used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading After a hundred or more had leaped into the sea, following the example of the first terrified wretch, the panic subsided, and the saner ones busied themselves at devising means of self-preservation.
matters of personal concern
From this reading The Voice of the Fog Pirate Affairs were bad enough on board the Herculanea, but not quite so bad as the cry of the terror-stricken passenger would seem to indicate.
afloatadjectiveUS /əˈfloʊt/
aimlessly drifting
From this reading Although she was steadily sinking lower and lower, the steamer remained afloat half an hour after the first boiler explosion.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Although she was steadily sinking lower and lower, the steamer remained afloat half an hour after the first boiler explosion.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading But it was plainly a question of only a short time when she would tip on end and plunge downward, so that all worked with the greatest of haste.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Although she was steadily sinking lower and lower, the steamer remained afloat half an hour after the first boiler explosion.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Although she was steadily sinking lower and lower, the steamer remained afloat half an hour after the first boiler explosion.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Although she was steadily sinking lower and lower, the steamer remained afloat half an hour after the first boiler explosion.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The Voice of the Fog Pirate Affairs were bad enough on board the Herculanea, but not quite so bad as the cry of the terror-stricken passenger would seem to indicate.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading After a hundred or more had leaped into the sea, following the example of the first terrified wretch, the panic subsided, and the saner ones busied themselves at devising means of self-preservation.
having undesirable or negative qualities
From this reading The Voice of the Fog Pirate Affairs were bad enough on board the Herculanea, but not quite so bad as the cry of the terror-stricken passenger would seem to indicate.
a committee having supervisory powers
From this reading The Voice of the Fog Pirate Affairs were bad enough on board the Herculanea, but not quite so bad as the cry of the terror-stricken passenger would seem to indicate.
boilernounUS /ˈbɔɪlər/
sealed vessel where water is converted to steam
From this reading Although she was steadily sinking lower and lower, the steamer remained afloat half an hour after the first boiler explosion.
busiedverbUS /ˈbɪzid/
inflected form of “busy” — keep busy with
From this reading After a hundred or more had leaped into the sea, following the example of the first terrified wretch, the panic subsided, and the saner ones busied themselves at devising means of self-preservation.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The Voice of the Fog Pirate Affairs were bad enough on board the Herculanea, but not quite so bad as the cry of the terror-stricken passenger would seem to indicate.
utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading The Voice of the Fog Pirate Affairs were bad enough on board the Herculanea, but not quite so bad as the cry of the terror-stricken passenger would seem to indicate.
devisingnounUS /dɪˈvaɪzɪŋ/
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading After a hundred or more had leaped into the sea, following the example of the first terrified wretch, the panic subsided, and the saner ones busied themselves at devising means of self-preservation.
downwardadjectiveUS /ˈdaʊnwərd/
extending or moving from a higher to a lower place
From this reading But it was plainly a question of only a short time when she would tip on end and plunge downward, so that all worked with the greatest of haste.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading But it was plainly a question of only a short time when she would tip on end and plunge downward, so that all worked with the greatest of haste.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading The Voice of the Fog Pirate Affairs were bad enough on board the Herculanea, but not quite so bad as the cry of the terror-stricken passenger would seem to indicate.
an item of information that is typical of a class or group
From this reading After a hundred or more had leaped into the sea, following the example of the first terrified wretch, the panic subsided, and the saner ones busied themselves at devising means of self-preservation.
the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
From this reading Guy and his two friends kept together through the fearful excitement.
explosionnounUS /ɪkˈsploʊʒən/
a violent release of energy caused by a chemical or nuclear reaction
From this reading Although she was steadily sinking lower and lower, the steamer remained afloat half an hour after the first boiler explosion.
experiencing or showing fear
From this reading Guy and his two friends kept together through the fearful excitement.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Although she was steadily sinking lower and lower, the steamer remained afloat half an hour after the first boiler explosion.
FognounUS /fɑːɡ/
droplets of water vapor suspended in the air near the ground
From this reading The Voice of the Fog Pirate Affairs were bad enough on board the Herculanea, but not quite so bad as the cry of the terror-stricken passenger would seem to indicate.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading After a hundred or more had leaped into the sea, following the example of the first terrified wretch, the panic subsided, and the saner ones busied themselves at devising means of self-preservation.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Guy and his two friends kept together through the fearful excitement.
highest in quality
From this reading But it was plainly a question of only a short time when she would tip on end and plunge downward, so that all worked with the greatest of haste.
an informal term for a youth or man
From this reading Guy and his two friends kept together through the fearful excitement.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading After a hundred or more had leaped into the sea, following the example of the first terrified wretch, the panic subsided, and the saner ones busied themselves at devising means of self-preservation.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading Although she was steadily sinking lower and lower, the steamer remained afloat half an hour after the first boiler explosion.
overly eager speed (and possible carelessness)
From this reading But it was plainly a question of only a short time when she would tip on end and plunge downward, so that all worked with the greatest of haste.
