used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading We had used our steam to make the journey through the Canal, and so we determined to steam for the next twelve hours, at least, in order to show our heel to Egypt as soon as possible.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading “What’s wanted?” asked Captain Steele, leaning over the rail.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Heading slowly down the harbor we were surprised at being hailed by a small government launch flying the Egyptian flag, which pressed close to our side, while an officer in uniform stood up and gesticulated wildly toward us.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Heading slowly down the harbor we were surprised at being hailed by a small government launch flying the Egyptian flag, which pressed close to our side, while an officer in uniform stood up and gesticulated wildly toward us.
CanalnounUS /kəˈnæl/
(astronomy) an indistinct surface feature of Mars once thought to be a system of channels; they are now believed to be an optical illusion
From this reading We had used our steam to make the journey through the Canal, and so we determined to steam for the next twelve hours, at least, in order to show our heel to Egypt as soon as possible.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading “What’s wanted?” asked Captain Steele, leaning over the rail.
rid of obstructions
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading Heading slowly down the harbor we were surprised at being hailed by a small government launch flying the Egyptian flag, which pressed close to our side, while an officer in uniform stood up and gesticulated wildly toward us.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
characterized by great determination
From this reading We had used our steam to make the journey through the Canal, and so we determined to steam for the next twelve hours, at least, in order to show our heel to Egypt as soon as possible.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Heading slowly down the harbor we were surprised at being hailed by a small government launch flying the Egyptian flag, which pressed close to our side, while an officer in uniform stood up and gesticulated wildly toward us.
EgyptnounUS /ˈiːdʒəpt/
a republic in northeastern Africa known as the United Arab Republic until 1971; site of an ancient civilization that flourished from 2600 to 30 BC
From this reading We had used our steam to make the journey through the Canal, and so we determined to steam for the next twelve hours, at least, in order to show our heel to Egypt as soon as possible.
EgyptiannounUS /ɪˈdʒɪpʃən/
a native or inhabitant of Egypt
From this reading Heading slowly down the harbor we were surprised at being hailed by a small government launch flying the Egyptian flag, which pressed close to our side, while an officer in uniform stood up and gesticulated wildly toward us.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design
From this reading Heading slowly down the harbor we were surprised at being hailed by a small government launch flying the Egyptian flag, which pressed close to our side, while an officer in uniform stood up and gesticulated wildly toward us.
moving swiftly
From this reading Heading slowly down the harbor we were surprised at being hailed by a small government launch flying the Egyptian flag, which pressed close to our side, while an officer in uniform stood up and gesticulated wildly toward us.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading We had used our steam to make the journey through the Canal, and so we determined to steam for the next twelve hours, at least, in order to show our heel to Egypt as soon as possible.
gesticulated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Heading slowly down the harbor we were surprised at being hailed by a small government launch flying the Egyptian flag, which pressed close to our side, while an officer in uniform stood up and gesticulated wildly toward us.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
depressingly dark
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit
From this reading Heading slowly down the harbor we were surprised at being hailed by a small government launch flying the Egyptian flag, which pressed close to our side, while an officer in uniform stood up and gesticulated wildly toward us.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading We had used our steam to make the journey through the Canal, and so we determined to steam for the next twelve hours, at least, in order to show our heel to Egypt as soon as possible.
hailedverbUS /heɪld/
past form of “hail” — praise vociferously
From this reading Heading slowly down the harbor we were surprised at being hailed by a small government launch flying the Egyptian flag, which pressed close to our side, while an officer in uniform stood up and gesticulated wildly toward us.
harborverbUS /ˈhɑːrbər/
maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings)
From this reading Heading slowly down the harbor we were surprised at being hailed by a small government launch flying the Egyptian flag, which pressed close to our side, while an officer in uniform stood up and gesticulated wildly toward us.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
HeadingnounUS /ˈhedɪŋ/
a line of text serving to indicate what the passage below it is about
From this reading Heading slowly down the harbor we were surprised at being hailed by a small government launch flying the Egyptian flag, which pressed close to our side, while an officer in uniform stood up and gesticulated wildly toward us.
heelnounUS /hiːl/
the bottom of a shoe or boot; the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground and provides elevation
From this reading We had used our steam to make the journey through the Canal, and so we determined to steam for the next twelve hours, at least, in order to show our heel to Egypt as soon as possible.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading We had used our steam to make the journey through the Canal, and so we determined to steam for the next twelve hours, at least, in order to show our heel to Egypt as soon as possible.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading We had used our steam to make the journey through the Canal, and so we determined to steam for the next twelve hours, at least, in order to show our heel to Egypt as soon as possible.
interruptionnounUS /ˌɪntərˈʌpʃən/
an act of delaying or interrupting the continuity
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading We had used our steam to make the journey through the Canal, and so we determined to steam for the next twelve hours, at least, in order to show our heel to Egypt as soon as possible.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
launchverbUS /lɔːntʃ/
set up or found
From this reading Heading slowly down the harbor we were surprised at being hailed by a small government launch flying the Egyptian flag, which pressed close to our side, while an officer in uniform stood up and gesticulated wildly toward us.
departing or being caused to depart from the true vertical or horizontal
From this reading “What’s wanted?” asked Captain Steele, leaning over the rail.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading We had used our steam to make the journey through the Canal, and so we determined to steam for the next twelve hours, at least, in order to show our heel to Egypt as soon as possible.
