Chapter XVIII · Chapter 18

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

From this reading On the 6th January, towards eleven o’clock in the morning, Kellet, whose turn it was to look out, suddenly called the Sergeant, and pointed to some moving masses indistinctly visible in the gloom.

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

From this reading The outside shutters had not been closed; but before it could be seen through it had to be washed with boiling water, as the panes were covered with a thick coating of ice.

with few mistakes

From this reading This was done several times a day by the Lieutenant’s orders, when the districts surrounding the fort were carefully examined, and the state of the sky, and of the alcohol thermometer placed outside, were accurately noted.

a liquor or brew containing alcohol as the active agent

From this reading This was done several times a day by the Lieutenant’s orders, when the districts surrounding the fort were carefully examined, and the state of the sky, and of the alcohol thermometer placed outside, were accurately noted.

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

From this reading This was done several times a day by the Lieutenant’s orders, when the districts surrounding the fort were carefully examined, and the state of the sky, and of the alcohol thermometer placed outside, were accurately noted.

the event of one object coming closer to another

From this reading Long, approaching the window observed quietly— “They are bears!”

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Long, approaching the window observed quietly— “They are bears!”

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading The outside shutters had not been closed; but before it could be seen through it had to be washed with boiling water, as the panes were covered with a thick coating of ice.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading through which it was possible to look into the court of the fort was that opening at the end of the entrance passage.

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

From this reading The outside shutters had not been closed; but before it could be seen through it had to be washed with boiling water, as the panes were covered with a thick coating of ice.

plural of “bear” — massive plantigrade carnivorous or omnivorous mammals with long shaggy coats and strong claws

From this reading Long, approaching the window observed quietly— “They are bears!”

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The outside shutters had not been closed; but before it could be seen through it had to be washed with boiling water, as the panes were covered with a thick coating of ice.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The outside shutters had not been closed; but before it could be seen through it had to be washed with boiling water, as the panes were covered with a thick coating of ice.

the application of heat to change something from a liquid to a gas

From this reading The outside shutters had not been closed; but before it could be seen through it had to be washed with boiling water, as the panes were covered with a thick coating of ice.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The outside shutters had not been closed; but before it could be seen through it had to be washed with boiling water, as the panes were covered with a thick coating of ice.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading This was done several times a day by the Lieutenant’s orders, when the districts surrounding the fort were carefully examined, and the state of the sky, and of the alcohol thermometer placed outside, were accurately noted.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading On the 6th January, towards eleven o’clock in the morning, Kellet, whose turn it was to look out, suddenly called the Sergeant, and pointed to some moving masses indistinctly visible in the gloom.

taking care or paying attention

From this reading This was done several times a day by the Lieutenant’s orders, when the districts surrounding the fort were carefully examined, and the state of the sky, and of the alcohol thermometer placed outside, were accurately noted.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading The outside shutters had not been closed; but before it could be seen through it had to be washed with boiling water, as the panes were covered with a thick coating of ice.

a thin layer covering something

From this reading The outside shutters had not been closed; but before it could be seen through it had to be washed with boiling water, as the panes were covered with a thick coating of ice.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading The outside shutters had not been closed; but before it could be seen through it had to be washed with boiling water, as the panes were covered with a thick coating of ice.

an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading through which it was possible to look into the court of the fort was that opening at the end of the entrance passage.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading The outside shutters had not been closed; but before it could be seen through it had to be washed with boiling water, as the panes were covered with a thick coating of ice.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading This was done several times a day by the Lieutenant’s orders, when the districts surrounding the fort were carefully examined, and the state of the sky, and of the alcohol thermometer placed outside, were accurately noted.

plural of “district” — a region marked off for administrative or other purposes

From this reading This was done several times a day by the Lieutenant’s orders, when the districts surrounding the fort were carefully examined, and the state of the sky, and of the alcohol thermometer placed outside, were accurately noted.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading This was done several times a day by the Lieutenant’s orders, when the districts surrounding the fort were carefully examined, and the state of the sky, and of the alcohol thermometer placed outside, were accurately noted.

being one more than ten

From this reading On the 6th January, towards eleven o’clock in the morning, Kellet, whose turn it was to look out, suddenly called the Sergeant, and pointed to some moving masses indistinctly visible in the gloom.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading through which it was possible to look into the court of the fort was that opening at the end of the entrance passage.

something that provides access (to get in or get out)

From this reading through which it was possible to look into the court of the fort was that opening at the end of the entrance passage.

past form of “examine” — consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning

From this reading This was done several times a day by the Lieutenant’s orders, when the districts surrounding the fort were carefully examined, and the state of the sky, and of the alcohol thermometer placed outside, were accurately noted.

a fortified military post where troops are stationed

From this reading through which it was possible to look into the court of the fort was that opening at the end of the entrance passage.

a state of partial or total darkness

From this reading On the 6th January, towards eleven o’clock in the morning, Kellet, whose turn it was to look out, suddenly called the Sergeant, and pointed to some moving masses indistinctly visible in the gloom.

