Chapter XXX · Chapter 30

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Some were flying, others walking about on the sand, where there were many tufts of grass and mats of seaweeds that looked as if they had been used for nests.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

past form of “anchor” — fix firmly and stably

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

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

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

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

From this reading "Are the Gulls still nesting, Uncle Roy?

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

From this reading Some were flying, others walking about on the sand, where there were many tufts of grass and mats of seaweeds that looked as if they had been used for nests.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

an area of sand sloping down to the water of a sea or lake

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Some were flying, others walking about on the sand, where there were many tufts of grass and mats of seaweeds that looked as if they had been used for nests.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

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

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

of textures that are rough to the touch or substances consisting of relatively large particles

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

a pair who associate with one another

From this reading Dodo nearly stepped upon a couple of greenish, dark-spotted eggs, that were nearly as large as a Hen's.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading And what are those dark streaky birds over there?"

having dark spots

From this reading Dodo nearly stepped upon a couple of greenish, dark-spotted eggs, that were nearly as large as a Hen's.

someone whose style is out of fashion

From this reading Dodo nearly stepped upon a couple of greenish, dark-spotted eggs, that were nearly as large as a Hen's.

oval reproductive body of a fowl (especially a hen) used as food

From this reading Dodo nearly stepped upon a couple of greenish, dark-spotted eggs, that were nearly as large as a Hen's.

utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

moving swiftly

From this reading Some were flying, others walking about on the sand, where there were many tufts of grass and mats of seaweeds that looked as if they had been used for nests.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Some were flying, others walking about on the sand, where there were many tufts of grass and mats of seaweeds that looked as if they had been used for nests.

shoot down, of birds

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

of the color between blue and yellow in the color spectrum; similar to the color of fresh grass

From this reading Dodo nearly stepped upon a couple of greenish, dark-spotted eggs, that were nearly as large as a Hen's.

make a fool or dupe of

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

plural of “gull” — a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

only a very short time before

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

a collection of objects laid on top of each other

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

possessive form of “hen” — adult female chicken

From this reading Dodo nearly stepped upon a couple of greenish, dark-spotted eggs, that were nearly as large as a Hen's.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Some were flying, others walking about on the sand, where there were many tufts of grass and mats of seaweeds that looked as if they had been used for nests.

a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Dodo nearly stepped upon a couple of greenish, dark-spotted eggs, that were nearly as large as a Hen's.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Some were flying, others walking about on the sand, where there were many tufts of grass and mats of seaweeds that looked as if they had been used for nests.

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 Some were flying, others walking about on the sand, where there were many tufts of grass and mats of seaweeds that looked as if they had been used for nests.

plural of “mat” — a thick flat pad used as a floor covering

From this reading Some were flying, others walking about on the sand, where there were many tufts of grass and mats of seaweeds that looked as if they had been used for nests.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Dodo nearly stepped upon a couple of greenish, dark-spotted eggs, that were nearly as large as a Hen's.

-ing form of “nest” — inhabit a nest, usually after building

From this reading "Are the Gulls still nesting, Uncle Roy?

plural of “nest” — a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young

From this reading Some were flying, others walking about on the sand, where there were many tufts of grass and mats of seaweeds that looked as if they had been used for nests.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Some were flying, others walking about on the sand, where there were many tufts of grass and mats of seaweeds that looked as if they had been used for nests.

and nothing more

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

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

From this reading Some were flying, others walking about on the sand, where there were many tufts of grass and mats of seaweeds that looked as if they had been used for nests.

above and across; more than

From this reading And what are those dark streaky birds over there?"

plural of “rock” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

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

From this reading "Are the Gulls still nesting, Uncle Roy?

a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

plural of “seaweed” — plant growing in the sea, especially marine algae

From this reading Some were flying, others walking about on the sand, where there were many tufts of grass and mats of seaweeds that looked as if they had been used for nests.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Some were flying, others walking about on the sand, where there were many tufts of grass and mats of seaweeds that looked as if they had been used for nests.

inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step

From this reading Dodo nearly stepped upon a couple of greenish, dark-spotted eggs, that were nearly as large as a Hen's.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

not in physical motion

From this reading "Are the Gulls still nesting, Uncle Roy?

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

marked with or as if with stripes or linear discolorations

From this reading And what are those dark streaky birds over there?"

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

plural of “tern” — small slender gull having narrow wings and a forked tail

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Some were flying, others walking about on the sand, where there were many tufts of grass and mats of seaweeds that looked as if they had been used for nests.

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

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Some were flying, others walking about on the sand, where there were many tufts of grass and mats of seaweeds that looked as if they had been used for nests.

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

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading And what are those dark streaky birds over there?"

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

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

plural of “tuft” — a bunch of hair or feathers or growing grass

From this reading Some were flying, others walking about on the sand, where there were many tufts of grass and mats of seaweeds that looked as if they had been used for nests.

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading "Are the Gulls still nesting, Uncle Roy?

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Dodo nearly stepped upon a couple of greenish, dark-spotted eggs, that were nearly as large as a Hen's.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading Some were flying, others walking about on the sand, where there were many tufts of grass and mats of seaweeds that looked as if they had been used for nests.

close enough to be walked to

From this reading Some were flying, others walking about on the sand, where there were many tufts of grass and mats of seaweeds that looked as if they had been used for nests.

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

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

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

From this reading Some were flying, others walking about on the sand, where there were many tufts of grass and mats of seaweeds that looked as if they had been used for nests.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading And what are those dark streaky birds over there?"

at the time that

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.

in or at the place that

From this reading Some were flying, others walking about on the sand, where there were many tufts of grass and mats of seaweeds that looked as if they had been used for nests.

in the company of; together with

From this reading GULLS AND TERNS AT HOME Gull Island was only a great sand heap, anchored by rocks and covered with coarse grass; but the children had hardly taken a few steps along the beach when they began to exclaim at the number of strange birds.