adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
abruptadjectiveUS /əˈbrʌpt/
marked by sudden changes in subject and sharp transitions
From this reading The abrupt wall of rock behind it seems to isolate it as completely from the mainland as the sea before it separates it from the opposite shore.
acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/
from one side of something to the other
From this reading White drifts of sea-gulls and pelican across the face of the cliff, gray clouds of sandpipers rising from the beach, the dripping flight of ducks over the salt meadows, and the occasional splash of a seal from the rocks, were the only signs of life that could be seen from the decks of passing ships.
alsoadverbUS /ˈɔːlsoʊ/
in addition
From this reading In spite of its contiguity to San Francisco,--opposite also, but hidden by the sharp re-entering curve of coast,--the locality was wild, uncultivated, and unfrequented.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The abrupt wall of rock behind it seems to isolate it as completely from the mainland as the sea before it separates it from the opposite shore.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
basenounUS /beɪs/
installation from which a military force initiates operations
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
BaynounUS /beɪ/
an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading White drifts of sea-gulls and pelican across the face of the cliff, gray clouds of sandpipers rising from the beach, the dripping flight of ducks over the salt meadows, and the occasional splash of a seal from the rocks, were the only signs of life that could be seen from the decks of passing ships.
beachnounUS /biːtʃ/
an area of sand sloping down to the water of a sea or lake
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The abrupt wall of rock behind it seems to isolate it as completely from the mainland as the sea before it separates it from the opposite shore.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading The abrupt wall of rock behind it seems to isolate it as completely from the mainland as the sea before it separates it from the opposite shore.
bluffsnounUS /blʌfs/
plural of “bluff” — a high steep bank (usually formed by river erosion)
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading In spite of its contiguity to San Francisco,--opposite also, but hidden by the sharp re-entering curve of coast,--the locality was wild, uncultivated, and unfrequented.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
cabinnounUS /ˈkæbən/
small room on a ship or boat where people sleep
From this reading A solitary fisherman's cabin half hidden in the rocks was the only trace of habitation.
cliffnounUS /klɪf/
a steep high face of rock
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
cloudsnounUS /klaʊdz/
plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible
From this reading White drifts of sea-gulls and pelican across the face of the cliff, gray clouds of sandpipers rising from the beach, the dripping flight of ducks over the salt meadows, and the occasional splash of a seal from the rocks, were the only signs of life that could be seen from the decks of passing ships.
coastnounUS /koʊst/
the shore of a sea or ocean
From this reading In spite of its contiguity to San Francisco,--opposite also, but hidden by the sharp re-entering curve of coast,--the locality was wild, uncultivated, and unfrequented.
completelyadverbUS /kəmˈpliːtli/
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading The abrupt wall of rock behind it seems to isolate it as completely from the mainland as the sea before it separates it from the opposite shore.
contiguitynoun
the attribute of being so near as to be touching
From this reading In spite of its contiguity to San Francisco,--opposite also, but hidden by the sharp re-entering curve of coast,--the locality was wild, uncultivated, and unfrequented.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading White drifts of sea-gulls and pelican across the face of the cliff, gray clouds of sandpipers rising from the beach, the dripping flight of ducks over the salt meadows, and the occasional splash of a seal from the rocks, were the only signs of life that could be seen from the decks of passing ships.
crumblingverbUS /ˈkrʌmbəlɪŋ/
-ing form of “crumble” — fall apart
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
curvenounUS /kɜːrv/
the trace of a point whose direction of motion changes
From this reading In spite of its contiguity to San Francisco,--opposite also, but hidden by the sharp re-entering curve of coast,--the locality was wild, uncultivated, and unfrequented.
debrisnounUS /dəˈbriː/
the remains of something that has been destroyed or broken up
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
decksnounUS /deks/
plural of “deck” — any of various platforms built into a vessel
From this reading White drifts of sea-gulls and pelican across the face of the cliff, gray clouds of sandpipers rising from the beach, the dripping flight of ducks over the salt meadows, and the occasional splash of a seal from the rocks, were the only signs of life that could be seen from the decks of passing ships.
driftsnounUS /drɪfts/
plural of “drift” — a force that moves something along
From this reading White drifts of sea-gulls and pelican across the face of the cliff, gray clouds of sandpipers rising from the beach, the dripping flight of ducks over the salt meadows, and the occasional splash of a seal from the rocks, were the only signs of life that could be seen from the decks of passing ships.
