Chapter XXXII · Chapter 32

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

later than; following

From this reading These principles have held good throughout the history of naval warfare from the time when Sir Walter Raleigh first laid them down in the early portion of his _History of the World_, written after the destruction of the Spanish Armada.

in addition

From this reading As an axiom secondary to this, it was also held that it would be impossible for an invading force, although convoyed by a powerful fleet, to make good its footing upon any portion of a hostile coast defended by forts mounting heavy long-range guns.

changed in form or character without becoming something else

From this reading But now two elements had been introduced which altered the conditions of naval warfare even more radically than one of them had changed those of military warfare.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading As an axiom secondary to this, it was also held that it would be impossible for an invading force, although convoyed by a powerful fleet, to make good its footing upon any portion of a hostile coast defended by forts mounting heavy long-range guns.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading As an axiom secondary to this, it was also held that it would be impossible for an invading force, although convoyed by a powerful fleet, to make good its footing upon any portion of a hostile coast defended by forts mounting heavy long-range guns.

a large fleet

From this reading These principles have held good throughout the history of naval warfare from the time when Sir Walter Raleigh first laid them down in the early portion of his _History of the World_, written after the destruction of the Spanish Armada.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading As an axiom secondary to this, it was also held that it would be impossible for an invading force, although convoyed by a powerful fleet, to make good its footing upon any portion of a hostile coast defended by forts mounting heavy long-range guns.

(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

a saying that is widely accepted on its own merits

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading THE BATTLE OF DOVER.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading As an axiom secondary to this, it was also held that it would be impossible for an invading force, although convoyed by a powerful fleet, to make good its footing upon any portion of a hostile coast defended by forts mounting heavy long-range guns.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

preventing entry or exit or a course of action

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But now two elements had been introduced which altered the conditions of naval warfare even more radically than one of them had changed those of military warfare.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

made or become different in nature or form

From this reading But now two elements had been introduced which altered the conditions of naval warfare even more radically than one of them had changed those of military warfare.

the shore of a sea or ocean

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

the prevailing context that influences the performance or the outcome of a process

From this reading But now two elements had been introduced which altered the conditions of naval warfare even more radically than one of them had changed those of military warfare.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading As an axiom secondary to this, it was also held that it would be impossible for an invading force, although convoyed by a powerful fleet, to make good its footing upon any portion of a hostile coast defended by forts mounting heavy long-range guns.

disabled in the feet or legs

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

past form of “defend” — argue or speak in defense of

From this reading As an axiom secondary to this, it was also held that it would be impossible for an invading force, although convoyed by a powerful fleet, to make good its footing upon any portion of a hostile coast defended by forts mounting heavy long-range guns.

the termination of something by causing so much damage to it that it cannot be repaired or no longer exists

From this reading These principles have held good throughout the history of naval warfare from the time when Sir Walter Raleigh first laid them down in the early portion of his _History of the World_, written after the destruction of the Spanish Armada.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

the capital of the state of Delaware

From this reading THE BATTLE OF DOVER.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading These principles have held good throughout the history of naval warfare from the time when Sir Walter Raleigh first laid them down in the early portion of his _History of the World_, written after the destruction of the Spanish Armada.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading These principles have held good throughout the history of naval warfare from the time when Sir Walter Raleigh first laid them down in the early portion of his _History of the World_, written after the destruction of the Spanish Armada.

producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

one or the other of two

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

violent or severe weather (viewed as caused by the action of the four elements)

From this reading But now two elements had been introduced which altered the conditions of naval warfare even more radically than one of them had changed those of military warfare.

possessive form of “enemy” — an opposing military force

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

divisible by two

From this reading But now two elements had been introduced which altered the conditions of naval warfare even more radically than one of them had changed those of military warfare.

an act that fails

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading These principles have held good throughout the history of naval warfare from the time when Sir Walter Raleigh first laid them down in the early portion of his _History of the World_, written after the destruction of the Spanish Armada.

