used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The pilot of the ship was discharged at eight o'clock in the evening, and the two vessels stood on their course to the northward, with a fresh breeze from the south-west.
ABOUTprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading MORE ABOUT THE DIKES AND DITCHES.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading MORE ABOUT THE DIKES AND DITCHES.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There are two principal passages by which vessels may reach Rotterdam from the sea.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The pilot of the ship was discharged at eight o'clock in the evening, and the two vessels stood on their course to the northward, with a fresh breeze from the south-west.
a slight wind (usually refreshing)
From this reading The pilot of the ship was discharged at eight o'clock in the evening, and the two vessels stood on their course to the northward, with a fresh breeze from the south-west.
Brielle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The masters on duty were kept very busy in consulting the charts and the sailing directions; but at one o'clock the squadron was off the Brielle Gat, which is the deepest entrance to the river.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading The masters on duty were kept very busy in consulting the charts and the sailing directions; but at one o'clock the squadron was off the Brielle Gat, which is the deepest entrance to the river.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading They kept just outside of the continuous chains of shoals on the coast, but for nearly the whole time within sight of the numerous lighthouses which mark the various entrances of the Scheldt and the Maas.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading There are two principal passages by which vessels may reach Rotterdam from the sea.
chainsnounUS /tʃeɪnz/
metal shackles; for hands or legs
From this reading They kept just outside of the continuous chains of shoals on the coast, but for nearly the whole time within sight of the numerous lighthouses which mark the various entrances of the Scheldt and the Maas.
chartsnounUS /tʃɑːrts/
plural of “chart” — a visual display of information
From this reading The masters on duty were kept very busy in consulting the charts and the sailing directions; but at one o'clock the squadron was off the Brielle Gat, which is the deepest entrance to the river.
the shore of a sea or ocean
From this reading They kept just outside of the continuous chains of shoals on the coast, but for nearly the whole time within sight of the numerous lighthouses which mark the various entrances of the Scheldt and the Maas.
consultingverbUS /kənˈsʌltɪŋ/
-ing form of “consult” — get or ask advice from
From this reading The masters on duty were kept very busy in consulting the charts and the sailing directions; but at one o'clock the squadron was off the Brielle Gat, which is the deepest entrance to the river.
continuousadjectiveUS /kənˈtɪnjuːəs/
continuing in time or space without interruption
From this reading They kept just outside of the continuous chains of shoals on the coast, but for nearly the whole time within sight of the numerous lighthouses which mark the various entrances of the Scheldt and the Maas.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading The pilot of the ship was discharged at eight o'clock in the evening, and the two vessels stood on their course to the northward, with a fresh breeze from the south-west.
deepestadjectiveUS /ˈdiːpəst/
superlative of “deep” — relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading The masters on duty were kept very busy in consulting the charts and the sailing directions; but at one o'clock the squadron was off the Brielle Gat, which is the deepest entrance to the river.
DIKESnounUS /daɪks/
plural of “dike” — (slang) offensive term for a lesbian who is noticeably masculine
From this reading MORE ABOUT THE DIKES AND DITCHES.
plural of “direction” — a line leading to a place or point
From this reading The masters on duty were kept very busy in consulting the charts and the sailing directions; but at one o'clock the squadron was off the Brielle Gat, which is the deepest entrance to the river.
dischargedadjectiveUS /dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒd/
having lost your job
From this reading The pilot of the ship was discharged at eight o'clock in the evening, and the two vessels stood on their course to the northward, with a fresh breeze from the south-west.
DITCHESnounUS /ˈdɪtʃəz/
plural of “ditch” — a long narrow excavation in the earth
From this reading MORE ABOUT THE DIKES AND DITCHES.
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading The masters on duty were kept very busy in consulting the charts and the sailing directions; but at one o'clock the squadron was off the Brielle Gat, which is the deepest entrance to the river.
being one more than seven
From this reading The pilot of the ship was discharged at eight o'clock in the evening, and the two vessels stood on their course to the northward, with a fresh breeze from the south-west.
something that provides access (to get in or get out)
From this reading The masters on duty were kept very busy in consulting the charts and the sailing directions; but at one o'clock the squadron was off the Brielle Gat, which is the deepest entrance to the river.
entrancesnounUS /ˈentrənsəz/
plural of “entrance” — something that provides access (to get in or get out)
From this reading They kept just outside of the continuous chains of shoals on the coast, but for nearly the whole time within sight of the numerous lighthouses which mark the various entrances of the Scheldt and the Maas.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading The pilot of the ship was discharged at eight o'clock in the evening, and the two vessels stood on their course to the northward, with a fresh breeze from the south-west.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading They kept just outside of the continuous chains of shoals on the coast, but for nearly the whole time within sight of the numerous lighthouses which mark the various entrances of the Scheldt and the Maas.
recently made, produced, or harvested
From this reading The pilot of the ship was discharged at eight o'clock in the evening, and the two vessels stood on their course to the northward, with a fresh breeze from the south-west.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The pilot of the ship was discharged at eight o'clock in the evening, and the two vessels stood on their course to the northward, with a fresh breeze from the south-west.
