used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Not a living soul was to be seen upon these bluffs.
(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 All this time the eye of Captain Cole was scanning the coast before them, and he was coolly weighing the chances it offered for an escape for him and his companions.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading He knew that further inland were marauding Indians, who, if they knew of the booty that was thus offered, would swarm along the shore in myriads, eager and impatient for the sea to cast the prey into their hands.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading He noticed that the high, precipitous bluffs, as we have already mentioned, directly opposite them, sat back some distance from the shore.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading All this time the eye of Captain Cole was scanning the coast before them, and he was coolly weighing the chances it offered for an escape for him and his companions.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading All this time the eye of Captain Cole was scanning the coast before them, and he was coolly weighing the chances it offered for an escape for him and his companions.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He noticed that the high, precipitous bluffs, as we have already mentioned, directly opposite them, sat back some distance from the shore.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading He noticed that the high, precipitous bluffs, as we have already mentioned, directly opposite them, sat back some distance from the shore.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Not a living soul was to be seen upon these bluffs.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading All this time the eye of Captain Cole was scanning the coast before them, and he was coolly weighing the chances it offered for an escape for him and his companions.
bluffsnounUS /blʌfs/
plural of “bluff” — a high steep bank (usually formed by river erosion)
From this reading He noticed that the high, precipitous bluffs, as we have already mentioned, directly opposite them, sat back some distance from the shore.
bootynounUS /ˈbuːti/
goods or money obtained illegally
From this reading He knew that further inland were marauding Indians, who, if they knew of the booty that was thus offered, would swarm along the shore in myriads, eager and impatient for the sea to cast the prey into their hands.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading All this time the eye of Captain Cole was scanning the coast before them, and he was coolly weighing the chances it offered for an escape for him and his companions.
put or send forth
From this reading He knew that further inland were marauding Indians, who, if they knew of the booty that was thus offered, would swarm along the shore in myriads, eager and impatient for the sea to cast the prey into their hands.
plural of “chance” — a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading All this time the eye of Captain Cole was scanning the coast before them, and he was coolly weighing the chances it offered for an escape for him and his companions.
cleftnounUS /kleft/
a split or indentation in something (as the palate or chin)
From this reading Were it otherwise, not the slightest hope would remain for the most daring swimmer that ever cleft the wave.
the shore of a sea or ocean
From this reading All this time the eye of Captain Cole was scanning the coast before them, and he was coolly weighing the chances it offered for an escape for him and his companions.
ColenounUS /koʊl/
a hardy cabbage with coarse curly leaves that do not form a head
From this reading All this time the eye of Captain Cole was scanning the coast before them, and he was coolly weighing the chances it offered for an escape for him and his companions.
plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading All this time the eye of Captain Cole was scanning the coast before them, and he was coolly weighing the chances it offered for an escape for him and his companions.
coollyadverbUS /ˈkuːli/
in a composed and unconcerned manner
From this reading All this time the eye of Captain Cole was scanning the coast before them, and he was coolly weighing the chances it offered for an escape for him and his companions.
a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy
From this reading Were it otherwise, not the slightest hope would remain for the most daring swimmer that ever cleft the wave.
without deviation
From this reading He noticed that the high, precipitous bluffs, as we have already mentioned, directly opposite them, sat back some distance from the shore.
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading He noticed that the high, precipitous bluffs, as we have already mentioned, directly opposite them, sat back some distance from the shore.
eageradjectiveUS /ˈiːɡər/
having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy
From this reading He knew that further inland were marauding Indians, who, if they knew of the booty that was thus offered, would swarm along the shore in myriads, eager and impatient for the sea to cast the prey into their hands.
the act of escaping physically
From this reading All this time the eye of Captain Cole was scanning the coast before them, and he was coolly weighing the chances it offered for an escape for him and his companions.
at any time
From this reading Were it otherwise, not the slightest hope would remain for the most daring swimmer that ever cleft the wave.
the organ of sight
From this reading All this time the eye of Captain Cole was scanning the coast before them, and he was coolly weighing the chances it offered for an escape for him and his companions.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading All this time the eye of Captain Cole was scanning the coast before them, and he was coolly weighing the chances it offered for an escape for him and his companions.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He noticed that the high, precipitous bluffs, as we have already mentioned, directly opposite them, sat back some distance from the shore.
