Chapter XVII · Chapter 17

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

From this reading THE LOSS OF RENE There was the echo of an oath, a harsh, cruel laugh, the crash of planking, a strange, half-human cry of fright from the negro--that was all.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading Yet now, fighting to keep my head above water, and not to be swept away, I was able to realize instantly what had occurred.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Yet now, fighting to keep my head above water, and not to be swept away, I was able to realize instantly what had occurred.

anew

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading THE LOSS OF RENE There was the echo of an oath, a harsh, cruel laugh, the crash of planking, a strange, half-human cry of fright from the negro--that was all.

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

From this reading In the brief second that intervened between Sam's shout of warning, and the crash of the two boats, I had seen almost nothing--only that black, menacing hulk, looming up between us and the shore, more like a shadow than a reality.

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

From this reading THE LOSS OF RENE There was the echo of an oath, a harsh, cruel laugh, the crash of planking, a strange, half-human cry of fright from the negro--that was all.

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

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading I had been mistaken; Kirby had not fled down the river; instead he had craftily waited this chance to attack us at a disadvantage.

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

From this reading I had been mistaken; Kirby had not fled down the river; instead he had craftily waited this chance to attack us at a disadvantage.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Yet now, fighting to keep my head above water, and not to be swept away, I was able to realize instantly what had occurred.

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

From this reading Yet now, fighting to keep my head above water, and not to be swept away, I was able to realize instantly what had occurred.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading I had been mistaken; Kirby had not fled down the river; instead he had craftily waited this chance to attack us at a disadvantage.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading In the brief second that intervened between Sam's shout of warning, and the crash of the two boats, I had seen almost nothing--only that black, menacing hulk, looming up between us and the shore, more like a shadow than a reality.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading In the brief second that intervened between Sam's shout of warning, and the crash of the two boats, I had seen almost nothing--only that black, menacing hulk, looming up between us and the shore, more like a shadow than a reality.

exhale hard

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

plural of “boat” — a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

the two together, not just one

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

of short duration or distance

From this reading In the brief second that intervened between Sam's shout of warning, and the crash of the two boats, I had seen almost nothing--only that black, menacing hulk, looming up between us and the shore, more like a shadow than a reality.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading I had been mistaken; Kirby had not fled down the river; instead he had craftily waited this chance to attack us at a disadvantage.

rid of obstructions

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

in an artful manner

From this reading I had been mistaken; Kirby had not fled down the river; instead he had craftily waited this chance to attack us at a disadvantage.

fall or come down violently

From this reading THE LOSS OF RENE There was the echo of an oath, a harsh, cruel laugh, the crash of planking, a strange, half-human cry of fright from the negro--that was all.

(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading THE LOSS OF RENE There was the echo of an oath, a harsh, cruel laugh, the crash of planking, a strange, half-human cry of fright from the negro--that was all.

utter a sudden loud cry

From this reading THE LOSS OF RENE There was the echo of an oath, a harsh, cruel laugh, the crash of planking, a strange, half-human cry of fright from the negro--that was all.

a flow of electricity through a conductor

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

with great urgency

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

the quality of having an inferior or less favorable position

From this reading I had been mistaken; Kirby had not fled down the river; instead he had craftily waited this chance to attack us at a disadvantage.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading I had been mistaken; Kirby had not fled down the river; instead he had craftily waited this chance to attack us at a disadvantage.

to say again or imitate

From this reading THE LOSS OF RENE There was the echo of an oath, a harsh, cruel laugh, the crash of planking, a strange, half-human cry of fright from the negro--that was all.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

the act of fighting; any contest or struggle

From this reading Yet now, fighting to keep my head above water, and not to be swept away, I was able to realize instantly what had occurred.

inflected form of “flee” — run away quickly

From this reading I had been mistaken; Kirby had not fled down the river; instead he had craftily waited this chance to attack us at a disadvantage.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)

From this reading THE LOSS OF RENE There was the echo of an oath, a harsh, cruel laugh, the crash of planking, a strange, half-human cry of fright from the negro--that was all.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading THE LOSS OF RENE There was the echo of an oath, a harsh, cruel laugh, the crash of planking, a strange, half-human cry of fright from the negro--that was all.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

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

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

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

From this reading THE LOSS OF RENE There was the echo of an oath, a harsh, cruel laugh, the crash of planking, a strange, half-human cry of fright from the negro--that was all.

unpleasantly stern

From this reading THE LOSS OF RENE There was the echo of an oath, a harsh, cruel laugh, the crash of planking, a strange, half-human cry of fright from the negro--that was all.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

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

From this reading I had been mistaken; Kirby had not fled down the river; instead he had craftily waited this chance to attack us at a disadvantage.

