used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
abnormaladjectiveUS /æbˈnɔːrməl/
not normal; not typical or usual or regular or conforming to a norm
From this reading As a matter of fact, the startling decrease in the population of the Marquesan group, except for occasional epidemics, is due to scarcity of births and a lack of vitality in the children rather than to an abnormal number of deaths among the adults.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
accomplishverbUS /əˈkɑːmplɪʃ/
put in effect
From this reading Both sexes accomplish prodigious feats of walking, swimming and rowing, and both invariably bear up remarkably under hardship and privation such as that incident to being cast away to sea for weeks in an open boat.
adultsnounUS /əˈdʌlts/
plural of “adult” — a fully developed person from maturity onward
From this reading As a matter of fact, the startling decrease in the population of the Marquesan group, except for occasional epidemics, is due to scarcity of births and a lack of vitality in the children rather than to an abnormal number of deaths among the adults.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading As a matter of fact, the startling decrease in the population of the Marquesan group, except for occasional epidemics, is due to scarcity of births and a lack of vitality in the children rather than to an abnormal number of deaths among the adults.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Both sexes accomplish prodigious feats of walking, swimming and rowing, and both invariably bear up remarkably under hardship and privation such as that incident to being cast away to sea for weeks in an open boat.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
anomalynounUS /əˈnɑːməli/
deviation from the normal or common order or form or rule
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The women are likewise of good size and figure, and, when undisfigured with tattooing, of considerable beauty as well.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The women are likewise of good size and figure, and, when undisfigured with tattooing, of considerable beauty as well.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Both sexes accomplish prodigious feats of walking, swimming and rowing, and both invariably bear up remarkably under hardship and privation such as that incident to being cast away to sea for weeks in an open boat.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
an area of sand sloping down to the water of a sea or lake
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
have
From this reading Both sexes accomplish prodigious feats of walking, swimming and rowing, and both invariably bear up remarkably under hardship and privation such as that incident to being cast away to sea for weeks in an open boat.
the qualities that give pleasure to the senses
From this reading The women are likewise of good size and figure, and, when undisfigured with tattooing, of considerable beauty as well.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Both sexes accomplish prodigious feats of walking, swimming and rowing, and both invariably bear up remarkably under hardship and privation such as that incident to being cast away to sea for weeks in an open boat.
birthsnounUS /bɜːrθs/
plural of “birth” — the time when something begins (especially life)
From this reading As a matter of fact, the startling decrease in the population of the Marquesan group, except for occasional epidemics, is due to scarcity of births and a lack of vitality in the children rather than to an abnormal number of deaths among the adults.
a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading Both sexes accomplish prodigious feats of walking, swimming and rowing, and both invariably bear up remarkably under hardship and privation such as that incident to being cast away to sea for weeks in an open boat.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Both sexes accomplish prodigious feats of walking, swimming and rowing, and both invariably bear up remarkably under hardship and privation such as that incident to being cast away to sea for weeks in an open boat.
breadthnounUS /bredθ/
the capacity to understand a broad range of topics
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
put or send forth
From this reading Both sexes accomplish prodigious feats of walking, swimming and rowing, and both invariably bear up remarkably under hardship and privation such as that incident to being cast away to sea for weeks in an open boat.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading As a matter of fact, the startling decrease in the population of the Marquesan group, except for occasional epidemics, is due to scarcity of births and a lack of vitality in the children rather than to an abnormal number of deaths among the adults.
large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The women are likewise of good size and figure, and, when undisfigured with tattooing, of considerable beauty as well.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
deathsnounUS /deθs/
plural of “death” — the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading As a matter of fact, the startling decrease in the population of the Marquesan group, except for occasional epidemics, is due to scarcity of births and a lack of vitality in the children rather than to an abnormal number of deaths among the adults.
decreaseverbUS /dɪˈkriːs/
decrease in size, extent, or range
From this reading As a matter of fact, the startling decrease in the population of the Marquesan group, except for occasional epidemics, is due to scarcity of births and a lack of vitality in the children rather than to an abnormal number of deaths among the adults.
disappearingnounUS /ˌdɪsəˈpɪrɪŋ/
the act of leaving secretly or without explanation
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
owed and payable immediately or on demand
From this reading As a matter of fact, the startling decrease in the population of the Marquesan group, except for occasional epidemics, is due to scarcity of births and a lack of vitality in the children rather than to an abnormal number of deaths among the adults.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
epidemicsnounUS /ˌepəˈdemɪks/
plural of “epidemic” — a widespread outbreak of an infectious disease; many people are infected at the same time
From this reading As a matter of fact, the startling decrease in the population of the Marquesan group, except for occasional epidemics, is due to scarcity of births and a lack of vitality in the children rather than to an abnormal number of deaths among the adults.
apart from; not including
From this reading As a matter of fact, the startling decrease in the population of the Marquesan group, except for occasional epidemics, is due to scarcity of births and a lack of vitality in the children rather than to an abnormal number of deaths among the adults.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading As a matter of fact, the startling decrease in the population of the Marquesan group, except for occasional epidemics, is due to scarcity of births and a lack of vitality in the children rather than to an abnormal number of deaths among the adults.