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

From this reading The outside shutters had not been closed; but before it could be seen through it had to be washed with boiling water, as the panes were covered with a thick coating of ice.

water frozen in the solid state

From this reading The outside shutters had not been closed; but before it could be seen through it had to be washed with boiling water, as the panes were covered with a thick coating of ice.

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

From this reading On the 6th January, towards eleven o’clock in the morning, Kellet, whose turn it was to look out, suddenly called the Sergeant, and pointed to some moving masses indistinctly visible in the gloom.

in a dim indistinct manner

From this reading On the 6th January, towards eleven o’clock in the morning, Kellet, whose turn it was to look out, suddenly called the Sergeant, and pointed to some moving masses indistinctly visible in the gloom.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading through which it was possible to look into the court of the fort was that opening at the end of the entrance passage.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading through which it was possible to look into the court of the fort was that opening at the end of the entrance passage.

the first month of the year; begins 10 days after the winter solstice

From this reading On the 6th January, towards eleven o’clock in the morning, Kellet, whose turn it was to look out, suddenly called the Sergeant, and pointed to some moving masses indistinctly visible in the gloom.

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

From this reading On the 6th January, towards eleven o’clock in the morning, Kellet, whose turn it was to look out, suddenly called the Sergeant, and pointed to some moving masses indistinctly visible in the gloom.

possessive form of “lieutenant” — a commissioned military officer

From this reading This was done several times a day by the Lieutenant’s orders, when the districts surrounding the fort were carefully examined, and the state of the sky, and of the alcohol thermometer placed outside, were accurately noted.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Long, approaching the window observed quietly— “They are bears!”

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading through which it was possible to look into the court of the fort was that opening at the end of the entrance passage.

the common people generally

From this reading On the 6th January, towards eleven o’clock in the morning, Kellet, whose turn it was to look out, suddenly called the Sergeant, and pointed to some moving masses indistinctly visible in the gloom.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading On the 6th January, towards eleven o’clock in the morning, Kellet, whose turn it was to look out, suddenly called the Sergeant, and pointed to some moving masses indistinctly visible in the gloom.

in motion

From this reading On the 6th January, towards eleven o’clock in the morning, Kellet, whose turn it was to look out, suddenly called the Sergeant, and pointed to some moving masses indistinctly visible in the gloom.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The outside shutters had not been closed; but before it could be seen through it had to be washed with boiling water, as the panes were covered with a thick coating of ice.

widely known and esteemed

From this reading This was done several times a day by the Lieutenant’s orders, when the districts surrounding the fort were carefully examined, and the state of the sky, and of the alcohol thermometer placed outside, were accurately noted.

according to the clock

From this reading On the 6th January, towards eleven o’clock in the morning, Kellet, whose turn it was to look out, suddenly called the Sergeant, and pointed to some moving masses indistinctly visible in the gloom.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading Long, approaching the window observed quietly— “They are bears!”

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading through which it was possible to look into the court of the fort was that opening at the end of the entrance passage.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the 6th January, towards eleven o’clock in the morning, Kellet, whose turn it was to look out, suddenly called the Sergeant, and pointed to some moving masses indistinctly visible in the gloom.

an open or empty space in or between things

From this reading through which it was possible to look into the court of the fort was that opening at the end of the entrance passage.

plural of “order” — (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading This was done several times a day by the Lieutenant’s orders, when the districts surrounding the fort were carefully examined, and the state of the sky, and of the alcohol thermometer placed outside, were accurately noted.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading On the 6th January, towards eleven o’clock in the morning, Kellet, whose turn it was to look out, suddenly called the Sergeant, and pointed to some moving masses indistinctly visible in the gloom.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading The outside shutters had not been closed; but before it could be seen through it had to be washed with boiling water, as the panes were covered with a thick coating of ice.

plural of “pane” — sheet glass cut in shapes for windows or doors

From this reading The outside shutters had not been closed; but before it could be seen through it had to be washed with boiling water, as the panes were covered with a thick coating of ice.

the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading through which it was possible to look into the court of the fort was that opening at the end of the entrance passage.

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading This was done several times a day by the Lieutenant’s orders, when the districts surrounding the fort were carefully examined, and the state of the sky, and of the alcohol thermometer placed outside, were accurately noted.

having a point

From this reading On the 6th January, towards eleven o’clock in the morning, Kellet, whose turn it was to look out, suddenly called the Sergeant, and pointed to some moving masses indistinctly visible in the gloom.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading through which it was possible to look into the court of the fort was that opening at the end of the entrance passage.

with low volume

From this reading Long, approaching the window observed quietly— “They are bears!”

