used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The old year was drawing to a close, indeed, it had not many hours to run, for the thirty-first of December had dawned upon the lonely Cornish village of Penwhinnock.
to or in a foreign country
From this reading The fishermen of the village were hardy, brave, stout, and strong; but whispers went abroad that they loved wrecking.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE CORNISH FISHERMEN'S WATCH-NIGHT, AND OTHER STORIES.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Penwhinnock overlooked the sea, being built upon a rocky promontory which commanded a splendid view of the Channel, and of any craft which might be nearing that part of the coast.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was a pouring wet day, and the wind was blowing so fiercely that the billows rolled and tossed as if some evil spirit, which could not rest, had taken possession of them.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Penwhinnock overlooked the sea, being built upon a rocky promontory which commanded a splendid view of the Channel, and of any craft which might be nearing that part of the coast.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Penwhinnock overlooked the sea, being built upon a rocky promontory which commanded a splendid view of the Channel, and of any craft which might be nearing that part of the coast.
billowsnounUS /ˈbɪloʊz/
plural of “billow” — a large sea wave
From this reading It was a pouring wet day, and the wind was blowing so fiercely that the billows rolled and tossed as if some evil spirit, which could not rest, had taken possession of them.
blowingnounUS /ˈbloʊɪŋ/
processing that involves blowing a gas
From this reading It was a pouring wet day, and the wind was blowing so fiercely that the billows rolled and tossed as if some evil spirit, which could not rest, had taken possession of them.
possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching
From this reading The fishermen of the village were hardy, brave, stout, and strong; but whispers went abroad that they loved wrecking.
(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness
From this reading Penwhinnock overlooked the sea, being built upon a rocky promontory which commanded a splendid view of the Channel, and of any craft which might be nearing that part of the coast.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The fishermen of the village were hardy, brave, stout, and strong; but whispers went abroad that they loved wrecking.
ChannelnounUS /ˈtʃænəl/
a path over which electrical signals can pass
From this reading Penwhinnock overlooked the sea, being built upon a rocky promontory which commanded a splendid view of the Channel, and of any craft which might be nearing that part of the coast.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading The old year was drawing to a close, indeed, it had not many hours to run, for the thirty-first of December had dawned upon the lonely Cornish village of Penwhinnock.
the shore of a sea or ocean
From this reading Penwhinnock overlooked the sea, being built upon a rocky promontory which commanded a splendid view of the Channel, and of any craft which might be nearing that part of the coast.
past form of “command” — be in command of
From this reading Penwhinnock overlooked the sea, being built upon a rocky promontory which commanded a splendid view of the Channel, and of any craft which might be nearing that part of the coast.
CORNISHnounUS /ˈkɔːrnɪʃ/
a Celtic language spoken in Cornwall
From this reading THE CORNISH FISHERMEN'S WATCH-NIGHT, AND OTHER STORIES.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading It was a pouring wet day, and the wind was blowing so fiercely that the billows rolled and tossed as if some evil spirit, which could not rest, had taken possession of them.
the skilled practice of a practical occupation
From this reading Penwhinnock overlooked the sea, being built upon a rocky promontory which commanded a splendid view of the Channel, and of any craft which might be nearing that part of the coast.
dawnedverbUS /dɔːnd/
past form of “dawn” — become clear or enter one's consciousness or emotions
From this reading The old year was drawing to a close, indeed, it had not many hours to run, for the thirty-first of December had dawned upon the lonely Cornish village of Penwhinnock.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading It was a pouring wet day, and the wind was blowing so fiercely that the billows rolled and tossed as if some evil spirit, which could not rest, had taken possession of them.
DecembernounUS /dɪˈsembər/
the last (12th) month of the year
From this reading The old year was drawing to a close, indeed, it had not many hours to run, for the thirty-first of December had dawned upon the lonely Cornish village of Penwhinnock.
an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper
From this reading The old year was drawing to a close, indeed, it had not many hours to run, for the thirty-first of December had dawned upon the lonely Cornish village of Penwhinnock.
morally objectionable behavior
From this reading It was a pouring wet day, and the wind was blowing so fiercely that the billows rolled and tossed as if some evil spirit, which could not rest, had taken possession of them.
fiercelyadverbUS /ˈfɪrsli/
in a physically fierce manner
From this reading It was a pouring wet day, and the wind was blowing so fiercely that the billows rolled and tossed as if some evil spirit, which could not rest, had taken possession of them.
fishermennounUS /ˈfɪʃərmɪn/
plural of “fisherman” — someone whose occupation is catching fish
From this reading The fishermen of the village were hardy, brave, stout, and strong; but whispers went abroad that they loved wrecking.
