Chapter XIII · How the Ark Was Saved

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

From this reading Even her occupants would have stood but a slight chance of escaping.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

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

From this reading The stream of leaping flame was so wide, and came toward them with such extraordinary swiftness, that, before they could have reached the shore and run beyond its limits in either direction, it would have been upon them.

(Judaism) sacred chest where the ancient Hebrews kept the two tablets containing the Ten Commandments

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

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

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Their only chance would have been to throw themselves into the swift current of the river from the opposite side of their boat, with the hope of gaining the bank at a safe distance below.

sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The stream of leaping flame was so wide, and came toward them with such extraordinary swiftness, that, before they could have reached the shore and run beyond its limits in either direction, it would have been upon them.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading Their only chance would have been to throw themselves into the swift current of the river from the opposite side of their boat, with the hope of gaining the bank at a safe distance below.

perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements; filled with bewilderment

From this reading Uncle Phin was helpless with terror and completely bewildered by the suddenness of the peril that threatened them.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading The stream of leaping flame was so wide, and came toward them with such extraordinary swiftness, that, before they could have reached the shore and run beyond its limits in either direction, it would have been upon them.

shining intensely

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

processing that involves blowing a gas

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading Their only chance would have been to throw themselves into the swift current of the river from the opposite side of their boat, with the hope of gaining the bank at a safe distance below.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Even her occupants would have stood but a slight chance of escaping.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading The stream of leaping flame was so wide, and came toward them with such extraordinary swiftness, that, before they could have reached the shore and run beyond its limits in either direction, it would have been upon them.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading Even her occupants would have stood but a slight chance of escaping.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading Uncle Phin was helpless with terror and completely bewildered by the suddenness of the peril that threatened them.

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

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

a flow of electricity through a conductor

From this reading Their only chance would have been to throw themselves into the swift current of the river from the opposite side of their boat, with the hope of gaining the bank at a safe distance below.

the termination of something by causing so much damage to it that it cannot be repaired or no longer exists

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading The stream of leaping flame was so wide, and came toward them with such extraordinary swiftness, that, before they could have reached the shore and run beyond its limits in either direction, it would have been upon them.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading Their only chance would have been to throw themselves into the swift current of the river from the opposite side of their boat, with the hope of gaining the bank at a safe distance below.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

one or the other of two

From this reading The stream of leaping flame was so wide, and came toward them with such extraordinary swiftness, that, before they could have reached the shore and run beyond its limits in either direction, it would have been upon them.

-ing form of “escape” — run away from confinement

From this reading Even her occupants would have stood but a slight chance of escaping.

divisible by two

From this reading Even her occupants would have stood but a slight chance of escaping.

beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable

From this reading The stream of leaping flame was so wide, and came toward them with such extraordinary swiftness, that, before they could have reached the shore and run beyond its limits in either direction, it would have been upon them.

A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.

From this reading The stream of leaping flame was so wide, and came toward them with such extraordinary swiftness, that, before they could have reached the shore and run beyond its limits in either direction, it would have been upon them.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

-ing form of “gain” — obtain

From this reading Their only chance would have been to throw themselves into the swift current of the river from the opposite side of their boat, with the hope of gaining the bank at a safe distance below.

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

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

lacking in or deprived of strength or power

From this reading Uncle Phin was helpless with terror and completely bewildered by the suddenness of the peril that threatened them.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading Their only chance would have been to throw themselves into the swift current of the river from the opposite side of their boat, with the hope of gaining the bank at a safe distance below.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

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

From this reading The stream of leaping flame was so wide, and came toward them with such extraordinary swiftness, that, before they could have reached the shore and run beyond its limits in either direction, it would have been upon them.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Their only chance would have been to throw themselves into the swift current of the river from the opposite side of their boat, with the hope of gaining the bank at a safe distance below.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The stream of leaping flame was so wide, and came toward them with such extraordinary swiftness, that, before they could have reached the shore and run beyond its limits in either direction, it would have been upon them.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The stream of leaping flame was so wide, and came toward them with such extraordinary swiftness, that, before they could have reached the shore and run beyond its limits in either direction, it would have been upon them.

a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards

From this reading The stream of leaping flame was so wide, and came toward them with such extraordinary swiftness, that, before they could have reached the shore and run beyond its limits in either direction, it would have been upon them.

plural of “limit” — the greatest possible degree of something

From this reading The stream of leaping flame was so wide, and came toward them with such extraordinary swiftness, that, before they could have reached the shore and run beyond its limits in either direction, it would have been upon them.

past form of “moor” — secure in or as if in a berth or dock

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

plural of “occupant” — someone who lives at a particular place for a prolonged period or who was born there

From this reading Even her occupants would have stood but a slight chance of escaping.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

A viscous liquid derived from petroleum or plants, stored in large earthen jars.

