used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The crew did not trouble themselves about the matter.
anew
From this reading DIRTY WEATHER At eight bells the Captain came on deck again, glancing once more somewhat anxiously astern.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Every rag the brigantine could show was already set, and if a sail flapped idly against the mast, it soon drew again as before, to propel them smoothly on their course.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading Every rag the brigantine could show was already set, and if a sail flapped idly against the mast, it soon drew again as before, to propel them smoothly on their course.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
with anxiety or apprehension
From this reading DIRTY WEATHER At eight bells the Captain came on deck again, glancing once more somewhat anxiously astern.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
asternadverb
stern foremost or backward
From this reading DIRTY WEATHER At eight bells the Captain came on deck again, glancing once more somewhat anxiously astern.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading DIRTY WEATHER At eight bells the Captain came on deck again, glancing once more somewhat anxiously astern.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
becalmedadjectiveUS /bɪˈkɑːmd/
rendered motionless for lack of wind
From this reading Eugène, with the weather-wisdom of a man who had been but a few months at sea, rather inclined to think they might be becalmed.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Eugène, with the weather-wisdom of a man who had been but a few months at sea, rather inclined to think they might be becalmed.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Every rag the brigantine could show was already set, and if a sail flapped idly against the mast, it soon drew again as before, to propel them smoothly on their course.
plural of “bell” — a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck
From this reading DIRTY WEATHER At eight bells the Captain came on deck again, glancing once more somewhat anxiously astern.
blownadjectiveUS /bloʊn/
being moved or acted upon by moving air or vapor
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
a slight wind (usually refreshing)
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
brigantinenounUS /ˌbrɪɡənˈtiːn/
two-masted sailing vessel square-rigged on the foremast and fore-and-aft rigged on the mainmast
From this reading Every rag the brigantine could show was already set, and if a sail flapped idly against the mast, it soon drew again as before, to propel them smoothly on their course.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Eugène, with the weather-wisdom of a man who had been but a few months at sea, rather inclined to think they might be becalmed.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading DIRTY WEATHER At eight bells the Captain came on deck again, glancing once more somewhat anxiously astern.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading DIRTY WEATHER At eight bells the Captain came on deck again, glancing once more somewhat anxiously astern.
make overcast or cloudy
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Every rag the brigantine could show was already set, and if a sail flapped idly against the mast, it soon drew again as before, to propel them smoothly on their course.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading Every rag the brigantine could show was already set, and if a sail flapped idly against the mast, it soon drew again as before, to propel them smoothly on their course.
the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)
From this reading The crew did not trouble themselves about the matter.
any of various platforms built into a vessel
From this reading DIRTY WEATHER At eight bells the Captain came on deck again, glancing once more somewhat anxiously astern.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The crew did not trouble themselves about the matter.
DIRTYadjectiveUS /ˈdɜːrti/
soiled or likely to soil with dirt or grime
From this reading DIRTY WEATHER At eight bells the Captain came on deck again, glancing once more somewhat anxiously astern.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading Every rag the brigantine could show was already set, and if a sail flapped idly against the mast, it soon drew again as before, to propel them smoothly on their course.
dyingadjectiveUS /ˈdaɪɪŋ/
in or associated with the process of passing from life or ceasing to be
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
being one more than seven
From this reading DIRTY WEATHER At eight bells the Captain came on deck again, glancing once more somewhat anxiously astern.
Eugène
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Eugène, with the weather-wisdom of a man who had been but a few months at sea, rather inclined to think they might be becalmed.
EverydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Every rag the brigantine could show was already set, and if a sail flapped idly against the mast, it soon drew again as before, to propel them smoothly on their course.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading Eugène, with the weather-wisdom of a man who had been but a few months at sea, rather inclined to think they might be becalmed.
flappedverbUS /flæpt/
inflected form of “flap” — move in a wavy pattern or with a rising and falling motion
From this reading Every rag the brigantine could show was already set, and if a sail flapped idly against the mast, it soon drew again as before, to propel them smoothly on their course.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
-ing form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading DIRTY WEATHER At eight bells the Captain came on deck again, glancing once more somewhat anxiously astern.
in a gradual manner
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
idlyadverbUS /ˈaɪdli/
in an idle manner
From this reading Every rag the brigantine could show was already set, and if a sail flapped idly against the mast, it soon drew again as before, to propel them smoothly on their course.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Every rag the brigantine could show was already set, and if a sail flapped idly against the mast, it soon drew again as before, to propel them smoothly on their course.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency
From this reading Eugène, with the weather-wisdom of a man who had been but a few months at sea, rather inclined to think they might be becalmed.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Eugène, with the weather-wisdom of a man who had been but a few months at sea, rather inclined to think they might be becalmed.