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

From this reading The outside shutters had not been closed; but before it could be seen through it had to be washed with boiling water, as the panes were covered with a thick coating of ice.

any of several noncommissioned officer ranks in the Army or Air Force or Marines ranking above a corporal

From this reading On the 6th January, towards eleven o’clock in the morning, Kellet, whose turn it was to look out, suddenly called the Sergeant, and pointed to some moving masses indistinctly visible in the gloom.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading This was done several times a day by the Lieutenant’s orders, when the districts surrounding the fort were carefully examined, and the state of the sky, and of the alcohol thermometer placed outside, were accurately noted.

plural of “shutter” — a mechanical device on a camera that opens and closes to control the time of a photographic exposure

From this reading The outside shutters had not been closed; but before it could be seen through it had to be washed with boiling water, as the panes were covered with a thick coating of ice.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading This was done several times a day by the Lieutenant’s orders, when the districts surrounding the fort were carefully examined, and the state of the sky, and of the alcohol thermometer placed outside, were accurately noted.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading On the 6th January, towards eleven o’clock in the morning, Kellet, whose turn it was to look out, suddenly called the Sergeant, and pointed to some moving masses indistinctly visible in the gloom.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading This was done several times a day by the Lieutenant’s orders, when the districts surrounding the fort were carefully examined, and the state of the sky, and of the alcohol thermometer placed outside, were accurately noted.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading On the 6th January, towards eleven o’clock in the morning, Kellet, whose turn it was to look out, suddenly called the Sergeant, and pointed to some moving masses indistinctly visible in the gloom.

closely encircling

From this reading This was done several times a day by the Lieutenant’s orders, when the districts surrounding the fort were carefully examined, and the state of the sky, and of the alcohol thermometer placed outside, were accurately noted.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading through which it was possible to look into the court of the fort was that opening at the end of the entrance passage.

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

From this reading through which it was possible to look into the court of the fort was that opening at the end of the entrance passage.

measuring instrument for measuring temperature

From this reading This was done several times a day by the Lieutenant’s orders, when the districts surrounding the fort were carefully examined, and the state of the sky, and of the alcohol thermometer placed outside, were accurately noted.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Long, approaching the window observed quietly— “They are bears!”

not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions

From this reading The outside shutters had not been closed; but before it could be seen through it had to be washed with boiling water, as the panes were covered with a thick coating of ice.

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

From this reading This was done several times a day by the Lieutenant’s orders, when the districts surrounding the fort were carefully examined, and the state of the sky, and of the alcohol thermometer placed outside, were accurately noted.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading through which it was possible to look into the court of the fort was that opening at the end of the entrance passage.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading This was done several times a day by the Lieutenant’s orders, when the districts surrounding the fort were carefully examined, and the state of the sky, and of the alcohol thermometer placed outside, were accurately noted.

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

From this reading through which it was possible to look into the court of the fort was that opening at the end of the entrance passage.

in the direction of

From this reading On the 6th January, towards eleven o’clock in the morning, Kellet, whose turn it was to look out, suddenly called the Sergeant, and pointed to some moving masses indistinctly visible in the gloom.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading On the 6th January, towards eleven o’clock in the morning, Kellet, whose turn it was to look out, suddenly called the Sergeant, and pointed to some moving masses indistinctly visible in the gloom.

capable of being seen; or open to easy view

From this reading On the 6th January, towards eleven o’clock in the morning, Kellet, whose turn it was to look out, suddenly called the Sergeant, and pointed to some moving masses indistinctly visible in the gloom.

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

From this reading through which it was possible to look into the court of the fort was that opening at the end of the entrance passage.

clean by virtue of having been washed in water

From this reading The outside shutters had not been closed; but before it could be seen through it had to be washed with boiling water, as the panes were covered with a thick coating of ice.

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 outside shutters had not been closed; but before it could be seen through it had to be washed with boiling water, as the panes were covered with a thick coating of ice.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The outside shutters had not been closed; but before it could be seen through it had to be washed with boiling water, as the panes were covered with a thick coating of ice.

at the time that

From this reading This was done several times a day by the Lieutenant’s orders, when the districts surrounding the fort were carefully examined, and the state of the sky, and of the alcohol thermometer placed outside, were accurately noted.

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

From this reading through which it was possible to look into the court of the fort was that opening at the end of the entrance passage.

belonging to which person

From this reading On the 6th January, towards eleven o’clock in the morning, Kellet, whose turn it was to look out, suddenly called the Sergeant, and pointed to some moving masses indistinctly visible in the gloom.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading Long, approaching the window observed quietly— “They are bears!”

in the company of; together with

From this reading The outside shutters had not been closed; but before it could be seen through it had to be washed with boiling water, as the panes were covered with a thick coating of ice.