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading He knew that further inland were marauding Indians, who, if they knew of the booty that was thus offered, would swarm along the shore in myriads, eager and impatient for the sea to cast the prey into their hands.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading He knew that further inland were marauding Indians, who, if they knew of the booty that was thus offered, would swarm along the shore in myriads, eager and impatient for the sea to cast the prey into their hands.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading He noticed that the high, precipitous bluffs, as we have already mentioned, directly opposite them, sat back some distance from the shore.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading All this time the eye of Captain Cole was scanning the coast before them, and he was coolly weighing the chances it offered for an escape for him and his companions.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading He noticed that the high, precipitous bluffs, as we have already mentioned, directly opposite them, sat back some distance from the shore.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading All this time the eye of Captain Cole was scanning the coast before them, and he was coolly weighing the chances it offered for an escape for him and his companions.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading All this time the eye of Captain Cole was scanning the coast before them, and he was coolly weighing the chances it offered for an escape for him and his companions.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading Were it otherwise, not the slightest hope would remain for the most daring swimmer that ever cleft the wave.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading He knew that further inland were marauding Indians, who, if they knew of the booty that was thus offered, would swarm along the shore in myriads, eager and impatient for the sea to cast the prey into their hands.
restless or short-tempered under delay or opposition
From this reading He knew that further inland were marauding Indians, who, if they knew of the booty that was thus offered, would swarm along the shore in myriads, eager and impatient for the sea to cast the prey into their hands.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He knew that further inland were marauding Indians, who, if they knew of the booty that was thus offered, would swarm along the shore in myriads, eager and impatient for the sea to cast the prey into their hands.
plural of “indian” — a native or inhabitant of India
From this reading He knew that further inland were marauding Indians, who, if they knew of the booty that was thus offered, would swarm along the shore in myriads, eager and impatient for the sea to cast the prey into their hands.
inlandadjectiveUS /ˈɪnlænd/
situated away from an area's coast or border
From this reading He knew that further inland were marauding Indians, who, if they knew of the booty that was thus offered, would swarm along the shore in myriads, eager and impatient for the sea to cast the prey into their hands.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading He knew that further inland were marauding Indians, who, if they knew of the booty that was thus offered, would swarm along the shore in myriads, eager and impatient for the sea to cast the prey into their hands.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading All this time the eye of Captain Cole was scanning the coast before them, and he was coolly weighing the chances it offered for an escape for him and his companions.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading He knew that further inland were marauding Indians, who, if they knew of the booty that was thus offered, would swarm along the shore in myriads, eager and impatient for the sea to cast the prey into their hands.
the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities
From this reading Not a living soul was to be seen upon these bluffs.
maraudingadjectiveUS /mərˈɔːdɪŋ/
characterized by plundering or pillaging or marauding
From this reading He knew that further inland were marauding Indians, who, if they knew of the booty that was thus offered, would swarm along the shore in myriads, eager and impatient for the sea to cast the prey into their hands.
past form of “mention” — make reference to
From this reading He noticed that the high, precipitous bluffs, as we have already mentioned, directly opposite them, sat back some distance from the shore.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Were it otherwise, not the slightest hope would remain for the most daring swimmer that ever cleft the wave.
myriads
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew that further inland were marauding Indians, who, if they knew of the booty that was thus offered, would swarm along the shore in myriads, eager and impatient for the sea to cast the prey into their hands.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Were it otherwise, not the slightest hope would remain for the most daring swimmer that ever cleft the wave.
being perceived or observed
From this reading He noticed that the high, precipitous bluffs, as we have already mentioned, directly opposite them, sat back some distance from the shore.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading All this time the eye of Captain Cole was scanning the coast before them, and he was coolly weighing the chances it offered for an escape for him and his companions.
past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading All this time the eye of Captain Cole was scanning the coast before them, and he was coolly weighing the chances it offered for an escape for him and his companions.
being directly across from each other; facing
From this reading He noticed that the high, precipitous bluffs, as we have already mentioned, directly opposite them, sat back some distance from the shore.
in other respects or ways
From this reading Were it otherwise, not the slightest hope would remain for the most daring swimmer that ever cleft the wave.
