used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading One morning a few weeks later the sun rose quickly over the horizon, as if it had overslept and was hurrying to make up lost time.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading Its angry crimson face threw a lurid glow across the sky, like the reflection of some mighty conflagration.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A small coast-boat, dancing on the waves of a flood-tide, tugged impatiently at her anchor, while a strong south wind sportively dashed an occasional drenching spray across her deck, much to the discomfort of a number of men lying there.
anchornounUS /ˈæŋkər/
a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving
From this reading A small coast-boat, dancing on the waves of a flood-tide, tugged impatiently at her anchor, while a strong south wind sportively dashed an occasional drenching spray across her deck, much to the discomfort of a number of men lying there.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading One morning a few weeks later the sun rose quickly over the horizon, as if it had overslept and was hurrying to make up lost time.
angryadjectiveUS /ˈæŋɡri/
feeling or showing anger
From this reading Its angry crimson face threw a lurid glow across the sky, like the reflection of some mighty conflagration.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading One morning a few weeks later the sun rose quickly over the horizon, as if it had overslept and was hurrying to make up lost time.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A small coast-boat, dancing on the waves of a flood-tide, tugged impatiently at her anchor, while a strong south wind sportively dashed an occasional drenching spray across her deck, much to the discomfort of a number of men lying there.
coast-boat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A small coast-boat, dancing on the waves of a flood-tide, tugged impatiently at her anchor, while a strong south wind sportively dashed an occasional drenching spray across her deck, much to the discomfort of a number of men lying there.
conflagrationnounUS /ˌkɑːnfləˈɡreɪʃən/
a very intense and uncontrolled fire
From this reading Its angry crimson face threw a lurid glow across the sky, like the reflection of some mighty conflagration.
crimsonadjectiveUS /ˈkrɪmzən/
of a color at the end of the color spectrum (next to orange); resembling the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies
From this reading Its angry crimson face threw a lurid glow across the sky, like the reflection of some mighty conflagration.
taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music
From this reading A small coast-boat, dancing on the waves of a flood-tide, tugged impatiently at her anchor, while a strong south wind sportively dashed an occasional drenching spray across her deck, much to the discomfort of a number of men lying there.
having gaps or spaces
From this reading A small coast-boat, dancing on the waves of a flood-tide, tugged impatiently at her anchor, while a strong south wind sportively dashed an occasional drenching spray across her deck, much to the discomfort of a number of men lying there.
any of various platforms built into a vessel
From this reading A small coast-boat, dancing on the waves of a flood-tide, tugged impatiently at her anchor, while a strong south wind sportively dashed an occasional drenching spray across her deck, much to the discomfort of a number of men lying there.
discomfortnounUS /dɪˈskʌmfərt/
the state of being tense and feeling pain
From this reading A small coast-boat, dancing on the waves of a flood-tide, tugged impatiently at her anchor, while a strong south wind sportively dashed an occasional drenching spray across her deck, much to the discomfort of a number of men lying there.
drenchingnounUS /ˈdrentʃɪŋ/
the act of making something completely wet
From this reading A small coast-boat, dancing on the waves of a flood-tide, tugged impatiently at her anchor, while a strong south wind sportively dashed an occasional drenching spray across her deck, much to the discomfort of a number of men lying there.
the organ of sight
From this reading At length one of these recumbent figures rose slowly to his feet and scanned the horizon with a sailor’s eye.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Its angry crimson face threw a lurid glow across the sky, like the reflection of some mighty conflagration.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading At length one of these recumbent figures rose slowly to his feet and scanned the horizon with a sailor’s eye.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading One morning a few weeks later the sun rose quickly over the horizon, as if it had overslept and was hurrying to make up lost time.
plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading At length one of these recumbent figures rose slowly to his feet and scanned the horizon with a sailor’s eye.
flood-tide
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A small coast-boat, dancing on the waves of a flood-tide, tugged impatiently at her anchor, while a strong south wind sportively dashed an occasional drenching spray across her deck, much to the discomfort of a number of men lying there.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading It was our old friend George Hopkins.
Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)
From this reading It was our old friend George Hopkins.
an alert and refreshed state
From this reading Its angry crimson face threw a lurid glow across the sky, like the reflection of some mighty conflagration.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading One morning a few weeks later the sun rose quickly over the horizon, as if it had overslept and was hurrying to make up lost time.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading A small coast-boat, dancing on the waves of a flood-tide, tugged impatiently at her anchor, while a strong south wind sportively dashed an occasional drenching spray across her deck, much to the discomfort of a number of men lying there.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading At length one of these recumbent figures rose slowly to his feet and scanned the horizon with a sailor’s eye.
