used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A BOTTLE OF RUM Ratcliffe helped in the swabbing and polishing.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The working party on the reef seemed busy enough; but the ships, save for a few hands lounging at the rails or squatting about the foc’sle head, might have been deserted.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A BOTTLE OF RUM Ratcliffe helped in the swabbing and polishing.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Meanwhile, as the Sarahites worked, the _Natchez_ and _Juan_, lying in cynical and sinister neglect and dirt, showed little signs of life.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The working party on the reef seemed busy enough; but the ships, save for a few hands lounging at the rails or squatting about the foc’sle head, might have been deserted.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The working party on the reef seemed busy enough; but the ships, save for a few hands lounging at the rails or squatting about the foc’sle head, might have been deserted.
binnaclenoun
a nonmagnetic housing for a ship's compass (usually in front of the helm)
From this reading He was a fanatic where cleanliness was concerned, and polish,—witness the brasswork of the wheel, the binnacle and skylight,—even paint and varnish were minor gods compared with Brasso!
a glass or plastic vessel used for storing drinks or other liquids; typically cylindrical without handles and with a narrow neck that can be plugged or capped
From this reading A BOTTLE OF RUM Ratcliffe helped in the swabbing and polishing.
Brasso
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a fanatic where cleanliness was concerned, and polish,—witness the brasswork of the wheel, the binnacle and skylight,—even paint and varnish were minor gods compared with Brasso!
brasswork
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was a fanatic where cleanliness was concerned, and polish,—witness the brasswork of the wheel, the binnacle and skylight,—even paint and varnish were minor gods compared with Brasso!
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading The working party on the reef seemed busy enough; but the ships, save for a few hands lounging at the rails or squatting about the foc’sle head, might have been deserted.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The working party on the reef seemed busy enough; but the ships, save for a few hands lounging at the rails or squatting about the foc’sle head, might have been deserted.
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading No housekeeper ever exercised more meticulous care in this respect than Satan.
cleanlinessnounUS /ˈklenlinɪs/
the habit of keeping free of superficial imperfections
From this reading He was a fanatic where cleanliness was concerned, and polish,—witness the brasswork of the wheel, the binnacle and skylight,—even paint and varnish were minor gods compared with Brasso!
comparedverbUS /kəmˈperd/
past form of “compare” — examine and note the similarities or differences of
From this reading He was a fanatic where cleanliness was concerned, and polish,—witness the brasswork of the wheel, the binnacle and skylight,—even paint and varnish were minor gods compared with Brasso!
feeling or showing worry or solicitude
From this reading He was a fanatic where cleanliness was concerned, and polish,—witness the brasswork of the wheel, the binnacle and skylight,—even paint and varnish were minor gods compared with Brasso!
cynicaladjectiveUS /ˈsɪnɪkəl/
believing the worst of human nature and motives; having a sneering disbelief in e.g. selflessness of others
From this reading Meanwhile, as the Sarahites worked, the _Natchez_ and _Juan_, lying in cynical and sinister neglect and dirt, showed little signs of life.
forsaken by owner or inhabitants
From this reading The working party on the reef seemed busy enough; but the ships, save for a few hands lounging at the rails or squatting about the foc’sle head, might have been deserted.
dirtnounUS /dɜːrt/
the part of the earth's surface consisting of humus and disintegrated rock
From this reading Meanwhile, as the Sarahites worked, the _Natchez_ and _Juan_, lying in cynical and sinister neglect and dirt, showed little signs of life.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading The working party on the reef seemed busy enough; but the ships, save for a few hands lounging at the rails or squatting about the foc’sle head, might have been deserted.
divisible by two
From this reading He was a fanatic where cleanliness was concerned, and polish,—witness the brasswork of the wheel, the binnacle and skylight,—even paint and varnish were minor gods compared with Brasso!
at any time
From this reading No housekeeper ever exercised more meticulous care in this respect than Satan.
exercisedverbUS /ˈeksərsaɪzd/
past form of “exercise” — put to use
From this reading No housekeeper ever exercised more meticulous care in this respect than Satan.
fanaticnounUS /fəˈnætɪk/
a person motivated by irrational enthusiasm (as for a cause)
From this reading He was a fanatic where cleanliness was concerned, and polish,—witness the brasswork of the wheel, the binnacle and skylight,—even paint and varnish were minor gods compared with Brasso!
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading The working party on the reef seemed busy enough; but the ships, save for a few hands lounging at the rails or squatting about the foc’sle head, might have been deserted.
foc'sle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The working party on the reef seemed busy enough; but the ships, save for a few hands lounging at the rails or squatting about the foc’sle head, might have been deserted.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The working party on the reef seemed busy enough; but the ships, save for a few hands lounging at the rails or squatting about the foc’sle head, might have been deserted.
plural of “god” — the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions
From this reading He was a fanatic where cleanliness was concerned, and polish,—witness the brasswork of the wheel, the binnacle and skylight,—even paint and varnish were minor gods compared with Brasso!
