used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE HURRICANE At two o'clock in the morning of our fifth day from Suva, I was awakened by hearing the booms and gaffs swinging as if in a calm.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading I thought this very strange, as the southeast trades should have held until we were well across the Equator.
in addition
From this reading I ordered the staysails down and the topsails clewed up and made fast, also the flying-jib and outer jib.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE HURRICANE At two o'clock in the morning of our fifth day from Suva, I was awakened by hearing the booms and gaffs swinging as if in a calm.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Rushing up on deck, I was indeed surprised to find the sails hanging in midships, and not a breath from any quarter of the compass.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading THE HURRICANE At two o'clock in the morning of our fifth day from Suva, I was awakened by hearing the booms and gaffs swinging as if in a calm.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE HURRICANE At two o'clock in the morning of our fifth day from Suva, I was awakened by hearing the booms and gaffs swinging as if in a calm.
awakenedadjectiveUS /əˈweɪkənd/
aroused or activated
From this reading THE HURRICANE At two o'clock in the morning of our fifth day from Suva, I was awakened by hearing the booms and gaffs swinging as if in a calm.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading (These lighter sails in a calm usually flop to pieces, especially where there is a rolling swell.) Away to the eastward I noticed a heavy bank of clouds, but considered this of minor importance, as we were nearing the Equator.
sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)
From this reading (These lighter sails in a calm usually flop to pieces, especially where there is a rolling swell.) Away to the eastward I noticed a heavy bank of clouds, but considered this of minor importance, as we were nearing the Equator.
boomsnounUS /buːmz/
plural of “boom” — a deep prolonged loud noise
From this reading THE HURRICANE At two o'clock in the morning of our fifth day from Suva, I was awakened by hearing the booms and gaffs swinging as if in a calm.
the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading Rushing up on deck, I was indeed surprised to find the sails hanging in midships, and not a breath from any quarter of the compass.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading (These lighter sails in a calm usually flop to pieces, especially where there is a rolling swell.) Away to the eastward I noticed a heavy bank of clouds, but considered this of minor importance, as we were nearing the Equator.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading THE HURRICANE At two o'clock in the morning of our fifth day from Suva, I was awakened by hearing the booms and gaffs swinging as if in a calm.
make calm or still
From this reading THE HURRICANE At two o'clock in the morning of our fifth day from Suva, I was awakened by hearing the booms and gaffs swinging as if in a calm.
clewed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I ordered the staysails down and the topsails clewed up and made fast, also the flying-jib and outer jib.
plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible
From this reading (These lighter sails in a calm usually flop to pieces, especially where there is a rolling swell.) Away to the eastward I noticed a heavy bank of clouds, but considered this of minor importance, as we were nearing the Equator.
compassnounUS /ˈkʌmpəs/
navigational instrument for finding directions
From this reading Rushing up on deck, I was indeed surprised to find the sails hanging in midships, and not a breath from any quarter of the compass.
carefully weighed
From this reading (These lighter sails in a calm usually flop to pieces, especially where there is a rolling swell.) Away to the eastward I noticed a heavy bank of clouds, but considered this of minor importance, as we were nearing the Equator.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading THE HURRICANE At two o'clock in the morning of our fifth day from Suva, I was awakened by hearing the booms and gaffs swinging as if in a calm.
any of various platforms built into a vessel
From this reading Rushing up on deck, I was indeed surprised to find the sails hanging in midships, and not a breath from any quarter of the compass.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading I ordered the staysails down and the topsails clewed up and made fast, also the flying-jib and outer jib.
eastwardadjectiveUS /ˈiːstwərd/
moving toward the east
From this reading (These lighter sails in a calm usually flop to pieces, especially where there is a rolling swell.) Away to the eastward I noticed a heavy bank of clouds, but considered this of minor importance, as we were nearing the Equator.
EquatornounUS /ɪˈkweɪtər/
an imaginary line around the Earth forming the great circle that is equidistant from the north and south poles
From this reading I thought this very strange, as the southeast trades should have held until we were well across the Equator.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading (These lighter sails in a calm usually flop to pieces, especially where there is a rolling swell.) Away to the eastward I noticed a heavy bank of clouds, but considered this of minor importance, as we were nearing the Equator.
quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)
From this reading I ordered the staysails down and the topsails clewed up and made fast, also the flying-jib and outer jib.
fifthnounUS /fɪfθ/
a quantity of liquor equal to one fifth of a United States gallon
From this reading THE HURRICANE At two o'clock in the morning of our fifth day from Suva, I was awakened by hearing the booms and gaffs swinging as if in a calm.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading Rushing up on deck, I was indeed surprised to find the sails hanging in midships, and not a breath from any quarter of the compass.
flopverbUS /flɑːp/
fall loosely
From this reading (These lighter sails in a calm usually flop to pieces, especially where there is a rolling swell.) Away to the eastward I noticed a heavy bank of clouds, but considered this of minor importance, as we were nearing the Equator.
flying-jib
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I ordered the staysails down and the topsails clewed up and made fast, also the flying-jib and outer jib.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading THE HURRICANE At two o'clock in the morning of our fifth day from Suva, I was awakened by hearing the booms and gaffs swinging as if in a calm.
gaffs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE HURRICANE At two o'clock in the morning of our fifth day from Suva, I was awakened by hearing the booms and gaffs swinging as if in a calm.
decoration that is hung (as a tapestry) on a wall or over a window
From this reading Rushing up on deck, I was indeed surprised to find the sails hanging in midships, and not a breath from any quarter of the compass.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading I thought this very strange, as the southeast trades should have held until we were well across the Equator.
