used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
how long something has existed
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
in the past
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
(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 Fortified thus, he explored Charybdis and all the Liparic whirlpools, and could have found Cadman's gun anywhere, if it had only been there.
in addition
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
amphibiousadjectiveUS /æmˈfɪbiəs/
relating to or characteristic of animals of the class Amphibia
From this reading No man so amphibious has since arisen through the unfathomed tide of time.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
at or in or to any place
From this reading Fortified thus, he explored Charybdis and all the Liparic whirlpools, and could have found Cadman's gun anywhere, if it had only been there.
arisenverbUS /ərˈɪzən/
inflected form of “arise” — come into existence; take on form or shape
From this reading No man so amphibious has since arisen through the unfathomed tide of time.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
ascribeverbUS /əˈskraɪb/
attribute or credit to
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading But at last the sea had its revenge upon him, through the cruel insistence of his king.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Fortified thus, he explored Charybdis and all the Liparic whirlpools, and could have found Cadman's gun anywhere, if it had only been there.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
Cadman's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fortified thus, he explored Charybdis and all the Liparic whirlpools, and could have found Cadman's gun anywhere, if it had only been there.
(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
ceasingverbUS /ˈsiːsɪŋ/
-ing form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
Charybdisnoun
(Greek mythology) a ship-devouring whirlpool lying on the other side of a narrow strait from Scylla
From this reading Fortified thus, he explored Charybdis and all the Liparic whirlpools, and could have found Cadman's gun anywhere, if it had only been there.
the part of the human torso between the neck and the diaphragm or the corresponding part in other vertebrates
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
considerablyadverbUS /kənˈsɪdərəbli/
to a great extent or degree
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
consumptionnounUS /kənˈsʌmpʃən/
the process of taking food into the body through the mouth (as by eating)
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
crueladjectiveUS /ˈkruːəl/
(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
From this reading But at last the sea had its revenge upon him, through the cruel insistence of his king.
day'snounUS /deɪz/
possessive form of “day” — time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
divisible by two
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
expandverbUS /ɪkˈspænd/
extend in one or more directions
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
exploredverbUS /ɪkˈsplɔːrd/
past form of “explore” — inquire into
From this reading Fortified thus, he explored Charybdis and all the Liparic whirlpools, and could have found Cadman's gun anywhere, if it had only been there.
plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
any of various mostly cold-blooded aquatic vertebrates usually having scales and breathing through gills
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
FortifiedadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrtəfaɪd/
secured with bastions or fortifications
From this reading Fortified thus, he explored Charybdis and all the Liparic whirlpools, and could have found Cadman's gun anywhere, if it had only been there.
set up or found
From this reading Fortified thus, he explored Charybdis and all the Liparic whirlpools, and could have found Cadman's gun anywhere, if it had only been there.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
greater in size or importance or degree
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
gulpverbUS /ɡʌlp/
to swallow hurriedly or greedily or in one draught
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
From this reading Fortified thus, he explored Charybdis and all the Liparic whirlpools, and could have found Cadman's gun anywhere, if it had only been there.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading No man so amphibious has since arisen through the unfathomed tide of time.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Fortified thus, he explored Charybdis and all the Liparic whirlpools, and could have found Cadman's gun anywhere, if it had only been there.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading But at last the sea had its revenge upon him, through the cruel insistence of his king.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
the aggregate of past events
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
ten 10s
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
inasmuch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
insistencenounUS /ˌɪnˈsɪstəns/
continual and persistent demands
From this reading But at last the sea had its revenge upon him, through the cruel insistence of his king.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
a native or inhabitant of Italy
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading But at last the sea had its revenge upon him, through the cruel insistence of his king.
a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom
From this reading But at last the sea had its revenge upon him, through the cruel insistence of his king.
immediately past
From this reading But at last the sea had its revenge upon him, through the cruel insistence of his king.
Liparic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fortified thus, he explored Charybdis and all the Liparic whirlpools, and could have found Cadman's gun anywhere, if it had only been there.
be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
NICHOLASnounUS /ˈnɪkələs/
a bishop in Asia Minor who is associated with Santa Claus (4th century)
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
not any; not one
From this reading No man so amphibious has since arisen through the unfathomed tide of time.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
and nothing more
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
reassuringadjectiveUS /ˌriːəˈʃʊrɪŋ/
restoring confidence and relieving anxiety
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
action taken in return for an injury or offense
From this reading But at last the sea had its revenge upon him, through the cruel insistence of his king.
express in words
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading But at last the sea had its revenge upon him, through the cruel insistence of his king.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading No man so amphibious has since arisen through the unfathomed tide of time.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
solidadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːləd/
characterized by good substantial quality
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
swimverbUS /swɪm/
travel through water
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
swimmernounUS /ˈswɪmər/
a trained athlete who participates in swimming meets
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
in or at that place or location
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading But at last the sea had its revenge upon him, through the cruel insistence of his king.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading Fortified thus, he explored Charybdis and all the Liparic whirlpools, and could have found Cadman's gun anywhere, if it had only been there.
the periodic rise and fall of the sea level under the gravitational pull of the moon
From this reading No man so amphibious has since arisen through the unfathomed tide of time.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading No man so amphibious has since arisen through the unfathomed tide of time.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
toesnounUS /toʊz/
plural of “toe” — one of the digits of the foot
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
unfathomedadjective
situated at or extending to great depth; too deep to have been sounded or plumbed
From this reading No man so amphibious has since arisen through the unfathomed tide of time.
unjustlyadverbUS /ənˈdʒʌstli/
in an unjust manner
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading But at last the sea had its revenge upon him, through the cruel insistence of his king.
wagsnounUS /wæɡz/
plural of “wag” — a witty amusing person who makes jokes
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
webnounUS /web/
an intricate network suggesting something that was formed by weaving or interweaving
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
WebbnounUS /web/
English writer and a central member of the Fabian Society (1858-1943)
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
whirlpoolsnounUS /ˈwɜːrlpuːlz/
plural of “whirlpool” — a powerful circular current of water (usually the result of conflicting tides)
From this reading Fortified thus, he explored Charybdis and all the Liparic whirlpools, and could have found Cadman's gun anywhere, if it had only been there.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading This capable man could, if history be true, not only swim for a week without ceasing (reassuring solid nature now and then by a gulp of live fish), but also could expand his chest so considerably that it held enough air for a day's consumption.
a late time of life
From this reading NICHOLAS THE FISH Five hundred years ago there was a great Italian swimmer, even greater than our Captain Webb; inasmuch as he had what the wags of the age unjustly ascribe to our hero, that is to say, web toes and fingers.