Herculanea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Voice of the Fog Pirate Affairs were bad enough on board the Herculanea, but not quite so bad as the cry of the terror-stricken passenger would seem to indicate.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Guy and his two friends kept together through the fearful excitement.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading Although she was steadily sinking lower and lower, the steamer remained afloat half an hour after the first boiler explosion.
ten 10s
From this reading After a hundred or more had leaped into the sea, following the example of the first terrified wretch, the panic subsided, and the saner ones busied themselves at devising means of self-preservation.
indicateverbUS /ˈɪndəkeɪt/
be a signal for or a symptom of
From this reading The Voice of the Fog Pirate Affairs were bad enough on board the Herculanea, but not quite so bad as the cry of the terror-stricken passenger would seem to indicate.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading After a hundred or more had leaped into the sea, following the example of the first terrified wretch, the panic subsided, and the saner ones busied themselves at devising means of self-preservation.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading But it was plainly a question of only a short time when she would tip on end and plunge downward, so that all worked with the greatest of haste.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading Guy and his two friends kept together through the fearful excitement.
past form of “leap” — move forward by leaps and bounds
From this reading After a hundred or more had leaped into the sea, following the example of the first terrified wretch, the panic subsided, and the saner ones busied themselves at devising means of self-preservation.
move something or somebody to a lower position
From this reading Although she was steadily sinking lower and lower, the steamer remained afloat half an hour after the first boiler explosion.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading After a hundred or more had leaped into the sea, following the example of the first terrified wretch, the panic subsided, and the saner ones busied themselves at devising means of self-preservation.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading After a hundred or more had leaped into the sea, following the example of the first terrified wretch, the panic subsided, and the saner ones busied themselves at devising means of self-preservation.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The Voice of the Fog Pirate Affairs were bad enough on board the Herculanea, but not quite so bad as the cry of the terror-stricken passenger would seem to indicate.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Voice of the Fog Pirate Affairs were bad enough on board the Herculanea, but not quite so bad as the cry of the terror-stricken passenger would seem to indicate.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The Voice of the Fog Pirate Affairs were bad enough on board the Herculanea, but not quite so bad as the cry of the terror-stricken passenger would seem to indicate.
plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
From this reading After a hundred or more had leaped into the sea, following the example of the first terrified wretch, the panic subsided, and the saner ones busied themselves at devising means of self-preservation.
and nothing more
From this reading But it was plainly a question of only a short time when she would tip on end and plunge downward, so that all worked with the greatest of haste.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading After a hundred or more had leaped into the sea, following the example of the first terrified wretch, the panic subsided, and the saner ones busied themselves at devising means of self-preservation.
panicnounUS /ˈpænɪk/
an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety
From this reading After a hundred or more had leaped into the sea, following the example of the first terrified wretch, the panic subsided, and the saner ones busied themselves at devising means of self-preservation.
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 The Voice of the Fog Pirate Affairs were bad enough on board the Herculanea, but not quite so bad as the cry of the terror-stricken passenger would seem to indicate.
PiratenounUS /ˈpaɪrət/
someone who uses another person's words or ideas as if they were his own
From this reading The Voice of the Fog Pirate Affairs were bad enough on board the Herculanea, but not quite so bad as the cry of the terror-stricken passenger would seem to indicate.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading But it was plainly a question of only a short time when she would tip on end and plunge downward, so that all worked with the greatest of haste.
plungeverbUS /plʌndʒ/
thrust or throw into
From this reading But it was plainly a question of only a short time when she would tip on end and plunge downward, so that all worked with the greatest of haste.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading But it was plainly a question of only a short time when she would tip on end and plunge downward, so that all worked with the greatest of haste.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading The Voice of the Fog Pirate Affairs were bad enough on board the Herculanea, but not quite so bad as the cry of the terror-stricken passenger would seem to indicate.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading Although she was steadily sinking lower and lower, the steamer remained afloat half an hour after the first boiler explosion.
