used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
(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 BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
amassingverbUS /əˈmæsɪŋ/
-ing form of “amass” — collect or gather
From this reading Macro was, by degrees and with never-lessening enjoyment, amassing a very considerable treasure.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading If ever the chance of getting back to land arrived, and he could get his plunder home, he would have no need to follow the sea for the rest of his life.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was evident that the men of the sea avoided Sable Island as if it were a pestilence, and came there only when it no longer mattered to them whether they came there or not.
avoidedverbUS /əˈvɔɪdɪd/
past form of “avoid” — stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something
From this reading It was evident that the men of the sea avoided Sable Island as if it were a pestilence, and came there only when it no longer mattered to them whether they came there or not.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading If ever the chance of getting back to land arrived, and he could get his plunder home, he would have no need to follow the sea for the rest of his life.
having undesirable or negative qualities
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading But, whether or not that crowning good fortune should ever be his, this gathering of spoil was a huge satisfaction to the very soul of him, and he desired no better.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading But, whether or not that crowning good fortune should ever be his, this gathering of spoil was a huge satisfaction to the very soul of him, and he desired no better.
BONEnounUS /boʊn/
rigid connective tissue that makes up the skeleton of vertebrates
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But, whether or not that crowning good fortune should ever be his, this gathering of spoil was a huge satisfaction to the very soul of him, and he desired no better.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Macro was, by degrees and with never-lessening enjoyment, amassing a very considerable treasure.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading It was evident that the men of the sea avoided Sable Island as if it were a pestilence, and came there only when it no longer mattered to them whether they came there or not.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading If ever the chance of getting back to land arrived, and he could get his plunder home, he would have no need to follow the sea for the rest of his life.
large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Macro was, by degrees and with never-lessening enjoyment, amassing a very considerable treasure.
CONTENTIONnounUS /kənˈtenʃən/
a point asserted as part of an argument
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading If ever the chance of getting back to land arrived, and he could get his plunder home, he would have no need to follow the sea for the rest of his life.
crowningadjectiveUS /ˈkraʊnɪŋ/
representing a level of the highest possible achievement or attainment
From this reading But, whether or not that crowning good fortune should ever be his, this gathering of spoil was a huge satisfaction to the very soul of him, and he desired no better.
degreesnounUS /dɪˈɡriːz/
plural of “degree” — a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading Macro was, by degrees and with never-lessening enjoyment, amassing a very considerable treasure.
wanted intensely
From this reading But, whether or not that crowning good fortune should ever be his, this gathering of spoil was a huge satisfaction to the very soul of him, and he desired no better.
enjoymentnounUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪmənt/
the pleasure felt when having a good time
From this reading Macro was, by degrees and with never-lessening enjoyment, amassing a very considerable treasure.
at any time
From this reading If ever the chance of getting back to land arrived, and he could get his plunder home, he would have no need to follow the sea for the rest of his life.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading It was evident that the men of the sea avoided Sable Island as if it were a pestilence, and came there only when it no longer mattered to them whether they came there or not.
to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading If ever the chance of getting back to land arrived, and he could get his plunder home, he would have no need to follow the sea for the rest of his life.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading If ever the chance of getting back to land arrived, and he could get his plunder home, he would have no need to follow the sea for the rest of his life.
an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading But, whether or not that crowning good fortune should ever be his, this gathering of spoil was a huge satisfaction to the very soul of him, and he desired no better.
a group of persons together in one place
From this reading But, whether or not that crowning good fortune should ever be his, this gathering of spoil was a huge satisfaction to the very soul of him, and he desired no better.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading If ever the chance of getting back to land arrived, and he could get his plunder home, he would have no need to follow the sea for the rest of his life.
the act of acquiring something
From this reading If ever the chance of getting back to land arrived, and he could get his plunder home, he would have no need to follow the sea for the rest of his life.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading But, whether or not that crowning good fortune should ever be his, this gathering of spoil was a huge satisfaction to the very soul of him, and he desired no better.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading If ever the chance of getting back to land arrived, and he could get his plunder home, he would have no need to follow the sea for the rest of his life.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading If ever the chance of getting back to land arrived, and he could get his plunder home, he would have no need to follow the sea for the rest of his life.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading But, whether or not that crowning good fortune should ever be his, this gathering of spoil was a huge satisfaction to the very soul of him, and he desired no better.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading If ever the chance of getting back to land arrived, and he could get his plunder home, he would have no need to follow the sea for the rest of his life.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading If ever the chance of getting back to land arrived, and he could get his plunder home, he would have no need to follow the sea for the rest of his life.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading But, whether or not that crowning good fortune should ever be his, this gathering of spoil was a huge satisfaction to the very soul of him, and he desired no better.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading It was evident that the men of the sea avoided Sable Island as if it were a pestilence, and came there only when it no longer mattered to them whether they came there or not.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was evident that the men of the sea avoided Sable Island as if it were a pestilence, and came there only when it no longer mattered to them whether they came there or not.