mastnounUS /mæst/
a vertical spar for supporting sails
From this reading Every rag the brigantine could show was already set, and if a sail flapped idly against the mast, it soon drew again as before, to propel them smoothly on their course.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading The crew did not trouble themselves about the matter.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Eugène, with the weather-wisdom of a man who had been but a few months at sea, rather inclined to think they might be becalmed.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading Eugène, with the weather-wisdom of a man who had been but a few months at sea, rather inclined to think they might be becalmed.
moonlitadjectiveUS /ˈmuːnlɪt/
lighted by moonlight
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading DIRTY WEATHER At eight bells the Captain came on deck again, glancing once more somewhat anxiously astern.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading DIRTY WEATHER At eight bells the Captain came on deck again, glancing once more somewhat anxiously astern.
on one occasion
From this reading DIRTY WEATHER At eight bells the Captain came on deck again, glancing once more somewhat anxiously astern.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
peacefuladjectiveUS /ˈpiːsfəl/
not disturbed by strife or turmoil or war
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
propelverbUS /prəˈpel/
cause to move forward with force
From this reading Every rag the brigantine could show was already set, and if a sail flapped idly against the mast, it soon drew again as before, to propel them smoothly on their course.
ragnounUS /ræɡ/
a small piece of cloth or paper
From this reading Every rag the brigantine could show was already set, and if a sail flapped idly against the mast, it soon drew again as before, to propel them smoothly on their course.
on the contrary
From this reading Eugène, with the weather-wisdom of a man who had been but a few months at sea, rather inclined to think they might be becalmed.
traverse or travel on (a body of water)
From this reading Every rag the brigantine could show was already set, and if a sail flapped idly against the mast, it soon drew again as before, to propel them smoothly on their course.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading Eugène, with the weather-wisdom of a man who had been but a few months at sea, rather inclined to think they might be becalmed.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Every rag the brigantine could show was already set, and if a sail flapped idly against the mast, it soon drew again as before, to propel them smoothly on their course.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Every rag the brigantine could show was already set, and if a sail flapped idly against the mast, it soon drew again as before, to propel them smoothly on their course.
sighsnounUS /saɪz/
plural of “sigh” — an utterance made by exhaling audibly
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
sinkingnounUS /ˈsɪŋkɪŋ/
a descent as through liquid (especially through water)
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
smoothlyadverbUS /ˈsmuːðli/
with no problems or difficulties
From this reading Every rag the brigantine could show was already set, and if a sail flapped idly against the mast, it soon drew again as before, to propel them smoothly on their course.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
with low volume
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading DIRTY WEATHER At eight bells the Captain came on deck again, glancing once more somewhat anxiously astern.
in the near future
From this reading Every rag the brigantine could show was already set, and if a sail flapped idly against the mast, it soon drew again as before, to propel them smoothly on their course.
at a steady rate or pace
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
successionnounUS /səkˈseʃən/
a following of one thing after another in time
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading DIRTY WEATHER At eight bells the Captain came on deck again, glancing once more somewhat anxiously astern.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Every rag the brigantine could show was already set, and if a sail flapped idly against the mast, it soon drew again as before, to propel them smoothly on their course.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Every rag the brigantine could show was already set, and if a sail flapped idly against the mast, it soon drew again as before, to propel them smoothly on their course.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading The crew did not trouble themselves about the matter.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Eugène, with the weather-wisdom of a man who had been but a few months at sea, rather inclined to think they might be becalmed.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading Eugène, with the weather-wisdom of a man who had been but a few months at sea, rather inclined to think they might be becalmed.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
a source of difficulty
From this reading The crew did not trouble themselves about the matter.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading DIRTY WEATHER At eight bells the Captain came on deck again, glancing once more somewhat anxiously astern.
weather-wisdom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Eugène, with the weather-wisdom of a man who had been but a few months at sea, rather inclined to think they might be becalmed.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Not a cloud was to be seen in the moonlit sky, and the breeze that had blown so steadily, though so softly, for weeks, was sinking gradually, dying out, as it were, in a succession of gentle, peaceful sighs.
which person or people
From this reading Eugène, with the weather-wisdom of a man who had been but a few months at sea, rather inclined to think they might be becalmed.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Eugène, with the weather-wisdom of a man who had been but a few months at sea, rather inclined to think they might be becalmed.