GatnounUS /ɡæt/
a gangster's pistol
From this reading The masters on duty were kept very busy in consulting the charts and the sailing directions; but at one o'clock the squadron was off the Brielle Gat, which is the deepest entrance to the river.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The pilot of the ship was discharged at eight o'clock in the evening, and the two vessels stood on their course to the northward, with a fresh breeze from the south-west.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The masters on duty were kept very busy in consulting the charts and the sailing directions; but at one o'clock the squadron was off the Brielle Gat, which is the deepest entrance to the river.
and nothing more
From this reading They kept just outside of the continuous chains of shoals on the coast, but for nearly the whole time within sight of the numerous lighthouses which mark the various entrances of the Scheldt and the Maas.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading They kept just outside of the continuous chains of shoals on the coast, but for nearly the whole time within sight of the numerous lighthouses which mark the various entrances of the Scheldt and the Maas.
lighthousesnounUS /ˈlaɪthaʊsɪz/
plural of “lighthouse” — a tower with a light that gives warning of shoals to passing ships
From this reading They kept just outside of the continuous chains of shoals on the coast, but for nearly the whole time within sight of the numerous lighthouses which mark the various entrances of the Scheldt and the Maas.
Maas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They kept just outside of the continuous chains of shoals on the coast, but for nearly the whole time within sight of the numerous lighthouses which mark the various entrances of the Scheldt and the Maas.
attach a tag or label to
From this reading They kept just outside of the continuous chains of shoals on the coast, but for nearly the whole time within sight of the numerous lighthouses which mark the various entrances of the Scheldt and the Maas.
United States poet (1869-1950)
From this reading The masters on duty were kept very busy in consulting the charts and the sailing directions; but at one o'clock the squadron was off the Brielle Gat, which is the deepest entrance to the river.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading There are two principal passages by which vessels may reach Rotterdam from the sea.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading MORE ABOUT THE DIKES AND DITCHES.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading They kept just outside of the continuous chains of shoals on the coast, but for nearly the whole time within sight of the numerous lighthouses which mark the various entrances of the Scheldt and the Maas.
northwardadverbUS /ˈnɔːrθwərd/
in a northern direction
From this reading The pilot of the ship was discharged at eight o'clock in the evening, and the two vessels stood on their course to the northward, with a fresh breeze from the south-west.
amounting to a large indefinite number
From this reading They kept just outside of the continuous chains of shoals on the coast, but for nearly the whole time within sight of the numerous lighthouses which mark the various entrances of the Scheldt and the Maas.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading The pilot of the ship was discharged at eight o'clock in the evening, and the two vessels stood on their course to the northward, with a fresh breeze from the south-west.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The pilot of the ship was discharged at eight o'clock in the evening, and the two vessels stood on their course to the northward, with a fresh breeze from the south-west.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading The masters on duty were kept very busy in consulting the charts and the sailing directions; but at one o'clock the squadron was off the Brielle Gat, which is the deepest entrance to the river.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The pilot of the ship was discharged at eight o'clock in the evening, and the two vessels stood on their course to the northward, with a fresh breeze from the south-west.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The masters on duty were kept very busy in consulting the charts and the sailing directions; but at one o'clock the squadron was off the Brielle Gat, which is the deepest entrance to the river.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading They kept just outside of the continuous chains of shoals on the coast, but for nearly the whole time within sight of the numerous lighthouses which mark the various entrances of the Scheldt and the Maas.
passagesnounUS /ˈpæsədʒəz/
plural of “passage” — the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading There are two principal passages by which vessels may reach Rotterdam from the sea.
pilotverbUS /ˈpaɪlət/
operate an airplane
From this reading The pilot of the ship was discharged at eight o'clock in the evening, and the two vessels stood on their course to the northward, with a fresh breeze from the south-west.
the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated
From this reading There are two principal passages by which vessels may reach Rotterdam from the sea.
reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading There are two principal passages by which vessels may reach Rotterdam from the sea.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading The masters on duty were kept very busy in consulting the charts and the sailing directions; but at one o'clock the squadron was off the Brielle Gat, which is the deepest entrance to the river.
