used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The last faint radiance of sunset was behind him, and as he approached the river mouth, being himself shadowed by the cliffs, he noticed signs of activity about the fisher’s hut on the beach beyond the farther bank.
activitynounUS /ækˈtɪvəti/
any specific behavior
From this reading The last faint radiance of sunset was behind him, and as he approached the river mouth, being himself shadowed by the cliffs, he noticed signs of activity about the fisher’s hut on the beach beyond the farther bank.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After a stiff pull for half an hour or so he turned.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading After a stiff pull for half an hour or so he turned.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
past form of “approach” — move towards
From this reading The last faint radiance of sunset was behind him, and as he approached the river mouth, being himself shadowed by the cliffs, he noticed signs of activity about the fisher’s hut on the beach beyond the farther bank.
ArmstrongnounUS /ˈɑːrmstrɑːŋ/
United States astronaut; the first man to set foot on the Moon (July 20, 1969) (1930-)
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The last faint radiance of sunset was behind him, and as he approached the river mouth, being himself shadowed by the cliffs, he noticed signs of activity about the fisher’s hut on the beach beyond the farther bank.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Two men were carrying what appeared to be fishing gear down to a boat at the water’s edge.
sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)
From this reading The last faint radiance of sunset was behind him, and as he approached the river mouth, being himself shadowed by the cliffs, he noticed signs of activity about the fisher’s hut on the beach beyond the farther bank.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Two men were carrying what appeared to be fishing gear down to a boat at the water’s edge.
an area of sand sloping down to the water of a sea or lake
From this reading The last faint radiance of sunset was behind him, and as he approached the river mouth, being himself shadowed by the cliffs, he noticed signs of activity about the fisher’s hut on the beach beyond the farther bank.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading The last faint radiance of sunset was behind him, and as he approached the river mouth, being himself shadowed by the cliffs, he noticed signs of activity about the fisher’s hut on the beach beyond the farther bank.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading The last faint radiance of sunset was behind him, and as he approached the river mouth, being himself shadowed by the cliffs, he noticed signs of activity about the fisher’s hut on the beach beyond the farther bank.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading The last faint radiance of sunset was behind him, and as he approached the river mouth, being himself shadowed by the cliffs, he noticed signs of activity about the fisher’s hut on the beach beyond the farther bank.
a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading Two men were carrying what appeared to be fishing gear down to a boat at the water’s edge.
a slight wind (usually refreshing)
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
-ing form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading Two men were carrying what appeared to be fishing gear down to a boat at the water’s edge.
cliffsnounUS /klɪfs/
plural of “cliff” — a steep high face of rock
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
coastlinenounUS /ˈkoʊstlaɪn/
the outline of a coast
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
contentedadjectiveUS /kənˈtentəd/
satisfied or showing satisfaction with things as they are
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
contestnounUS /ˈkɑːntest/
an occasion on which a winner is selected from among two or more contestants
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
a flow of electricity through a conductor
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
dinghynounUS /ˈdɪŋi/
a small boat of shallow draft with cross thwarts for seats and rowlocks for oars with which it is propelled
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
the boundary of a surface
From this reading Two men were carrying what appeared to be fishing gear down to a boat at the water’s edge.
the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
deficient in magnitude; barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness or loudness etc
From this reading The last faint radiance of sunset was behind him, and as he approached the river mouth, being himself shadowed by the cliffs, he noticed signs of activity about the fisher’s hut on the beach beyond the farther bank.
more distant in especially space or time
From this reading The last faint radiance of sunset was behind him, and as he approached the river mouth, being himself shadowed by the cliffs, he noticed signs of activity about the fisher’s hut on the beach beyond the farther bank.
any of various mostly cold-blooded aquatic vertebrates usually having scales and breathing through gills
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
fisher'snounUS /ˈfɪʃərz/
possessive form of “fisher” — someone whose occupation is catching fish
From this reading The last faint radiance of sunset was behind him, and as he approached the river mouth, being himself shadowed by the cliffs, he noticed signs of activity about the fisher’s hut on the beach beyond the farther bank.
