Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading On an afternoon in the early summer of 1856 Captain Nathaniel Plum, master and owner of the sloop _Typhoon_ was engaged in nothing more important than the smoking of an enormous pipe.

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

From this reading There was infinite contentment in his face, notwithstanding the fact that he had been meditating on a subject that was not altogether pleasant.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Clouds of strongly odored smoke, tinted with the lights of the setting sun, had risen above his head in unremitting volumes for the last half hour.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading On an afternoon in the early summer of 1856 Captain Nathaniel Plum, master and owner of the sloop _Typhoon_ was engaged in nothing more important than the smoking of an enormous pipe.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading There was infinite contentment in his face, notwithstanding the fact that he had been meditating on a subject that was not altogether pleasant.

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

From this reading On an afternoon in the early summer of 1856 Captain Nathaniel Plum, master and owner of the sloop _Typhoon_ was engaged in nothing more important than the smoking of an enormous pipe.

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

From this reading On an afternoon in the early summer of 1856 Captain Nathaniel Plum, master and owner of the sloop _Typhoon_ was engaged in nothing more important than the smoking of an enormous pipe.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading But Captain Plum was, in a way, a philosopher, though one would not have guessed this fact from his appearance.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading There was infinite contentment in his face, notwithstanding the fact that he had been meditating on a subject that was not altogether pleasant.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But Captain Plum was, in a way, a philosopher, though one would not have guessed this fact from his appearance.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading On an afternoon in the early summer of 1856 Captain Nathaniel Plum, master and owner of the sloop _Typhoon_ was engaged in nothing more important than the smoking of an enormous pipe.

plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible

From this reading Clouds of strongly odored smoke, tinted with the lights of the setting sun, had risen above his head in unremitting volumes for the last half hour.

happiness with one's situation in life

From this reading There was infinite contentment in his face, notwithstanding the fact that he had been meditating on a subject that was not altogether pleasant.

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

From this reading On an afternoon in the early summer of 1856 Captain Nathaniel Plum, master and owner of the sloop _Typhoon_ was engaged in nothing more important than the smoking of an enormous pipe.

being one more than seven

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading On an afternoon in the early summer of 1856 Captain Nathaniel Plum, master and owner of the sloop _Typhoon_ was engaged in nothing more important than the smoking of an enormous pipe.

extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree

From this reading On an afternoon in the early summer of 1856 Captain Nathaniel Plum, master and owner of the sloop _Typhoon_ was engaged in nothing more important than the smoking of an enormous pipe.

vulnerability to the elements; to the action of heat or cold or wind or rain

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

opinion or judgment

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading There was infinite contentment in his face, notwithstanding the fact that he had been meditating on a subject that was not altogether pleasant.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading There was infinite contentment in his face, notwithstanding the fact that he had been meditating on a subject that was not altogether pleasant.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Clouds of strongly odored smoke, tinted with the lights of the setting sun, had risen above his head in unremitting volumes for the last half hour.

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading But Captain Plum was, in a way, a philosopher, though one would not have guessed this fact from his appearance.

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

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

past form of “guess” — expect, believe, or suppose

From this reading But Captain Plum was, in a way, a philosopher, though one would not have guessed this fact from his appearance.

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

From this reading Clouds of strongly odored smoke, tinted with the lights of the setting sun, had risen above his head in unremitting volumes for the last half hour.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Clouds of strongly odored smoke, tinted with the lights of the setting sun, had risen above his head in unremitting volumes for the last half hour.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading But Captain Plum was, in a way, a philosopher, though one would not have guessed this fact from his appearance.

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

From this reading There was infinite contentment in his face, notwithstanding the fact that he had been meditating on a subject that was not altogether pleasant.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Clouds of strongly odored smoke, tinted with the lights of the setting sun, had risen above his head in unremitting volumes for the last half hour.

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

From this reading Clouds of strongly odored smoke, tinted with the lights of the setting sun, had risen above his head in unremitting volumes for the last half hour.

