presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible
From this reading The actual channel was well defined, at first by several barges still at anchor in the stream, and later by hundreds of small craft making their way to safety.
at or in the front
From this reading The glare on the water, and on the underside of the enormous expanse of smoke overhead, enabled them to see objects ahead with comparative ease.
anchornounUS /ˈæŋkər/
a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving
From this reading The actual channel was well defined, at first by several barges still at anchor in the stream, and later by hundreds of small craft making their way to safety.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The glare on the water, and on the underside of the enormous expanse of smoke overhead, enabled them to see objects ahead with comparative ease.
the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
From this reading Satisfied with having got beyond the danger zone, the crews of these fishing-vessels were content to drift, save for the occasional assistance of their heavy sweeps.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The actual channel was well defined, at first by several barges still at anchor in the stream, and later by hundreds of small craft making their way to safety.
bargesnounUS /ˈbɑːrdʒəz/
plural of “barge” — a flatbottom boat for carrying heavy loads (especially on canals)
From this reading The actual channel was well defined, at first by several barges still at anchor in the stream, and later by hundreds of small craft making their way to safety.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading Satisfied with having got beyond the danger zone, the crews of these fishing-vessels were content to drift, save for the occasional assistance of their heavy sweeps.
an orange of low brightness and saturation
From this reading Those who depended mainly upon sail to propel them were quickly overtaken, for the night was particularly windless and their brown canvas hung idly from the yards.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The actual channel was well defined, at first by several barges still at anchor in the stream, and later by hundreds of small craft making their way to safety.
canvasnounUS /ˈkænvəs/
a heavy, closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or sails or tents)
From this reading Those who depended mainly upon sail to propel them were quickly overtaken, for the night was particularly windless and their brown canvas hung idly from the yards.
channelnounUS /ˈtʃænəl/
a path over which electrical signals can pass
From this reading The actual channel was well defined, at first by several barges still at anchor in the stream, and later by hundreds of small craft making their way to safety.
comparativeadjectiveUS /kəmˈperətɪv/
relating to or based on or involving comparison
From this reading The glare on the water, and on the underside of the enormous expanse of smoke overhead, enabled them to see objects ahead with comparative ease.
(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something
From this reading Satisfied with having got beyond the danger zone, the crews of these fishing-vessels were content to drift, save for the occasional assistance of their heavy sweeps.
the skilled practice of a practical occupation
From this reading The actual channel was well defined, at first by several barges still at anchor in the stream, and later by hundreds of small craft making their way to safety.
the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)
From this reading On the North Sea The crew of the motor-boat had no great difficulty in finding their way down the river.
crewsnounUS /kruːz/
plural of “crew” — the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)
From this reading Satisfied with having got beyond the danger zone, the crews of these fishing-vessels were content to drift, save for the occasional assistance of their heavy sweeps.
the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading Satisfied with having got beyond the danger zone, the crews of these fishing-vessels were content to drift, save for the occasional assistance of their heavy sweeps.
definedadjectiveUS /dɪˈfaɪnd/
clearly characterized or delimited
From this reading The actual channel was well defined, at first by several barges still at anchor in the stream, and later by hundreds of small craft making their way to safety.
dependedverbUS /dɪˈpendəd/
past form of “depend” — be contingent upon (something that is elided)
From this reading Those who depended mainly upon sail to propel them were quickly overtaken, for the night was particularly windless and their brown canvas hung idly from the yards.
an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading On the North Sea The crew of the motor-boat had no great difficulty in finding their way down the river.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading On the North Sea The crew of the motor-boat had no great difficulty in finding their way down the river.
driftverbUS /drɪft/
be in motion due to some air or water current
From this reading Satisfied with having got beyond the danger zone, the crews of these fishing-vessels were content to drift, save for the occasional assistance of their heavy sweeps.
move gently or carefully
From this reading The glare on the water, and on the underside of the enormous expanse of smoke overhead, enabled them to see objects ahead with comparative ease.
enabledverbUS /eˈneɪbəld/
past form of “enable” — render capable or able for some task
From this reading The glare on the water, and on the underside of the enormous expanse of smoke overhead, enabled them to see objects ahead with comparative ease.
extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree
From this reading The glare on the water, and on the underside of the enormous expanse of smoke overhead, enabled them to see objects ahead with comparative ease.