FISHERMEN'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CORNISH FISHERMEN'S WATCH-NIGHT, AND OTHER STORIES.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The old year was drawing to a close, indeed, it had not many hours to run, for the thirty-first of December had dawned upon the lonely Cornish village of Penwhinnock.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The old year was drawing to a close, indeed, it had not many hours to run, for the thirty-first of December had dawned upon the lonely Cornish village of Penwhinnock.
hardyadjectiveUS /ˈhɑːrdi/
having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships
From this reading The fishermen of the village were hardy, brave, stout, and strong; but whispers went abroad that they loved wrecking.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading The old year was drawing to a close, indeed, it had not many hours to run, for the thirty-first of December had dawned upon the lonely Cornish village of Penwhinnock.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading It was a pouring wet day, and the wind was blowing so fiercely that the billows rolled and tossed as if some evil spirit, which could not rest, had taken possession of them.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading The old year was drawing to a close, indeed, it had not many hours to run, for the thirty-first of December had dawned upon the lonely Cornish village of Penwhinnock.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The old year was drawing to a close, indeed, it had not many hours to run, for the thirty-first of December had dawned upon the lonely Cornish village of Penwhinnock.
lacking companions or companionship
From this reading The old year was drawing to a close, indeed, it had not many hours to run, for the thirty-first of December had dawned upon the lonely Cornish village of Penwhinnock.
held dear
From this reading The fishermen of the village were hardy, brave, stout, and strong; but whispers went abroad that they loved wrecking.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading The old year was drawing to a close, indeed, it had not many hours to run, for the thirty-first of December had dawned upon the lonely Cornish village of Penwhinnock.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Penwhinnock overlooked the sea, being built upon a rocky promontory which commanded a splendid view of the Channel, and of any craft which might be nearing that part of the coast.
nearingverbUS /ˈnɪrɪŋ/
-ing form of “near” — move towards
From this reading Penwhinnock overlooked the sea, being built upon a rocky promontory which commanded a splendid view of the Channel, and of any craft which might be nearing that part of the coast.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The old year was drawing to a close, indeed, it had not many hours to run, for the thirty-first of December had dawned upon the lonely Cornish village of Penwhinnock.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The old year was drawing to a close, indeed, it had not many hours to run, for the thirty-first of December had dawned upon the lonely Cornish village of Penwhinnock.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading The old year was drawing to a close, indeed, it had not many hours to run, for the thirty-first of December had dawned upon the lonely Cornish village of Penwhinnock.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading THE CORNISH FISHERMEN'S WATCH-NIGHT, AND OTHER STORIES.
overlookedadjectiveUS /ˈoʊvərlʊkt/
not taken into account
From this reading Penwhinnock overlooked the sea, being built upon a rocky promontory which commanded a splendid view of the Channel, and of any craft which might be nearing that part of the coast.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading Penwhinnock overlooked the sea, being built upon a rocky promontory which commanded a splendid view of the Channel, and of any craft which might be nearing that part of the coast.
Penwhinnock
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old year was drawing to a close, indeed, it had not many hours to run, for the thirty-first of December had dawned upon the lonely Cornish village of Penwhinnock.
the act of having and controlling property
From this reading It was a pouring wet day, and the wind was blowing so fiercely that the billows rolled and tossed as if some evil spirit, which could not rest, had taken possession of them.
pouringadjectiveUS /ˈpɔːrɪŋ/
flowing profusely
From this reading It was a pouring wet day, and the wind was blowing so fiercely that the billows rolled and tossed as if some evil spirit, which could not rest, had taken possession of them.
promontorynoun
a natural elevation (especially a rocky one that juts out into the sea)
From this reading Penwhinnock overlooked the sea, being built upon a rocky promontory which commanded a splendid view of the Channel, and of any craft which might be nearing that part of the coast.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading It was a pouring wet day, and the wind was blowing so fiercely that the billows rolled and tossed as if some evil spirit, which could not rest, had taken possession of them.
rockyadjectiveUS /ˈrɑːki/
abounding in rocks or stones
From this reading Penwhinnock overlooked the sea, being built upon a rocky promontory which commanded a splendid view of the Channel, and of any craft which might be nearing that part of the coast.
