used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A Midnight Invasion Only one more fish was caught that day, and this second one was only a seven-pounder.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A Midnight Invasion Only one more fish was caught that day, and this second one was only a seven-pounder.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading The work of the cave diggers developed another pleasing surprise for the castaways.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading This drinking ice had to be chipped from higher places on the berg, as the dashing of the waves in rough weather had coated the lower parts with a salty surface.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading This drinking ice had to be chipped from higher places on the berg, as the dashing of the waves in rough weather had coated the lower parts with a salty surface.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
bergnounUS /bɜːrɡ/
a large mass of ice floating at sea; usually broken off of a polar glacier
From this reading This drinking ice had to be chipped from higher places on the berg, as the dashing of the waves in rough weather had coated the lower parts with a salty surface.
(used in the plural) a percussion instrument consisting of a pair of hollow pieces of wood or bone (usually held between the thumb and fingers) that are made to click together (as by Spanish dancers) in rhythm with the dance
From this reading However, everybody had a taste, and the bones and other refuse were saved for fuel.
boxesnounUS /ˈbɑːksəz/
plural of “box” — a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid
From this reading At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
castawaysnounUS /ˈkæstəweɪz/
plural of “castaway” — a person who is rejected (from society or home)
From this reading The work of the cave diggers developed another pleasing surprise for the castaways.
inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading A Midnight Invasion Only one more fish was caught that day, and this second one was only a seven-pounder.
a geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea
From this reading The work of the cave diggers developed another pleasing surprise for the castaways.
chippedverbUS /tʃɪpt/
inflected form of “chip” — break off (a piece from a whole)
From this reading This drinking ice had to be chipped from higher places on the berg, as the dashing of the waves in rough weather had coated the lower parts with a salty surface.
coatedadjectiveUS /ˈkoʊtəd/
having a coating; covered with an outer layer or film; often used in combination
From this reading This drinking ice had to be chipped from higher places on the berg, as the dashing of the waves in rough weather had coated the lower parts with a salty surface.
dashingadjectiveUS /ˈdæʃɪŋ/
lively and spirited
From this reading This drinking ice had to be chipped from higher places on the berg, as the dashing of the waves in rough weather had coated the lower parts with a salty surface.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading A Midnight Invasion Only one more fish was caught that day, and this second one was only a seven-pounder.
developedadjectiveUS /dɪˈveləpt/
being changed over time so as to be e.g. stronger or more complete or more useful
From this reading The work of the cave diggers developed another pleasing surprise for the castaways.
diggersnounUS /ˈdɪɡərz/
plural of “digger” — a laborer who digs
From this reading The work of the cave diggers developed another pleasing surprise for the castaways.
the act of consuming liquids
From this reading At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
every person
From this reading However, everybody had a taste, and the bones and other refuse were saved for fuel.
after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay
From this reading At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
any of various mostly cold-blooded aquatic vertebrates usually having scales and breathing through gills
From this reading A Midnight Invasion Only one more fish was caught that day, and this second one was only a seven-pounder.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading However, everybody had a taste, and the bones and other refuse were saved for fuel.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading This drinking ice had to be chipped from higher places on the berg, as the dashing of the waves in rough weather had coated the lower parts with a salty surface.
fuelverbUS /ˈfjuːəl/
provide with a combustible substance that provides energy
From this reading However, everybody had a taste, and the bones and other refuse were saved for fuel.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading However, everybody had a taste, and the bones and other refuse were saved for fuel.
advanced in complexity or elaboration
From this reading This drinking ice had to be chipped from higher places on the berg, as the dashing of the waves in rough weather had coated the lower parts with a salty surface.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading However, everybody had a taste, and the bones and other refuse were saved for fuel.
water frozen in the solid state
From this reading At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
InvasionnounUS /ˌɪnˈveɪʒən/
the act of invading; the act of an army that invades for conquest or plunder
From this reading A Midnight Invasion Only one more fish was caught that day, and this second one was only a seven-pounder.
move something or somebody to a lower position
From this reading This drinking ice had to be chipped from higher places on the berg, as the dashing of the waves in rough weather had coated the lower parts with a salty surface.
