used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading To prevent accidents, it had been arranged that the ships should keep a considerable distance apart.
abyssnounUS /əˈbɪs/
a bottomless gulf or pit; any unfathomable (or apparently unfathomable) cavity or chasm or void extending below (often used figuratively)
From this reading Some of them gradually drifted away, until, on account of the neutral tint of their sides, they were swallowed up in the abyss of space.
accidentsnounUS /ˈæksədənts/
plural of “accident” — an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury
From this reading To prevent accidents, it had been arranged that the ships should keep a considerable distance apart.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading Some of them gradually drifted away, until, on account of the neutral tint of their sides, they were swallowed up in the abyss of space.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
separated or at a distance in place or position or time
From this reading To prevent accidents, it had been arranged that the ships should keep a considerable distance apart.
disposed or placed in a particular kind of order
From this reading To prevent accidents, it had been arranged that the ships should keep a considerable distance apart.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading These, as I have explained, were effected by means of mirrors flashing back the light of the sun.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
a particular environment or surrounding influence
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Some of them gradually drifted away, until, on account of the neutral tint of their sides, they were swallowed up in the abyss of space.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading These, as I have explained, were effected by means of mirrors flashing back the light of the sun.
backgroundnounUS /ˈbækɡraʊnd/
a person's social heritage: previous experience or training
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading To prevent accidents, it had been arranged that the ships should keep a considerable distance apart.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading These, as I have explained, were effected by means of mirrors flashing back the light of the sun.
large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree
From this reading To prevent accidents, it had been arranged that the ships should keep a considerable distance apart.
unvarying in nature
From this reading Still it was possible to know where every member of the squadron was through the constant interchange of signals.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
diffuseverbUS /dɪˈfjuːs/
move outward
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading To prevent accidents, it had been arranged that the ships should keep a considerable distance apart.
driftedverbUS /ˈdrɪftəd/
past form of “drift” — be in motion due to some air or water current
From this reading Some of them gradually drifted away, until, on account of the neutral tint of their sides, they were swallowed up in the abyss of space.
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
effectedadjectiveUS /ɪˈfektɪd/
settled securely and unconditionally
From this reading These, as I have explained, were effected by means of mirrors flashing back the light of the sun.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Still it was possible to know where every member of the squadron was through the constant interchange of signals.
past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading These, as I have explained, were effected by means of mirrors flashing back the light of the sun.
beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
firmamentnoun
the apparent surface of the imaginary sphere on which celestial bodies appear to be projected
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
flashingnounUS /ˈflæʃɪŋ/
a short vivid experience
From this reading These, as I have explained, were effected by means of mirrors flashing back the light of the sun.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
in a gradual manner
From this reading Some of them gradually drifted away, until, on account of the neutral tint of their sides, they were swallowed up in the abyss of space.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading To prevent accidents, it had been arranged that the ships should keep a considerable distance apart.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading These, as I have explained, were effected by means of mirrors flashing back the light of the sun.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading These, as I have explained, were effected by means of mirrors flashing back the light of the sun.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Some of them gradually drifted away, until, on account of the neutral tint of their sides, they were swallowed up in the abyss of space.
possessing or displaying a distinctive feature to a heightened degree
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
interchangenounUS /ˌɪntərˈtʃeɪndʒ/
a junction of highways on different levels that permits traffic to move from one to another without crossing traffic streams
From this reading Still it was possible to know where every member of the squadron was through the constant interchange of signals.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading To prevent accidents, it had been arranged that the ships should keep a considerable distance apart.
and nothing more
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading To prevent accidents, it had been arranged that the ships should keep a considerable distance apart.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Still it was possible to know where every member of the squadron was through the constant interchange of signals.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading These, as I have explained, were effected by means of mirrors flashing back the light of the sun.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading These, as I have explained, were effected by means of mirrors flashing back the light of the sun.
one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading Still it was possible to know where every member of the squadron was through the constant interchange of signals.
mirrorsnounUS /ˈmɪrərz/
plural of “mirror” — polished surface that forms images by reflecting light
From this reading These, as I have explained, were effected by means of mirrors flashing back the light of the sun.