(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence
From this reading THE HURRICANE At two o'clock in the morning of our fifth day from Suva, I was awakened by hearing the booms and gaffs swinging as if in a calm.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading (These lighter sails in a calm usually flop to pieces, especially where there is a rolling swell.) Away to the eastward I noticed a heavy bank of clouds, but considered this of minor importance, as we were nearing the Equator.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading I thought this very strange, as the southeast trades should have held until we were well across the Equator.
HURRICANEnounUS /ˈhɜːrəkeɪn/
a severe tropical cyclone usually with heavy rains and winds moving at 63-136 knots (12 on the Beaufort scale)
From this reading THE HURRICANE At two o'clock in the morning of our fifth day from Suva, I was awakened by hearing the booms and gaffs swinging as if in a calm.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading THE HURRICANE At two o'clock in the morning of our fifth day from Suva, I was awakened by hearing the booms and gaffs swinging as if in a calm.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading THE HURRICANE At two o'clock in the morning of our fifth day from Suva, I was awakened by hearing the booms and gaffs swinging as if in a calm.
the quality of being important and worthy of note
From this reading (These lighter sails in a calm usually flop to pieces, especially where there is a rolling swell.) Away to the eastward I noticed a heavy bank of clouds, but considered this of minor importance, as we were nearing the Equator.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE HURRICANE At two o'clock in the morning of our fifth day from Suva, I was awakened by hearing the booms and gaffs swinging as if in a calm.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading Rushing up on deck, I was indeed surprised to find the sails hanging in midships, and not a breath from any quarter of the compass.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading (These lighter sails in a calm usually flop to pieces, especially where there is a rolling swell.) Away to the eastward I noticed a heavy bank of clouds, but considered this of minor importance, as we were nearing the Equator.
jibverbUS /dʒɪb/
refuse to comply
From this reading I ordered the staysails down and the topsails clewed up and made fast, also the flying-jib and outer jib.
lighternounUS /ˈlaɪtər/
a substance used to ignite or kindle a fire
From this reading (These lighter sails in a calm usually flop to pieces, especially where there is a rolling swell.) Away to the eastward I noticed a heavy bank of clouds, but considered this of minor importance, as we were nearing the Equator.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading I ordered the staysails down and the topsails clewed up and made fast, also the flying-jib and outer jib.
midshipsadverb
at or near or toward the center of a ship
From this reading Rushing up on deck, I was indeed surprised to find the sails hanging in midships, and not a breath from any quarter of the compass.
minoradjectiveUS /ˈmaɪnər/
of lesser importance or stature or rank
From this reading (These lighter sails in a calm usually flop to pieces, especially where there is a rolling swell.) Away to the eastward I noticed a heavy bank of clouds, but considered this of minor importance, as we were nearing the Equator.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading THE HURRICANE At two o'clock in the morning of our fifth day from Suva, I was awakened by hearing the booms and gaffs swinging as if in a calm.
nearingverbUS /ˈnɪrɪŋ/
-ing form of “near” — move towards
From this reading (These lighter sails in a calm usually flop to pieces, especially where there is a rolling swell.) Away to the eastward I noticed a heavy bank of clouds, but considered this of minor importance, as we were nearing the Equator.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Rushing up on deck, I was indeed surprised to find the sails hanging in midships, and not a breath from any quarter of the compass.
being perceived or observed
From this reading (These lighter sails in a calm usually flop to pieces, especially where there is a rolling swell.) Away to the eastward I noticed a heavy bank of clouds, but considered this of minor importance, as we were nearing the Equator.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading THE HURRICANE At two o'clock in the morning of our fifth day from Suva, I was awakened by hearing the booms and gaffs swinging as if in a calm.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE HURRICANE At two o'clock in the morning of our fifth day from Suva, I was awakened by hearing the booms and gaffs swinging as if in a calm.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Rushing up on deck, I was indeed surprised to find the sails hanging in midships, and not a breath from any quarter of the compass.
having a systematic arrangement; especially having elements succeeding in order according to rule
From this reading I ordered the staysails down and the topsails clewed up and made fast, also the flying-jib and outer jib.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading THE HURRICANE At two o'clock in the morning of our fifth day from Suva, I was awakened by hearing the booms and gaffs swinging as if in a calm.