drippingnounUS /ˈdrɪpɪŋ/
a liquid (as water) that flows in drops (as from the eaves of house)
From this reading White drifts of sea-gulls and pelican across the face of the cliff, gray clouds of sandpipers rising from the beach, the dripping flight of ducks over the salt meadows, and the occasional splash of a seal from the rocks, were the only signs of life that could be seen from the decks of passing ships.
ducksnounUS /dʌks/
plural of “duck” — small wild or domesticated web-footed broad-billed swimming bird usually having a depressed body and short legs
From this reading White drifts of sea-gulls and pelican across the face of the cliff, gray clouds of sandpipers rising from the beach, the dripping flight of ducks over the salt meadows, and the occasional splash of a seal from the rocks, were the only signs of life that could be seen from the decks of passing ships.
facenounUS /feɪs/
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading White drifts of sea-gulls and pelican across the face of the cliff, gray clouds of sandpipers rising from the beach, the dripping flight of ducks over the salt meadows, and the occasional splash of a seal from the rocks, were the only signs of life that could be seen from the decks of passing ships.
fisherman'snounUS /ˈfɪʃərmənz/
possessive form of “fisherman” — someone whose occupation is catching fish
From this reading A solitary fisherman's cabin half hidden in the rocks was the only trace of habitation.
flightnounUS /flaɪt/
a formation of aircraft in flight
From this reading White drifts of sea-gulls and pelican across the face of the cliff, gray clouds of sandpipers rising from the beach, the dripping flight of ducks over the salt meadows, and the occasional splash of a seal from the rocks, were the only signs of life that could be seen from the decks of passing ships.
formedadjectiveUS /fɔːrmd/
having or given a form or shape
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
Francisco
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The abrupt wall of rock behind it seems to isolate it as completely from the mainland as the sea before it separates it from the opposite shore.
graynounUS /ɡreɪ/
a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black
From this reading White drifts of sea-gulls and pelican across the face of the cliff, gray clouds of sandpipers rising from the beach, the dripping flight of ducks over the salt meadows, and the occasional splash of a seal from the rocks, were the only signs of life that could be seen from the decks of passing ships.
habitationnounUS /ˌhæbəˈteɪʃən/
the native habitat or home of an animal or plant
From this reading A solitary fisherman's cabin half hidden in the rocks was the only trace of habitation.
halfadjectiveUS /hæf/
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading A solitary fisherman's cabin half hidden in the rocks was the only trace of habitation.
hiddenadjectiveUS /ˈhɪdən/
not accessible to view
From this reading In spite of its contiguity to San Francisco,--opposite also, but hidden by the sharp re-entering curve of coast,--the locality was wild, uncultivated, and unfrequented.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
isolateverbUS /ˈaɪsəleɪt/
place or set apart
From this reading The abrupt wall of rock behind it seems to isolate it as completely from the mainland as the sea before it separates it from the opposite shore.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The abrupt wall of rock behind it seems to isolate it as completely from the mainland as the sea before it separates it from the opposite shore.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading In spite of its contiguity to San Francisco,--opposite also, but hidden by the sharp re-entering curve of coast,--the locality was wild, uncultivated, and unfrequented.
lifenounUS /laɪf/
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading White drifts of sea-gulls and pelican across the face of the cliff, gray clouds of sandpipers rising from the beach, the dripping flight of ducks over the salt meadows, and the occasional splash of a seal from the rocks, were the only signs of life that could be seen from the decks of passing ships.
linenounUS /laɪn/
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
localitynounUS /loʊˈkæləti/
a surrounding or nearby region
From this reading In spite of its contiguity to San Francisco,--opposite also, but hidden by the sharp re-entering curve of coast,--the locality was wild, uncultivated, and unfrequented.
mainlandnounUS /ˈmeɪnlænd/
the main land mass of a country or continent; as distinguished from an island or peninsula
From this reading The abrupt wall of rock behind it seems to isolate it as completely from the mainland as the sea before it separates it from the opposite shore.
meadownounUS /ˈmedoʊ/
a field where grass or alfalfa are grown to be made into hay
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
meadowsnounUS /ˈmedoʊz/
plural of “meadow” — a field where grass or alfalfa are grown to be made into hay
From this reading White drifts of sea-gulls and pelican across the face of the cliff, gray clouds of sandpipers rising from the beach, the dripping flight of ducks over the salt meadows, and the occasional splash of a seal from the rocks, were the only signs of life that could be seen from the decks of passing ships.
