Chapter XI · Uncle Phin’s Danger

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Upon seeing the bridge overhead the boy readily comprehended that the shock which had flung him to the floor was caused by the boat drifting against one of its great stone piers; but this did not explain Uncle Phin’s disappearance.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading He was not on the boat, nor, so far as Arthur could discover, was he in the water.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading The cry that he heard had not sounded a bit like Uncle Phin’s voice, and if it was his what had become of him?

the past participle of “be”

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading In his fear and distress of mind he began to call wildly: “Uncle Phin!

a small piece or quantity of something

From this reading The cry that he heard had not sounded a bit like Uncle Phin’s voice, and if it was his what had become of him?

a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading He was not on the boat, nor, so far as Arthur could discover, was he in the water.

plural of “boat” — a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

a youthful male person

From this reading Upon seeing the bridge overhead the boy readily comprehended that the shock which had flung him to the floor was caused by the boat drifting against one of its great stone piers; but this did not explain Uncle Phin’s disappearance.

a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.

From this reading Upon seeing the bridge overhead the boy readily comprehended that the shock which had flung him to the floor was caused by the boat drifting against one of its great stone piers; but this did not explain Uncle Phin’s disappearance.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Upon seeing the bridge overhead the boy readily comprehended that the shock which had flung him to the floor was caused by the boat drifting against one of its great stone piers; but this did not explain Uncle Phin’s disappearance.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Upon seeing the bridge overhead the boy readily comprehended that the shock which had flung him to the floor was caused by the boat drifting against one of its great stone piers; but this did not explain Uncle Phin’s disappearance.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading In his fear and distress of mind he began to call wildly: “Uncle Phin!

past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally

From this reading Upon seeing the bridge overhead the boy readily comprehended that the shock which had flung him to the floor was caused by the boat drifting against one of its great stone piers; but this did not explain Uncle Phin’s disappearance.

fully understood or grasped

From this reading Upon seeing the bridge overhead the boy readily comprehended that the shock which had flung him to the floor was caused by the boat drifting against one of its great stone piers; but this did not explain Uncle Phin’s disappearance.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading He was not on the boat, nor, so far as Arthur could discover, was he in the water.

utter a sudden loud cry

From this reading The cry that he heard had not sounded a bit like Uncle Phin’s voice, and if it was his what had become of him?

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Upon seeing the bridge overhead the boy readily comprehended that the shock which had flung him to the floor was caused by the boat drifting against one of its great stone piers; but this did not explain Uncle Phin’s disappearance.

the act of leaving secretly or without explanation

From this reading Upon seeing the bridge overhead the boy readily comprehended that the shock which had flung him to the floor was caused by the boat drifting against one of its great stone piers; but this did not explain Uncle Phin’s disappearance.

discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading He was not on the boat, nor, so far as Arthur could discover, was he in the water.

psychological suffering

From this reading In his fear and distress of mind he began to call wildly: “Uncle Phin!

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

aimless wandering from place to place

From this reading Upon seeing the bridge overhead the boy readily comprehended that the shock which had flung him to the floor was caused by the boat drifting against one of its great stone piers; but this did not explain Uncle Phin’s disappearance.

make plain and comprehensible

From this reading Upon seeing the bridge overhead the boy readily comprehended that the shock which had flung him to the floor was caused by the boat drifting against one of its great stone piers; but this did not explain Uncle Phin’s disappearance.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading He was not on the boat, nor, so far as Arthur could discover, was he in the water.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading In his fear and distress of mind he began to call wildly: “Uncle Phin!

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading Upon seeing the bridge overhead the boy readily comprehended that the shock which had flung him to the floor was caused by the boat drifting against one of its great stone piers; but this did not explain Uncle Phin’s disappearance.

inflected form of “fling” — throw with force or recklessness

From this reading Upon seeing the bridge overhead the boy readily comprehended that the shock which had flung him to the floor was caused by the boat drifting against one of its great stone piers; but this did not explain Uncle Phin’s disappearance.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

made afraid

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Upon seeing the bridge overhead the boy readily comprehended that the shock which had flung him to the floor was caused by the boat drifting against one of its great stone piers; but this did not explain Uncle Phin’s disappearance.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading The cry that he heard had not sounded a bit like Uncle Phin’s voice, and if it was his what had become of him?

