used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading “The liner she’s a lady by the paint upon her face, An’ if she meets an accident they count it sore disgrace.”
an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury
From this reading “The liner she’s a lady by the paint upon her face, An’ if she meets an accident they count it sore disgrace.”
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading “The liner she’s a lady by the paint upon her face, An’ if she meets an accident they count it sore disgrace.”
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The chance had come to make the plunge that was rendered inevitable by the opening of the Suez Canal and the march of modern invention.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading It was sad to realise that the sailing-ship was becoming a back number and that the future for the sea lay with steam--a means of propulsion that would for ever put in the background the manly management of masts, yards and sails.
backgroundnounUS /ˈbækɡraʊnd/
a person's social heritage: previous experience or training
From this reading It was sad to realise that the sailing-ship was becoming a back number and that the future for the sea lay with steam--a means of propulsion that would for ever put in the background the manly management of masts, yards and sails.
according with custom or propriety
From this reading It was sad to realise that the sailing-ship was becoming a back number and that the future for the sea lay with steam--a means of propulsion that would for ever put in the background the manly management of masts, yards and sails.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading “The liner she’s a lady by the paint upon her face, An’ if she meets an accident they count it sore disgrace.”
CanalnounUS /kəˈnæl/
(astronomy) an indistinct surface feature of Mars once thought to be a system of channels; they are now believed to be an optical illusion
From this reading The chance had come to make the plunge that was rendered inevitable by the opening of the Suez Canal and the march of modern invention.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading The chance had come to make the plunge that was rendered inevitable by the opening of the Suez Canal and the march of modern invention.
showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading The chance had come to make the plunge that was rendered inevitable by the opening of the Suez Canal and the march of modern invention.
commonlyadverbUS /ˈkɑːmənli/
under normal conditions
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
determine the number or amount of
From this reading “The liner she’s a lady by the paint upon her face, An’ if she meets an accident they count it sore disgrace.”
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
disgraceverbUS /dɪsˈɡreɪs/
bring shame or dishonor upon
From this reading “The liner she’s a lady by the paint upon her face, An’ if she meets an accident they count it sore disgrace.”
operate or control a vehicle
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
engineersnounUS /ˈendʒəˈnɪrz/
plural of “engineer” — a person who uses scientific knowledge to solve practical problems
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
enginesnounUS /ˈendʒənz/
plural of “engine” — motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
divisible by two
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
at any time
From this reading It was sad to realise that the sailing-ship was becoming a back number and that the future for the sea lay with steam--a means of propulsion that would for ever put in the background the manly management of masts, yards and sails.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading “The liner she’s a lady by the paint upon her face, An’ if she meets an accident they count it sore disgrace.”
be agreeable or acceptable to
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was sad to realise that the sailing-ship was becoming a back number and that the future for the sea lay with steam--a means of propulsion that would for ever put in the background the manly management of masts, yards and sails.
yet to be or coming
From this reading It was sad to realise that the sailing-ship was becoming a back number and that the future for the sea lay with steam--a means of propulsion that would for ever put in the background the manly management of masts, yards and sails.
Good-byenounUS /ɡɪdˈbaɪ/
a farewell remark
From this reading KIPLING Good-bye to sail!
highest in quality
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The chance had come to make the plunge that was rendered inevitable by the opening of the Suez Canal and the march of modern invention.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading “The liner she’s a lady by the paint upon her face, An’ if she meets an accident they count it sore disgrace.”
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading “The liner she’s a lady by the paint upon her face, An’ if she meets an accident they count it sore disgrace.”
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was sad to realise that the sailing-ship was becoming a back number and that the future for the sea lay with steam--a means of propulsion that would for ever put in the background the manly management of masts, yards and sails.
inevitableadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈnevətəbəl/
incapable of being avoided or prevented
From this reading The chance had come to make the plunge that was rendered inevitable by the opening of the Suez Canal and the march of modern invention.
inventionnounUS /ˌɪnˈvenʃən/
the creation of something in the mind
From this reading The chance had come to make the plunge that was rendered inevitable by the opening of the Suez Canal and the march of modern invention.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “The liner she’s a lady by the paint upon her face, An’ if she meets an accident they count it sore disgrace.”