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

From this reading Yet now, fighting to keep my head above water, and not to be swept away, I was able to realize instantly what had occurred.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

a very large person; impressive in size or qualities

From this reading In the brief second that intervened between Sam's shout of warning, and the crash of the two boats, I had seen almost nothing--only that black, menacing hulk, looming up between us and the shore, more like a shadow than a reality.

past form of “hurl” — throw forcefully

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

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

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

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

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading Yet now, fighting to keep my head above water, and not to be swept away, I was able to realize instantly what had occurred.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading I had been mistaken; Kirby had not fled down the river; instead he had craftily waited this chance to attack us at a disadvantage.

past form of “intervene” — get involved, so as to alter or hinder an action, or through force or threat of force

From this reading In the brief second that intervened between Sam's shout of warning, and the crash of the two boats, I had seen almost nothing--only that black, menacing hulk, looming up between us and the shore, more like a shadow than a reality.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Yet now, fighting to keep my head above water, and not to be swept away, I was able to realize instantly what had occurred.

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

From this reading I had been mistaken; Kirby had not fled down the river; instead he had craftily waited this chance to attack us at a disadvantage.

the sound of laughing

From this reading THE LOSS OF RENE There was the echo of an oath, a harsh, cruel laugh, the crash of planking, a strange, half-human cry of fright from the negro--that was all.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading In the brief second that intervened between Sam's shout of warning, and the crash of the two boats, I had seen almost nothing--only that black, menacing hulk, looming up between us and the shore, more like a shadow than a reality.

-ing form of “loom” — come into view indistinctly, often threateningly

From this reading In the brief second that intervened between Sam's shout of warning, and the crash of the two boats, I had seen almost nothing--only that black, menacing hulk, looming up between us and the shore, more like a shadow than a reality.

something that is lost

From this reading THE LOSS OF RENE There was the echo of an oath, a harsh, cruel laugh, the crash of planking, a strange, half-human cry of fright from the negro--that was all.

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

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

From this reading In the brief second that intervened between Sam's shout of warning, and the crash of the two boats, I had seen almost nothing--only that black, menacing hulk, looming up between us and the shore, more like a shadow than a reality.

wrong in e.g. opinion or judgment

From this reading I had been mistaken; Kirby had not fled down the river; instead he had craftily waited this chance to attack us at a disadvantage.

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

From this reading In the brief second that intervened between Sam's shout of warning, and the crash of the two boats, I had seen almost nothing--only that black, menacing hulk, looming up between us and the shore, more like a shadow than a reality.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Yet now, fighting to keep my head above water, and not to be swept away, I was able to realize instantly what had occurred.

a person with African ancestry, "Negro" and "Negroid" are archaic and pejorative today

From this reading THE LOSS OF RENE There was the echo of an oath, a harsh, cruel laugh, the crash of planking, a strange, half-human cry of fright from the negro--that was all.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Yet now, fighting to keep my head above water, and not to be swept away, I was able to realize instantly what had occurred.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading In the brief second that intervened between Sam's shout of warning, and the crash of the two boats, I had seen almost nothing--only that black, menacing hulk, looming up between us and the shore, more like a shadow than a reality.

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

From this reading Yet now, fighting to keep my head above water, and not to be swept away, I was able to realize instantly what had occurred.

profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger

From this reading THE LOSS OF RENE There was the echo of an oath, a harsh, cruel laugh, the crash of planking, a strange, half-human cry of fright from the negro--that was all.

inflected form of “occur” — come to pass

From this reading Yet now, fighting to keep my head above water, and not to be swept away, I was able to realize instantly what had occurred.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE LOSS OF RENE There was the echo of an oath, a harsh, cruel laugh, the crash of planking, a strange, half-human cry of fright from the negro--that was all.

and nothing more

From this reading In the brief second that intervened between Sam's shout of warning, and the crash of the two boats, I had seen almost nothing--only that black, menacing hulk, looming up between us and the shore, more like a shadow than a reality.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

planks collectively; a quantity of planks

From this reading THE LOSS OF RENE There was the echo of an oath, a harsh, cruel laugh, the crash of planking, a strange, half-human cry of fright from the negro--that was all.

all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you

From this reading In the brief second that intervened between Sam's shout of warning, and the crash of the two boats, I had seen almost nothing--only that black, menacing hulk, looming up between us and the shore, more like a shadow than a reality.

be fully aware or cognizant of

From this reading Yet now, fighting to keep my head above water, and not to be swept away, I was able to realize instantly what had occurred.