saneradjectiveUS /ˈseɪnər/
comparative of “sane” — mentally healthy; free from mental disorder
From this reading After a hundred or more had leaped into the sea, following the example of the first terrified wretch, the panic subsided, and the saner ones busied themselves at devising means of self-preservation.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading After a hundred or more had leaped into the sea, following the example of the first terrified wretch, the panic subsided, and the saner ones busied themselves at devising means of self-preservation.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The Voice of the Fog Pirate Affairs were bad enough on board the Herculanea, but not quite so bad as the cry of the terror-stricken passenger would seem to indicate.
self-preservationnoun
preservation of yourself from harm; a natural or instinctive tendency
From this reading After a hundred or more had leaped into the sea, following the example of the first terrified wretch, the panic subsided, and the saner ones busied themselves at devising means of self-preservation.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Although she was steadily sinking lower and lower, the steamer remained afloat half an hour after the first boiler explosion.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading But it was plainly a question of only a short time when she would tip on end and plunge downward, so that all worked with the greatest of haste.
sinkingnounUS /ˈsɪŋkɪŋ/
a descent as through liquid (especially through water)
From this reading Although she was steadily sinking lower and lower, the steamer remained afloat half an hour after the first boiler explosion.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The Voice of the Fog Pirate Affairs were bad enough on board the Herculanea, but not quite so bad as the cry of the terror-stricken passenger would seem to indicate.
at a steady rate or pace
From this reading Although she was steadily sinking lower and lower, the steamer remained afloat half an hour after the first boiler explosion.
a clam that is usually steamed in the shell
From this reading Although she was steadily sinking lower and lower, the steamer remained afloat half an hour after the first boiler explosion.
subsidedverbUS /səbˈsaɪdɪd/
past form of “subside” — wear off or die down
From this reading After a hundred or more had leaped into the sea, following the example of the first terrified wretch, the panic subsided, and the saner ones busied themselves at devising means of self-preservation.
terrifiedadjectiveUS /ˈterəfaɪd/
thrown into a state of intense fear or desperation
From this reading After a hundred or more had leaped into the sea, following the example of the first terrified wretch, the panic subsided, and the saner ones busied themselves at devising means of self-preservation.
terror-strickenadjective
struck or filled with terror
From this reading The Voice of the Fog Pirate Affairs were bad enough on board the Herculanea, but not quite so bad as the cry of the terror-stricken passenger would seem to indicate.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading But it was plainly a question of only a short time when she would tip on end and plunge downward, so that all worked with the greatest of haste.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Voice of the Fog Pirate Affairs were bad enough on board the Herculanea, but not quite so bad as the cry of the terror-stricken passenger would seem to indicate.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading After a hundred or more had leaped into the sea, following the example of the first terrified wretch, the panic subsided, and the saner ones busied themselves at devising means of self-preservation.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Guy and his two friends kept together through the fearful excitement.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading But it was plainly a question of only a short time when she would tip on end and plunge downward, so that all worked with the greatest of haste.
tipnounUS /tɪp/
the extreme end of something; especially something pointed
From this reading But it was plainly a question of only a short time when she would tip on end and plunge downward, so that all worked with the greatest of haste.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The Voice of the Fog Pirate Affairs were bad enough on board the Herculanea, but not quite so bad as the cry of the terror-stricken passenger would seem to indicate.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading Guy and his two friends kept together through the fearful excitement.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Guy and his two friends kept together through the fearful excitement.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading The Voice of the Fog Pirate Affairs were bad enough on board the Herculanea, but not quite so bad as the cry of the terror-stricken passenger would seem to indicate.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Although she was steadily sinking lower and lower, the steamer remained afloat half an hour after the first boiler explosion.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The Voice of the Fog Pirate Affairs were bad enough on board the Herculanea, but not quite so bad as the cry of the terror-stricken passenger would seem to indicate.
at the time that
From this reading But it was plainly a question of only a short time when she would tip on end and plunge downward, so that all worked with the greatest of haste.
in the company of; together with
From this reading But it was plainly a question of only a short time when she would tip on end and plunge downward, so that all worked with the greatest of haste.
past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading But it was plainly a question of only a short time when she would tip on end and plunge downward, so that all worked with the greatest of haste.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The Voice of the Fog Pirate Affairs were bad enough on board the Herculanea, but not quite so bad as the cry of the terror-stricken passenger would seem to indicate.
wretchnounUS /retʃ/
performs some wicked deed
From this reading After a hundred or more had leaped into the sea, following the example of the first terrified wretch, the panic subsided, and the saner ones busied themselves at devising means of self-preservation.