especially of petals or leaves in bud; having margins rolled inward
From this reading It was a pouring wet day, and the wind was blowing so fiercely that the billows rolled and tossed as if some evil spirit, which could not rest, had taken possession of them.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading The old year was drawing to a close, indeed, it had not many hours to run, for the thirty-first of December had dawned upon the lonely Cornish village of Penwhinnock.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading Penwhinnock overlooked the sea, being built upon a rocky promontory which commanded a splendid view of the Channel, and of any craft which might be nearing that part of the coast.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It was a pouring wet day, and the wind was blowing so fiercely that the billows rolled and tossed as if some evil spirit, which could not rest, had taken possession of them.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading It was a pouring wet day, and the wind was blowing so fiercely that the billows rolled and tossed as if some evil spirit, which could not rest, had taken possession of them.
the vital principle or animating force within living things
From this reading It was a pouring wet day, and the wind was blowing so fiercely that the billows rolled and tossed as if some evil spirit, which could not rest, had taken possession of them.
having great beauty and splendor
From this reading Penwhinnock overlooked the sea, being built upon a rocky promontory which commanded a splendid view of the Channel, and of any craft which might be nearing that part of the coast.
plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading THE CORNISH FISHERMEN'S WATCH-NIGHT, AND OTHER STORIES.
dependable
From this reading The fishermen of the village were hardy, brave, stout, and strong; but whispers went abroad that they loved wrecking.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading The fishermen of the village were hardy, brave, stout, and strong; but whispers went abroad that they loved wrecking.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading It was a pouring wet day, and the wind was blowing so fiercely that the billows rolled and tossed as if some evil spirit, which could not rest, had taken possession of them.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was a pouring wet day, and the wind was blowing so fiercely that the billows rolled and tossed as if some evil spirit, which could not rest, had taken possession of them.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE CORNISH FISHERMEN'S WATCH-NIGHT, AND OTHER STORIES.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading It was a pouring wet day, and the wind was blowing so fiercely that the billows rolled and tossed as if some evil spirit, which could not rest, had taken possession of them.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The fishermen of the village were hardy, brave, stout, and strong; but whispers went abroad that they loved wrecking.
thirty-firstadjective
coming next after the thirtieth in position
From this reading The old year was drawing to a close, indeed, it had not many hours to run, for the thirty-first of December had dawned upon the lonely Cornish village of Penwhinnock.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The old year was drawing to a close, indeed, it had not many hours to run, for the thirty-first of December had dawned upon the lonely Cornish village of Penwhinnock.
tossedverbUS /tɔːst/
past form of “toss” — throw or toss with a light motion
From this reading It was a pouring wet day, and the wind was blowing so fiercely that the billows rolled and tossed as if some evil spirit, which could not rest, had taken possession of them.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The old year was drawing to a close, indeed, it had not many hours to run, for the thirty-first of December had dawned upon the lonely Cornish village of Penwhinnock.
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading Penwhinnock overlooked the sea, being built upon a rocky promontory which commanded a splendid view of the Channel, and of any craft which might be nearing that part of the coast.
a community of people smaller than a town
From this reading The old year was drawing to a close, indeed, it had not many hours to run, for the thirty-first of December had dawned upon the lonely Cornish village of Penwhinnock.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The old year was drawing to a close, indeed, it had not many hours to run, for the thirty-first of December had dawned upon the lonely Cornish village of Penwhinnock.
WATCH-NIGHT
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CORNISH FISHERMEN'S WATCH-NIGHT, AND OTHER STORIES.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The fishermen of the village were hardy, brave, stout, and strong; but whispers went abroad that they loved wrecking.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The fishermen of the village were hardy, brave, stout, and strong; but whispers went abroad that they loved wrecking.
covered or soaked with a liquid such as water
From this reading It was a pouring wet day, and the wind was blowing so fiercely that the billows rolled and tossed as if some evil spirit, which could not rest, had taken possession of them.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was a pouring wet day, and the wind was blowing so fiercely that the billows rolled and tossed as if some evil spirit, which could not rest, had taken possession of them.
whispersnounUS /ˈwɪspərz/
plural of “whisper” — speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords
From this reading The fishermen of the village were hardy, brave, stout, and strong; but whispers went abroad that they loved wrecking.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading It was a pouring wet day, and the wind was blowing so fiercely that the billows rolled and tossed as if some evil spirit, which could not rest, had taken possession of them.
wreckingnounUS /ˈrekɪŋ/
the event of a structure being completely demolished and leveled
From this reading The fishermen of the village were hardy, brave, stout, and strong; but whispers went abroad that they loved wrecking.
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading The old year was drawing to a close, indeed, it had not many hours to run, for the thirty-first of December had dawned upon the lonely Cornish village of Penwhinnock.
