used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading We had better retrace our steps a bit, Wynn; for the ice is probably unsound for some distance about that split.'
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading We had better retrace our steps a bit, Wynn; for the ice is probably unsound for some distance about that split.'
(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 An instant more of such rapid progression would have sunk them in it, beyond all hope.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading An instant more of such rapid progression would have sunk them in it, beyond all hope.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading 'Live and learn, they say,' remarked Sam Holt, rising from his prostrate position beside the cargo; 'and I certainly had yet to learn that breathing-holes could form at such an early period in the winter as this.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading 'Live and learn, they say,' remarked Sam Holt, rising from his prostrate position beside the cargo; 'and I certainly had yet to learn that breathing-holes could form at such an early period in the winter as this.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading 'Live and learn, they say,' remarked Sam Holt, rising from his prostrate position beside the cargo; 'and I certainly had yet to learn that breathing-holes could form at such an early period in the winter as this.
next to; at the side of
From this reading 'Live and learn, they say,' remarked Sam Holt, rising from his prostrate position beside the cargo; 'and I certainly had yet to learn that breathing-holes could form at such an early period in the winter as this.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading We had better retrace our steps a bit, Wynn; for the ice is probably unsound for some distance about that split.'
on the far side of; further than
From this reading An instant more of such rapid progression would have sunk them in it, beyond all hope.
a small piece or quantity of something
From this reading We had better retrace our steps a bit, Wynn; for the ice is probably unsound for some distance about that split.'
breathing-holes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'Live and learn, they say,' remarked Sam Holt, rising from his prostrate position beside the cargo; 'and I certainly had yet to learn that breathing-holes could form at such an early period in the winter as this.
a slight wind (usually refreshing)
From this reading During the momentary pause that followed the bringing up of the ice-boat broadside to the breeze, they could hear the fluctuating surge of deep waters, sucking, plunging--in that large dark patch on the ice.
the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)
From this reading During the momentary pause that followed the bringing up of the ice-boat broadside to the breeze, they could hear the fluctuating surge of deep waters, sucking, plunging--in that large dark patch on the ice.
broadsidenounUS /ˈbrɔːdsaɪd/
an advertisement (usually printed on a page or in a leaflet) intended for wide distribution
From this reading During the momentary pause that followed the bringing up of the ice-boat broadside to the breeze, they could hear the fluctuating surge of deep waters, sucking, plunging--in that large dark patch on the ice.
cargonounUS /ˈkɑːrɡoʊ/
goods carried by a large vehicle
From this reading 'Live and learn, they say,' remarked Sam Holt, rising from his prostrate position beside the cargo; 'and I certainly had yet to learn that breathing-holes could form at such an early period in the winter as this.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading 'Live and learn, they say,' remarked Sam Holt, rising from his prostrate position beside the cargo; 'and I certainly had yet to learn that breathing-holes could form at such an early period in the winter as this.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading During the momentary pause that followed the bringing up of the ice-boat broadside to the breeze, they could hear the fluctuating surge of deep waters, sucking, plunging--in that large dark patch on the ice.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading During the momentary pause that followed the bringing up of the ice-boat broadside to the breeze, they could hear the fluctuating surge of deep waters, sucking, plunging--in that large dark patch on the ice.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading During the momentary pause that followed the bringing up of the ice-boat broadside to the breeze, they could hear the fluctuating surge of deep waters, sucking, plunging--in that large dark patch on the ice.
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading We had better retrace our steps a bit, Wynn; for the ice is probably unsound for some distance about that split.'
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading During the momentary pause that followed the bringing up of the ice-boat broadside to the breeze, they could hear the fluctuating surge of deep waters, sucking, plunging--in that large dark patch on the ice.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading 'Live and learn, they say,' remarked Sam Holt, rising from his prostrate position beside the cargo; 'and I certainly had yet to learn that breathing-holes could form at such an early period in the winter as this.
fluctuatingadjectiveUS /ˈflʌktʃəweɪtɪŋ/
having unpredictable ups and downs
From this reading During the momentary pause that followed the bringing up of the ice-boat broadside to the breeze, they could hear the fluctuating surge of deep waters, sucking, plunging--in that large dark patch on the ice.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading During the momentary pause that followed the bringing up of the ice-boat broadside to the breeze, they could hear the fluctuating surge of deep waters, sucking, plunging--in that large dark patch on the ice.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading We had better retrace our steps a bit, Wynn; for the ice is probably unsound for some distance about that split.'
