used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
alertadjectiveUS /əˈlɜːrt/
engaged in or accustomed to close observation
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading We all of us remarked the greater buoyancy of the _Sirius_ in the lower Martial atmosphere than was the case in that of the Earth, and our descent was slow and easy in the extreme.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading OUR ARRIVAL AND SAFE DESCENT.
apparatusnounUS /ˌæpərˈætəs/
equipment designed to serve a specific function
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
accomplishment of an objective
From this reading OUR ARRIVAL AND SAFE DESCENT.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
From this reading In fact, so buoyant had the _Sirius_ become, that we had great fears of ever reaching ground at all without assistance from below.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading In fact, so buoyant had the _Sirius_ become, that we had great fears of ever reaching ground at all without assistance from below.
a particular environment or surrounding influence
From this reading We all of us remarked the greater buoyancy of the _Sirius_ in the lower Martial atmosphere than was the case in that of the Earth, and our descent was slow and easy in the extreme.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
balconynounUS /ˈbælkəni/
an upper floor projecting from the rear over the main floor in an auditorium
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading In fact, so buoyant had the _Sirius_ become, that we had great fears of ever reaching ground at all without assistance from below.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading In fact, so buoyant had the _Sirius_ become, that we had great fears of ever reaching ground at all without assistance from below.
buoyancynounUS /ˈbɔɪənsi/
cheerfulness that bubbles to the surface
From this reading We all of us remarked the greater buoyancy of the _Sirius_ in the lower Martial atmosphere than was the case in that of the Earth, and our descent was slow and easy in the extreme.
buoyantadjectiveUS /ˈbɔɪənt/
tending to float on a liquid or rise in air or gas
From this reading In fact, so buoyant had the _Sirius_ become, that we had great fears of ever reaching ground at all without assistance from below.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
the particular occupation for which you are trained
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
an occurrence of something
From this reading We all of us remarked the greater buoyancy of the _Sirius_ in the lower Martial atmosphere than was the case in that of the Earth, and our descent was slow and easy in the extreme.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
confinedadjectiveUS /kənˈfaɪnd/
not invading healthy tissue
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
contingencynounUS /kənˈtɪndʒənsi/
a possible event or occurrence or result
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
a pair who associate with one another
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
crashingadjectiveUS /ˈkræʃɪŋ/
informal intensifiers
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
denseadjectiveUS /dens/
permitting little if any light to pass through because of denseness of matter
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
past form of “descend” — move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
DESCENTnounUS /dɪˈsent/
An action of moving downward, dropping, or falling into a deeper place.
From this reading OUR ARRIVAL AND SAFE DESCENT.
dismaladjectiveUS /ˈdɪzməl/
causing dejection
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading We all of us remarked the greater buoyancy of the _Sirius_ in the lower Martial atmosphere than was the case in that of the Earth, and our descent was slow and easy in the extreme.
posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading We all of us remarked the greater buoyancy of the _Sirius_ in the lower Martial atmosphere than was the case in that of the Earth, and our descent was slow and easy in the extreme.
eventuallyadverbUS /ɪˈventʃəwəli/
after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
at any time
From this reading In fact, so buoyant had the _Sirius_ become, that we had great fears of ever reaching ground at all without assistance from below.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity
From this reading We all of us remarked the greater buoyancy of the _Sirius_ in the lower Martial atmosphere than was the case in that of the Earth, and our descent was slow and easy in the extreme.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading In fact, so buoyant had the _Sirius_ become, that we had great fears of ever reaching ground at all without assistance from below.
plural of “fear” — an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)
From this reading In fact, so buoyant had the _Sirius_ become, that we had great fears of ever reaching ground at all without assistance from below.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
the act of acquiring something
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
any creature of exceptional size
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
in a gradual manner
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
GrahamnounUS /ˈɡreɪəm/
United States evangelical preacher famous as a mass evangelist (born in 1918)
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
shoot down, of birds
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading In fact, so buoyant had the _Sirius_ become, that we had great fears of ever reaching ground at all without assistance from below.
greater in size or importance or degree
From this reading We all of us remarked the greater buoyancy of the _Sirius_ in the lower Martial atmosphere than was the case in that of the Earth, and our descent was slow and easy in the extreme.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading In fact, so buoyant had the _Sirius_ become, that we had great fears of ever reaching ground at all without assistance from below.
growthnounUS /ɡroʊθ/
(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
guidancenounUS /ˈɡaɪdəns/
something that provides direction or advice as to a decision or course of action
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In fact, so buoyant had the _Sirius_ become, that we had great fears of ever reaching ground at all without assistance from below.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
ten 10s
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading We all of us remarked the greater buoyancy of the _Sirius_ in the lower Martial atmosphere than was the case in that of the Earth, and our descent was slow and easy in the extreme.
instructionsnounUS /ˌɪnˈstrʌkʃənz/
a manual usually accompanying a technical device and explaining how to install or operate it
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
junglenounUS /ˈdʒʌŋɡəl/
a location marked by an intense competition and struggle for survival
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
laddernounUS /ˈlædər/
steps consisting of two parallel members connected by rungs; for climbing up or down
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
immediately past
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
move something or somebody to a lower position
From this reading We all of us remarked the greater buoyancy of the _Sirius_ in the lower Martial atmosphere than was the case in that of the Earth, and our descent was slow and easy in the extreme.
