used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Hard pulling and cold it was, but the boatman bent his back and shot up the East River with the strength of the young giant he was.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading Barney was delighted, so far forgetting himself, indeed, as to attempt to establish cordial understanding.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Hard pulling and cold it was, but the boatman bent his back and shot up the East River with the strength of the young giant he was.
Barney
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He could see Captain Barney, muffled to the ears, stamping impatiently about on the end of the designated pier.
basinnounUS /ˈbeɪsən/
a bowl-shaped vessel; usually used for holding food or liquids
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
BatterynounUS /ˈbætəri/
group of guns or missile launchers operated together at one place
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way
From this reading Hard pulling and cold it was, but the boatman bent his back and shot up the East River with the strength of the young giant he was.
a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
boatmannounUS /ˈboʊtmən/
someone who drives or rides in a boat
From this reading Hard pulling and cold it was, but the boatman bent his back and shot up the East River with the strength of the young giant he was.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Hard pulling and cold it was, but the boatman bent his back and shot up the East River with the strength of the young giant he was.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading He could see Captain Barney, muffled to the ears, stamping impatiently about on the end of the designated pier.
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading Hard pulling and cold it was, but the boatman bent his back and shot up the East River with the strength of the young giant he was.
cordialadjectiveUS /ˈkɔːrdʒəl/
diffusing warmth and friendliness
From this reading Barney was delighted, so far forgetting himself, indeed, as to attempt to establish cordial understanding.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He could see Captain Barney, muffled to the ears, stamping impatiently about on the end of the designated pier.
creepingnounUS /ˈkriːpɪŋ/
a slow mode of locomotion on hands and knees or dragging the body
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
Dan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
DecembernounUS /dɪˈsembər/
the last (12th) month of the year
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
greatly pleased
From this reading Barney was delighted, so far forgetting himself, indeed, as to attempt to establish cordial understanding.
designatedverbUS /ˈdezɪɡneɪtɪd/
past form of “designate” — assign a name or title to
From this reading He could see Captain Barney, muffled to the ears, stamping impatiently about on the end of the designated pier.
let fall to the ground
From this reading Without a word he swung his boat in such a position that the Captain could drop into it.
plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading He could see Captain Barney, muffled to the ears, stamping impatiently about on the end of the designated pier.
the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
From this reading Hard pulling and cold it was, but the boatman bent his back and shot up the East River with the strength of the young giant he was.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading He could see Captain Barney, muffled to the ears, stamping impatiently about on the end of the designated pier.
establishverbUS /ɪˈstæblɪʃ/
set up or found
From this reading Barney was delighted, so far forgetting himself, indeed, as to attempt to establish cordial understanding.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading Barney was delighted, so far forgetting himself, indeed, as to attempt to establish cordial understanding.
be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
forgettingverbUS /fərˈɡetɪŋ/
inflected form of “forget” — dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
From this reading Barney was delighted, so far forgetting himself, indeed, as to attempt to establish cordial understanding.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
any creature of exceptional size
From this reading Hard pulling and cold it was, but the boatman bent his back and shot up the East River with the strength of the young giant he was.
a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
harborverbUS /ˈhɑːrbər/
maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings)
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading Hard pulling and cold it was, but the boatman bent his back and shot up the East River with the strength of the young giant he was.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Barney was delighted, so far forgetting himself, indeed, as to attempt to establish cordial understanding.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Hard pulling and cold it was, but the boatman bent his back and shot up the East River with the strength of the young giant he was.
impatientlyadverbUS /ˌɪmˈpeɪʃəntli/
with impatience; in an impatient manner
From this reading He could see Captain Barney, muffled to the ears, stamping impatiently about on the end of the designated pier.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading Barney was delighted, so far forgetting himself, indeed, as to attempt to establish cordial understanding.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Without a word he swung his boat in such a position that the Captain could drop into it.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Hard pulling and cold it was, but the boatman bent his back and shot up the East River with the strength of the young giant he was.
jauntsnounUS /dʒɔːnts/
plural of “jaunt” — a journey taken for pleasure
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
muffledadjectiveUS /ˈmʌfəld/
being or made softer or less loud or clear
From this reading He could see Captain Barney, muffled to the ears, stamping impatiently about on the end of the designated pier.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Hard pulling and cold it was, but the boatman bent his back and shot up the East River with the strength of the young giant he was.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He could see Captain Barney, muffled to the ears, stamping impatiently about on the end of the designated pier.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
piernounUS /pɪr/
a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats
From this reading He could see Captain Barney, muffled to the ears, stamping impatiently about on the end of the designated pier.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading Without a word he swung his boat in such a position that the Captain could drop into it.
past form of “pull” — cause to move by pulling
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
pullingnounUS /ˈpʊlɪŋ/
the act of pulling; applying force to move something toward or with you
From this reading Hard pulling and cold it was, but the boatman bent his back and shot up the East River with the strength of the young giant he was.
recreative
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading Hard pulling and cold it was, but the boatman bent his back and shot up the East River with the strength of the young giant he was.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading He could see Captain Barney, muffled to the ears, stamping impatiently about on the end of the designated pier.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
the act of firing a projectile
From this reading Hard pulling and cold it was, but the boatman bent his back and shot up the East River with the strength of the young giant he was.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Barney was delighted, so far forgetting himself, indeed, as to attempt to establish cordial understanding.
stampingverbUS /ˈstæmpɪŋ/
-ing form of “stamp” — walk heavily
From this reading He could see Captain Barney, muffled to the ears, stamping impatiently about on the end of the designated pier.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading Hard pulling and cold it was, but the boatman bent his back and shot up the East River with the strength of the young giant he was.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Without a word he swung his boat in such a position that the Captain could drop into it.
inflected form of “swing” — move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting
From this reading Without a word he swung his boat in such a position that the Captain could drop into it.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Without a word he swung his boat in such a position that the Captain could drop into it.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
in or at that place or location
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He could see Captain Barney, muffled to the ears, stamping impatiently about on the end of the designated pier.
the time of day immediately following sunset
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
the cognitive condition of someone who understands
From this reading Barney was delighted, so far forgetting himself, indeed, as to attempt to establish cordial understanding.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Hard pulling and cold it was, but the boatman bent his back and shot up the East River with the strength of the young giant he was.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A FIGHT IN THE DARK The short gray December twilight was creeping over the bay as Dan pulled out from the Battery basin in a boat which he kept there for recreative jaunts about the harbor.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Hard pulling and cold it was, but the boatman bent his back and shot up the East River with the strength of the young giant he was.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Without a word he swung his boat in such a position that the Captain could drop into it.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading Without a word he swung his boat in such a position that the Captain could drop into it.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Hard pulling and cold it was, but the boatman bent his back and shot up the East River with the strength of the young giant he was.