fishingnounUS /ˈfɪʃɪŋ/
the act of someone who fishes as a diversion
From this reading Two men were carrying what appeared to be fishing gear down to a boat at the water’s edge.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
set up or found
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
gearnounUS /ɡɪr/
a toothed wheel that engages another toothed mechanism in order to change the speed or direction of transmitted motion
From this reading Two men were carrying what appeared to be fishing gear down to a boat at the water’s edge.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading After a stiff pull for half an hour or so he turned.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The last faint radiance of sunset was behind him, and as he approached the river mouth, being himself shadowed by the cliffs, he noticed signs of activity about the fisher’s hut on the beach beyond the farther bank.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading After a stiff pull for half an hour or so he turned.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
huggingnounUS /ˈhʌɡɪŋ/
affectionate play (or foreplay without contact with the genital organs)
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
temporary military shelter
From this reading The last faint radiance of sunset was behind him, and as he approached the river mouth, being himself shadowed by the cliffs, he noticed signs of activity about the fisher’s hut on the beach beyond the farther bank.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
inlandadjectiveUS /ˈɪnlænd/
situated away from an area's coast or border
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
immediately past
From this reading The last faint radiance of sunset was behind him, and as he approached the river mouth, being himself shadowed by the cliffs, he noticed signs of activity about the fisher’s hut on the beach beyond the farther bank.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
the force of workers available
From this reading Two men were carrying what appeared to be fishing gear down to a boat at the water’s edge.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
musclesnounUS /ˈmʌsəlz/
plural of “muscle” — one of the contractile organs of the body
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
being perceived or observed
From this reading The last faint radiance of sunset was behind him, and as he approached the river mouth, being himself shadowed by the cliffs, he noticed signs of activity about the fisher’s hut on the beach beyond the farther bank.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The last faint radiance of sunset was behind him, and as he approached the river mouth, being himself shadowed by the cliffs, he noticed signs of activity about the fisher’s hut on the beach beyond the farther bank.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading After a stiff pull for half an hour or so he turned.
promontorynoun
a natural elevation (especially a rocky one that juts out into the sea)
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
protectedadjectiveUS /prəˈtektɪd/
kept safe or defended from danger or injury or loss
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
cause to move by pulling
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
radiancenounUS /ˈreɪdiːəns/
the amount of electromagnetic radiation leaving or arriving at a point on a surface
From this reading The last faint radiance of sunset was behind him, and as he approached the river mouth, being himself shadowed by the cliffs, he noticed signs of activity about the fisher’s hut on the beach beyond the farther bank.
the act of physically reaching or thrusting out
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
scullnounUS /skʌl/
a long oar that is mounted at the stern of a boat and moved left and right to propel the boat forward
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
shadowedadjectiveUS /ˈʃædoʊd/
filled with shade
From this reading The last faint radiance of sunset was behind him, and as he approached the river mouth, being himself shadowed by the cliffs, he noticed signs of activity about the fisher’s hut on the beach beyond the farther bank.
the land along the edge of a body of water
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading The last faint radiance of sunset was behind him, and as he approached the river mouth, being himself shadowed by the cliffs, he noticed signs of activity about the fisher’s hut on the beach beyond the farther bank.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading After a stiff pull for half an hour or so he turned.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
not moving or operating freely
From this reading After a stiff pull for half an hour or so he turned.
strenuouslyadverbUS /ˈstrenjuːəsli/
in a strenuous manner; strongly or vigorously
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
the time in the evening at which the sun begins to fall below the horizon
From this reading The last faint radiance of sunset was behind him, and as he approached the river mouth, being himself shadowed by the cliffs, he noticed signs of activity about the fisher’s hut on the beach beyond the farther bank.
swellverbUS /swel/
increase in size, magnitude, number, or intensity
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
possessing sweep
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
in or at that place or location
From this reading On reaching the coastline, however, he found that there was much more force in the breeze than had appeared inland, and a considerable swell on the sea, and he contented himself with hugging the shore, protected in some measure by the cliffs that swept round to a promontory in the distance.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading After a stiff pull for half an hour or so he turned.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Two men were carrying what appeared to be fishing gear down to a boat at the water’s edge.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
water'snounUS /ˈwɔːtərz/
possessive form of “water” — binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading Two men were carrying what appeared to be fishing gear down to a boat at the water’s edge.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Two men were carrying what appeared to be fishing gear down to a boat at the water’s edge.
westwardadverbUS /ˈwestwərd/
toward the west
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Two men were carrying what appeared to be fishing gear down to a boat at the water’s edge.
at the time that
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
in the company of; together with
From this reading QUEER FISH When Armstrong had started in the dinghy for a pull down the river his intention was to scull easily on the current to the mouth, then to turn westward, and exercise his muscles more strenuously in a contest with the wind.
