used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The order to gather at the starboard was a wise one, for this spot was the best protected on the deck, as the port side was settling rapidly.
take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The order to gather at the starboard was a wise one, for this spot was the best protected on the deck, as the port side was settling rapidly.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading To take to a small boat or the catamaran would have been the height of foolishness, for a strong searchlight was being thrown on the scene, and the men would have been picked off by the Spanish gunners at will.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading The order to gather at the starboard was a wise one, for this spot was the best protected on the deck, as the port side was settling rapidly.
blownadjectiveUS /bloʊn/
being moved or acted upon by moving air or vapor
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading To take to a small boat or the catamaran would have been the height of foolishness, for a strong searchlight was being thrown on the scene, and the men would have been picked off by the Spanish gunners at will.
burstingverbUS /ˈbɜːrstɪŋ/
-ing form of “burst” — come open suddenly and violently, as if from internal pressure
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading To take to a small boat or the catamaran would have been the height of foolishness, for a strong searchlight was being thrown on the scene, and the men would have been picked off by the Spanish gunners at will.
catamarannounUS /ˌkætəmərˈæn/
a boat with two parallel hulls held together by single deck
From this reading To take to a small boat or the catamaran would have been the height of foolishness, for a strong searchlight was being thrown on the scene, and the men would have been picked off by the Spanish gunners at will.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading With the others Walter rushed to starboard and found a hiding-place close to the rail.
without stop or interruption
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
any of various platforms built into a vessel
From this reading The order to gather at the starboard was a wise one, for this spot was the best protected on the deck, as the port side was settling rapidly.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
start firing a weapon
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
foolishnessnounUS /ˈfuːlɪʃnəs/
the trait of acting stupidly or rashly
From this reading To take to a small boat or the catamaran would have been the height of foolishness, for a strong searchlight was being thrown on the scene, and the men would have been picked off by the Spanish gunners at will.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The order to gather at the starboard was a wise one, for this spot was the best protected on the deck, as the port side was settling rapidly.
set up or found
From this reading With the others Walter rushed to starboard and found a hiding-place close to the rail.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
assemble or get together
From this reading The order to gather at the starboard was a wise one, for this spot was the best protected on the deck, as the port side was settling rapidly.
gunnersnounUS /ˈɡʌnərz/
plural of “gunner” — a serviceman in the artillery
From this reading To take to a small boat or the catamaran would have been the height of foolishness, for a strong searchlight was being thrown on the scene, and the men would have been picked off by the Spanish gunners at will.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
come to pass
From this reading "I wonder what will happen next," he muttered.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading To take to a small boat or the catamaran would have been the height of foolishness, for a strong searchlight was being thrown on the scene, and the men would have been picked off by the Spanish gunners at will.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "I wonder what will happen next," he muttered.
the vertical dimension of extension; distance from the base of something to the top
From this reading To take to a small boat or the catamaran would have been the height of foolishness, for a strong searchlight was being thrown on the scene, and the men would have been picked off by the Spanish gunners at will.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
hiding-place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With the others Walter rushed to starboard and found a hiding-place close to the rail.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I wonder what will happen next," he muttered.
interruptionnounUS /ˌɪntərˈʌpʃən/
an act of delaying or interrupting the continuity
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
leadenadjectiveUS /ˈledən/
darkened with overcast
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
the force of workers available
From this reading To take to a small boat or the catamaran would have been the height of foolishness, for a strong searchlight was being thrown on the scene, and the men would have been picked off by the Spanish gunners at will.
MerrimacnounUS /ˈmerɪmæk/
an ironclad vessel built by the Confederate forces in the hope of breaking the blockade imposed by the North
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
messengersnounUS /ˈmesəndʒərz/
plural of “messenger” — a person who carries a message
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
past form of “mutter” — talk indistinctly; usually in a low voice
From this reading "I wonder what will happen next," he muttered.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading "I wonder what will happen next," he muttered.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading To take to a small boat or the catamaran would have been the height of foolishness, for a strong searchlight was being thrown on the scene, and the men would have been picked off by the Spanish gunners at will.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The order to gather at the starboard was a wise one, for this spot was the best protected on the deck, as the port side was settling rapidly.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading To take to a small boat or the catamaran would have been the height of foolishness, for a strong searchlight was being thrown on the scene, and the men would have been picked off by the Spanish gunners at will.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading The order to gather at the starboard was a wise one, for this spot was the best protected on the deck, as the port side was settling rapidly.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With the others Walter rushed to starboard and found a hiding-place close to the rail.
past form of “pick” — select carefully from a group
From this reading To take to a small boat or the catamaran would have been the height of foolishness, for a strong searchlight was being thrown on the scene, and the men would have been picked off by the Spanish gunners at will.