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

From this reading THE LOSS OF RENE There was the echo of an oath, a harsh, cruel laugh, the crash of planking, a strange, half-human cry of fright from the negro--that was all.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading I had been mistaken; Kirby had not fled down the river; instead he had craftily waited this chance to attack us at a disadvantage.

possessive form of “sam” — a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target

From this reading In the brief second that intervened between Sam's shout of warning, and the crash of the two boats, I had seen almost nothing--only that black, menacing hulk, looming up between us and the shore, more like a shadow than a reality.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading In the brief second that intervened between Sam's shout of warning, and the crash of the two boats, I had seen almost nothing--only that black, menacing hulk, looming up between us and the shore, more like a shadow than a reality.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading In the brief second that intervened between Sam's shout of warning, and the crash of the two boats, I had seen almost nothing--only that black, menacing hulk, looming up between us and the shore, more like a shadow than a reality.

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading In the brief second that intervened between Sam's shout of warning, and the crash of the two boats, I had seen almost nothing--only that black, menacing hulk, looming up between us and the shore, more like a shadow than a reality.

the land along the edge of a body of water

From this reading In the brief second that intervened between Sam's shout of warning, and the crash of the two boats, I had seen almost nothing--only that black, menacing hulk, looming up between us and the shore, more like a shadow than a reality.

utter in a loud voice; talk in a loud voice (usually denoting characteristic manner of speaking)

From this reading In the brief second that intervened between Sam's shout of warning, and the crash of the two boats, I had seen almost nothing--only that black, menacing hulk, looming up between us and the shore, more like a shadow than a reality.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading THE LOSS OF RENE There was the echo of an oath, a harsh, cruel laugh, the crash of planking, a strange, half-human cry of fright from the negro--that was all.

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

make a strenuous or labored effort

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

engaged in a struggle to overcome especially poverty or obscurity

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

sweep across or over

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

possessing sweep

From this reading Yet now, fighting to keep my head above water, and not to be swept away, I was able to realize instantly what had occurred.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading In the brief second that intervened between Sam's shout of warning, and the crash of the two boats, I had seen almost nothing--only that black, menacing hulk, looming up between us and the shore, more like a shadow than a reality.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE LOSS OF RENE There was the echo of an oath, a harsh, cruel laugh, the crash of planking, a strange, half-human cry of fright from the negro--that was all.

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

From this reading THE LOSS OF RENE There was the echo of an oath, a harsh, cruel laugh, the crash of planking, a strange, half-human cry of fright from the negro--that was all.

in or at that place or location

From this reading THE LOSS OF RENE There was the echo of an oath, a harsh, cruel laugh, the crash of planking, a strange, half-human cry of fright from the negro--that was all.

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

From this reading I had been mistaken; Kirby had not fled down the river; instead he had craftily waited this chance to attack us at a disadvantage.

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

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

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

From this reading In the brief second that intervened between Sam's shout of warning, and the crash of the two boats, I had seen almost nothing--only that black, menacing hulk, looming up between us and the shore, more like a shadow than a reality.

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

From this reading In the brief second that intervened between Sam's shout of warning, and the crash of the two boats, I had seen almost nothing--only that black, menacing hulk, looming up between us and the shore, more like a shadow than a reality.

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

From this reading In the brief second that intervened between Sam's shout of warning, and the crash of the two boats, I had seen almost nothing--only that black, menacing hulk, looming up between us and the shore, more like a shadow than a reality.

an act of aggression (as one against a person who resists)

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading I had been mistaken; Kirby had not fled down the river; instead he had craftily waited this chance to attack us at a disadvantage.

a message informing of danger

From this reading In the brief second that intervened between Sam's shout of warning, and the crash of the two boats, I had seen almost nothing--only that black, menacing hulk, looming up between us and the shore, more like a shadow than a reality.

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

From this reading THE LOSS OF RENE There was the echo of an oath, a harsh, cruel laugh, the crash of planking, a strange, half-human cry of fright from the negro--that was all.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Yet now, fighting to keep my head above water, and not to be swept away, I was able to realize instantly what had occurred.

at the time that

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

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

From this reading The sudden violence of the blow must have hurled me high into the air, for I struck the water clear of both boats, and so far out in the stream, that when I came again struggling to the surface, I was in the full sweep of the current, against which I had to struggle desperately.

but in spite of that

From this reading Yet now, fighting to keep my head above water, and not to be swept away, I was able to realize instantly what had occurred.