Chapter XIV · Chapter 14

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

From this reading THE GREAT NAVAL BATTLE OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA In a flash my newspaper sense made me realise that this was an extraordinary opportunity.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The greatest naval battle in history was about to be fought so near us that we might almost hear the big guns booming.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading It would be worth thousands of pounds to the London _Times_ to have an eye-witness account of this battle, and I resolved to turn the island of Jamaica upside down in search of an aeroplane that would take me out to sea.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading We started the next morning, an hour after sunrise, flying to the north straight across the island of Jamaica, and then out over the open sea.

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

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

an aircraft that has a fixed wing and is powered by propellers or jets

From this reading It would be worth thousands of pounds to the London _Times_ to have an eye-witness account of this battle, and I resolved to turn the island of Jamaica upside down in search of an aeroplane that would take me out to sea.

matters of personal concern

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

later than; following

From this reading We started the next morning, an hour after sunrise, flying to the north straight across the island of Jamaica, and then out over the open sea.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The greatest naval battle in history was about to be fought so near us that we might almost hear the big guns booming.

in addition

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

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

From this reading THE GREAT NAVAL BATTLE OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA In a flash my newspaper sense made me realise that this was an extraordinary opportunity.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading It would be worth thousands of pounds to the London _Times_ to have an eye-witness account of this battle, and I resolved to turn the island of Jamaica upside down in search of an aeroplane that would take me out to sea.

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

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

British politician (born in the United States) who was the first woman to sit in the British House of Commons (1879-1964)

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

possessive form of “astor” — British politician (born in the United States) who was the first woman to sit in the British House of Commons (1879-1964)

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

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

From this reading THE GREAT NAVAL BATTLE OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA In a flash my newspaper sense made me realise that this was an extraordinary opportunity.

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

From this reading The greatest naval battle in history was about to be fought so near us that we might almost hear the big guns booming.

for the reason that

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The greatest naval battle in history was about to be fought so near us that we might almost hear the big guns booming.

very lively and profitable

From this reading The greatest naval battle in history was about to be fought so near us that we might almost hear the big guns booming.

the people of Great Britain

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

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

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

an arm of the Atlantic Ocean between North and South America; the origin of the Gulf stream

From this reading THE GREAT NAVAL BATTLE OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA In a flash my newspaper sense made me realise that this was an extraordinary opportunity.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

a diplomat appointed by a government to protect its commercial interests and help its citizens in a foreign country

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading It would be worth thousands of pounds to the London _Times_ to have an eye-witness account of this battle, and I resolved to turn the island of Jamaica upside down in search of an aeroplane that would take me out to sea.

being effective without wasting time or effort or expense

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable

From this reading THE GREAT NAVAL BATTLE OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA In a flash my newspaper sense made me realise that this was an extraordinary opportunity.

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

From this reading It would be worth thousands of pounds to the London _Times_ to have an eye-witness account of this battle, and I resolved to turn the island of Jamaica upside down in search of an aeroplane that would take me out to sea.

plural of “fate” — an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

gleam or glow intermittently

From this reading THE GREAT NAVAL BATTLE OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA In a flash my newspaper sense made me realise that this was an extraordinary opportunity.

moving swiftly

From this reading We started the next morning, an hour after sunrise, flying to the north straight across the island of Jamaica, and then out over the open sea.

inflected form of “fight” — be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight

From this reading The greatest naval battle in history was about to be fought so near us that we might almost hear the big guns booming.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

in a generous manner

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading THE GREAT NAVAL BATTLE OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA In a flash my newspaper sense made me realise that this was an extraordinary opportunity.

highest in quality

From this reading The greatest naval battle in history was about to be fought so near us that we might almost hear the big guns booming.

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

From this reading The greatest naval battle in history was about to be fought so near us that we might almost hear the big guns booming.