expansenounUS /ɪkˈspæns/
a wide scope
From this reading The glare on the water, and on the underside of the enormous expanse of smoke overhead, enabled them to see objects ahead with comparative ease.
the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation
From this reading On the North Sea The crew of the motor-boat had no great difficulty in finding their way down the river.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading The actual channel was well defined, at first by several barges still at anchor in the stream, and later by hundreds of small craft making their way to safety.
fishing-vessels
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Satisfied with having got beyond the danger zone, the crews of these fishing-vessels were content to drift, save for the occasional assistance of their heavy sweeps.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Those who depended mainly upon sail to propel them were quickly overtaken, for the night was particularly windless and their brown canvas hung idly from the yards.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Those who depended mainly upon sail to propel them were quickly overtaken, for the night was particularly windless and their brown canvas hung idly from the yards.
glarenounUS /ɡler/
a light within the field of vision that is brighter than the brightness to which the eyes are adapted
From this reading The glare on the water, and on the underside of the enormous expanse of smoke overhead, enabled them to see objects ahead with comparative ease.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Satisfied with having got beyond the danger zone, the crews of these fishing-vessels were content to drift, save for the occasional assistance of their heavy sweeps.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading On the North Sea The crew of the motor-boat had no great difficulty in finding their way down the river.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading On the North Sea The crew of the motor-boat had no great difficulty in finding their way down the river.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Satisfied with having got beyond the danger zone, the crews of these fishing-vessels were content to drift, save for the occasional assistance of their heavy sweeps.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading Satisfied with having got beyond the danger zone, the crews of these fishing-vessels were content to drift, save for the occasional assistance of their heavy sweeps.
plural of “hundred” — ten 10s
From this reading The actual channel was well defined, at first by several barges still at anchor in the stream, and later by hundreds of small craft making their way to safety.
inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging
From this reading Those who depended mainly upon sail to propel them were quickly overtaken, for the night was particularly windless and their brown canvas hung idly from the yards.
idlyadverbUS /ˈaɪdli/
in an idle manner
From this reading Those who depended mainly upon sail to propel them were quickly overtaken, for the night was particularly windless and their brown canvas hung idly from the yards.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading On the North Sea The crew of the motor-boat had no great difficulty in finding their way down the river.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading The actual channel was well defined, at first by several barges still at anchor in the stream, and later by hundreds of small craft making their way to safety.
mainlyadverbUS /ˈmeɪnli/
for the most part
From this reading Those who depended mainly upon sail to propel them were quickly overtaken, for the night was particularly windless and their brown canvas hung idly from the yards.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading The actual channel was well defined, at first by several barges still at anchor in the stream, and later by hundreds of small craft making their way to safety.
motor-boat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the North Sea The crew of the motor-boat had no great difficulty in finding their way down the river.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Those who depended mainly upon sail to propel them were quickly overtaken, for the night was particularly windless and their brown canvas hung idly from the yards.
not any; not one
From this reading On the North Sea The crew of the motor-boat had no great difficulty in finding their way down the river.
the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading On the North Sea The crew of the motor-boat had no great difficulty in finding their way down the river.
plural of “object” — a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading The glare on the water, and on the underside of the enormous expanse of smoke overhead, enabled them to see objects ahead with comparative ease.
occasionaladjectiveUS /əˈkeɪʒənəl/
occurring from time to time
From this reading Satisfied with having got beyond the danger zone, the crews of these fishing-vessels were content to drift, save for the occasional assistance of their heavy sweeps.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading On the North Sea The crew of the motor-boat had no great difficulty in finding their way down the river.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On the North Sea The crew of the motor-boat had no great difficulty in finding their way down the river.
overheadadverbUS /ˈoʊvərˈhed/
above your head; in the sky
From this reading The glare on the water, and on the underside of the enormous expanse of smoke overhead, enabled them to see objects ahead with comparative ease.
overtakenverbUS /ˈoʊvərteɪkən/
inflected form of “overtake” — catch up with and possibly overtake
From this reading Those who depended mainly upon sail to propel them were quickly overtaken, for the night was particularly windless and their brown canvas hung idly from the yards.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading Those who depended mainly upon sail to propel them were quickly overtaken, for the night was particularly windless and their brown canvas hung idly from the yards.
propelverbUS /prəˈpel/
cause to move forward with force
From this reading Those who depended mainly upon sail to propel them were quickly overtaken, for the night was particularly windless and their brown canvas hung idly from the yards.
