used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A SURPRISE.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading On this evening, as if an adventure was about to be achieved, I was struck (I know not why) by the wild, rugged, and beautiful aspect of this lonely island.
achievedverbUS /əˈtʃiːvd/
past form of “achieve” — to gain with effort
From this reading On this evening, as if an adventure was about to be achieved, I was struck (I know not why) by the wild, rugged, and beautiful aspect of this lonely island.
take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
From this reading On this evening, as if an adventure was about to be achieved, I was struck (I know not why) by the wild, rugged, and beautiful aspect of this lonely island.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading Then I conveyed this impromptu engine (which I had lashed with a tough creeper to the yard arm) along the shore towards the cavern, where I intended to use it as a drag and lever.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
anvilnounUS /ˈænvəl/
a heavy block of iron or steel on which hot metals are shaped by hammering
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
From this reading Then I conveyed this impromptu engine (which I had lashed with a tough creeper to the yard arm) along the shore towards the cavern, where I intended to use it as a drag and lever.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
towards the shore from the water
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
a distinct feature or element in a problem
From this reading On this evening, as if an adventure was about to be achieved, I was struck (I know not why) by the wild, rugged, and beautiful aspect of this lonely island.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading On this evening, as if an adventure was about to be achieved, I was struck (I know not why) by the wild, rugged, and beautiful aspect of this lonely island.
an area of sand sloping down to the water of a sea or lake
From this reading About the cavern-mouth, the foreground of the view was a rocky beach, on which the waves of the Caribean sea were dashing in white foam, for the trade-wind blew freshly from the east.
delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration
From this reading On this evening, as if an adventure was about to be achieved, I was struck (I know not why) by the wild, rugged, and beautiful aspect of this lonely island.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
inflected form of “blow” — exhale hard
From this reading About the cavern-mouth, the foreground of the view was a rocky beach, on which the waves of the Caribean sea were dashing in white foam, for the trade-wind blew freshly from the east.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading On this evening, as if an adventure was about to be achieved, I was struck (I know not why) by the wild, rugged, and beautiful aspect of this lonely island.
Caribean
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading About the cavern-mouth, the foreground of the view was a rocky beach, on which the waves of the Caribean sea were dashing in white foam, for the trade-wind blew freshly from the east.
cavernnounUS /ˈkæv.ərn/
A large, vast underground cave, often filled with forgotten ancient treasures.
From this reading Then I conveyed this impromptu engine (which I had lashed with a tough creeper to the yard arm) along the shore towards the cavern, where I intended to use it as a drag and lever.
cavern-mouth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading About the cavern-mouth, the foreground of the view was a rocky beach, on which the waves of the Caribean sea were dashing in white foam, for the trade-wind blew freshly from the east.
conveyedverbUS /kənˈveɪd/
past form of “convey” — (of information) make known; pass on
From this reading Then I conveyed this impromptu engine (which I had lashed with a tough creeper to the yard arm) along the shore towards the cavern, where I intended to use it as a drag and lever.
creepernoun
any plant (as ivy or periwinkle) that grows by creeping
From this reading Then I conveyed this impromptu engine (which I had lashed with a tough creeper to the yard arm) along the shore towards the cavern, where I intended to use it as a drag and lever.
dashingadjectiveUS /ˈdæʃɪŋ/
lively and spirited
From this reading About the cavern-mouth, the foreground of the view was a rocky beach, on which the waves of the Caribean sea were dashing in white foam, for the trade-wind blew freshly from the east.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
dragverbUS /dræɡ/
pull, as against a resistance
From this reading Then I conveyed this impromptu engine (which I had lashed with a tough creeper to the yard arm) along the shore towards the cavern, where I intended to use it as a drag and lever.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
From this reading About the cavern-mouth, the foreground of the view was a rocky beach, on which the waves of the Caribean sea were dashing in white foam, for the trade-wind blew freshly from the east.
motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work
From this reading Then I conveyed this impromptu engine (which I had lashed with a tough creeper to the yard arm) along the shore towards the cavern, where I intended to use it as a drag and lever.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading On this evening, as if an adventure was about to be achieved, I was struck (I know not why) by the wild, rugged, and beautiful aspect of this lonely island.
flintyadjectiveUS /ˈflɪnti/
containing flint
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
foamnounUS /foʊm/
a mass of small bubbles formed in or on a liquid
From this reading About the cavern-mouth, the foreground of the view was a rocky beach, on which the waves of the Caribean sea were dashing in white foam, for the trade-wind blew freshly from the east.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading About the cavern-mouth, the foreground of the view was a rocky beach, on which the waves of the Caribean sea were dashing in white foam, for the trade-wind blew freshly from the east.
foregroundnounUS /ˈfɔːrɡraʊnd/
the part of a scene that is near the viewer
From this reading About the cavern-mouth, the foreground of the view was a rocky beach, on which the waves of the Caribean sea were dashing in white foam, for the trade-wind blew freshly from the east.
the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
freshlyadverbUS /ˈfreʃli/
very recently
From this reading About the cavern-mouth, the foreground of the view was a rocky beach, on which the waves of the Caribean sea were dashing in white foam, for the trade-wind blew freshly from the east.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
hammernounUS /ˈhæmər/
the part of a gunlock that strikes the percussion cap when the trigger is pulled
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
hookverbUS /hʊk/
fasten with a hook
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading On this evening, as if an adventure was about to be achieved, I was struck (I know not why) by the wild, rugged, and beautiful aspect of this lonely island.
impromptunounUS /ˌɪmˈprɑːmptuː/
an extemporaneous speech or remark
From this reading Then I conveyed this impromptu engine (which I had lashed with a tough creeper to the yard arm) along the shore towards the cavern, where I intended to use it as a drag and lever.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading About the cavern-mouth, the foreground of the view was a rocky beach, on which the waves of the Caribean sea were dashing in white foam, for the trade-wind blew freshly from the east.
resulting from one's intentions
From this reading Then I conveyed this impromptu engine (which I had lashed with a tough creeper to the yard arm) along the shore towards the cavern, where I intended to use it as a drag and lever.
a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading On this evening, as if an adventure was about to be achieved, I was struck (I know not why) by the wild, rugged, and beautiful aspect of this lonely island.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Then I conveyed this impromptu engine (which I had lashed with a tough creeper to the yard arm) along the shore towards the cavern, where I intended to use it as a drag and lever.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading On this evening, as if an adventure was about to be achieved, I was struck (I know not why) by the wild, rugged, and beautiful aspect of this lonely island.
lashedverbUS /læʃt/
past form of “lash” — beat severely with a whip or rod
From this reading Then I conveyed this impromptu engine (which I had lashed with a tough creeper to the yard arm) along the shore towards the cavern, where I intended to use it as a drag and lever.
levernounUS /ˈlevər/
a rigid bar pivoted about a fulcrum
From this reading Then I conveyed this impromptu engine (which I had lashed with a tough creeper to the yard arm) along the shore towards the cavern, where I intended to use it as a drag and lever.
lacking companions or companionship
From this reading On this evening, as if an adventure was about to be achieved, I was struck (I know not why) by the wild, rugged, and beautiful aspect of this lonely island.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading On this evening, as if an adventure was about to be achieved, I was struck (I know not why) by the wild, rugged, and beautiful aspect of this lonely island.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On this evening, as if an adventure was about to be achieved, I was struck (I know not why) by the wild, rugged, and beautiful aspect of this lonely island.
rockyadjectiveUS /ˈrɑːki/
abounding in rocks or stones
From this reading About the cavern-mouth, the foreground of the view was a rocky beach, on which the waves of the Caribean sea were dashing in white foam, for the trade-wind blew freshly from the east.