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

and nothing more

From this reading Their only chance would have been to throw themselves into the swift current of the river from the opposite side of their boat, with the hope of gaining the bank at a safe distance below.

being directly across from each other; facing

From this reading Their only chance would have been to throw themselves into the swift current of the river from the opposite side of their boat, with the hope of gaining the bank at a safe distance below.

a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading Uncle Phin was helpless with terror and completely bewildered by the suddenness of the peril that threatened them.

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

From this reading Uncle Phin was helpless with terror and completely bewildered by the suddenness of the peril that threatened them.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading The stream of leaping flame was so wide, and came toward them with such extraordinary swiftness, that, before they could have reached the shore and run beyond its limits in either direction, it would have been upon them.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading The stream of leaping flame was so wide, and came toward them with such extraordinary swiftness, that, before they could have reached the shore and run beyond its limits in either direction, it would have been upon them.

done under pressure

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

free from danger or the risk of harm

From this reading Their only chance would have been to throw themselves into the swift current of the river from the opposite side of their boat, with the hope of gaining the bank at a safe distance below.

rescued; especially from the power and consequences of sin

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

the land along the edge of a body of water

From this reading The stream of leaping flame was so wide, and came toward them with such extraordinary swiftness, that, before they could have reached the shore and run beyond its limits in either direction, it would have been upon them.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading Their only chance would have been to throw themselves into the swift current of the river from the opposite side of their boat, with the hope of gaining the bank at a safe distance below.

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading Even her occupants would have stood but a slight chance of escaping.

an elevated geological formation

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading Even her occupants would have stood but a slight chance of escaping.

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading The stream of leaping flame was so wide, and came toward them with such extraordinary swiftness, that, before they could have reached the shore and run beyond its limits in either direction, it would have been upon them.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The stream of leaping flame was so wide, and came toward them with such extraordinary swiftness, that, before they could have reached the shore and run beyond its limits in either direction, it would have been upon them.

the quality of happening with headlong haste or without warning

From this reading Uncle Phin was helpless with terror and completely bewildered by the suddenness of the peril that threatened them.

moving very fast

From this reading Their only chance would have been to throw themselves into the swift current of the river from the opposite side of their boat, with the hope of gaining the bank at a safe distance below.

a rate (usually rapid) at which something happens

From this reading The stream of leaping flame was so wide, and came toward them with such extraordinary swiftness, that, before they could have reached the shore and run beyond its limits in either direction, it would have been upon them.

an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety

From this reading Uncle Phin was helpless with terror and completely bewildered by the suddenness of the peril that threatened them.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

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

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Their only chance would have been to throw themselves into the swift current of the river from the opposite side of their boat, with the hope of gaining the bank at a safe distance below.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The stream of leaping flame was so wide, and came toward them with such extraordinary swiftness, that, before they could have reached the shore and run beyond its limits in either direction, it would have been upon them.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Their only chance would have been to throw themselves into the swift current of the river from the opposite side of their boat, with the hope of gaining the bank at a safe distance below.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The stream of leaping flame was so wide, and came toward them with such extraordinary swiftness, that, before they could have reached the shore and run beyond its limits in either direction, it would have been upon them.

(of flora or fauna) likely in the near future to become endangered

From this reading Uncle Phin was helpless with terror and completely bewildered by the suddenness of the peril that threatened them.

propel through the air

From this reading Their only chance would have been to throw themselves into the swift current of the river from the opposite side of their boat, with the hope of gaining the bank at a safe distance below.

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

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

a heavy rain

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

in the direction of

From this reading The stream of leaping flame was so wide, and came toward them with such extraordinary swiftness, that, before they could have reached the shore and run beyond its limits in either direction, it would have been upon them.

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

From this reading Uncle Phin was helpless with terror and completely bewildered by the suddenness of the peril that threatened them.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The stream of leaping flame was so wide, and came toward them with such extraordinary swiftness, that, before they could have reached the shore and run beyond its limits in either direction, it would have been upon them.

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

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

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

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading The stream of leaping flame was so wide, and came toward them with such extraordinary swiftness, that, before they could have reached the shore and run beyond its limits in either direction, it would have been upon them.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading If the wind had been blowing from across the river, so as to hold the Ark close to the bank against which she was moored, nothing could have saved her from destruction by the torrent of blazing oil that rushed down the slope.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The stream of leaping flame was so wide, and came toward them with such extraordinary swiftness, that, before they could have reached the shore and run beyond its limits in either direction, it would have been upon them.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Even her occupants would have stood but a slight chance of escaping.