with speed
From this reading Those who depended mainly upon sail to propel them were quickly overtaken, for the night was particularly windless and their brown canvas hung idly from the yards.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading On the North Sea The crew of the motor-boat had no great difficulty in finding their way down the river.
the state of being certain that adverse effects will not be caused by some agent under defined conditions
From this reading The actual channel was well defined, at first by several barges still at anchor in the stream, and later by hundreds of small craft making their way to safety.
traverse or travel on (a body of water)
From this reading Those who depended mainly upon sail to propel them were quickly overtaken, for the night was particularly windless and their brown canvas hung idly from the yards.
filled with satisfaction
From this reading Satisfied with having got beyond the danger zone, the crews of these fishing-vessels were content to drift, save for the occasional assistance of their heavy sweeps.
except for; apart from
From this reading Satisfied with having got beyond the danger zone, the crews of these fishing-vessels were content to drift, save for the occasional assistance of their heavy sweeps.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading On the North Sea The crew of the motor-boat had no great difficulty in finding their way down the river.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading The glare on the water, and on the underside of the enormous expanse of smoke overhead, enabled them to see objects ahead with comparative ease.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading The actual channel was well defined, at first by several barges still at anchor in the stream, and later by hundreds of small craft making their way to safety.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The actual channel was well defined, at first by several barges still at anchor in the stream, and later by hundreds of small craft making their way to safety.
a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas
From this reading The glare on the water, and on the underside of the enormous expanse of smoke overhead, enabled them to see objects ahead with comparative ease.
not in physical motion
From this reading The actual channel was well defined, at first by several barges still at anchor in the stream, and later by hundreds of small craft making their way to safety.
a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
From this reading The actual channel was well defined, at first by several barges still at anchor in the stream, and later by hundreds of small craft making their way to safety.
sweepsnounUS /swiːps/
plural of “sweep” — a wide scope
From this reading Satisfied with having got beyond the danger zone, the crews of these fishing-vessels were content to drift, save for the occasional assistance of their heavy sweeps.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading On the North Sea The crew of the motor-boat had no great difficulty in finding their way down the river.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading On the North Sea The crew of the motor-boat had no great difficulty in finding their way down the river.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The glare on the water, and on the underside of the enormous expanse of smoke overhead, enabled them to see objects ahead with comparative ease.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Satisfied with having got beyond the danger zone, the crews of these fishing-vessels were content to drift, save for the occasional assistance of their heavy sweeps.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Those who depended mainly upon sail to propel them were quickly overtaken, for the night was particularly windless and their brown canvas hung idly from the yards.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The glare on the water, and on the underside of the enormous expanse of smoke overhead, enabled them to see objects ahead with comparative ease.
undersidenounUS /ˈʌndərsaɪd/
the lower side of anything
From this reading The glare on the water, and on the underside of the enormous expanse of smoke overhead, enabled them to see objects ahead with comparative ease.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Those who depended mainly upon sail to propel them were quickly overtaken, for the night was particularly windless and their brown canvas hung idly from the yards.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The actual channel was well defined, at first by several barges still at anchor in the stream, and later by hundreds of small craft making their way to safety.
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 glare on the water, and on the underside of the enormous expanse of smoke overhead, enabled them to see objects ahead with comparative ease.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading On the North Sea The crew of the motor-boat had no great difficulty in finding their way down the river.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading The actual channel was well defined, at first by several barges still at anchor in the stream, and later by hundreds of small craft making their way to safety.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Those who depended mainly upon sail to propel them were quickly overtaken, for the night was particularly windless and their brown canvas hung idly from the yards.
which person or people
From this reading Those who depended mainly upon sail to propel them were quickly overtaken, for the night was particularly windless and their brown canvas hung idly from the yards.
windlessadjective
without or almost without wind
From this reading Those who depended mainly upon sail to propel them were quickly overtaken, for the night was particularly windless and their brown canvas hung idly from the yards.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The glare on the water, and on the underside of the enormous expanse of smoke overhead, enabled them to see objects ahead with comparative ease.
plural of “yard” — a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride
From this reading Those who depended mainly upon sail to propel them were quickly overtaken, for the night was particularly windless and their brown canvas hung idly from the yards.
zonenounUS /zoʊn/
a locally circumscribed place characterized by some distinctive features
From this reading Satisfied with having got beyond the danger zone, the crews of these fishing-vessels were content to drift, save for the occasional assistance of their heavy sweeps.