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading THE FOREST MAN.
the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading 'Live and learn, they say,' remarked Sam Holt, rising from his prostrate position beside the cargo; 'and I certainly had yet to learn that breathing-holes could form at such an early period in the winter as this.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading 'Live and learn, they say,' remarked Sam Holt, rising from his prostrate position beside the cargo; 'and I certainly had yet to learn that breathing-holes could form at such an early period in the winter as this.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading 'Live and learn, they say,' remarked Sam Holt, rising from his prostrate position beside the cargo; 'and I certainly had yet to learn that breathing-holes could form at such an early period in the winter as this.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading An instant more of such rapid progression would have sunk them in it, beyond all hope.
perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
From this reading During the momentary pause that followed the bringing up of the ice-boat broadside to the breeze, they could hear the fluctuating surge of deep waters, sucking, plunging--in that large dark patch on the ice.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading 'Live and learn, they say,' remarked Sam Holt, rising from his prostrate position beside the cargo; 'and I certainly had yet to learn that breathing-holes could form at such an early period in the winter as this.
Holt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'Live and learn, they say,' remarked Sam Holt, rising from his prostrate position beside the cargo; 'and I certainly had yet to learn that breathing-holes could form at such an early period in the winter as this.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading An instant more of such rapid progression would have sunk them in it, beyond all hope.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading 'Live and learn, they say,' remarked Sam Holt, rising from his prostrate position beside the cargo; 'and I certainly had yet to learn that breathing-holes could form at such an early period in the winter as this.
water frozen in the solid state
From this reading During the momentary pause that followed the bringing up of the ice-boat broadside to the breeze, they could hear the fluctuating surge of deep waters, sucking, plunging--in that large dark patch on the ice.
ice-boat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the momentary pause that followed the bringing up of the ice-boat broadside to the breeze, they could hear the fluctuating surge of deep waters, sucking, plunging--in that large dark patch on the ice.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading During the momentary pause that followed the bringing up of the ice-boat broadside to the breeze, they could hear the fluctuating surge of deep waters, sucking, plunging--in that large dark patch on the ice.
a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
From this reading An instant more of such rapid progression would have sunk them in it, beyond all hope.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading We had better retrace our steps a bit, Wynn; for the ice is probably unsound for some distance about that split.'
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading An instant more of such rapid progression would have sunk them in it, beyond all hope.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading During the momentary pause that followed the bringing up of the ice-boat broadside to the breeze, they could hear the fluctuating surge of deep waters, sucking, plunging--in that large dark patch on the ice.
gain knowledge or skills
From this reading 'Live and learn, they say,' remarked Sam Holt, rising from his prostrate position beside the cargo; 'and I certainly had yet to learn that breathing-holes could form at such an early period in the winter as this.
be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading 'Live and learn, they say,' remarked Sam Holt, rising from his prostrate position beside the cargo; 'and I certainly had yet to learn that breathing-holes could form at such an early period in the winter as this.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading THE FOREST MAN.
momentaryadjectiveUS /ˈmoʊmənteri/
lasting for a markedly brief time
From this reading During the momentary pause that followed the bringing up of the ice-boat broadside to the breeze, they could hear the fluctuating surge of deep waters, sucking, plunging--in that large dark patch on the ice.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading An instant more of such rapid progression would have sunk them in it, beyond all hope.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading During the momentary pause that followed the bringing up of the ice-boat broadside to the breeze, they could hear the fluctuating surge of deep waters, sucking, plunging--in that large dark patch on the ice.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading During the momentary pause that followed the bringing up of the ice-boat broadside to the breeze, they could hear the fluctuating surge of deep waters, sucking, plunging--in that large dark patch on the ice.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading We had better retrace our steps a bit, Wynn; for the ice is probably unsound for some distance about that split.'
patchnounUS /pætʃ/
a small contrasting part of something
From this reading During the momentary pause that followed the bringing up of the ice-boat broadside to the breeze, they could hear the fluctuating surge of deep waters, sucking, plunging--in that large dark patch on the ice.
a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something
From this reading During the momentary pause that followed the bringing up of the ice-boat broadside to the breeze, they could hear the fluctuating surge of deep waters, sucking, plunging--in that large dark patch on the ice.
an amount of time
From this reading 'Live and learn, they say,' remarked Sam Holt, rising from his prostrate position beside the cargo; 'and I certainly had yet to learn that breathing-holes could form at such an early period in the winter as this.
plungingverbUS /ˈplʌndʒɪŋ/
-ing form of “plunge” — thrust or throw into
From this reading During the momentary pause that followed the bringing up of the ice-boat broadside to the breeze, they could hear the fluctuating surge of deep waters, sucking, plunging--in that large dark patch on the ice.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading 'Live and learn, they say,' remarked Sam Holt, rising from his prostrate position beside the cargo; 'and I certainly had yet to learn that breathing-holes could form at such an early period in the winter as this.
with considerable certainty; without much doubt
From this reading We had better retrace our steps a bit, Wynn; for the ice is probably unsound for some distance about that split.'