fastestadverbUS /ˈfæstəst/
most quickly
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
featsnounUS /fiːts/
plural of “feat” — a notable achievement
From this reading Both sexes accomplish prodigious feats of walking, swimming and rowing, and both invariably bear up remarkably under hardship and privation such as that incident to being cast away to sea for weeks in an open boat.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading The women are likewise of good size and figure, and, when undisfigured with tattooing, of considerable beauty as well.
fineradjectiveUS /ˈfaɪnər/
(comparative of “fine”) greater in quality or excellence
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Both sexes accomplish prodigious feats of walking, swimming and rowing, and both invariably bear up remarkably under hardship and privation such as that incident to being cast away to sea for weeks in an open boat.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading The women are likewise of good size and figure, and, when undisfigured with tattooing, of considerable beauty as well.
any number of entities (members) considered as a unit
From this reading As a matter of fact, the startling decrease in the population of the Marquesan group, except for occasional epidemics, is due to scarcity of births and a lack of vitality in the children rather than to an abnormal number of deaths among the adults.
hardshipnounUS /ˈhɑːrdʃɪp/
a state of misfortune or affliction
From this reading Both sexes accomplish prodigious feats of walking, swimming and rowing, and both invariably bear up remarkably under hardship and privation such as that incident to being cast away to sea for weeks in an open boat.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
a single distinct event
From this reading Both sexes accomplish prodigious feats of walking, swimming and rowing, and both invariably bear up remarkably under hardship and privation such as that incident to being cast away to sea for weeks in an open boat.
incomparablyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈkɑːmpərəbli/
in an incomparable manner or to an incomparable degree
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
individualsnounUS /ˌɪndəˈvɪdʒəwəlz/
plural of “individual” — a human being
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
invariablyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈveriəbli/
without variation or change, in every case
From this reading Both sexes accomplish prodigious feats of walking, swimming and rowing, and both invariably bear up remarkably under hardship and privation such as that incident to being cast away to sea for weeks in an open boat.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
plural of “island” — a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
the state of needing something that is absent or unavailable
From this reading As a matter of fact, the startling decrease in the population of the Marquesan group, except for occasional epidemics, is due to scarcity of births and a lack of vitality in the children rather than to an abnormal number of deaths among the adults.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
in like or similar manner
From this reading The women are likewise of good size and figure, and, when undisfigured with tattooing, of considerable beauty as well.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
Marquesan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
MARQUESAS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading As a matter of fact, the startling decrease in the population of the Marquesan group, except for occasional epidemics, is due to scarcity of births and a lack of vitality in the children rather than to an abnormal number of deaths among the adults.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
musclingverbUS /ˈmʌsəlɪŋ/
-ing form of “muscle” — make one's way by force
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
plural of “native” — an indigenous person who was born in a particular place
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading As a matter of fact, the startling decrease in the population of the Marquesan group, except for occasional epidemics, is due to scarcity of births and a lack of vitality in the children rather than to an abnormal number of deaths among the adults.
occasionaladjectiveUS /əˈkeɪʒənəl/
occurring from time to time
From this reading As a matter of fact, the startling decrease in the population of the Marquesan group, except for occasional epidemics, is due to scarcity of births and a lack of vitality in the children rather than to an abnormal number of deaths among the adults.
oddsnounUS /ɑːdz/
the likelihood of a thing occurring rather than not occurring
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading Both sexes accomplish prodigious feats of walking, swimming and rowing, and both invariably bear up remarkably under hardship and privation such as that incident to being cast away to sea for weeks in an open boat.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
PacificnounUS /pəˈsɪfɪk/
the largest ocean in the world
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
physiquenounUS /fəˈziːk/
constitution of the human body
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
past form of “pick” — select carefully from a group
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
PolynesiannounUS /ˌpɑːlɪˈniːʒən/
a native or inhabitant of Polynesia
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
populationnounUS /ˌpɑːpjəˈleɪʃən/
the people who inhabit a territory or state
From this reading As a matter of fact, the startling decrease in the population of the Marquesan group, except for occasional epidemics, is due to scarcity of births and a lack of vitality in the children rather than to an abnormal number of deaths among the adults.
privationnounUS /praɪˈveɪʃən/
a state of extreme poverty
From this reading Both sexes accomplish prodigious feats of walking, swimming and rowing, and both invariably bear up remarkably under hardship and privation such as that incident to being cast away to sea for weeks in an open boat.
with considerable certainty; without much doubt
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
prodigiousadjectiveUS /prəˈdɪdʒəs/
so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe
From this reading Both sexes accomplish prodigious feats of walking, swimming and rowing, and both invariably bear up remarkably under hardship and privation such as that incident to being cast away to sea for weeks in an open boat.