narrowverbUS /ˈneroʊ/
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
northerlyadjectiveUS /ˈnɔːrðərli/
situated in or oriented toward the north
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
oaknounUS /oʊk/
the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
occasionaladjectiveUS /əˈkeɪʒənəl/
occurring from time to time
From this reading White drifts of sea-gulls and pelican across the face of the cliff, gray clouds of sandpipers rising from the beach, the dripping flight of ducks over the salt meadows, and the occasional splash of a seal from the rocks, were the only signs of life that could be seen from the decks of passing ships.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/
and nothing more
From this reading A solitary fisherman's cabin half hidden in the rocks was the only trace of habitation.
oppositeadjectiveUS /ˈɑːpəzət/
being directly across from each other; facing
From this reading The abrupt wall of rock behind it seems to isolate it as completely from the mainland as the sea before it separates it from the opposite shore.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading White drifts of sea-gulls and pelican across the face of the cliff, gray clouds of sandpipers rising from the beach, the dripping flight of ducks over the salt meadows, and the occasional splash of a seal from the rocks, were the only signs of life that could be seen from the decks of passing ships.
passingnounUS /ˈpæsɪŋ/
(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate
From this reading White drifts of sea-gulls and pelican across the face of the cliff, gray clouds of sandpipers rising from the beach, the dripping flight of ducks over the salt meadows, and the occasional splash of a seal from the rocks, were the only signs of life that could be seen from the decks of passing ships.
pelicannounUS /ˈpeləkən/
large long-winged warm-water seabird having a large bill with a distensible pouch for fish
From this reading White drifts of sea-gulls and pelican across the face of the cliff, gray clouds of sandpipers rising from the beach, the dripping flight of ducks over the salt meadows, and the occasional splash of a seal from the rocks, were the only signs of life that could be seen from the decks of passing ships.
promontorynoun
a natural elevation (especially a rocky one that juts out into the sea)
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
re-entering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In spite of its contiguity to San Francisco,--opposite also, but hidden by the sharp re-entering curve of coast,--the locality was wild, uncultivated, and unfrequented.
risingadjectiveUS /ˈraɪzɪŋ/
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading White drifts of sea-gulls and pelican across the face of the cliff, gray clouds of sandpipers rising from the beach, the dripping flight of ducks over the salt meadows, and the occasional splash of a seal from the rocks, were the only signs of life that could be seen from the decks of passing ships.
rocknounUS /rɑːk/
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading The abrupt wall of rock behind it seems to isolate it as completely from the mainland as the sea before it separates it from the opposite shore.
rocksnounUS /rɑːks/
plural of “rock” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading A solitary fisherman's cabin half hidden in the rocks was the only trace of habitation.
saltnounUS /sɔːlt/
a compound formed by replacing hydrogen in an acid by a metal (or a radical that acts like a metal)
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
San
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
sandpipers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading White drifts of sea-gulls and pelican across the face of the cliff, gray clouds of sandpipers rising from the beach, the dripping flight of ducks over the salt meadows, and the occasional splash of a seal from the rocks, were the only signs of life that could be seen from the decks of passing ships.
scrubverbUS /skrʌb/
clean with hard rubbing
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
seanounUS /siː/
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading The abrupt wall of rock behind it seems to isolate it as completely from the mainland as the sea before it separates it from the opposite shore.
sea-gulls
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading White drifts of sea-gulls and pelican across the face of the cliff, gray clouds of sandpipers rising from the beach, the dripping flight of ducks over the salt meadows, and the occasional splash of a seal from the rocks, were the only signs of life that could be seen from the decks of passing ships.
sealverbUS /siːl/
make tight; secure against leakage
From this reading White drifts of sea-gulls and pelican across the face of the cliff, gray clouds of sandpipers rising from the beach, the dripping flight of ducks over the salt meadows, and the occasional splash of a seal from the rocks, were the only signs of life that could be seen from the decks of passing ships.
seemsverbUS /siːmz/
third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The abrupt wall of rock behind it seems to isolate it as completely from the mainland as the sea before it separates it from the opposite shore.
seenverbUS /siːn/
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading White drifts of sea-gulls and pelican across the face of the cliff, gray clouds of sandpipers rising from the beach, the dripping flight of ducks over the salt meadows, and the occasional splash of a seal from the rocks, were the only signs of life that could be seen from the decks of passing ships.