progressionnounUS /prəˈɡreʃən/
a series with a definite pattern of advance
From this reading An instant more of such rapid progression would have sunk them in it, beyond all hope.
prostrateverbUS /ˈprɑːstreɪt/
get into a prostrate position, as in submission
From this reading 'Live and learn, they say,' remarked Sam Holt, rising from his prostrate position beside the cargo; 'and I certainly had yet to learn that breathing-holes could form at such an early period in the winter as this.
rapidadjectiveUS /ˈræpəd/
done or occurring in a brief period of time
From this reading An instant more of such rapid progression would have sunk them in it, beyond all hope.
past form of “remark” — make mention of
From this reading 'Live and learn, they say,' remarked Sam Holt, rising from his prostrate position beside the cargo; 'and I certainly had yet to learn that breathing-holes could form at such an early period in the winter as this.
retraceverbUS /riˈtreɪs/
to go back over again
From this reading We had better retrace our steps a bit, Wynn; for the ice is probably unsound for some distance about that split.'
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading 'Live and learn, they say,' remarked Sam Holt, rising from his prostrate position beside the cargo; 'and I certainly had yet to learn that breathing-holes could form at such an early period in the winter as this.
a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target
From this reading 'Live and learn, they say,' remarked Sam Holt, rising from his prostrate position beside the cargo; 'and I certainly had yet to learn that breathing-holes could form at such an early period in the winter as this.
express in words
From this reading 'Live and learn, they say,' remarked Sam Holt, rising from his prostrate position beside the cargo; 'and I certainly had yet to learn that breathing-holes could form at such an early period in the winter as this.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading We had better retrace our steps a bit, Wynn; for the ice is probably unsound for some distance about that split.'
splitverbUS /splɪt/
separate into parts or portions
From this reading We had better retrace our steps a bit, Wynn; for the ice is probably unsound for some distance about that split.'
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading We had better retrace our steps a bit, Wynn; for the ice is probably unsound for some distance about that split.'
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading An instant more of such rapid progression would have sunk them in it, beyond all hope.
suckingnounUS /ˈsʌkɪŋ/
the act of sucking
From this reading During the momentary pause that followed the bringing up of the ice-boat broadside to the breeze, they could hear the fluctuating surge of deep waters, sucking, plunging--in that large dark patch on the ice.
sunkadjectiveUS /sʌŋk/
doomed to extinction
From this reading An instant more of such rapid progression would have sunk them in it, beyond all hope.
surgeverbUS /sɜːrdʒ/
rise and move, as in waves or billows
From this reading During the momentary pause that followed the bringing up of the ice-boat broadside to the breeze, they could hear the fluctuating surge of deep waters, sucking, plunging--in that large dark patch on the ice.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading During the momentary pause that followed the bringing up of the ice-boat broadside to the breeze, they could hear the fluctuating surge of deep waters, sucking, plunging--in that large dark patch on the ice.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE FOREST MAN.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading An instant more of such rapid progression would have sunk them in it, beyond all hope.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading During the momentary pause that followed the bringing up of the ice-boat broadside to the breeze, they could hear the fluctuating surge of deep waters, sucking, plunging--in that large dark patch on the ice.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading 'Live and learn, they say,' remarked Sam Holt, rising from his prostrate position beside the cargo; 'and I certainly had yet to learn that breathing-holes could form at such an early period in the winter as this.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading During the momentary pause that followed the bringing up of the ice-boat broadside to the breeze, they could hear the fluctuating surge of deep waters, sucking, plunging--in that large dark patch on the ice.
unsoundadjectiveUS /ənˈsaʊnd/
not in good condition; damaged or decayed
From this reading We had better retrace our steps a bit, Wynn; for the ice is probably unsound for some distance about that split.'
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading During the momentary pause that followed the bringing up of the ice-boat broadside to the breeze, they could hear the fluctuating surge of deep waters, sucking, plunging--in that large dark patch on the ice.
United States actress and singer (1896-1977)
From this reading During the momentary pause that followed the bringing up of the ice-boat broadside to the breeze, they could hear the fluctuating surge of deep waters, sucking, plunging--in that large dark patch on the ice.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We had better retrace our steps a bit, Wynn; for the ice is probably unsound for some distance about that split.'
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading 'Live and learn, they say,' remarked Sam Holt, rising from his prostrate position beside the cargo; 'and I certainly had yet to learn that breathing-holes could form at such an early period in the winter as this.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading An instant more of such rapid progression would have sunk them in it, beyond all hope.
Wynn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We had better retrace our steps a bit, Wynn; for the ice is probably unsound for some distance about that split.'
but in spite of that
From this reading 'Live and learn, they say,' remarked Sam Holt, rising from his prostrate position beside the cargo; 'and I certainly had yet to learn that breathing-holes could form at such an early period in the winter as this.