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading The working party on the reef seemed busy enough; but the ships, save for a few hands lounging at the rails or squatting about the foc’sle head, might have been deserted.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The working party on the reef seemed busy enough; but the ships, save for a few hands lounging at the rails or squatting about the foc’sle head, might have been deserted.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was a fanatic where cleanliness was concerned, and polish,—witness the brasswork of the wheel, the binnacle and skylight,—even paint and varnish were minor gods compared with Brasso!
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading The working party on the reef seemed busy enough; but the ships, save for a few hands lounging at the rails or squatting about the foc’sle head, might have been deserted.
past form of “help” — give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading A BOTTLE OF RUM Ratcliffe helped in the swabbing and polishing.
housekeepernounUS /ˈhaʊskiːpər/
a servant who is employed to perform domestic task in a household
From this reading No housekeeper ever exercised more meticulous care in this respect than Satan.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A BOTTLE OF RUM Ratcliffe helped in the swabbing and polishing.
Juan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Meanwhile, as the Sarahites worked, the _Natchez_ and _Juan_, lying in cynical and sinister neglect and dirt, showed little signs of life.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Meanwhile, as the Sarahites worked, the _Natchez_ and _Juan_, lying in cynical and sinister neglect and dirt, showed little signs of life.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Meanwhile, as the Sarahites worked, the _Natchez_ and _Juan_, lying in cynical and sinister neglect and dirt, showed little signs of life.
loungingverbUS /ˈlaʊndʒɪŋ/
-ing form of “lounge” — sit or recline comfortably
From this reading The working party on the reef seemed busy enough; but the ships, save for a few hands lounging at the rails or squatting about the foc’sle head, might have been deserted.
the deliberate act of deviating from the truth
From this reading Meanwhile, as the Sarahites worked, the _Natchez_ and _Juan_, lying in cynical and sinister neglect and dirt, showed little signs of life.
at the same time but in another place
From this reading Meanwhile, as the Sarahites worked, the _Natchez_ and _Juan_, lying in cynical and sinister neglect and dirt, showed little signs of life.
meticulousadjectiveUS /məˈtɪkjələs/
marked by precise accordance with details
From this reading No housekeeper ever exercised more meticulous care in this respect than Satan.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading The working party on the reef seemed busy enough; but the ships, save for a few hands lounging at the rails or squatting about the foc’sle head, might have been deserted.
minoradjectiveUS /ˈmaɪnər/
of lesser importance or stature or rank
From this reading He was a fanatic where cleanliness was concerned, and polish,—witness the brasswork of the wheel, the binnacle and skylight,—even paint and varnish were minor gods compared with Brasso!
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading No housekeeper ever exercised more meticulous care in this respect than Satan.
NatcheznounUS /ˈnætʃez/
a town in southwest Mississippi on the Mississippi River
From this reading Meanwhile, as the Sarahites worked, the _Natchez_ and _Juan_, lying in cynical and sinister neglect and dirt, showed little signs of life.
neglectverbUS /nəˈɡlekt/
leave undone or leave out
From this reading Meanwhile, as the Sarahites worked, the _Natchez_ and _Juan_, lying in cynical and sinister neglect and dirt, showed little signs of life.
not any; not one
From this reading No housekeeper ever exercised more meticulous care in this respect than Satan.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A BOTTLE OF RUM Ratcliffe helped in the swabbing and polishing.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The working party on the reef seemed busy enough; but the ships, save for a few hands lounging at the rails or squatting about the foc’sle head, might have been deserted.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The working party on the reef seemed busy enough; but the ships, save for a few hands lounging at the rails or squatting about the foc’sle head, might have been deserted.
paintverbUS /peɪnt/
make a painting
From this reading He was a fanatic where cleanliness was concerned, and polish,—witness the brasswork of the wheel, the binnacle and skylight,—even paint and varnish were minor gods compared with Brasso!
an organization to gain political power
From this reading The working party on the reef seemed busy enough; but the ships, save for a few hands lounging at the rails or squatting about the foc’sle head, might have been deserted.
polishnounUS /ˈpɑːlɪʃ/
the property of being smooth and shiny
From this reading He was a fanatic where cleanliness was concerned, and polish,—witness the brasswork of the wheel, the binnacle and skylight,—even paint and varnish were minor gods compared with Brasso!
polishingnounUS /ˈpɑːlɪʃɪŋ/
the work of making something smooth and shiny by rubbing or waxing it
From this reading A BOTTLE OF RUM Ratcliffe helped in the swabbing and polishing.
railsnounUS /reɪlz/
a bar or pair of parallel bars of rolled steel making the railway along which railroad cars or other vehicles can roll
From this reading The working party on the reef seemed busy enough; but the ships, save for a few hands lounging at the rails or squatting about the foc’sle head, might have been deserted.