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The cry that he heard had not sounded a bit like Uncle Phin’s voice, and if it was his what had become of him?

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading The cry that he heard had not sounded a bit like Uncle Phin’s voice, and if it was his what had become of him?

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The cry that he heard had not sounded a bit like Uncle Phin’s voice, and if it was his what had become of him?

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading He was not on the boat, nor, so far as Arthur could discover, was he in the water.

uncertain how to act or proceed

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Upon seeing the bridge overhead the boy readily comprehended that the shock which had flung him to the floor was caused by the boat drifting against one of its great stone piers; but this did not explain Uncle Phin’s disappearance.

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 For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The cry that he heard had not sounded a bit like Uncle Phin’s voice, and if it was his what had become of him?

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading In his fear and distress of mind he began to call wildly: “Uncle Phin!

a particular point in time

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading He was not on the boat, nor, so far as Arthur could discover, was he in the water.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The cry that he heard had not sounded a bit like Uncle Phin’s voice, and if it was his what had become of him?

not one thing; not anything

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

above your head; in the sky

From this reading Upon seeing the bridge overhead the boy readily comprehended that the shock which had flung him to the floor was caused by the boat drifting against one of its great stone piers; but this did not explain Uncle Phin’s disappearance.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In his fear and distress of mind he began to call wildly: “Uncle Phin!

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The cry that he heard had not sounded a bit like Uncle Phin’s voice, and if it was his what had become of him?

plural of “pier” — a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats

From this reading Upon seeing the bridge overhead the boy readily comprehended that the shock which had flung him to the floor was caused by the boat drifting against one of its great stone piers; but this did not explain Uncle Phin’s disappearance.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

without much difficulty

From this reading Upon seeing the bridge overhead the boy readily comprehended that the shock which had flung him to the floor was caused by the boat drifting against one of its great stone piers; but this did not explain Uncle Phin’s disappearance.

perception by means of the eyes

From this reading Upon seeing the bridge overhead the boy readily comprehended that the shock which had flung him to the floor was caused by the boat drifting against one of its great stone piers; but this did not explain Uncle Phin’s disappearance.

the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally

From this reading Upon seeing the bridge overhead the boy readily comprehended that the shock which had flung him to the floor was caused by the boat drifting against one of its great stone piers; but this did not explain Uncle Phin’s disappearance.

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 For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He was not on the boat, nor, so far as Arthur could discover, was he in the water.

past form of “sound” — appear in a certain way

From this reading The cry that he heard had not sounded a bit like Uncle Phin’s voice, and if it was his what had become of him?

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading Upon seeing the bridge overhead the boy readily comprehended that the shock which had flung him to the floor was caused by the boat drifting against one of its great stone piers; but this did not explain Uncle Phin’s disappearance.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The cry that he heard had not sounded a bit like Uncle Phin’s voice, and if it was his what had become of him?

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Upon seeing the bridge overhead the boy readily comprehended that the shock which had flung him to the floor was caused by the boat drifting against one of its great stone piers; but this did not explain Uncle Phin’s disappearance.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading The cry that he heard had not sounded a bit like Uncle Phin’s voice, and if it was his what had become of him?

except if; if not

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Upon seeing the bridge overhead the boy readily comprehended that the shock which had flung him to the floor was caused by the boat drifting against one of its great stone piers; but this did not explain Uncle Phin’s disappearance.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading The cry that he heard had not sounded a bit like Uncle Phin’s voice, and if it was his what had become of him?

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

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 He was not on the boat, nor, so far as Arthur could discover, was he in the water.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Upon seeing the bridge overhead the boy readily comprehended that the shock which had flung him to the floor was caused by the boat drifting against one of its great stone piers; but this did not explain Uncle Phin’s disappearance.

which person or people

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

to an extreme or greatly exaggerated degree

From this reading In his fear and distress of mind he began to call wildly: “Uncle Phin!

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.

the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose

From this reading For a moment poor Arthur, who knew nothing of boats and had never been on one before unless it was a New York ferry-boat, stood irresolute and frightened, without the slightest idea of what had happened or what he ought to do.