RotterdamnounUS /ˈrɑːtərdæm/
the 2nd largest city in the Netherlands; located in the western Netherlands near the North Sea
From this reading There are two principal passages by which vessels may reach Rotterdam from the sea.
sailingnounUS /ˈseɪlɪŋ/
the work of a sailor
From this reading The masters on duty were kept very busy in consulting the charts and the sailing directions; but at one o'clock the squadron was off the Brielle Gat, which is the deepest entrance to the river.
Scheldtnoun
a river that rises in France and flows northeast across Belgium and empties into the North Sea
From this reading They kept just outside of the continuous chains of shoals on the coast, but for nearly the whole time within sight of the numerous lighthouses which mark the various entrances of the Scheldt and the Maas.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading There are two principal passages by which vessels may reach Rotterdam from the sea.
transport commercially
From this reading The pilot of the ship was discharged at eight o'clock in the evening, and the two vessels stood on their course to the northward, with a fresh breeze from the south-west.
shoalsnounUS /ʃoʊlz/
plural of “shoal” — a sandbank in a stretch of water that is visible at low tide
From this reading They kept just outside of the continuous chains of shoals on the coast, but for nearly the whole time within sight of the numerous lighthouses which mark the various entrances of the Scheldt and the Maas.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading They kept just outside of the continuous chains of shoals on the coast, but for nearly the whole time within sight of the numerous lighthouses which mark the various entrances of the Scheldt and the Maas.
south-westadverb
to, toward, or in the southwest
From this reading The pilot of the ship was discharged at eight o'clock in the evening, and the two vessels stood on their course to the northward, with a fresh breeze from the south-west.
squadronnounUS /ˈskwɑːdrən/
a cavalry unit consisting of two or more troops and headquarters and supporting arms
From this reading The masters on duty were kept very busy in consulting the charts and the sailing directions; but at one o'clock the squadron was off the Brielle Gat, which is the deepest entrance to the river.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading The pilot of the ship was discharged at eight o'clock in the evening, and the two vessels stood on their course to the northward, with a fresh breeze from the south-west.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading MORE ABOUT THE DIKES AND DITCHES.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The pilot of the ship was discharged at eight o'clock in the evening, and the two vessels stood on their course to the northward, with a fresh breeze from the south-west.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There are two principal passages by which vessels may reach Rotterdam from the sea.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They kept just outside of the continuous chains of shoals on the coast, but for nearly the whole time within sight of the numerous lighthouses which mark the various entrances of the Scheldt and the Maas.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading They kept just outside of the continuous chains of shoals on the coast, but for nearly the whole time within sight of the numerous lighthouses which mark the various entrances of the Scheldt and the Maas.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The pilot of the ship was discharged at eight o'clock in the evening, and the two vessels stood on their course to the northward, with a fresh breeze from the south-west.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The pilot of the ship was discharged at eight o'clock in the evening, and the two vessels stood on their course to the northward, with a fresh breeze from the south-west.
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading They kept just outside of the continuous chains of shoals on the coast, but for nearly the whole time within sight of the numerous lighthouses which mark the various entrances of the Scheldt and the Maas.
precisely as stated
From this reading The masters on duty were kept very busy in consulting the charts and the sailing directions; but at one o'clock the squadron was off the Brielle Gat, which is the deepest entrance to the river.
vesselsnounUS /ˈvesəlz/
plural of “vessel” — a tube in which a body fluid circulates
From this reading The pilot of the ship was discharged at eight o'clock in the evening, and the two vessels stood on their course to the northward, with a fresh breeze from the south-west.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The pilot of the ship was discharged at eight o'clock in the evening, and the two vessels stood on their course to the northward, with a fresh breeze from the south-west.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The masters on duty were kept very busy in consulting the charts and the sailing directions; but at one o'clock the squadron was off the Brielle Gat, which is the deepest entrance to the river.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading They kept just outside of the continuous chains of shoals on the coast, but for nearly the whole time within sight of the numerous lighthouses which mark the various entrances of the Scheldt and the Maas.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading They kept just outside of the continuous chains of shoals on the coast, but for nearly the whole time within sight of the numerous lighthouses which mark the various entrances of the Scheldt and the Maas.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The pilot of the ship was discharged at eight o'clock in the evening, and the two vessels stood on their course to the northward, with a fresh breeze from the south-west.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading They kept just outside of the continuous chains of shoals on the coast, but for nearly the whole time within sight of the numerous lighthouses which mark the various entrances of the Scheldt and the Maas.