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

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading It would be worth thousands of pounds to the London _Times_ to have an eye-witness account of this battle, and I resolved to turn the island of Jamaica upside down in search of an aeroplane that would take me out to sea.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading The greatest naval battle in history was about to be fought so near us that we might almost hear the big guns booming.

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

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading The greatest naval battle in history was about to be fought so near us that we might almost hear the big guns booming.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading We started the next morning, an hour after sunrise, flying to the north straight across the island of Jamaica, and then out over the open sea.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading It would be worth thousands of pounds to the London _Times_ to have an eye-witness account of this battle, and I resolved to turn the island of Jamaica upside down in search of an aeroplane that would take me out to sea.

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

From this reading THE GREAT NAVAL BATTLE OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA In a flash my newspaper sense made me realise that this was an extraordinary opportunity.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading It would be worth thousands of pounds to the London _Times_ to have an eye-witness account of this battle, and I resolved to turn the island of Jamaica upside down in search of an aeroplane that would take me out to sea.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It would be worth thousands of pounds to the London _Times_ to have an eye-witness account of this battle, and I resolved to turn the island of Jamaica upside down in search of an aeroplane that would take me out to sea.

a country on the island of Jamaica; became independent of England in 1962; much poverty; the major industry is tourism

From this reading It would be worth thousands of pounds to the London _Times_ to have an eye-witness account of this battle, and I resolved to turn the island of Jamaica upside down in search of an aeroplane that would take me out to sea.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading It would be worth thousands of pounds to the London _Times_ to have an eye-witness account of this battle, and I resolved to turn the island of Jamaica upside down in search of an aeroplane that would take me out to sea.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading THE GREAT NAVAL BATTLE OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA In a flash my newspaper sense made me realise that this was an extraordinary opportunity.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading THE GREAT NAVAL BATTLE OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA In a flash my newspaper sense made me realise that this was an extraordinary opportunity.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The greatest naval battle in history was about to be fought so near us that we might almost hear the big guns booming.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading We started the next morning, an hour after sunrise, flying to the north straight across the island of Jamaica, and then out over the open sea.

a form of address for a man

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading THE GREAT NAVAL BATTLE OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA In a flash my newspaper sense made me realise that this was an extraordinary opportunity.

connected with or belonging to or used in a navy

From this reading THE GREAT NAVAL BATTLE OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA In a flash my newspaper sense made me realise that this was an extraordinary opportunity.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading The greatest naval battle in history was about to be fought so near us that we might almost hear the big guns booming.

a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements

From this reading THE GREAT NAVAL BATTLE OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA In a flash my newspaper sense made me realise that this was an extraordinary opportunity.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading We started the next morning, an hour after sunrise, flying to the north straight across the island of Jamaica, and then out over the open sea.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading We started the next morning, an hour after sunrise, flying to the north straight across the island of Jamaica, and then out over the open sea.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE GREAT NAVAL BATTLE OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA In a flash my newspaper sense made me realise that this was an extraordinary opportunity.

past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading We started the next morning, an hour after sunrise, flying to the north straight across the island of Jamaica, and then out over the open sea.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading THE GREAT NAVAL BATTLE OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA In a flash my newspaper sense made me realise that this was an extraordinary opportunity.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading It would be worth thousands of pounds to the London _Times_ to have an eye-witness account of this battle, and I resolved to turn the island of Jamaica upside down in search of an aeroplane that would take me out to sea.

above and across; more than

From this reading We started the next morning, an hour after sunrise, flying to the north straight across the island of Jamaica, and then out over the open sea.

operate an airplane

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

plural of “pound” — 16 ounces avoirdupois

From this reading It would be worth thousands of pounds to the London _Times_ to have an eye-witness account of this battle, and I resolved to turn the island of Jamaica upside down in search of an aeroplane that would take me out to sea.

having great power or force or potency or effect

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

on the contrary

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages

From this reading THE GREAT NAVAL BATTLE OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA In a flash my newspaper sense made me realise that this was an extraordinary opportunity.