engage in
From this reading We had used our steam to make the journey through the Canal, and so we determined to steam for the next twelve hours, at least, in order to show our heel to Egypt as soon as possible.
past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading We had used our steam to make the journey through the Canal, and so we determined to steam for the next twelve hours, at least, in order to show our heel to Egypt as soon as possible.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading Heading slowly down the harbor we were surprised at being hailed by a small government launch flying the Egyptian flag, which pressed close to our side, while an officer in uniform stood up and gesticulated wildly toward us.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading We had used our steam to make the journey through the Canal, and so we determined to steam for the next twelve hours, at least, in order to show our heel to Egypt as soon as possible.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading We had used our steam to make the journey through the Canal, and so we determined to steam for the next twelve hours, at least, in order to show our heel to Egypt as soon as possible.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading “What’s wanted?” asked Captain Steele, leaning over the rail.
writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading We had used our steam to make the journey through the Canal, and so we determined to steam for the next twelve hours, at least, in order to show our heel to Egypt as soon as possible.
compacted by ironing
From this reading Heading slowly down the harbor we were surprised at being hailed by a small government launch flying the Egyptian flag, which pressed close to our side, while an officer in uniform stood up and gesticulated wildly toward us.
railnounUS /reɪl/
a barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports
From this reading “What’s wanted?” asked Captain Steele, leaning over the rail.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading We had used our steam to make the journey through the Canal, and so we determined to steam for the next twelve hours, at least, in order to show our heel to Egypt as soon as possible.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading Heading slowly down the harbor we were surprised at being hailed by a small government launch flying the Egyptian flag, which pressed close to our side, while an officer in uniform stood up and gesticulated wildly toward us.
signedadjectiveUS /saɪnd/
having a handwritten signature
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading Heading slowly down the harbor we were surprised at being hailed by a small government launch flying the Egyptian flag, which pressed close to our side, while an officer in uniform stood up and gesticulated wildly toward us.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Heading slowly down the harbor we were surprised at being hailed by a small government launch flying the Egyptian flag, which pressed close to our side, while an officer in uniform stood up and gesticulated wildly toward us.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
in the near future
From this reading We had used our steam to make the journey through the Canal, and so we determined to steam for the next twelve hours, at least, in order to show our heel to Egypt as soon as possible.
steamverbUS /stiːm/
travel by means of steam power
From this reading We had used our steam to make the journey through the Canal, and so we determined to steam for the next twelve hours, at least, in order to show our heel to Egypt as soon as possible.
SteelenounUS /stiːl/
English writer (1672-1729)
From this reading “What’s wanted?” asked Captain Steele, leaning over the rail.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Heading slowly down the harbor we were surprised at being hailed by a small government launch flying the Egyptian flag, which pressed close to our side, while an officer in uniform stood up and gesticulated wildly toward us.
come to a halt, stop moving
From this reading “Stop!
taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment
From this reading Heading slowly down the harbor we were surprised at being hailed by a small government launch flying the Egyptian flag, which pressed close to our side, while an officer in uniform stood up and gesticulated wildly toward us.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading We had used our steam to make the journey through the Canal, and so we determined to steam for the next twelve hours, at least, in order to show our heel to Egypt as soon as possible.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading Heading slowly down the harbor we were surprised at being hailed by a small government launch flying the Egyptian flag, which pressed close to our side, while an officer in uniform stood up and gesticulated wildly toward us.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading We had used our steam to make the journey through the Canal, and so we determined to steam for the next twelve hours, at least, in order to show our heel to Egypt as soon as possible.
always the same; showing a single form or character in all occurrences
From this reading Heading slowly down the harbor we were surprised at being hailed by a small government launch flying the Egyptian flag, which pressed close to our side, while an officer in uniform stood up and gesticulated wildly toward us.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Heading slowly down the harbor we were surprised at being hailed by a small government launch flying the Egyptian flag, which pressed close to our side, while an officer in uniform stood up and gesticulated wildly toward us.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Heading slowly down the harbor we were surprised at being hailed by a small government launch flying the Egyptian flag, which pressed close to our side, while an officer in uniform stood up and gesticulated wildly toward us.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading We had used our steam to make the journey through the Canal, and so we determined to steam for the next twelve hours, at least, in order to show our heel to Egypt as soon as possible.
desired or wished for or sought
From this reading “What’s wanted?” asked Captain Steele, leaning over the rail.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Heading slowly down the harbor we were surprised at being hailed by a small government launch flying the Egyptian flag, which pressed close to our side, while an officer in uniform stood up and gesticulated wildly toward us.
What's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “What’s wanted?” asked Captain Steele, leaning over the rail.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Heading slowly down the harbor we were surprised at being hailed by a small government launch flying the Egyptian flag, which pressed close to our side, while an officer in uniform stood up and gesticulated wildly toward us.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Heading slowly down the harbor we were surprised at being hailed by a small government launch flying the Egyptian flag, which pressed close to our side, while an officer in uniform stood up and gesticulated wildly toward us.
wildlyadverbUS /ˈwaɪldli/
to an extreme or greatly exaggerated degree
From this reading Heading slowly down the harbor we were surprised at being hailed by a small government launch flying the Egyptian flag, which pressed close to our side, while an officer in uniform stood up and gesticulated wildly toward us.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading We reached Port Said without interruption at five o’clock on a gloomy afternoon, and my father managed to get his papers signed so he could clear the port an hour later.