HopkinsnounUS /ˈhɑːpkɪnz/
United States educator and theologian (1802-1887)
From this reading It was our old friend George Hopkins.
the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet
From this reading One morning a few weeks later the sun rose quickly over the horizon, as if it had overslept and was hurrying to make up lost time.
hurryingadjectiveUS /ˈhɜːriɪŋ/
moving with great haste
From this reading One morning a few weeks later the sun rose quickly over the horizon, as if it had overslept and was hurrying to make up lost time.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading One morning a few weeks later the sun rose quickly over the horizon, as if it had overslept and was hurrying to make up lost time.
with impatience; in an impatient manner
From this reading A small coast-boat, dancing on the waves of a flood-tide, tugged impatiently at her anchor, while a strong south wind sportively dashed an occasional drenching spray across her deck, much to the discomfort of a number of men lying there.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading One morning a few weeks later the sun rose quickly over the horizon, as if it had overslept and was hurrying to make up lost time.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Its angry crimson face threw a lurid glow across the sky, like the reflection of some mighty conflagration.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading One morning a few weeks later the sun rose quickly over the horizon, as if it had overslept and was hurrying to make up lost time.
the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading At length one of these recumbent figures rose slowly to his feet and scanned the horizon with a sailor’s eye.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Its angry crimson face threw a lurid glow across the sky, like the reflection of some mighty conflagration.
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading One morning a few weeks later the sun rose quickly over the horizon, as if it had overslept and was hurrying to make up lost time.
luridadjectiveUS /ˈlʊrəd/
horrible in fierceness or savagery
From this reading Its angry crimson face threw a lurid glow across the sky, like the reflection of some mighty conflagration.
the deliberate act of deviating from the truth
From this reading A small coast-boat, dancing on the waves of a flood-tide, tugged impatiently at her anchor, while a strong south wind sportively dashed an occasional drenching spray across her deck, much to the discomfort of a number of men lying there.
engage in
From this reading One morning a few weeks later the sun rose quickly over the horizon, as if it had overslept and was hurrying to make up lost time.
the force of workers available
From this reading A small coast-boat, dancing on the waves of a flood-tide, tugged impatiently at her anchor, while a strong south wind sportively dashed an occasional drenching spray across her deck, much to the discomfort of a number of men lying there.
having or showing great strength or force or intensity
From this reading Its angry crimson face threw a lurid glow across the sky, like the reflection of some mighty conflagration.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading One morning a few weeks later the sun rose quickly over the horizon, as if it had overslept and was hurrying to make up lost time.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading A small coast-boat, dancing on the waves of a flood-tide, tugged impatiently at her anchor, while a strong south wind sportively dashed an occasional drenching spray across her deck, much to the discomfort of a number of men lying there.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading A small coast-boat, dancing on the waves of a flood-tide, tugged impatiently at her anchor, while a strong south wind sportively dashed an occasional drenching spray across her deck, much to the discomfort of a number of men lying there.
occasionaladjectiveUS /əˈkeɪʒənəl/
occurring from time to time
From this reading A small coast-boat, dancing on the waves of a flood-tide, tugged impatiently at her anchor, while a strong south wind sportively dashed an occasional drenching spray across her deck, much to the discomfort of a number of men lying there.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Its angry crimson face threw a lurid glow across the sky, like the reflection of some mighty conflagration.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading It was our old friend George Hopkins.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A small coast-boat, dancing on the waves of a flood-tide, tugged impatiently at her anchor, while a strong south wind sportively dashed an occasional drenching spray across her deck, much to the discomfort of a number of men lying there.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One morning a few weeks later the sun rose quickly over the horizon, as if it had overslept and was hurrying to make up lost time.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading It was our old friend George Hopkins.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading One morning a few weeks later the sun rose quickly over the horizon, as if it had overslept and was hurrying to make up lost time.
oversleptverbUS /ˌoʊvərˈslept/
inflected form of “oversleep” — sleep longer than intended
From this reading One morning a few weeks later the sun rose quickly over the horizon, as if it had overslept and was hurrying to make up lost time.
with speed
From this reading One morning a few weeks later the sun rose quickly over the horizon, as if it had overslept and was hurrying to make up lost time.
recumbentadjective
lying down; in a position of comfort or rest
From this reading At length one of these recumbent figures rose slowly to his feet and scanned the horizon with a sailor’s eye.
