used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading The town itself was full of life and light, the governor’s castle blazed, and across the dark water floated the inspiring music of several military bands.
AdmiralnounUS /ˈædmərəl/
the supreme commander of a fleet; ranks above a vice admiral and below a fleet admiral
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The night was clear, although there was no moon, and the harbor lights shone steadily.
a native or inhabitant of the United States
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
anchornounUS /ˈæŋkər/
a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
bandsnounUS /bændz/
plural of “band” — an unofficial association of people or groups
From this reading The town itself was full of life and light, the governor’s castle blazed, and across the dark water floated the inspiring music of several military bands.
Beaumont's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
blazedverbUS /bleɪzd/
past form of “blaze” — shine brightly and intensively
From this reading The town itself was full of life and light, the governor’s castle blazed, and across the dark water floated the inspiring music of several military bands.
Brydell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Walking the deck of the Naiad was Brydell, now a handsome young ensign.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading The town itself was full of life and light, the governor’s castle blazed, and across the dark water floated the inspiring music of several military bands.
rid of obstructions
From this reading The night was clear, although there was no moon, and the harbor lights shone steadily.
the shore of a sea or ocean
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading The town itself was full of life and light, the governor’s castle blazed, and across the dark water floated the inspiring music of several military bands.
any of various platforms built into a vessel
From this reading Walking the deck of the Naiad was Brydell, now a handsome young ensign.
ensignnounUS /ˈensən/
a person who holds a commissioned rank in the United States Navy or the United States Coast Guard; below lieutenant junior grade
From this reading Walking the deck of the Naiad was Brydell, now a handsome young ensign.
fifty-fouradjective
being four more than fifty
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
flagshipnounUS /ˈflæɡʃɪp/
the chief one of a related group
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
floatedverbUS /ˈfloʊtəd/
past form of “float” — be in motion due to some air or water current
From this reading The town itself was full of life and light, the governor’s castle blazed, and across the dark water floated the inspiring music of several military bands.
frigatenounUS /ˈfrɪɡət/
a medium size square-rigged warship of the 18th and 19th centuries
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading The town itself was full of life and light, the governor’s castle blazed, and across the dark water floated the inspiring music of several military bands.
governor'snounUS /ˈɡʌvərnərz/
possessive form of “governor” — the head of a state government
From this reading The town itself was full of life and light, the governor’s castle blazed, and across the dark water floated the inspiring music of several military bands.
of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope
From this reading A grand official reception in honor of the admiral and his officers was in progress.
a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
harborverbUS /ˈhɑːrbər/
maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings)
From this reading The night was clear, although there was no moon, and the harbor lights shone steadily.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A grand official reception in honor of the admiral and his officers was in progress.
a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
From this reading A grand official reception in honor of the admiral and his officers was in progress.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A grand official reception in honor of the admiral and his officers was in progress.
inspiringadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈspaɪrɪŋ/
stimulating or exalting to the spirit
From this reading The town itself was full of life and light, the governor’s castle blazed, and across the dark water floated the inspiring music of several military bands.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading The town itself was full of life and light, the governor’s castle blazed, and across the dark water floated the inspiring music of several military bands.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading The town itself was full of life and light, the governor’s castle blazed, and across the dark water floated the inspiring music of several military bands.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading The town itself was full of life and light, the governor’s castle blazed, and across the dark water floated the inspiring music of several military bands.
plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation
From this reading The night was clear, although there was no moon, and the harbor lights shone steadily.
of or relating to the study of the principles of warfare
From this reading The town itself was full of life and light, the governor’s castle blazed, and across the dark water floated the inspiring music of several military bands.
the natural satellite of the Earth
From this reading The night was clear, although there was no moon, and the harbor lights shone steadily.
an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner
From this reading The town itself was full of life and light, the governor’s castle blazed, and across the dark water floated the inspiring music of several military bands.
Naiadnoun
submerged aquatic plant having narrow leaves and small flowers; of fresh or brackish water
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
not any; not one
From this reading The night was clear, although there was no moon, and the harbor lights shone steadily.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Walking the deck of the Naiad was Brydell, now a handsome young ensign.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading A grand official reception in honor of the admiral and his officers was in progress.
having official authority or sanction
From this reading A grand official reception in honor of the admiral and his officers was in progress.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
gradual improvement or growth or development
From this reading A grand official reception in honor of the admiral and his officers was in progress.
receptionnounUS /rɪˈsepʃən/
the manner in which something is greeted
From this reading A grand official reception in honor of the admiral and his officers was in progress.
the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading The town itself was full of life and light, the governor’s castle blazed, and across the dark water floated the inspiring music of several military bands.
inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light
From this reading The night was clear, although there was no moon, and the harbor lights shone steadily.
sloops-of-war
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
Spitfirenoun
a highly emotional and quick-tempered person (especially a girl or woman)
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
squadronnounUS /ˈskwɑːdrən/
a cavalry unit consisting of two or more troops and headquarters and supporting arms
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
at a steady rate or pace
From this reading The night was clear, although there was no moon, and the harbor lights shone steadily.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
in or at that place or location
From this reading The night was clear, although there was no moon, and the harbor lights shone steadily.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
VixennounUS /ˈvɪksɪn/
a malicious woman with a fierce temper
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
close enough to be walked to
From this reading Walking the deck of the Naiad was Brydell, now a handsome young ensign.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The night was clear, although there was no moon, and the harbor lights shone steadily.
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 The town itself was full of life and light, the governor’s castle blazed, and across the dark water floated the inspiring music of several military bands.
a late time of life
From this reading One night about seven years after this, the handsome fifty-four gun frigate, the Naiad, flagship of Admiral Beaumont’s squadron, and the sloops-of-war Vixen and Spitfire lay at anchor off a town on the South American coast.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Walking the deck of the Naiad was Brydell, now a handsome young ensign.