separatesnounUS /ˈsepəreɪts/
plural of “separate” — a separately printed article that originally appeared in a larger publication
From this reading The abrupt wall of rock behind it seems to isolate it as completely from the mainland as the sea before it separates it from the opposite shore.
sharpadjectiveUS /ʃɑːrp/
(of something seen or heard) clearly defined
From this reading In spite of its contiguity to San Francisco,--opposite also, but hidden by the sharp re-entering curve of coast,--the locality was wild, uncultivated, and unfrequented.
shipsnounUS /ʃɪps/
plural of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight
From this reading White drifts of sea-gulls and pelican across the face of the cliff, gray clouds of sandpipers rising from the beach, the dripping flight of ducks over the salt meadows, and the occasional splash of a seal from the rocks, were the only signs of life that could be seen from the decks of passing ships.
shorenounUS /ʃɔːr/
the land along the edge of a body of water
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
signsnounUS /saɪnz/
plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading White drifts of sea-gulls and pelican across the face of the cliff, gray clouds of sandpipers rising from the beach, the dripping flight of ducks over the salt meadows, and the occasional splash of a seal from the rocks, were the only signs of life that could be seen from the decks of passing ships.
solitaryadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːləteri/
characterized by or preferring solitude
From this reading A solitary fisherman's cabin half hidden in the rocks was the only trace of habitation.
spitenounUS /spaɪt/
feeling a need to see others suffer
From this reading In spite of its contiguity to San Francisco,--opposite also, but hidden by the sharp re-entering curve of coast,--the locality was wild, uncultivated, and unfrequented.
splashverbUS /splæʃ/
cause (a liquid) to spatter about, especially with force
From this reading White drifts of sea-gulls and pelican across the face of the cliff, gray clouds of sandpipers rising from the beach, the dripping flight of ducks over the salt meadows, and the occasional splash of a seal from the rocks, were the only signs of life that could be seen from the decks of passing ships.
stretchverbUS /stretʃ/
occupy a large, elongated area
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
terminatesverbUS /ˈtɜːrmɪneɪts/
third-person singular of “terminate” — bring to an end or halt
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading White drifts of sea-gulls and pelican across the face of the cliff, gray clouds of sandpipers rising from the beach, the dripping flight of ducks over the salt meadows, and the occasional splash of a seal from the rocks, were the only signs of life that could be seen from the decks of passing ships.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
thereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The abrupt wall of rock behind it seems to isolate it as completely from the mainland as the sea before it separates it from the opposite shore.
tracenounUS /treɪs/
a just detectable amount
From this reading A solitary fisherman's cabin half hidden in the rocks was the only trace of habitation.
uncultivatedadjective
(of land or fields) not prepared for raising crops
From this reading In spite of its contiguity to San Francisco,--opposite also, but hidden by the sharp re-entering curve of coast,--the locality was wild, uncultivated, and unfrequented.
unfrequentedadjective
devoid of creatures
From this reading In spite of its contiguity to San Francisco,--opposite also, but hidden by the sharp re-entering curve of coast,--the locality was wild, uncultivated, and unfrequented.
wallnounUS /wɔːl/
an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading The abrupt wall of rock behind it seems to isolate it as completely from the mainland as the sea before it separates it from the opposite shore.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In spite of its contiguity to San Francisco,--opposite also, but hidden by the sharp re-entering curve of coast,--the locality was wild, uncultivated, and unfrequented.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading White drifts of sea-gulls and pelican across the face of the cliff, gray clouds of sandpipers rising from the beach, the dripping flight of ducks over the salt meadows, and the occasional splash of a seal from the rocks, were the only signs of life that could be seen from the decks of passing ships.
WhitenounUS /waɪt/
a Caucasian
From this reading White drifts of sea-gulls and pelican across the face of the cliff, gray clouds of sandpipers rising from the beach, the dripping flight of ducks over the salt meadows, and the occasional splash of a seal from the rocks, were the only signs of life that could be seen from the decks of passing ships.
whosedeterminerUS /huːz/
belonging to which person
From this reading On the northerly shore of San Francisco Bay a line of bluffs terminates in a promontory, at whose base, formed by the crumbling debris of the cliff above, there is a narrow stretch of beach, salt meadow, and scrub oak.
wildadjectiveUS /waɪld/
marked by extreme lack of restraint or control
From this reading In spite of its contiguity to San Francisco,--opposite also, but hidden by the sharp re-entering curve of coast,--the locality was wild, uncultivated, and unfrequented.
