used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A mountainous sea was rolling two hours after the first of the gale, amid which the _Countess Ida_ lay hove-to under a small storm trysail, making very heavy weather of it indeed.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading There was a deal to talk about, but no opportunity for conversing.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading A mountainous sea was rolling two hours after the first of the gale, amid which the _Countess Ida_ lay hove-to under a small storm trysail, making very heavy weather of it indeed.
(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 It blew fiercely all that night.
amidprepositionUS /əˈmɪd/
in the middle of; surrounded by
From this reading A mountainous sea was rolling two hours after the first of the gale, amid which the _Countess Ida_ lay hove-to under a small storm trysail, making very heavy weather of it indeed.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
plural of “article” — nonfictional prose forming an independent part of a publication
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
inflected form of “blow” — exhale hard
From this reading It blew fiercely all that night.
bulkheadsnounUS /ˈbʌlkhedz/
plural of “bulkhead” — a partition that divides a ship or plane into compartments
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading There was a deal to talk about, but no opportunity for conversing.
ceaselessadjectiveUS /ˈsiːslɪs/
uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
clatteringverbUS /ˈklætərɪŋ/
-ing form of “clatter” — make a rattling sound
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
comparisonnounUS /kəmˈperəsən/
the act of examining resemblances
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
conversingverbUS /kənˈvɜːrsɪŋ/
-ing form of “converse” — carry on a conversation
From this reading There was a deal to talk about, but no opportunity for conversing.
female equivalent of a count or earl
From this reading A mountainous sea was rolling two hours after the first of the gale, amid which the _Countess Ida_ lay hove-to under a small storm trysail, making very heavy weather of it indeed.
crockerynounUS /ˈkrɑːkəri/
tableware (eating and serving dishes) collectively
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
From this reading There was a deal to talk about, but no opportunity for conversing.
dearly loved
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
dinner-table
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
fiercelyadverbUS /ˈfɪrsli/
in a physically fierce manner
From this reading It blew fiercely all that night.
start firing a weapon
From this reading FIRE!
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading A mountainous sea was rolling two hours after the first of the gale, amid which the _Countess Ida_ lay hove-to under a small storm trysail, making very heavy weather of it indeed.
any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading There was a deal to talk about, but no opportunity for conversing.
galenounUS /ɡeɪl/
a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale
From this reading A mountainous sea was rolling two hours after the first of the gale, amid which the _Countess Ida_ lay hove-to under a small storm trysail, making very heavy weather of it indeed.
a long fixed look
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading A mountainous sea was rolling two hours after the first of the gale, amid which the _Countess Ida_ lay hove-to under a small storm trysail, making very heavy weather of it indeed.
heightsnounUS /haɪts/
a high place
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading A mountainous sea was rolling two hours after the first of the gale, amid which the _Countess Ida_ lay hove-to under a small storm trysail, making very heavy weather of it indeed.
hove-to
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A mountainous sea was rolling two hours after the first of the gale, amid which the _Countess Ida_ lay hove-to under a small storm trysail, making very heavy weather of it indeed.
howlingnounUS /ˈhaʊlɪŋ/
a long loud emotional utterance
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
hurricanenounUS /ˈhɜːrəkeɪn/
a severe tropical cyclone usually with heavy rains and winds moving at 63-136 knots (12 on the Beaufort scale)
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
IdanounUS /ˈaɪdə/
an agency of the United Nations affiliated with the World Bank
From this reading A mountainous sea was rolling two hours after the first of the gale, amid which the _Countess Ida_ lay hove-to under a small storm trysail, making very heavy weather of it indeed.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading A mountainous sea was rolling two hours after the first of the gale, amid which the _Countess Ida_ lay hove-to under a small storm trysail, making very heavy weather of it indeed.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It blew fiercely all that night.
having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading A mountainous sea was rolling two hours after the first of the gale, amid which the _Countess Ida_ lay hove-to under a small storm trysail, making very heavy weather of it indeed.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
liftingverbUS /ˈlɪftɪŋ/
-ing form of “lift” — raise from a lower to a higher position
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading A mountainous sea was rolling two hours after the first of the gale, amid which the _Countess Ida_ lay hove-to under a small storm trysail, making very heavy weather of it indeed.