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

From this reading Clouds of strongly odored smoke, tinted with the lights of the setting sun, had risen above his head in unremitting volumes for the last half hour.

a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

of great significance or value

From this reading On an afternoon in the early summer of 1856 Captain Nathaniel Plum, master and owner of the sloop _Typhoon_ was engaged in nothing more important than the smoking of an enormous pipe.

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

From this reading On an afternoon in the early summer of 1856 Captain Nathaniel Plum, master and owner of the sloop _Typhoon_ was engaged in nothing more important than the smoking of an enormous pipe.

having no limits or boundaries in time or space or extent or magnitude

From this reading There was infinite contentment in his face, notwithstanding the fact that he had been meditating on a subject that was not altogether pleasant.

a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

and nothing more

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

immediately past

From this reading Clouds of strongly odored smoke, tinted with the lights of the setting sun, had risen above his head in unremitting volumes for the last half hour.

the sound of laughing

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

set afire or burning

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation

From this reading Clouds of strongly odored smoke, tinted with the lights of the setting sun, had risen above his head in unremitting volumes for the last half hour.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading On an afternoon in the early summer of 1856 Captain Nathaniel Plum, master and owner of the sloop _Typhoon_ was engaged in nothing more important than the smoking of an enormous pipe.

-ing form of “meditate” — reflect deeply on a subject

From this reading There was infinite contentment in his face, notwithstanding the fact that he had been meditating on a subject that was not altogether pleasant.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

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

From this reading On an afternoon in the early summer of 1856 Captain Nathaniel Plum, master and owner of the sloop _Typhoon_ was engaged in nothing more important than the smoking of an enormous pipe.

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

From this reading On an afternoon in the early summer of 1856 Captain Nathaniel Plum, master and owner of the sloop _Typhoon_ was engaged in nothing more important than the smoking of an enormous pipe.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading There was infinite contentment in his face, notwithstanding the fact that he had been meditating on a subject that was not altogether pleasant.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading On an afternoon in the early summer of 1856 Captain Nathaniel Plum, master and owner of the sloop _Typhoon_ was engaged in nothing more important than the smoking of an enormous pipe.

despite anything to the contrary (usually preceding a concession)

From this reading There was infinite contentment in his face, notwithstanding the fact that he had been meditating on a subject that was not altogether pleasant.

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

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

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

From this reading Clouds of strongly odored smoke, tinted with the lights of the setting sun, had risen above his head in unremitting volumes for the last half hour.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading On an afternoon in the early summer of 1856 Captain Nathaniel Plum, master and owner of the sloop _Typhoon_ was engaged in nothing more important than the smoking of an enormous pipe.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On an afternoon in the early summer of 1856 Captain Nathaniel Plum, master and owner of the sloop _Typhoon_ was engaged in nothing more important than the smoking of an enormous pipe.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading But Captain Plum was, in a way, a philosopher, though one would not have guessed this fact from his appearance.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

From this reading On an afternoon in the early summer of 1856 Captain Nathaniel Plum, master and owner of the sloop _Typhoon_ was engaged in nothing more important than the smoking of an enormous pipe.

a specialist in philosophy

From this reading But Captain Plum was, in a way, a philosopher, though one would not have guessed this fact from his appearance.

a tube with a small bowl at one end; used for smoking tobacco

From this reading On an afternoon in the early summer of 1856 Captain Nathaniel Plum, master and owner of the sloop _Typhoon_ was engaged in nothing more important than the smoking of an enormous pipe.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading There was infinite contentment in his face, notwithstanding the fact that he had been meditating on a subject that was not altogether pleasant.

exactly

From this reading On an afternoon in the early summer of 1856 Captain Nathaniel Plum, master and owner of the sloop _Typhoon_ was engaged in nothing more important than the smoking of an enormous pipe.

on the contrary

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

(of e.g. celestial bodies) above the horizon

From this reading Clouds of strongly odored smoke, tinted with the lights of the setting sun, had risen above his head in unremitting volumes for the last half hour.