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
KIPLINGnounUS /ˈkɪplɪŋ/
English author of novels and poetry who was born in India (1865-1936)
From this reading KIPLING Good-bye to sail!
a polite name for any woman
From this reading “The liner she’s a lady by the paint upon her face, An’ if she meets an accident they count it sore disgrace.”
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading It was sad to realise that the sailing-ship was becoming a back number and that the future for the sea lay with steam--a means of propulsion that would for ever put in the background the manly management of masts, yards and sails.
linernounUS /ˈlaɪnər/
(baseball) a hit that flies straight out from the batter
From this reading “The liner she’s a lady by the paint upon her face, An’ if she meets an accident they count it sore disgrace.”
engage in
From this reading The chance had come to make the plunge that was rendered inevitable by the opening of the Suez Canal and the march of modern invention.
managementnounUS /ˈmænədʒmənt/
the act of managing something
From this reading It was sad to realise that the sailing-ship was becoming a back number and that the future for the sea lay with steam--a means of propulsion that would for ever put in the background the manly management of masts, yards and sails.
manlyadjectiveUS /ˈmænli/
possessing qualities befitting a man
From this reading It was sad to realise that the sailing-ship was becoming a back number and that the future for the sea lay with steam--a means of propulsion that would for ever put in the background the manly management of masts, yards and sails.
march in a procession
From this reading The chance had come to make the plunge that was rendered inevitable by the opening of the Suez Canal and the march of modern invention.
mastsnounUS /mæsts/
plural of “mast” — a vertical spar for supporting sails
From this reading It was sad to realise that the sailing-ship was becoming a back number and that the future for the sea lay with steam--a means of propulsion that would for ever put in the background the manly management of masts, yards and sails.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading It was sad to realise that the sailing-ship was becoming a back number and that the future for the sea lay with steam--a means of propulsion that would for ever put in the background the manly management of masts, yards and sails.
meetsnounUS /miːts/
plural of “meet” — a meeting at which a number of athletic contests are held
From this reading “The liner she’s a lady by the paint upon her face, An’ if she meets an accident they count it sore disgrace.”
the force of workers available
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages
From this reading The chance had come to make the plunge that was rendered inevitable by the opening of the Suez Canal and the march of modern invention.
NavynounUS /ˈneɪvi/
an organization of military vessels belonging to a country and available for sea warfare
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading It was sad to realise that the sailing-ship was becoming a back number and that the future for the sea lay with steam--a means of propulsion that would for ever put in the background the manly management of masts, yards and sails.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The chance had come to make the plunge that was rendered inevitable by the opening of the Suez Canal and the march of modern invention.
old-fashionedadjectiveUS /ˌoʊldˈfæʃənd/
out of fashion
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
an open or empty space in or between things
From this reading The chance had come to make the plunge that was rendered inevitable by the opening of the Suez Canal and the march of modern invention.
paintverbUS /peɪnt/
make a painting
From this reading “The liner she’s a lady by the paint upon her face, An’ if she meets an accident they count it sore disgrace.”
the time that has elapsed
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
an amount of time
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
plungeverbUS /plʌndʒ/
thrust or throw into
From this reading The chance had come to make the plunge that was rendered inevitable by the opening of the Suez Canal and the march of modern invention.
propulsionnounUS /prəˈpʌlʃən/
a propelling force
From this reading It was sad to realise that the sailing-ship was becoming a back number and that the future for the sea lay with steam--a means of propulsion that would for ever put in the background the manly management of masts, yards and sails.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading It was sad to realise that the sailing-ship was becoming a back number and that the future for the sea lay with steam--a means of propulsion that would for ever put in the background the manly management of masts, yards and sails.
realiseverbUS /ˈriːəlaɪz/
earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages
From this reading It was sad to realise that the sailing-ship was becoming a back number and that the future for the sea lay with steam--a means of propulsion that would for ever put in the background the manly management of masts, yards and sails.
referredverbUS /rəˈfɜːrd/
inflected form of “refer” — make reference to
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
past form of “render” — cause to become
From this reading The chance had come to make the plunge that was rendered inevitable by the opening of the Suez Canal and the march of modern invention.