the food served and eaten at one time
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
moderateverbUS /ˈmɑːdərət/
preside over
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
mountainousadjectiveUS /ˈmaʊntənəs/
having hills and crags
From this reading A mountainous sea was rolling two hours after the first of the gale, amid which the _Countess Ida_ lay hove-to under a small storm trysail, making very heavy weather of it indeed.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading It blew fiercely all that night.
not any; not one
From this reading There was a deal to talk about, but no opportunity for conversing.
noisyadjectiveUS /ˈnɔɪzi/
full of or characterized by loud and nonmusical sounds
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A mountainous sea was rolling two hours after the first of the gale, amid which the _Countess Ida_ lay hove-to under a small storm trysail, making very heavy weather of it indeed.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
one's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading There was a deal to talk about, but no opportunity for conversing.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
past form of “render” — cause to become
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
roaringnounUS /ˈrɔːrɪŋ/
a deep prolonged loud noise
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
uttered with a trill
From this reading A mountainous sea was rolling two hours after the first of the gale, amid which the _Countess Ida_ lay hove-to under a small storm trysail, making very heavy weather of it indeed.
(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading A mountainous sea was rolling two hours after the first of the gale, amid which the _Countess Ida_ lay hove-to under a small storm trysail, making very heavy weather of it indeed.
sheerly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
sickeningadjectiveUS /ˈsɪkənɪŋ/
causing or able to cause nausea
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A mountainous sea was rolling two hours after the first of the gale, amid which the _Countess Ida_ lay hove-to under a small storm trysail, making very heavy weather of it indeed.
speechlesslyadverb
without speaking
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
behave violently, as if in state of a great anger
From this reading A mountainous sea was rolling two hours after the first of the gale, amid which the _Countess Ida_ lay hove-to under a small storm trysail, making very heavy weather of it indeed.
strainingnounUS /ˈstreɪnɪŋ/
an intense or violent exertion
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
swelledadjectiveUS /sweld/
feeling self-importance
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading There was a deal to talk about, but no opportunity for conversing.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It blew fiercely all that night.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A mountainous sea was rolling two hours after the first of the gale, amid which the _Countess Ida_ lay hove-to under a small storm trysail, making very heavy weather of it indeed.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was a deal to talk about, but no opportunity for conversing.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
in every part of a place, or for the whole of a period
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading There was a deal to talk about, but no opportunity for conversing.
trysail
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A mountainous sea was rolling two hours after the first of the gale, amid which the _Countess Ida_ lay hove-to under a small storm trysail, making very heavy weather of it indeed.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading A mountainous sea was rolling two hours after the first of the gale, amid which the _Countess Ida_ lay hove-to under a small storm trysail, making very heavy weather of it indeed.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading A mountainous sea was rolling two hours after the first of the gale, amid which the _Countess Ida_ lay hove-to under a small storm trysail, making very heavy weather of it indeed.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
uproarnounUS /ˈʌprɔːr/
a state of commotion and noise and confusion
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
precisely as stated
From this reading A mountainous sea was rolling two hours after the first of the gale, amid which the _Countess Ida_ lay hove-to under a small storm trysail, making very heavy weather of it indeed.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A mountainous sea was rolling two hours after the first of the gale, amid which the _Countess Ida_ lay hove-to under a small storm trysail, making very heavy weather of it indeed.
United States actress and singer (1896-1977)
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading A mountainous sea was rolling two hours after the first of the gale, amid which the _Countess Ida_ lay hove-to under a small storm trysail, making very heavy weather of it indeed.
weather-eye
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A mountainous sea was rolling two hours after the first of the gale, amid which the _Countess Ida_ lay hove-to under a small storm trysail, making very heavy weather of it indeed.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Few were present at the dinner-table, though the sea then running was moderate in comparison with the sickening heights to which it swelled later on; and there was little more to be done throughout the meal than to hold on for dear life, to keep a keen weather-eye lifting upon one’s food, and to gaze speechlessly across the table at one another amid an uproar of howling hurricane, of roaring waters, of straining bulkheads, of a ceaseless clattering of crockery and other noisy articles, that rendered conversation sheerly impossible.