proportionnounUS /prəˈpɔːrʃən/
the quotient obtained when the magnitude of a part is divided by the magnitude of the whole
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
racesnounUS /ˈreɪsəz/
plural of “race” — any competition
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
randomadjectiveUS /ˈrændəm/
lacking any definite plan or order or purpose; governed by or depending on chance
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
on the contrary
From this reading As a matter of fact, the startling decrease in the population of the Marquesan group, except for occasional epidemics, is due to scarcity of births and a lack of vitality in the children rather than to an abnormal number of deaths among the adults.
remarkablyadverbUS /rɪˈmɑːrkəbli/
to a remarkable degree or extent
From this reading Both sexes accomplish prodigious feats of walking, swimming and rowing, and both invariably bear up remarkably under hardship and privation such as that incident to being cast away to sea for weeks in an open boat.
rowingnounUS /ˈroʊɪŋ/
the act of rowing as a sport
From this reading Both sexes accomplish prodigious feats of walking, swimming and rowing, and both invariably bear up remarkably under hardship and privation such as that incident to being cast away to sea for weeks in an open boat.
scarcitynounUS /ˈskersɪti/
a small and inadequate amount
From this reading As a matter of fact, the startling decrease in the population of the Marquesan group, except for occasional epidemics, is due to scarcity of births and a lack of vitality in the children rather than to an abnormal number of deaths among the adults.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading Both sexes accomplish prodigious feats of walking, swimming and rowing, and both invariably bear up remarkably under hardship and privation such as that incident to being cast away to sea for weeks in an open boat.
sexesnounUS /ˈseksəz/
plural of “sex” — activities associated with sexual intercourse
From this reading Both sexes accomplish prodigious feats of walking, swimming and rowing, and both invariably bear up remarkably under hardship and privation such as that incident to being cast away to sea for weeks in an open boat.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
six-foot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)
From this reading The women are likewise of good size and figure, and, when undisfigured with tattooing, of considerable beauty as well.
the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
startlingadjectiveUS /ˈstɑːrtlɪŋ/
so remarkably different or sudden as to cause momentary shock or alarm
From this reading As a matter of fact, the startling decrease in the population of the Marquesan group, except for occasional epidemics, is due to scarcity of births and a lack of vitality in the children rather than to an abnormal number of deaths among the adults.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Both sexes accomplish prodigious feats of walking, swimming and rowing, and both invariably bear up remarkably under hardship and privation such as that incident to being cast away to sea for weeks in an open boat.
swimmingnounUS /ˈswɪmɪŋ/
the act of swimming
From this reading Both sexes accomplish prodigious feats of walking, swimming and rowing, and both invariably bear up remarkably under hardship and privation such as that incident to being cast away to sea for weeks in an open boat.
Taio-haie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
tapenounUS /teɪp/
a long thin piece of cloth or paper as used for binding or fastening
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
tattooingverbUS /ˌtæˈtuːɪŋ/
-ing form of “tattoo” — stain (skin) with indelible color
From this reading The women are likewise of good size and figure, and, when undisfigured with tattooing, of considerable beauty as well.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Both sexes accomplish prodigious feats of walking, swimming and rowing, and both invariably bear up remarkably under hardship and privation such as that incident to being cast away to sea for weeks in an open boat.
TODAYnounUS /təˈdeɪ/
the present time or age
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Both sexes accomplish prodigious feats of walking, swimming and rowing, and both invariably bear up remarkably under hardship and privation such as that incident to being cast away to sea for weeks in an open boat.
undisfigured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The women are likewise of good size and figure, and, when undisfigured with tattooing, of considerable beauty as well.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading THE MARQUESAS TODAY It is a strange anomaly that the Marquesan, by long odds the fastest disappearing of the Polynesian races, is made up of individuals of incomparably finer physique than those of any other of the islands of the South Pacific.
vitalitynounUS /vaɪˈtæləti/
an energetic style
From this reading As a matter of fact, the startling decrease in the population of the Marquesan group, except for occasional epidemics, is due to scarcity of births and a lack of vitality in the children rather than to an abnormal number of deaths among the adults.
close enough to be walked to
From this reading Both sexes accomplish prodigious feats of walking, swimming and rowing, and both invariably bear up remarkably under hardship and privation such as that incident to being cast away to sea for weeks in an open boat.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading Both sexes accomplish prodigious feats of walking, swimming and rowing, and both invariably bear up remarkably under hardship and privation such as that incident to being cast away to sea for weeks in an open boat.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading The women are likewise of good size and figure, and, when undisfigured with tattooing, of considerable beauty as well.
at the time that
From this reading The women are likewise of good size and figure, and, when undisfigured with tattooing, of considerable beauty as well.
which person or people
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The women are likewise of good size and figure, and, when undisfigured with tattooing, of considerable beauty as well.
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading The women are likewise of good size and figure, and, when undisfigured with tattooing, of considerable beauty as well.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Of a dozen natives picked at random from the beach of Taio-haie, there would probably be not over three or four who would not show more or less of his dark head above the end of a six-foot tape, and the breadth and muscling of each would be in proportion.