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading If ever the chance of getting back to land arrived, and he could get his plunder home, he would have no need to follow the sea for the rest of his life.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading If ever the chance of getting back to land arrived, and he could get his plunder home, he would have no need to follow the sea for the rest of his life.
the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
for more time
From this reading It was evident that the men of the sea avoided Sable Island as if it were a pestilence, and came there only when it no longer mattered to them whether they came there or not.
MacronounUS /ˈmækroʊ/
a single computer instruction that results in a series of instructions in machine language
From this reading Macro was, by degrees and with never-lessening enjoyment, amassing a very considerable treasure.
matteredverbUS /ˈmætərd/
past form of “matter” — have weight; have import, carry weight
From this reading It was evident that the men of the sea avoided Sable Island as if it were a pestilence, and came there only when it no longer mattered to them whether they came there or not.
the force of workers available
From this reading It was evident that the men of the sea avoided Sable Island as if it were a pestilence, and came there only when it no longer mattered to them whether they came there or not.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
a condition requiring relief
From this reading If ever the chance of getting back to land arrived, and he could get his plunder home, he would have no need to follow the sea for the rest of his life.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
never-lessening
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Macro was, by degrees and with never-lessening enjoyment, amassing a very considerable treasure.
newly-dead
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
not any; not one
From this reading It was evident that the men of the sea avoided Sable Island as if it were a pestilence, and came there only when it no longer mattered to them whether they came there or not.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It was evident that the men of the sea avoided Sable Island as if it were a pestilence, and came there only when it no longer mattered to them whether they came there or not.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
and nothing more
From this reading It was evident that the men of the sea avoided Sable Island as if it were a pestilence, and came there only when it no longer mattered to them whether they came there or not.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It was evident that the men of the sea avoided Sable Island as if it were a pestilence, and came there only when it no longer mattered to them whether they came there or not.
pestilencenounUS /ˈpestələns/
a serious (sometimes fatal) infection of rodents caused by Yersinia pestis and accidentally transmitted to humans by the bite of a flea that has bitten an infected animal
From this reading It was evident that the men of the sea avoided Sable Island as if it were a pestilence, and came there only when it no longer mattered to them whether they came there or not.
plundernounUS /ˈplʌn.dər/
Goods or treasure taken by force or theft, especially in war or banditry.
From this reading If ever the chance of getting back to land arrived, and he could get his plunder home, he would have no need to follow the sea for the rest of his life.
any object that is left unused or still extant
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading If ever the chance of getting back to land arrived, and he could get his plunder home, he would have no need to follow the sea for the rest of his life.
SablenounUS /ˈseɪbəl/
an artist's brush made of sable hairs
From this reading It was evident that the men of the sea avoided Sable Island as if it were a pestilence, and came there only when it no longer mattered to them whether they came there or not.
the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation
From this reading But, whether or not that crowning good fortune should ever be his, this gathering of spoil was a huge satisfaction to the very soul of him, and he desired no better.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading It was evident that the men of the sea avoided Sable Island as if it were a pestilence, and came there only when it no longer mattered to them whether they came there or not.
transport commercially
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading But, whether or not that crowning good fortune should ever be his, this gathering of spoil was a huge satisfaction to the very soul of him, and he desired no better.
sightedadjectiveUS /ˈsaɪtɪd/
able to see
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life
From this reading But, whether or not that crowning good fortune should ever be his, this gathering of spoil was a huge satisfaction to the very soul of him, and he desired no better.
spoilverbUS /spɔɪl/
make a mess of, destroy or ruin
From this reading But, whether or not that crowning good fortune should ever be his, this gathering of spoil was a huge satisfaction to the very soul of him, and he desired no better.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading It was evident that the men of the sea avoided Sable Island as if it were a pestilence, and came there only when it no longer mattered to them whether they came there or not.
in or at that place or location
From this reading It was evident that the men of the sea avoided Sable Island as if it were a pestilence, and came there only when it no longer mattered to them whether they came there or not.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading But, whether or not that crowning good fortune should ever be his, this gathering of spoil was a huge satisfaction to the very soul of him, and he desired no better.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was evident that the men of the sea avoided Sable Island as if it were a pestilence, and came there only when it no longer mattered to them whether they came there or not.
accumulated wealth in the form of money or jewels etc.
From this reading Macro was, by degrees and with never-lessening enjoyment, amassing a very considerable treasure.
precisely as stated
From this reading Macro was, by degrees and with never-lessening enjoyment, amassing a very considerable treasure.
nonexistent
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was evident that the men of the sea avoided Sable Island as if it were a pestilence, and came there only when it no longer mattered to them whether they came there or not.
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
at the time that
From this reading It was evident that the men of the sea avoided Sable Island as if it were a pestilence, and came there only when it no longer mattered to them whether they came there or not.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading It was evident that the men of the sea avoided Sable Island as if it were a pestilence, and came there only when it no longer mattered to them whether they came there or not.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Macro was, by degrees and with never-lessening enjoyment, amassing a very considerable treasure.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading If ever the chance of getting back to land arrived, and he could get his plunder home, he would have no need to follow the sea for the rest of his life.
XXIVnoun
the cardinal number that is the sum of twenty-three and one
From this reading BONE OF CONTENTION XXIV They had been three months on the island, and in all that time had never sighted a living ship, though the remains of newly-dead ones were never wanting after bad weather.