Ratcliffe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A BOTTLE OF RUM Ratcliffe helped in the swabbing and polishing.
reefnounUS /riːf/
a submerged ridge of rock or coral near the surface of the water
From this reading The working party on the reef seemed busy enough; but the ships, save for a few hands lounging at the rails or squatting about the foc’sle head, might have been deserted.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading No housekeeper ever exercised more meticulous care in this respect than Satan.
RUMnounUS /rʌm/
liquor distilled from fermented molasses
From this reading A BOTTLE OF RUM Ratcliffe helped in the swabbing and polishing.
Sarahites
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Meanwhile, as the Sarahites worked, the _Natchez_ and _Juan_, lying in cynical and sinister neglect and dirt, showed little signs of life.
SatannounUS /ˈseɪtən/
(Judeo-Christian and Islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of God; tempter of mankind; master of Hell
From this reading No housekeeper ever exercised more meticulous care in this respect than Satan.
except for; apart from
From this reading The working party on the reef seemed busy enough; but the ships, save for a few hands lounging at the rails or squatting about the foc’sle head, might have been deserted.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The working party on the reef seemed busy enough; but the ships, save for a few hands lounging at the rails or squatting about the foc’sle head, might have been deserted.
plural of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight
From this reading The working party on the reef seemed busy enough; but the ships, save for a few hands lounging at the rails or squatting about the foc’sle head, might have been deserted.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Meanwhile, as the Sarahites worked, the _Natchez_ and _Juan_, lying in cynical and sinister neglect and dirt, showed little signs of life.
plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading Meanwhile, as the Sarahites worked, the _Natchez_ and _Juan_, lying in cynical and sinister neglect and dirt, showed little signs of life.
sinisteradjectiveUS /ˈsɪnɪstər/
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
From this reading Meanwhile, as the Sarahites worked, the _Natchez_ and _Juan_, lying in cynical and sinister neglect and dirt, showed little signs of life.
skylightnounUS /ˈskaɪlaɪt/
a window in a roof to admit daylight
From this reading He was a fanatic where cleanliness was concerned, and polish,—witness the brasswork of the wheel, the binnacle and skylight,—even paint and varnish were minor gods compared with Brasso!
squattingnounUS /ˈskwɑːtɪŋ/
exercising by repeatedly assuming a crouching position with the knees bent; strengthens the leg muscles
From this reading The working party on the reef seemed busy enough; but the ships, save for a few hands lounging at the rails or squatting about the foc’sle head, might have been deserted.
swabbingnoun
cleaning with a mop
From this reading A BOTTLE OF RUM Ratcliffe helped in the swabbing and polishing.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading No housekeeper ever exercised more meticulous care in this respect than Satan.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A BOTTLE OF RUM Ratcliffe helped in the swabbing and polishing.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading No housekeeper ever exercised more meticulous care in this respect than Satan.
varnishnounUS /ˈvɑːrnɪʃ/
a coating that provides a hard, lustrous, transparent finish to a surface
From this reading He was a fanatic where cleanliness was concerned, and polish,—witness the brasswork of the wheel, the binnacle and skylight,—even paint and varnish were minor gods compared with Brasso!
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He was a fanatic where cleanliness was concerned, and polish,—witness the brasswork of the wheel, the binnacle and skylight,—even paint and varnish were minor gods compared with Brasso!
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He was a fanatic where cleanliness was concerned, and polish,—witness the brasswork of the wheel, the binnacle and skylight,—even paint and varnish were minor gods compared with Brasso!
change directions as if revolving on a pivot
From this reading He was a fanatic where cleanliness was concerned, and polish,—witness the brasswork of the wheel, the binnacle and skylight,—even paint and varnish were minor gods compared with Brasso!
in or at the place that
From this reading He was a fanatic where cleanliness was concerned, and polish,—witness the brasswork of the wheel, the binnacle and skylight,—even paint and varnish were minor gods compared with Brasso!
in the company of; together with
From this reading He was a fanatic where cleanliness was concerned, and polish,—witness the brasswork of the wheel, the binnacle and skylight,—even paint and varnish were minor gods compared with Brasso!
someone who sees an event and reports what happened
From this reading He was a fanatic where cleanliness was concerned, and polish,—witness the brasswork of the wheel, the binnacle and skylight,—even paint and varnish were minor gods compared with Brasso!
past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Meanwhile, as the Sarahites worked, the _Natchez_ and _Juan_, lying in cynical and sinister neglect and dirt, showed little signs of life.
actively engaged in paid work
From this reading The working party on the reef seemed busy enough; but the ships, save for a few hands lounging at the rails or squatting about the foc’sle head, might have been deserted.
