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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.
abrupt
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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.
also
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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.
base
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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.
Bay
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.
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.
beach
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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.
bluffs
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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.
cabin
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From this reading A solitary fisherman's cabin half hidden in the rocks was the only trace of habitation.
cliff
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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.
clouds
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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.
coast
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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.
completely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
contiguity
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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.
crumbling
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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.
curve
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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.
debris
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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.
decks
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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.
drifts
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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.
dripping
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.
ducks
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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.
face
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.
fisherman's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A solitary fisherman's cabin half hidden in the rocks was the only trace of habitation.
flight
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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.
formed
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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
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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.
gray
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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.
habitation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A solitary fisherman's cabin half hidden in the rocks was the only trace of habitation.
halfnounUS /half/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A solitary fisherman's cabin half hidden in the rocks was the only trace of habitation.
hidden
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.
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.
isolate
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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 /life/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
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.
line
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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.
locality
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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.
mainland
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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.
meadow
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.
meadows
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.
narrow
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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.
northerly
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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.
oak
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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.
occasional
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.
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.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A solitary fisherman's cabin half hidden in the rocks was the only trace of habitation.
opposite
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
passing
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.
pelican
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.
promontory
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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
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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.
rising
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.
rock
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
rocks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A solitary fisherman's cabin half hidden in the rocks was the only trace of habitation.
salt
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.
San
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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.
scrub
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.
sea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
seal
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.
seems
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
seen
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.
separates
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
sharp
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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.
ships
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.
shore
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.
signs
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.
solitary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A solitary fisherman's cabin half hidden in the rocks was the only trace of habitation.
spite
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.
splash
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.
stretch
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.
terminates
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.
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.
there
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.
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.
trace
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A solitary fisherman's cabin half hidden in the rocks was the only trace of habitation.
uncultivated
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.
unfrequented
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.
wall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
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.
White
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.
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.
wild
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.