used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The cry went forth without ceasing, its only variation being the peculiar noise caused by an intermittent sucking of her diminutive fists.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Capable as this quartet of Australian lads were in many ways, in this they were novices.
feeling shame or guilt or embarrassment or remorse
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
AustraliannounUS /ɔːˈstreɪljən/
a native or inhabitant of Australia
From this reading Capable as this quartet of Australian lads were in many ways, in this they were novices.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
back-water
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The boys had picked up a fine lot of oranges, as well as some dozens of plantains, in the back-water.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading The cry went forth without ceasing, its only variation being the peculiar noise caused by an intermittent sucking of her diminutive fists.
a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
the lower side of anything
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading The boys had picked up a fine lot of oranges, as well as some dozens of plantains, in the back-water.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The cry went forth without ceasing, its only variation being the peculiar noise caused by an intermittent sucking of her diminutive fists.
(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability
From this reading Capable as this quartet of Australian lads were in many ways, in this they were novices.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading The cry went forth without ceasing, its only variation being the peculiar noise caused by an intermittent sucking of her diminutive fists.
ceasingverbUS /ˈsiːsɪŋ/
-ing form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity
From this reading The cry went forth without ceasing, its only variation being the peculiar noise caused by an intermittent sucking of her diminutive fists.
utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading The cry went forth without ceasing, its only variation being the peculiar noise caused by an intermittent sucking of her diminutive fists.
an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading By a happy thought of Jimmy the hunger difficulty was overcome.
diminutiveadjectiveUS /dɪˈmɪnjətɪv/
very small
From this reading The cry went forth without ceasing, its only variation being the peculiar noise caused by an intermittent sucking of her diminutive fists.
dimpledverbUS /ˈdɪmpəld/
past form of “dimple” — mark with, or as if with, dimples
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
doublingnounUS /ˈdʌbəlɪŋ/
increase by a factor of two
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
dozensnounUS /ˈdʌzənz/
a large number or amount
From this reading The boys had picked up a fine lot of oranges, as well as some dozens of plantains, in the back-water.
opinion or judgment
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading The boys had picked up a fine lot of oranges, as well as some dozens of plantains, in the back-water.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
fistsnounUS /fɪsts/
plural of “fist” — a hand with the fingers clenched in the palm (as for hitting)
From this reading The cry went forth without ceasing, its only variation being the peculiar noise caused by an intermittent sucking of her diminutive fists.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading The cry went forth without ceasing, its only variation being the peculiar noise caused by an intermittent sucking of her diminutive fists.
past form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The boys had picked up a fine lot of oranges, as well as some dozens of plantains, in the back-water.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading By a happy thought of Jimmy the hunger difficulty was overcome.
plural of “heel” — the bottom of a shoe or boot; the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground and provides elevation
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
helplessnessnounUS /ˈhelpləsnəs/
powerlessness revealed by an inability to act
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
hungernounUS /ˈhʌŋɡər/
a physiological need for food; the consequence of food deprivation
From this reading By a happy thought of Jimmy the hunger difficulty was overcome.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Capable as this quartet of Australian lads were in many ways, in this they were novices.
intermittentadjectiveUS /ˌɪntərˈmɪtənt/
stopping and starting at irregular intervals
From this reading The cry went forth without ceasing, its only variation being the peculiar noise caused by an intermittent sucking of her diminutive fists.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The cry went forth without ceasing, its only variation being the peculiar noise caused by an intermittent sucking of her diminutive fists.
to move or force, especially in an effort to get something open
From this reading By a happy thought of Jimmy the hunger difficulty was overcome.
kickingnounUS /ˈkɪkɪŋ/
a rhythmic thrusting movement of the legs as in swimming or calisthenics
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
plural of “lad” — a boy or man
From this reading Capable as this quartet of Australian lads were in many ways, in this they were novices.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent
From this reading The boys had picked up a fine lot of oranges, as well as some dozens of plantains, in the back-water.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Capable as this quartet of Australian lads were in many ways, in this they were novices.
the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)
From this reading The cry went forth without ceasing, its only variation being the peculiar noise caused by an intermittent sucking of her diminutive fists.
novicesnounUS /ˈnɑːvəsɪz/
plural of “novice” — someone who has entered a religious order but has not taken final vows
From this reading Capable as this quartet of Australian lads were in many ways, in this they were novices.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Capable as this quartet of Australian lads were in many ways, in this they were novices.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
and nothing more
From this reading The cry went forth without ceasing, its only variation being the peculiar noise caused by an intermittent sucking of her diminutive fists.
orangesnounUS /ˈɔːrəndʒəz/
plural of “orange” — round yellow to orange fruit of any of several citrus trees
From this reading The boys had picked up a fine lot of oranges, as well as some dozens of plantains, in the back-water.
win a victory over
From this reading By a happy thought of Jimmy the hunger difficulty was overcome.
passengernounUS /ˈpæsəndʒər/
a traveler riding in a vehicle (a boat or bus or car or plane or train etc) who is not operating it
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading The cry went forth without ceasing, its only variation being the peculiar noise caused by an intermittent sucking of her diminutive fists.
past form of “pick” — select carefully from a group
From this reading The boys had picked up a fine lot of oranges, as well as some dozens of plantains, in the back-water.
plantainsnounUS /ˈplæntənz/
plural of “plantain” — any of numerous plants of the genus Plantago; mostly small roadside or dooryard weeds with elliptic leaves and small spikes of very small flowers; seeds of some used medicinally
From this reading The boys had picked up a fine lot of oranges, as well as some dozens of plantains, in the back-water.
quartetnounUS /kwɔːrˈtet/
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading Capable as this quartet of Australian lads were in many ways, in this they were novices.
a magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading The boys had picked up a fine lot of oranges, as well as some dozens of plantains, in the back-water.
suckingnounUS /ˈsʌkɪŋ/
the act of sucking
From this reading The cry went forth without ceasing, its only variation being the peculiar noise caused by an intermittent sucking of her diminutive fists.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Capable as this quartet of Australian lads were in many ways, in this they were novices.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Capable as this quartet of Australian lads were in many ways, in this they were novices.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading By a happy thought of Jimmy the hunger difficulty was overcome.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The boys had picked up a fine lot of oranges, as well as some dozens of plantains, in the back-water.
variationnounUS /ˌveriˈeɪʃən/
an instance of change; the rate or magnitude of change
From this reading The cry went forth without ceasing, its only variation being the peculiar noise caused by an intermittent sucking of her diminutive fists.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired
From this reading Capable as this quartet of Australian lads were in many ways, in this they were novices.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading The boys had picked up a fine lot of oranges, as well as some dozens of plantains, in the back-water.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The cry went forth without ceasing, its only variation being the peculiar noise caused by an intermittent sucking of her diminutive fists.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Capable as this quartet of Australian lads were in many ways, in this they were novices.
in the company of; together with
From this reading So it was with a look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then into her mouth.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading The cry went forth without ceasing, its only variation being the peculiar noise caused by an intermittent sucking of her diminutive fists.