a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country
From this reading The order to gather at the starboard was a wise one, for this spot was the best protected on the deck, as the port side was settling rapidly.
protectedadjectiveUS /prəˈtektɪd/
kept safe or defended from danger or injury or loss
From this reading The order to gather at the starboard was a wise one, for this spot was the best protected on the deck, as the port side was settling rapidly.
railnounUS /reɪl/
a barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports
From this reading With the others Walter rushed to starboard and found a hiding-place close to the rail.
rapid-firing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
with speed
From this reading The order to gather at the starboard was a wise one, for this spot was the best protected on the deck, as the port side was settling rapidly.
riflesnounUS /ˈraɪfəlz/
plural of “rifle” — a shoulder firearm with a long barrel and a rifled bore
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
done under pressure
From this reading With the others Walter rushed to starboard and found a hiding-place close to the rail.
the place where some action occurs
From this reading To take to a small boat or the catamaran would have been the height of foolishness, for a strong searchlight was being thrown on the scene, and the men would have been picked off by the Spanish gunners at will.
searchlightnounUS /ˈsɜːrtʃlaɪt/
a light source with reflectors that projects a beam of light in a particular direction
From this reading To take to a small boat or the catamaran would have been the height of foolishness, for a strong searchlight was being thrown on the scene, and the men would have been picked off by the Spanish gunners at will.
settlingnounUS /ˈsetəlɪŋ/
a gradual sinking to a lower level
From this reading The order to gather at the starboard was a wise one, for this spot was the best protected on the deck, as the port side was settling rapidly.
shellsnounUS /ʃelz/
plural of “shell” — ammunition consisting of a cylindrical metal casing containing an explosive charge and a projectile; fired from a large gun
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
the land along the edge of a body of water
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
the act of firing a projectile
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading The order to gather at the starboard was a wise one, for this spot was the best protected on the deck, as the port side was settling rapidly.
sinkingnounUS /ˈsɪŋkɪŋ/
a descent as through liquid (especially through water)
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading To take to a small boat or the catamaran would have been the height of foolishness, for a strong searchlight was being thrown on the scene, and the men would have been picked off by the Spanish gunners at will.
solidadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːləd/
characterized by good substantial quality
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
SpaniardsnounUS /ˈspænjərdz/
plural of “spaniard” — a native or inhabitant of Spain
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
the Romance language spoken in most of Spain and the countries colonized by Spain
From this reading To take to a small boat or the catamaran would have been the height of foolishness, for a strong searchlight was being thrown on the scene, and the men would have been picked off by the Spanish gunners at will.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading The order to gather at the starboard was a wise one, for this spot was the best protected on the deck, as the port side was settling rapidly.
starboardnounUS /ˈstɑːrbərd/
the right side of a ship or aircraft to someone who is aboard and facing the bow or nose
From this reading The order to gather at the starboard was a wise one, for this spot was the best protected on the deck, as the port side was settling rapidly.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading To take to a small boat or the catamaran would have been the height of foolishness, for a strong searchlight was being thrown on the scene, and the men would have been picked off by the Spanish gunners at will.
carry out
From this reading To take to a small boat or the catamaran would have been the height of foolishness, for a strong searchlight was being thrown on the scene, and the men would have been picked off by the Spanish gunners at will.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The order to gather at the starboard was a wise one, for this spot was the best protected on the deck, as the port side was settling rapidly.
caused to fall to the ground
From this reading To take to a small boat or the catamaran would have been the height of foolishness, for a strong searchlight was being thrown on the scene, and the men would have been picked off by the Spanish gunners at will.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
German conductor (1876-1962)
From this reading With the others Walter rushed to starboard and found a hiding-place close to the rail.
WALTER'SnounUS /ˈwɔːltərz/
possessive form of “walter” — German conductor (1876-1962)
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading "I wonder what will happen next," he muttered.
whistlingnounUS /ˈwɪslɪŋ/
the sound made by something moving rapidly or by steam coming out of a small aperture
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading To take to a small boat or the catamaran would have been the height of foolishness, for a strong searchlight was being thrown on the scene, and the men would have been picked off by the Spanish gunners at will.
having or prompted by wisdom or discernment
From this reading The order to gather at the starboard was a wise one, for this spot was the best protected on the deck, as the port side was settling rapidly.
in the company of; together with
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading WALTER'S ADVENTURE ON SHORE Although the _Merrimac_ had been blown up and was sinking, the Spaniards continued to fire upon her without interruption, and as before, the air was filled with solid shot, bursting shells, and the whistling of leaden messengers from rapid-firing rifles.
the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
From this reading "I wonder what will happen next," he muttered.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading To take to a small boat or the catamaran would have been the height of foolishness, for a strong searchlight was being thrown on the scene, and the men would have been picked off by the Spanish gunners at will.