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

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

the context and environment in which something is set

From this reading Clouds of strongly odored smoke, tinted with the lights of the setting sun, had risen above his head in unremitting volumes for the last half hour.

inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

a sailing vessel with a single mast set about one third of the boat's length aft of the bow

From this reading On an afternoon in the early summer of 1856 Captain Nathaniel Plum, master and owner of the sloop _Typhoon_ was engaged in nothing more important than the smoking of an enormous pipe.

a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas

From this reading Clouds of strongly odored smoke, tinted with the lights of the setting sun, had risen above his head in unremitting volumes for the last half hour.

the act of smoking tobacco or other substances

From this reading On an afternoon in the early summer of 1856 Captain Nathaniel Plum, master and owner of the sloop _Typhoon_ was engaged in nothing more important than the smoking of an enormous pipe.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

with strength or in a strong manner

From this reading Clouds of strongly odored smoke, tinted with the lights of the setting sun, had risen above his head in unremitting volumes for the last half hour.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading There was infinite contentment in his face, notwithstanding the fact that he had been meditating on a subject that was not altogether pleasant.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading On an afternoon in the early summer of 1856 Captain Nathaniel Plum, master and owner of the sloop _Typhoon_ was engaged in nothing more important than the smoking of an enormous pipe.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading Clouds of strongly odored smoke, tinted with the lights of the setting sun, had risen above his head in unremitting volumes for the last half hour.

carry out

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

(of skin) having a tan color from exposure to the sun

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading On an afternoon in the early summer of 1856 Captain Nathaniel Plum, master and owner of the sloop _Typhoon_ was engaged in nothing more important than the smoking of an enormous pipe.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading There was infinite contentment in his face, notwithstanding the fact that he had been meditating on a subject that was not altogether pleasant.

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

From this reading On an afternoon in the early summer of 1856 Captain Nathaniel Plum, master and owner of the sloop _Typhoon_ was engaged in nothing more important than the smoking of an enormous pipe.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was infinite contentment in his face, notwithstanding the fact that he had been meditating on a subject that was not altogether pleasant.

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

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

From this reading But Captain Plum was, in a way, a philosopher, though one would not have guessed this fact from his appearance.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading But Captain Plum was, in a way, a philosopher, though one would not have guessed this fact from his appearance.

past form of “tint” — color lightly

From this reading Clouds of strongly odored smoke, tinted with the lights of the setting sun, had risen above his head in unremitting volumes for the last half hour.

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

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

a tropical cyclone occurring in the western Pacific or Indian oceans

From this reading On an afternoon in the early summer of 1856 Captain Nathaniel Plum, master and owner of the sloop _Typhoon_ was engaged in nothing more important than the smoking of an enormous pipe.

seemingly boundless in amount, number, degree, or especially extent

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing

From this reading Clouds of strongly odored smoke, tinted with the lights of the setting sun, had risen above his head in unremitting volumes for the last half hour.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

plural of “volume” — the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading Clouds of strongly odored smoke, tinted with the lights of the setting sun, had risen above his head in unremitting volumes for the last half hour.

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

From this reading On an afternoon in the early summer of 1856 Captain Nathaniel Plum, master and owner of the sloop _Typhoon_ was engaged in nothing more important than the smoking of an enormous pipe.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading But Captain Plum was, in a way, a philosopher, though one would not have guessed this fact from his appearance.

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

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Clouds of strongly odored smoke, tinted with the lights of the setting sun, had risen above his head in unremitting volumes for the last half hour.

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

From this reading But Captain Plum was, in a way, a philosopher, though one would not have guessed this fact from his appearance.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading He was, in the first place, a young man, not more than eight or nine and twenty, and his strong, rather thin face, tanned by exposure to the sea, was just now lighted up by eyes that shone with an unbounded good humor which any instant might take the form of laughter.