determined

From this reading It would be worth thousands of pounds to the London _Times_ to have an eye-witness account of this battle, and I resolved to turn the island of Jamaica upside down in search of an aeroplane that would take me out to sea.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading THE GREAT NAVAL BATTLE OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA In a flash my newspaper sense made me realise that this was an extraordinary opportunity.

try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of

From this reading It would be worth thousands of pounds to the London _Times_ to have an eye-witness account of this battle, and I resolved to turn the island of Jamaica upside down in search of an aeroplane that would take me out to sea.

past form of “secure” — get by special effort

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading THE GREAT NAVAL BATTLE OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA In a flash my newspaper sense made me realise that this was an extraordinary opportunity.

performance of duties or provision of space and equipment helpful to others

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The greatest naval battle in history was about to be fought so near us that we might almost hear the big guns booming.

past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading We started the next morning, an hour after sunrise, flying to the north straight across the island of Jamaica, and then out over the open sea.

successive (without a break)

From this reading We started the next morning, an hour after sunrise, flying to the north straight across the island of Jamaica, and then out over the open sea.

the first light of day

From this reading We started the next morning, an hour after sunrise, flying to the north straight across the island of Jamaica, and then out over the open sea.

carry out

From this reading It would be worth thousands of pounds to the London _Times_ to have an eye-witness account of this battle, and I resolved to turn the island of Jamaica upside down in search of an aeroplane that would take me out to sea.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE GREAT NAVAL BATTLE OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA In a flash my newspaper sense made me realise that this was an extraordinary opportunity.

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

From this reading THE GREAT NAVAL BATTLE OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA In a flash my newspaper sense made me realise that this was an extraordinary opportunity.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading We started the next morning, an hour after sunrise, flying to the north straight across the island of Jamaica, and then out over the open sea.

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

From this reading THE GREAT NAVAL BATTLE OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA In a flash my newspaper sense made me realise that this was an extraordinary opportunity.

plural of “thousand” — the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading It would be worth thousands of pounds to the London _Times_ to have an eye-witness account of this battle, and I resolved to turn the island of Jamaica upside down in search of an aeroplane that would take me out to sea.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading It would be worth thousands of pounds to the London _Times_ to have an eye-witness account of this battle, and I resolved to turn the island of Jamaica upside down in search of an aeroplane that would take me out to sea.

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

From this reading The greatest naval battle in history was about to be fought so near us that we might almost hear the big guns booming.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading It would be worth thousands of pounds to the London _Times_ to have an eye-witness account of this battle, and I resolved to turn the island of Jamaica upside down in search of an aeroplane that would take me out to sea.

the highest or uppermost side of anything

From this reading It would be worth thousands of pounds to the London _Times_ to have an eye-witness account of this battle, and I resolved to turn the island of Jamaica upside down in search of an aeroplane that would take me out to sea.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The greatest naval battle in history was about to be fought so near us that we might almost hear the big guns booming.

the act of using

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

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

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

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

From this reading THE GREAT NAVAL BATTLE OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA In a flash my newspaper sense made me realise that this was an extraordinary opportunity.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading The greatest naval battle in history was about to be fought so near us that we might almost hear the big guns booming.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

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

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading The fates were certainly kind to me--or rather the British Consul was efficient; and before night I had secured the use of a powerful Burgess-Dunne aeroboat, the property of Vincent Astor; also Mr. Astor’s skilful services as pilot, which he generously offered through his interest in naval affairs and because of his desire to give the world this first account of a sea battle observed from the sky.

an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value

From this reading It would be worth thousands of pounds to the London _Times_ to have an eye-witness account of this battle, and I resolved to turn the island of Jamaica upside down in search of an aeroplane that would take me out to sea.

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

From this reading It would be worth thousands of pounds to the London _Times_ to have an eye-witness account of this battle, and I resolved to turn the island of Jamaica upside down in search of an aeroplane that would take me out to sea.