group of aircraft operating together under the same ownership

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

status with respect to the relations between people or groups

From this reading As an axiom secondary to this, it was also held that it would be impossible for an invading force, although convoyed by a powerful fleet, to make good its footing upon any portion of a hostile coast defended by forts mounting heavy long-range guns.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading As an axiom secondary to this, it was also held that it would be impossible for an invading force, although convoyed by a powerful fleet, to make good its footing upon any portion of a hostile coast defended by forts mounting heavy long-range guns.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading As an axiom secondary to this, it was also held that it would be impossible for an invading force, although convoyed by a powerful fleet, to make good its footing upon any portion of a hostile coast defended by forts mounting heavy long-range guns.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

plural of “fort” — a fortified military post where troops are stationed

From this reading As an axiom secondary to this, it was also held that it would be impossible for an invading force, although convoyed by a powerful fleet, to make good its footing upon any portion of a hostile coast defended by forts mounting heavy long-range guns.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading These principles have held good throughout the history of naval warfare from the time when Sir Walter Raleigh first laid them down in the early portion of his _History of the World_, written after the destruction of the Spanish Armada.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading As an axiom secondary to this, it was also held that it would be impossible for an invading force, although convoyed by a powerful fleet, to make good its footing upon any portion of a hostile coast defended by forts mounting heavy long-range guns.

plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)

From this reading As an axiom secondary to this, it was also held that it would be impossible for an invading force, although convoyed by a powerful fleet, to make good its footing upon any portion of a hostile coast defended by forts mounting heavy long-range guns.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading These principles have held good throughout the history of naval warfare from the time when Sir Walter Raleigh first laid them down in the early portion of his _History of the World_, written after the destruction of the Spanish Armada.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading As an axiom secondary to this, it was also held that it would be impossible for an invading force, although convoyed by a powerful fleet, to make good its footing upon any portion of a hostile coast defended by forts mounting heavy long-range guns.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading As an axiom secondary to this, it was also held that it would be impossible for an invading force, although convoyed by a powerful fleet, to make good its footing upon any portion of a hostile coast defended by forts mounting heavy long-range guns.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading These principles have held good throughout the history of naval warfare from the time when Sir Walter Raleigh first laid them down in the early portion of his _History of the World_, written after the destruction of the Spanish Armada.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading These principles have held good throughout the history of naval warfare from the time when Sir Walter Raleigh first laid them down in the early portion of his _History of the World_, written after the destruction of the Spanish Armada.

characterized by enmity or ill will

From this reading As an axiom secondary to this, it was also held that it would be impossible for an invading force, although convoyed by a powerful fleet, to make good its footing upon any portion of a hostile coast defended by forts mounting heavy long-range guns.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading As an axiom secondary to this, it was also held that it would be impossible for an invading force, although convoyed by a powerful fleet, to make good its footing upon any portion of a hostile coast defended by forts mounting heavy long-range guns.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

past form of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally

From this reading But now two elements had been introduced which altered the conditions of naval warfare even more radically than one of them had changed those of military warfare.

involving invasion or aggressive attack

From this reading As an axiom secondary to this, it was also held that it would be impossible for an invading force, although convoyed by a powerful fleet, to make good its footing upon any portion of a hostile coast defended by forts mounting heavy long-range guns.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading As an axiom secondary to this, it was also held that it would be impossible for an invading force, although convoyed by a powerful fleet, to make good its footing upon any portion of a hostile coast defended by forts mounting heavy long-range guns.

set down according to a plan

From this reading These principles have held good throughout the history of naval warfare from the time when Sir Walter Raleigh first laid them down in the early portion of his _History of the World_, written after the destruction of the Spanish Armada.

involving an extended span of time

From this reading As an axiom secondary to this, it was also held that it would be impossible for an invading force, although convoyed by a powerful fleet, to make good its footing upon any portion of a hostile coast defended by forts mounting heavy long-range guns.

engage in

From this reading As an axiom secondary to this, it was also held that it would be impossible for an invading force, although convoyed by a powerful fleet, to make good its footing upon any portion of a hostile coast defended by forts mounting heavy long-range guns.

of or relating to the study of the principles of warfare

From this reading But now two elements had been introduced which altered the conditions of naval warfare even more radically than one of them had changed those of military warfare.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading But now two elements had been introduced which altered the conditions of naval warfare even more radically than one of them had changed those of military warfare.

an event that involves rising to a higher point (as in altitude or temperature or intensity etc.)