neutraladjectiveUS /ˈnuːtrəl/
having no personal preference
From this reading Some of them gradually drifted away, until, on account of the neutral tint of their sides, they were swallowed up in the abyss of space.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
not any; not one
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Some of them gradually drifted away, until, on account of the neutral tint of their sides, they were swallowed up in the abyss of space.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Some of them gradually drifted away, until, on account of the neutral tint of their sides, they were swallowed up in the abyss of space.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading Still it was possible to know where every member of the squadron was through the constant interchange of signals.
keep from happening or arising; make impossible
From this reading To prevent accidents, it had been arranged that the ships should keep a considerable distance apart.
plural of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight
From this reading To prevent accidents, it had been arranged that the ships should keep a considerable distance apart.
inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading To prevent accidents, it had been arranged that the ships should keep a considerable distance apart.
plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading Some of them gradually drifted away, until, on account of the neutral tint of their sides, they were swallowed up in the abyss of space.
signalsnounUS /ˈsɪɡnəlz/
plural of “signal” — any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message
From this reading Still it was possible to know where every member of the squadron was through the constant interchange of signals.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Some of them gradually drifted away, until, on account of the neutral tint of their sides, they were swallowed up in the abyss of space.
the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading Some of them gradually drifted away, until, on account of the neutral tint of their sides, they were swallowed up in the abyss of space.
splendornounUS /ˈsplen.dər/
Magnificent and splendid appearance; grandeur and brilliance.
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
squadronnounUS /ˈskwɑːdrən/
a cavalry unit consisting of two or more troops and headquarters and supporting arms
From this reading Still it was possible to know where every member of the squadron was through the constant interchange of signals.
plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
not in physical motion
From this reading Still it was possible to know where every member of the squadron was through the constant interchange of signals.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading These, as I have explained, were effected by means of mirrors flashing back the light of the sun.
sun'snounUS /sʌnz/
possessive form of “sun” — the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
swallowedverbUS /ˈswɑːloʊd/
past form of “swallow” — pass through the esophagus as part of eating or drinking
From this reading Some of them gradually drifted away, until, on account of the neutral tint of their sides, they were swallowed up in the abyss of space.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading To prevent accidents, it had been arranged that the ships should keep a considerable distance apart.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading To prevent accidents, it had been arranged that the ships should keep a considerable distance apart.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Some of them gradually drifted away, until, on account of the neutral tint of their sides, they were swallowed up in the abyss of space.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Some of them gradually drifted away, until, on account of the neutral tint of their sides, they were swallowed up in the abyss of space.
in or at that place or location
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading These, as I have explained, were effected by means of mirrors flashing back the light of the sun.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Some of them gradually drifted away, until, on account of the neutral tint of their sides, they were swallowed up in the abyss of space.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Still it was possible to know where every member of the squadron was through the constant interchange of signals.
tintnounUS /tɪnt/
a quality of a given color that differs slightly from another color
From this reading Some of them gradually drifted away, until, on account of the neutral tint of their sides, they were swallowed up in the abyss of space.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading To prevent accidents, it had been arranged that the ships should keep a considerable distance apart.
unceasingadjectiveUS /ənˈsiːsɪŋ/
continuing forever or indefinitely
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading Some of them gradually drifted away, until, on account of the neutral tint of their sides, they were swallowed up in the abyss of space.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Some of them gradually drifted away, until, on account of the neutral tint of their sides, they were swallowed up in the abyss of space.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
capable of being seen; or open to easy view
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Still it was possible to know where every member of the squadron was through the constant interchange of signals.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Some of them gradually drifted away, until, on account of the neutral tint of their sides, they were swallowed up in the abyss of space.
in or at the place that
From this reading Still it was possible to know where every member of the squadron was through the constant interchange of signals.
in the company of; together with
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
but in spite of that
From this reading But, although it was now unceasing day for us, yet, there being no atmosphere to diffuse the sun's light, the stars were visible to us just as at night upon the earth, and they shone with extraordinary splendor against the intense black background of the firmament.