outeradjectiveUS /ˈaʊtər/
being on the outside or further from a center
From this reading I ordered the staysails down and the topsails clewed up and made fast, also the flying-jib and outer jib.
plural of “piece” — a separate part of a whole
From this reading (These lighter sails in a calm usually flop to pieces, especially where there is a rolling swell.) Away to the eastward I noticed a heavy bank of clouds, but considered this of minor importance, as we were nearing the Equator.
one of four equal parts
From this reading Rushing up on deck, I was indeed surprised to find the sails hanging in midships, and not a breath from any quarter of the compass.
uttered with a trill
From this reading (These lighter sails in a calm usually flop to pieces, especially where there is a rolling swell.) Away to the eastward I noticed a heavy bank of clouds, but considered this of minor importance, as we were nearing the Equator.
(American football) an attempt to advance the ball by running into the line
From this reading Rushing up on deck, I was indeed surprised to find the sails hanging in midships, and not a breath from any quarter of the compass.
sailsnounUS /seɪlz/
plural of “sail” — a large piece of fabric (usually canvas fabric) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel
From this reading Rushing up on deck, I was indeed surprised to find the sails hanging in midships, and not a breath from any quarter of the compass.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading I thought this very strange, as the southeast trades should have held until we were well across the Equator.
southeastnounUS /ˌsaʊˈθiːst/
the compass point midway between south and east; at 135 degrees
From this reading I thought this very strange, as the southeast trades should have held until we were well across the Equator.
staysails
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I ordered the staysails down and the topsails clewed up and made fast, also the flying-jib and outer jib.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading I thought this very strange, as the southeast trades should have held until we were well across the Equator.
taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment
From this reading Rushing up on deck, I was indeed surprised to find the sails hanging in midships, and not a breath from any quarter of the compass.
SuvanounUS /ˈsuːvə/
the capital and largest city of Fiji (on Viti Levu island)
From this reading THE HURRICANE At two o'clock in the morning of our fifth day from Suva, I was awakened by hearing the booms and gaffs swinging as if in a calm.
swellverbUS /swel/
increase in size, magnitude, number, or intensity
From this reading (These lighter sails in a calm usually flop to pieces, especially where there is a rolling swell.) Away to the eastward I noticed a heavy bank of clouds, but considered this of minor importance, as we were nearing the Equator.
swingingnounUS /ˈswɪŋɪŋ/
changing location by moving back and forth
From this reading THE HURRICANE At two o'clock in the morning of our fifth day from Suva, I was awakened by hearing the booms and gaffs swinging as if in a calm.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE HURRICANE At two o'clock in the morning of our fifth day from Suva, I was awakened by hearing the booms and gaffs swinging as if in a calm.
in or at that place or location
From this reading (These lighter sails in a calm usually flop to pieces, especially where there is a rolling swell.) Away to the eastward I noticed a heavy bank of clouds, but considered this of minor importance, as we were nearing the Equator.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading (These lighter sails in a calm usually flop to pieces, especially where there is a rolling swell.) Away to the eastward I noticed a heavy bank of clouds, but considered this of minor importance, as we were nearing the Equator.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading I thought this very strange, as the southeast trades should have held until we were well across the Equator.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading I thought this very strange, as the southeast trades should have held until we were well across the Equator.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Rushing up on deck, I was indeed surprised to find the sails hanging in midships, and not a breath from any quarter of the compass.
topsails
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I ordered the staysails down and the topsails clewed up and made fast, also the flying-jib and outer jib.
tradesnounUS /treɪdz/
plural of “trade” — the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services
From this reading I thought this very strange, as the southeast trades should have held until we were well across the Equator.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading THE HURRICANE At two o'clock in the morning of our fifth day from Suva, I was awakened by hearing the booms and gaffs swinging as if in a calm.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading I thought this very strange, as the southeast trades should have held until we were well across the Equator.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Rushing up on deck, I was indeed surprised to find the sails hanging in midships, and not a breath from any quarter of the compass.
under normal conditions
From this reading (These lighter sails in a calm usually flop to pieces, especially where there is a rolling swell.) Away to the eastward I noticed a heavy bank of clouds, but considered this of minor importance, as we were nearing the Equator.
precisely as stated
From this reading I thought this very strange, as the southeast trades should have held until we were well across the Equator.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE HURRICANE At two o'clock in the morning of our fifth day from Suva, I was awakened by hearing the booms and gaffs swinging as if in a calm.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading I thought this very strange, as the southeast trades should have held until we were well across the Equator.
(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 I thought this very strange, as the southeast trades should have held until we were well across the Equator.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading I thought this very strange, as the southeast trades should have held until we were well across the Equator.
in or at the place that
From this reading (These lighter sails in a calm usually flop to pieces, especially where there is a rolling swell.) Away to the eastward I noticed a heavy bank of clouds, but considered this of minor importance, as we were nearing the Equator.