precipitousadjectiveUS /prɪˈsɪpɪtəs/
done with very great haste and without due deliberation
From this reading He noticed that the high, precipitous bluffs, as we have already mentioned, directly opposite them, sat back some distance from the shore.
preynounUS /preɪ/
a person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence
From this reading He knew that further inland were marauding Indians, who, if they knew of the booty that was thus offered, would swarm along the shore in myriads, eager and impatient for the sea to cast the prey into their hands.
stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading Were it otherwise, not the slightest hope would remain for the most daring swimmer that ever cleft the wave.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading He noticed that the high, precipitous bluffs, as we have already mentioned, directly opposite them, sat back some distance from the shore.
scanningnounUS /ˈskænɪŋ/
the process of translating photographs into a digital form that can be recognized by a computer
From this reading All this time the eye of Captain Cole was scanning the coast before them, and he was coolly weighing the chances it offered for an escape for him and his companions.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading He knew that further inland were marauding Indians, who, if they knew of the booty that was thus offered, would swarm along the shore in myriads, eager and impatient for the sea to cast the prey into their hands.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Not a living soul was to be seen upon these bluffs.
the land along the edge of a body of water
From this reading He noticed that the high, precipitous bluffs, as we have already mentioned, directly opposite them, sat back some distance from the shore.
superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some
From this reading Were it otherwise, not the slightest hope would remain for the most daring swimmer that ever cleft the wave.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading He noticed that the high, precipitous bluffs, as we have already mentioned, directly opposite them, sat back some distance from the shore.
the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life
From this reading Not a living soul was to be seen upon these bluffs.
swarmnounUS /swɔːrm/
a moving crowd
From this reading He knew that further inland were marauding Indians, who, if they knew of the booty that was thus offered, would swarm along the shore in myriads, eager and impatient for the sea to cast the prey into their hands.
swimmernounUS /ˈswɪmər/
a trained athlete who participates in swimming meets
From this reading Were it otherwise, not the slightest hope would remain for the most daring swimmer that ever cleft the wave.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He noticed that the high, precipitous bluffs, as we have already mentioned, directly opposite them, sat back some distance from the shore.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading All this time the eye of Captain Cole was scanning the coast before them, and he was coolly weighing the chances it offered for an escape for him and his companions.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading He knew that further inland were marauding Indians, who, if they knew of the booty that was thus offered, would swarm along the shore in myriads, eager and impatient for the sea to cast the prey into their hands.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading All this time the eye of Captain Cole was scanning the coast before them, and he was coolly weighing the chances it offered for an escape for him and his companions.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Not a living soul was to be seen upon these bluffs.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He knew that further inland were marauding Indians, who, if they knew of the booty that was thus offered, would swarm along the shore in myriads, eager and impatient for the sea to cast the prey into their hands.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading All this time the eye of Captain Cole was scanning the coast before them, and he was coolly weighing the chances it offered for an escape for him and his companions.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading He knew that further inland were marauding Indians, who, if they knew of the booty that was thus offered, would swarm along the shore in myriads, eager and impatient for the sea to cast the prey into their hands.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading All this time the eye of Captain Cole was scanning the coast before them, and he was coolly weighing the chances it offered for an escape for him and his companions.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Not a living soul was to be seen upon these bluffs.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Not a living soul was to be seen upon these bluffs.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading All this time the eye of Captain Cole was scanning the coast before them, and he was coolly weighing the chances it offered for an escape for him and his companions.
one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
From this reading Were it otherwise, not the slightest hope would remain for the most daring swimmer that ever cleft the wave.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading He noticed that the high, precipitous bluffs, as we have already mentioned, directly opposite them, sat back some distance from the shore.
weighingnounUS /ˈweɪɪŋ/
careful consideration
From this reading All this time the eye of Captain Cole was scanning the coast before them, and he was coolly weighing the chances it offered for an escape for him and his companions.
Wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Were it otherwise, not the slightest hope would remain for the most daring swimmer that ever cleft the wave.
which person or people
From this reading He knew that further inland were marauding Indians, who, if they knew of the booty that was thus offered, would swarm along the shore in myriads, eager and impatient for the sea to cast the prey into their hands.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Were it otherwise, not the slightest hope would remain for the most daring swimmer that ever cleft the wave.