ruggedadjectiveUS /ˈrʌɡəd/
sturdy and strong in constitution or construction; enduring
From this reading On this evening, as if an adventure was about to be achieved, I was struck (I know not why) by the wild, rugged, and beautiful aspect of this lonely island.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading About the cavern-mouth, the foreground of the view was a rocky beach, on which the waves of the Caribean sea were dashing in white foam, for the trade-wind blew freshly from the east.
the land along the edge of a body of water
From this reading Then I conveyed this impromptu engine (which I had lashed with a tough creeper to the yard arm) along the shore towards the cavern, where I intended to use it as a drag and lever.
slingverbUS /slɪŋ/
hurl as if with a sling
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
speciesnounUS /ˈspiːʃiz/
(biology) taxonomic group whose members can interbreed
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming
From this reading On this evening, as if an adventure was about to be achieved, I was struck (I know not why) by the wild, rugged, and beautiful aspect of this lonely island.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading A SURPRISE.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Then I conveyed this impromptu engine (which I had lashed with a tough creeper to the yard arm) along the shore towards the cavern, where I intended to use it as a drag and lever.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Then I conveyed this impromptu engine (which I had lashed with a tough creeper to the yard arm) along the shore towards the cavern, where I intended to use it as a drag and lever.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
toiledverbUS /tɔɪld/
past form of “toil” — work hard
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
topsail-yard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
toughadjectiveUS /tʌf/
not given to gentleness or sentimentality
From this reading Then I conveyed this impromptu engine (which I had lashed with a tough creeper to the yard arm) along the shore towards the cavern, where I intended to use it as a drag and lever.
in the direction of
From this reading Then I conveyed this impromptu engine (which I had lashed with a tough creeper to the yard arm) along the shore towards the cavern, where I intended to use it as a drag and lever.
trade-wind
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading About the cavern-mouth, the foreground of the view was a rocky beach, on which the waves of the Caribean sea were dashing in white foam, for the trade-wind blew freshly from the east.
the act of using
From this reading Then I conveyed this impromptu engine (which I had lashed with a tough creeper to the yard arm) along the shore towards the cavern, where I intended to use it as a drag and lever.
an act that exploits or victimizes someone (treats them unfairly)
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading About the cavern-mouth, the foreground of the view was a rocky beach, on which the waves of the Caribean sea were dashing in white foam, for the trade-wind blew freshly from the east.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading On this evening, as if an adventure was about to be achieved, I was struck (I know not why) by the wild, rugged, and beautiful aspect of this lonely island.
clean by virtue of having been washed in water
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
plural of “wave” — one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
From this reading About the cavern-mouth, the foreground of the view was a rocky beach, on which the waves of the Caribean sea were dashing in white foam, for the trade-wind blew freshly from the east.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading About the cavern-mouth, the foreground of the view was a rocky beach, on which the waves of the Caribean sea were dashing in white foam, for the trade-wind blew freshly from the east.
in or at the place that
From this reading Then I conveyed this impromptu engine (which I had lashed with a tough creeper to the yard arm) along the shore towards the cavern, where I intended to use it as a drag and lever.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
a Caucasian
From this reading About the cavern-mouth, the foreground of the view was a rocky beach, on which the waves of the Caribean sea were dashing in white foam, for the trade-wind blew freshly from the east.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading On this evening, as if an adventure was about to be achieved, I was struck (I know not why) by the wild, rugged, and beautiful aspect of this lonely island.
marked by extreme lack of restraint or control
From this reading On this evening, as if an adventure was about to be achieved, I was struck (I know not why) by the wild, rugged, and beautiful aspect of this lonely island.
in the company of; together with
From this reading During the whole of the next day I toiled to form a species of hook, from the iron sling of the topsail-yard, with which I had been washed ashore--using a long flinty stone as a hammer, and another as an anvil.
a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride
From this reading Then I conveyed this impromptu engine (which I had lashed with a tough creeper to the yard arm) along the shore towards the cavern, where I intended to use it as a drag and lever.