From this reading As an axiom secondary to this, it was also held that it would be impossible for an invading force, although convoyed by a powerful fleet, to make good its footing upon any portion of a hostile coast defended by forts mounting heavy long-range guns.

connected with or belonging to or used in a navy

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading But now two elements had been introduced which altered the conditions of naval warfare even more radically than one of them had changed those of military warfare.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE BATTLE OF DOVER.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading But now two elements had been introduced which altered the conditions of naval warfare even more radically than one of them had changed those of military warfare.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading As an axiom secondary to this, it was also held that it would be impossible for an invading force, although convoyed by a powerful fleet, to make good its footing upon any portion of a hostile coast defended by forts mounting heavy long-range guns.

plural of “port” — a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

having great power or force or potency or effect

From this reading As an axiom secondary to this, it was also held that it would be impossible for an invading force, although convoyed by a powerful fleet, to make good its footing upon any portion of a hostile coast defended by forts mounting heavy long-range guns.

plural of “principle” — a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

From this reading These principles have held good throughout the history of naval warfare from the time when Sir Walter Raleigh first laid them down in the early portion of his _History of the World_, written after the destruction of the Spanish Armada.

in a radical manner

From this reading But now two elements had been introduced which altered the conditions of naval warfare even more radically than one of them had changed those of military warfare.

English courtier (a favorite of Elizabeth I) who tried to colonize Virginia; introduced potatoes and tobacco to England (1552-1618)

From this reading These principles have held good throughout the history of naval warfare from the time when Sir Walter Raleigh first laid them down in the early portion of his _History of the World_, written after the destruction of the Spanish Armada.

being of second rank or importance or value; not direct or immediate

From this reading As an axiom secondary to this, it was also held that it would be impossible for an invading force, although convoyed by a powerful fleet, to make good its footing upon any portion of a hostile coast defended by forts mounting heavy long-range guns.

in a secure manner; in a manner free from danger

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

term of address for a man

From this reading These principles have held good throughout the history of naval warfare from the time when Sir Walter Raleigh first laid them down in the early portion of his _History of the World_, written after the destruction of the Spanish Armada.

the Romance language spoken in most of Spain and the countries colonized by Spain

From this reading These principles have held good throughout the history of naval warfare from the time when Sir Walter Raleigh first laid them down in the early portion of his _History of the World_, written after the destruction of the Spanish Armada.

of or relating to a territory

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading But now two elements had been introduced which altered the conditions of naval warfare even more radically than one of them had changed those of military warfare.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading THE BATTLE OF DOVER.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading These principles have held good throughout the history of naval warfare from the time when Sir Walter Raleigh first laid them down in the early portion of his _History of the World_, written after the destruction of the Spanish Armada.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading These principles have held good throughout the history of naval warfare from the time when Sir Walter Raleigh first laid them down in the early portion of his _History of the World_, written after the destruction of the Spanish Armada.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading As an axiom secondary to this, it was also held that it would be impossible for an invading force, although convoyed by a powerful fleet, to make good its footing upon any portion of a hostile coast defended by forts mounting heavy long-range guns.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading But now two elements had been introduced which altered the conditions of naval warfare even more radically than one of them had changed those of military warfare.

in every part of a place, or for the whole of a period

From this reading These principles have held good throughout the history of naval warfare from the time when Sir Walter Raleigh first laid them down in the early portion of his _History of the World_, written after the destruction of the Spanish Armada.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading These principles have held good throughout the history of naval warfare from the time when Sir Walter Raleigh first laid them down in the early portion of his _History of the World_, written after the destruction of the Spanish Armada.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading But now two elements had been introduced which altered the conditions of naval warfare even more radically than one of them had changed those of military warfare.

generally agreed upon; not subject to dispute

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

except if; if not

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

up to a particular time

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

German conductor (1876-1962)

From this reading These principles have held good throughout the history of naval warfare from the time when Sir Walter Raleigh first laid them down in the early portion of his _History of the World_, written after the destruction of the Spanish Armada.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Until the war of 1904, it had been an undisputed axiom in naval warfare that a territorial attack upon an enemy's coast by a fleet was foredoomed to failure unless that enemy's fleet had been either crippled beyond effective action, or securely blockaded in distant ports.

at the time that

From this reading These principles have held good throughout the history of naval warfare from the time when Sir Walter Raleigh first laid them down in the early portion of his _History of the World_, written after the destruction of the Spanish Armada.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading But now two elements had been introduced which altered the conditions of naval warfare even more radically than one of them had changed those of military warfare.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading These principles have held good throughout the history of naval warfare from the time when Sir Walter Raleigh first laid them down in the early portion of his _History of the World_, written after the destruction of the Spanish Armada.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading As an axiom secondary to this, it was also held that it would be impossible for an invading force, although convoyed by a powerful fleet, to make good its footing upon any portion of a hostile coast defended by forts mounting heavy long-range guns.

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading These principles have held good throughout the history of naval warfare from the time when Sir Walter Raleigh first laid them down in the early portion of his _History of the World_, written after the destruction of the Spanish Armada.