage being done; but at length one bullet did more harm than all the rest put together.
a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
From this reading To reply would have been a waste of ammunition, for owing to the swirling of the current it was impossible for the crew to take a careful aim at their foes.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading Reeves calculated that nearly five hundred shots had been fired at the boat without much damage being done; but at length one bullet did more harm than all the rest put together.
the sport of sitting on the back of a horse while controlling its movements
From this reading But, in spite of the accelerated speed of the boat, the implacable Arabs held tenaciously to their tactics of riding ahead and firing volleys from ambush.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading The Perils of the River THE correspondent's fear was only too well grounded.
shotsnounUS /ʃɑːts/
plural of “shot” — the act of firing a projectile
From this reading Reeves calculated that nearly five hundred shots had been fired at the boat without much damage being done; but at length one bullet did more harm than all the rest put together.
move hurridly
From this reading But, in spite of the accelerated speed of the boat, the implacable Arabs held tenaciously to their tactics of riding ahead and firing volleys from ambush.
feeling a need to see others suffer
From this reading But, in spite of the accelerated speed of the boat, the implacable Arabs held tenaciously to their tactics of riding ahead and firing volleys from ambush.
a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
From this reading Just before midday an ominous increase in the rate of the stream betokened cataracts or rapids ahead.
swirlingverbUS /ˈswɜːrlɪŋ/
-ing form of “swirl” — turn in a twisting or spinning motion
From this reading To reply would have been a waste of ammunition, for owing to the swirling of the current it was impossible for the crew to take a careful aim at their foes.
tacticsnounUS /ˈtæktɪks/
the branch of military science dealing with detailed maneuvers to achieve objectives set by strategy
From this reading But, in spite of the accelerated speed of the boat, the implacable Arabs held tenaciously to their tactics of riding ahead and firing volleys from ambush.
carry out
From this reading To reply would have been a waste of ammunition, for owing to the swirling of the current it was impossible for the crew to take a careful aim at their foes.
tenaciouslyadverbUS /təˈneɪʃəsli/
with obstinate determination
From this reading But, in spite of the accelerated speed of the boat, the implacable Arabs held tenaciously to their tactics of riding ahead and firing volleys from ambush.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Reeves calculated that nearly five hundred shots had been fired at the boat without much damage being done; but at length one bullet did more harm than all the rest put together.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Reeves calculated that nearly five hundred shots had been fired at the boat without much damage being done; but at length one bullet did more harm than all the rest put together.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Perils of the River THE correspondent's fear was only too well grounded.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading But, in spite of the accelerated speed of the boat, the implacable Arabs held tenaciously to their tactics of riding ahead and firing volleys from ambush.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading But, in spite of the accelerated speed of the boat, the implacable Arabs held tenaciously to their tactics of riding ahead and firing volleys from ambush.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading Reeves calculated that nearly five hundred shots had been fired at the boat without much damage being done; but at length one bullet did more harm than all the rest put together.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading The Perils of the River THE correspondent's fear was only too well grounded.
volleysnounUS /ˈvɑːliz/
plural of “volley” — rapid simultaneous discharge of firearms
From this reading But, in spite of the accelerated speed of the boat, the implacable Arabs held tenaciously to their tactics of riding ahead and firing volleys from ambush.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Perils of the River THE correspondent's fear was only too well grounded.
any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted
From this reading To reply would have been a waste of ammunition, for owing to the swirling of the current it was impossible for the crew to take a careful aim at their foes.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading The Perils of the River THE correspondent's fear was only too well grounded.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Reeves calculated that nearly five hundred shots had been fired at the boat without much damage being done; but at length one bullet did more harm than all the rest put together.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading To reply would have been a waste of ammunition, for owing to the swirling of the current it was impossible for the crew to take a careful aim at their foes.