a calm, lengthy, intent consideration
From this reading Its angry crimson face threw a lurid glow across the sky, like the reflection of some mighty conflagration.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading One morning a few weeks later the sun rose quickly over the horizon, as if it had overslept and was hurrying to make up lost time.
sailor'snounUS /ˈseɪlərz/
possessive form of “sailor” — any member of a ship's crew
From this reading At length one of these recumbent figures rose slowly to his feet and scanned the horizon with a sailor’s eye.
scannedverbUS /skænd/
inflected form of “scan” — examine minutely or intensely
From this reading At length one of these recumbent figures rose slowly to his feet and scanned the horizon with a sailor’s eye.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading Its angry crimson face threw a lurid glow across the sky, like the reflection of some mighty conflagration.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading At length one of these recumbent figures rose slowly to his feet and scanned the horizon with a sailor’s eye.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A small coast-boat, dancing on the waves of a flood-tide, tugged impatiently at her anchor, while a strong south wind sportively dashed an occasional drenching spray across her deck, much to the discomfort of a number of men lying there.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Its angry crimson face threw a lurid glow across the sky, like the reflection of some mighty conflagration.
the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading A small coast-boat, dancing on the waves of a flood-tide, tugged impatiently at her anchor, while a strong south wind sportively dashed an occasional drenching spray across her deck, much to the discomfort of a number of men lying there.
sportivelyadverb
in a merry sportive manner
From this reading A small coast-boat, dancing on the waves of a flood-tide, tugged impatiently at her anchor, while a strong south wind sportively dashed an occasional drenching spray across her deck, much to the discomfort of a number of men lying there.
spraynounUS /spreɪ/
a pesticide in suspension or solution; intended for spraying
From this reading A small coast-boat, dancing on the waves of a flood-tide, tugged impatiently at her anchor, while a strong south wind sportively dashed an occasional drenching spray across her deck, much to the discomfort of a number of men lying there.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading A small coast-boat, dancing on the waves of a flood-tide, tugged impatiently at her anchor, while a strong south wind sportively dashed an occasional drenching spray across her deck, much to the discomfort of a number of men lying there.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading One morning a few weeks later the sun rose quickly over the horizon, as if it had overslept and was hurrying to make up lost time.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading One morning a few weeks later the sun rose quickly over the horizon, as if it had overslept and was hurrying to make up lost time.
in or at that place or location
From this reading A small coast-boat, dancing on the waves of a flood-tide, tugged impatiently at her anchor, while a strong south wind sportively dashed an occasional drenching spray across her deck, much to the discomfort of a number of men lying there.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading At length one of these recumbent figures rose slowly to his feet and scanned the horizon with a sailor’s eye.
inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading Its angry crimson face threw a lurid glow across the sky, like the reflection of some mighty conflagration.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading One morning a few weeks later the sun rose quickly over the horizon, as if it had overslept and was hurrying to make up lost time.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading One morning a few weeks later the sun rose quickly over the horizon, as if it had overslept and was hurrying to make up lost time.
tuggedverbUS /tʌɡd/
inflected form of “tug” — pull hard
From this reading A small coast-boat, dancing on the waves of a flood-tide, tugged impatiently at her anchor, while a strong south wind sportively dashed an occasional drenching spray across her deck, much to the discomfort of a number of men lying there.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading One morning a few weeks later the sun rose quickly over the horizon, as if it had overslept and was hurrying to make up lost time.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading One morning a few weeks later the sun rose quickly over the horizon, as if it had overslept and was hurrying to make up lost time.
plural of “wave” — one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
From this reading A small coast-boat, dancing on the waves of a flood-tide, tugged impatiently at her anchor, while a strong south wind sportively dashed an occasional drenching spray across her deck, much to the discomfort of a number of men lying there.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading One morning a few weeks later the sun rose quickly over the horizon, as if it had overslept and was hurrying to make up lost time.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading A small coast-boat, dancing on the waves of a flood-tide, tugged impatiently at her anchor, while a strong south wind sportively dashed an occasional drenching spray across her deck, much to the discomfort of a number of men lying there.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading A small coast-boat, dancing on the waves of a flood-tide, tugged impatiently at her anchor, while a strong south wind sportively dashed an occasional drenching spray across her deck, much to the discomfort of a number of men lying there.
in the company of; together with
From this reading At length one of these recumbent figures rose slowly to his feet and scanned the horizon with a sailor’s eye.