meltverbUS /melt/
reduce or cause to be reduced from a solid to a liquid state, usually by heating
From this reading At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
the force of workers available
From this reading At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night
From this reading A Midnight Invasion Only one more fish was caught that day, and this second one was only a seven-pounder.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading A Midnight Invasion Only one more fish was caught that day, and this second one was only a seven-pounder.
come into possession of
From this reading At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading This drinking ice had to be chipped from higher places on the berg, as the dashing of the waves in rough weather had coated the lower parts with a salty surface.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A Midnight Invasion Only one more fish was caught that day, and this second one was only a seven-pounder.
and nothing more
From this reading A Midnight Invasion Only one more fish was caught that day, and this second one was only a seven-pounder.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading However, everybody had a taste, and the bones and other refuse were saved for fuel.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
the local environment
From this reading This drinking ice had to be chipped from higher places on the berg, as the dashing of the waves in rough weather had coated the lower parts with a salty surface.
plural of “piece” — a separate part of a whole
From this reading At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading This drinking ice had to be chipped from higher places on the berg, as the dashing of the waves in rough weather had coated the lower parts with a salty surface.
pleasingadjectiveUS /ˈpliːzɪŋ/
giving pleasure and satisfaction
From this reading The work of the cave diggers developed another pleasing surprise for the castaways.
past form of “produce” — bring forth or yield
From this reading At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
filled with bewilderment
From this reading At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
show unwillingness towards
From this reading However, everybody had a taste, and the bones and other refuse were saved for fuel.
having or caused by an irregular surface
From this reading This drinking ice had to be chipped from higher places on the berg, as the dashing of the waves in rough weather had coated the lower parts with a salty surface.
saltyadjectiveUS /ˈsɔːlti/
engagingly stimulating or provocative
From this reading This drinking ice had to be chipped from higher places on the berg, as the dashing of the waves in rough weather had coated the lower parts with a salty surface.
rescued; especially from the power and consequences of sin
From this reading However, everybody had a taste, and the bones and other refuse were saved for fuel.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading A Midnight Invasion Only one more fish was caught that day, and this second one was only a seven-pounder.
seven-pounder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A Midnight Invasion Only one more fish was caught that day, and this second one was only a seven-pounder.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
give something useful or necessary to
From this reading At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary
From this reading This drinking ice had to be chipped from higher places on the berg, as the dashing of the waves in rough weather had coated the lower parts with a salty surface.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading The work of the cave diggers developed another pleasing surprise for the castaways.
To perceive flavor through the mouth.
From this reading However, everybody had a taste, and the bones and other refuse were saved for fuel.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A Midnight Invasion Only one more fish was caught that day, and this second one was only a seven-pounder.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading However, everybody had a taste, and the bones and other refuse were saved for fuel.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading A Midnight Invasion Only one more fish was caught that day, and this second one was only a seven-pounder.
tinnounUS /tɪn/
a silvery malleable metallic element that resists corrosion; used in many alloys and to coat other metals to prevent corrosion; obtained chiefly from cassiterite where it occurs as tin oxide
From this reading At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
tobacconounUS /təˈbækoʊ/
leaves of the tobacco plant dried and prepared for smoking or ingestion
From this reading At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A Midnight Invasion Only one more fish was caught that day, and this second one was only a seven-pounder.
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 At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
plural of “wave” — one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
From this reading This drinking ice had to be chipped from higher places on the berg, as the dashing of the waves in rough weather had coated the lower parts with a salty surface.
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading This drinking ice had to be chipped from higher places on the berg, as the dashing of the waves in rough weather had coated the lower parts with a salty surface.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading However, everybody had a taste, and the bones and other refuse were saved for fuel.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading At first they had been puzzled over the question of how to obtain a supply of drinking water, but finally some of the men produced several tin tobacco boxes, in which they were able to melt pieces of ice.
in the company of; together with
From this reading This drinking ice had to be chipped from higher places on the berg, as the dashing of the waves in rough weather had coated the lower parts with a salty surface.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading The work of the cave diggers developed another pleasing surprise for the castaways.