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 But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
MartialadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːrʃəl/
(of persons) befitting a warrior
From this reading We all of us remarked the greater buoyancy of the _Sirius_ in the lower Martial atmosphere than was the case in that of the Earth, and our descent was slow and easy in the extreme.
motorsnounUS /ˈmoʊtərz/
plural of “motor” — machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading We all of us remarked the greater buoyancy of the _Sirius_ in the lower Martial atmosphere than was the case in that of the Earth, and our descent was slow and easy in the extreme.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading OUR ARRIVAL AND SAFE DESCENT.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
the act of physically reaching or thrusting out
From this reading In fact, so buoyant had the _Sirius_ become, that we had great fears of ever reaching ground at all without assistance from below.
reedsnounUS /riːdz/
plural of “reed” — tall woody perennial grasses with hollow slender stems especially of the genera Arundo and Phragmites
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
past form of “remark” — make mention of
From this reading We all of us remarked the greater buoyancy of the _Sirius_ in the lower Martial atmosphere than was the case in that of the Earth, and our descent was slow and easy in the extreme.
a strong line
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
free from danger or the risk of harm
From this reading OUR ARRIVAL AND SAFE DESCENT.
SandyadjectiveUS /ˈsændi/
of hair color; pale yellowish to yellowish brown
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
established or decided beyond dispute or doubt
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
sinkingnounUS /ˈsɪŋkɪŋ/
a descent as through liquid (especially through water)
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
SiriusnounUS /ˈsɪrɪəs/
the brightest star in the sky; in Canis Major
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
slimyadjectiveUS /ˈslaɪmi/
covered with or resembling slime
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time
From this reading We all of us remarked the greater buoyancy of the _Sirius_ in the lower Martial atmosphere than was the case in that of the Earth, and our descent was slow and easy in the extreme.
snappingverbUS /ˈsnæpɪŋ/
inflected form of “snap” — utter in an angry, sharp, or abrupt tone
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading In fact, so buoyant had the _Sirius_ become, that we had great fears of ever reaching ground at all without assistance from below.
yielding readily to pressure or weight
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
the state of being covered with unclean things
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
stalksnounUS /stɔːks/
plural of “stalk” — material consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
steeringnounUS /ˈstɪrɪŋ/
the act of guiding or showing the way
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
stemsnounUS /stemz/
plural of “stem” — (linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
strawsnounUS /strɔːz/
plural of “straw” — plant fiber used e.g. for making baskets and hats or as fodder
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
swampyadjectiveUS /ˈswɑːmpi/
(of soil) soft and watery
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
taperingadjectiveUS /ˈteɪpərɪŋ/
becoming gradually narrower
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
place of worship consisting of an edifice for the worship of a deity
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading We all of us remarked the greater buoyancy of the _Sirius_ in the lower Martial atmosphere than was the case in that of the Earth, and our descent was slow and easy in the extreme.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading We all of us remarked the greater buoyancy of the _Sirius_ in the lower Martial atmosphere than was the case in that of the Earth, and our descent was slow and easy in the extreme.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading We all of us remarked the greater buoyancy of the _Sirius_ in the lower Martial atmosphere than was the case in that of the Earth, and our descent was slow and easy in the extreme.
vegetationnounUS /ˌvedʒəˈteɪʃən/
all the plant life in a particular region or period
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
look attentively
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We all of us remarked the greater buoyancy of the _Sirius_ in the lower Martial atmosphere than was the case in that of the Earth, and our descent was slow and easy in the extreme.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading But eventually the good _Sirius_ settled down through a dense growth of vegetation of some kind, snapping tall tapering stems like straws, crashing through giant reeds like so many grass stalks, and then sinking for a couple of feet into the soft slimy soil of what was evidently a dismal swampy jungle.
an old and formal word for “while”
From this reading As the _Sirius_ gradually descended the last few hundred feet, Sandy was busy getting out the rope ladder; Graham confined his attention to the motors and steering apparatus; whilst on the balcony Temple and the Doctor kept a close watch, the latter on the alert for every possible contingency, and from time to time calling out instructions to Graham for his guidance.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading In fact, so buoyant had the _Sirius_ become, that we had great fears of ever reaching ground at all without assistance from below.