RoyaladjectiveUS /ˈrɔɪəl/
of or relating to or indicative of or issued or performed by a king or queen or other monarch
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness
From this reading It was sad to realise that the sailing-ship was becoming a back number and that the future for the sea lay with steam--a means of propulsion that would for ever put in the background the manly management of masts, yards and sails.
traverse or travel on (a body of water)
From this reading KIPLING Good-bye to sail!
sailing-ship
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was sad to realise that the sailing-ship was becoming a back number and that the future for the sea lay with steam--a means of propulsion that would for ever put in the background the manly management of masts, yards and sails.
sailsnounUS /seɪlz/
plural of “sail” — a large piece of fabric (usually canvas fabric) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel
From this reading It was sad to realise that the sailing-ship was becoming a back number and that the future for the sea lay with steam--a means of propulsion that would for ever put in the background the manly management of masts, yards and sails.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading It was sad to realise that the sailing-ship was becoming a back number and that the future for the sea lay with steam--a means of propulsion that would for ever put in the background the manly management of masts, yards and sails.
seamennounUS /ˈsiːmən/
plural of “seaman” — a man who serves as a sailor
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “The liner she’s a lady by the paint upon her face, An’ if she meets an accident they count it sore disgrace.”
she's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “The liner she’s a lady by the paint upon her face, An’ if she meets an accident they count it sore disgrace.”
hurting
From this reading “The liner she’s a lady by the paint upon her face, An’ if she meets an accident they count it sore disgrace.”
steamverbUS /stiːm/
travel by means of steam power
From this reading It was sad to realise that the sailing-ship was becoming a back number and that the future for the sea lay with steam--a means of propulsion that would for ever put in the background the manly management of masts, yards and sails.
put, fix, force, or implant
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
a lightweight cord
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
SueznounUS /ˈsuːez/
a city in northeastern Egypt at the head of the Gulf of Suez and at the southern end of the Suez Canal
From this reading The chance had come to make the plunge that was rendered inevitable by the opening of the Suez Canal and the march of modern invention.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The chance had come to make the plunge that was rendered inevitable by the opening of the Suez Canal and the march of modern invention.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading “The liner she’s a lady by the paint upon her face, An’ if she meets an accident they count it sore disgrace.”
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “The liner she’s a lady by the paint upon her face, An’ if she meets an accident they count it sore disgrace.”
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading KIPLING Good-bye to sail!
To-day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
triumphsnounUS /ˈtraɪəmfs/
plural of “triumph” — a successful ending of a struggle or contest
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
turbinenounUS /ˈtɜːrbaɪn/
rotary engine in which the kinetic energy of a moving fluid is converted into mechanical energy by causing a bladed rotor to rotate
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading “The liner she’s a lady by the paint upon her face, An’ if she meets an accident they count it sore disgrace.”
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The chance had come to make the plunge that was rendered inevitable by the opening of the Suez Canal and the march of modern invention.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was sad to realise that the sailing-ship was becoming a back number and that the future for the sea lay with steam--a means of propulsion that would for ever put in the background the manly management of masts, yards and sails.
the basic unit of money in South Korea
From this reading To-day, the period in which this country won its greatest triumphs on the sea is commonly referred to (even in the Royal Navy) as the “stick and string time,” but I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the seamen of the past were in their way as clever engineers as the men that fit and drive the modern turbine engines.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading It was sad to realise that the sailing-ship was becoming a back number and that the future for the sea lay with steam--a means of propulsion that would for ever put in the background the manly management of masts, yards and sails.
plural of “yard” — a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride
From this reading It was sad to realise that the sailing-ship was becoming a back number and that the future for the sea lay with steam--a means of propulsion that would for ever put in the background the manly management of masts, yards and sails.
