used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading The forbidding coast they were skirting, and which was Phil’s first bit of Alaska, was the south side of the island of Oonimak, one of the largest of the entire Aleutian chain, and also the only one of any size absolutely without inhabitants.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
AlaskanounUS /əˈlæskə/
a state in northwestern North America; the 49th state admitted to the union
From this reading The forbidding coast they were skirting, and which was Phil’s first bit of Alaska, was the south side of the island of Oonimak, one of the largest of the entire Aleutian chain, and also the only one of any size absolutely without inhabitants.
AleutiannounUS /əˈluːʃən/
a member of the people inhabiting the Aleutian Islands and southwestern Alaska
From this reading It was Shishaldin, the most beautiful peak of all the Aleutian Islands, and as it was the first volcano Phil Ryder had ever seen, he gazed upon it with delight and wonder.
(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 Above all towered the symmetrical snow-capped peak of a lofty mountain, from the summit of which a thin banner of smoke trailed to leeward.
in addition
From this reading The forbidding coast they were skirting, and which was Phil’s first bit of Alaska, was the south side of the island of Oonimak, one of the largest of the entire Aleutian chain, and also the only one of any size absolutely without inhabitants.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading The forbidding coast they were skirting, and which was Phil’s first bit of Alaska, was the south side of the island of Oonimak, one of the largest of the entire Aleutian chain, and also the only one of any size absolutely without inhabitants.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was Shishaldin, the most beautiful peak of all the Aleutian Islands, and as it was the first volcano Phil Ryder had ever seen, he gazed upon it with delight and wonder.
awfuladjectiveUS /ˈɑːfəl/
exceptionally bad or displeasing
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
baldadjectiveUS /bɔːld/
with no effort to conceal
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
bannernounUS /ˈbænər/
long strip of cloth or paper used for decoration or advertising
From this reading Above all towered the symmetrical snow-capped peak of a lofty mountain, from the summit of which a thin banner of smoke trailed to leeward.
delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration
From this reading It was Shishaldin, the most beautiful peak of all the Aleutian Islands, and as it was the first volcano Phil Ryder had ever seen, he gazed upon it with delight and wonder.
billowsnounUS /ˈbɪloʊz/
plural of “billow” — a large sea wave
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
a small piece or quantity of something
From this reading The forbidding coast they were skirting, and which was Phil’s first bit of Alaska, was the south side of the island of Oonimak, one of the largest of the entire Aleutian chain, and also the only one of any size absolutely without inhabitants.
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
breakersnounUS /ˈbreɪkərz/
waves breaking on the shore
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
ceaselessadjectiveUS /ˈsiːslɪs/
uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
a series of things depending on each other as if linked together
From this reading The forbidding coast they were skirting, and which was Phil’s first bit of Alaska, was the south side of the island of Oonimak, one of the largest of the entire Aleutian chain, and also the only one of any size absolutely without inhabitants.
circledverbUS /ˈsɜːrkəld/
past form of “circle” — travel around something
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
the shore of a sea or ocean
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
plural of “cry” — a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
give pleasure to or be pleasing to
From this reading It was Shishaldin, the most beautiful peak of all the Aleutian Islands, and as it was the first volcano Phil Ryder had ever seen, he gazed upon it with delight and wonder.
desolationnounUS /ˌdesəˈleɪʃən/
the state of being decayed or destroyed
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
disported
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
constituting the full quantity or extent; complete
From this reading The forbidding coast they were skirting, and which was Phil’s first bit of Alaska, was the south side of the island of Oonimak, one of the largest of the entire Aleutian chain, and also the only one of any size absolutely without inhabitants.
at any time
From this reading It was Shishaldin, the most beautiful peak of all the Aleutian Islands, and as it was the first volcano Phil Ryder had ever seen, he gazed upon it with delight and wonder.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading It was Shishaldin, the most beautiful peak of all the Aleutian Islands, and as it was the first volcano Phil Ryder had ever seen, he gazed upon it with delight and wonder.
fishingnounUS /ˈfɪʃɪŋ/
the act of someone who fishes as a diversion
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
FORBIDDENadjectiveUS /fərˈbɪd.ən/
Not allowed; banned or prohibited by rule or law.
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
forbiddingadjectiveUS /fərˈbɪdɪŋ/
harshly uninviting or formidable in manner or appearance
From this reading The forbidding coast they were skirting, and which was Phil’s first bit of Alaska, was the south side of the island of Oonimak, one of the largest of the entire Aleutian chain, and also the only one of any size absolutely without inhabitants.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Above all towered the symmetrical snow-capped peak of a lofty mountain, from the summit of which a thin banner of smoke trailed to leeward.
past form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes
From this reading It was Shishaldin, the most beautiful peak of all the Aleutian Islands, and as it was the first volcano Phil Ryder had ever seen, he gazed upon it with delight and wonder.
grandeurnounUS /ɡrænˈduːr/
the quality of being magnificent or splendid or grand
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was Shishaldin, the most beautiful peak of all the Aleutian Islands, and as it was the first volcano Phil Ryder had ever seen, he gazed upon it with delight and wonder.
harshadjectiveUS /hɑːrʃ/
unpleasantly stern
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was Shishaldin, the most beautiful peak of all the Aleutian Islands, and as it was the first volcano Phil Ryder had ever seen, he gazed upon it with delight and wonder.
headlands
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place
From this reading The forbidding coast they were skirting, and which was Phil’s first bit of Alaska, was the south side of the island of Oonimak, one of the largest of the entire Aleutian chain, and also the only one of any size absolutely without inhabitants.
INTOprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading The forbidding coast they were skirting, and which was Phil’s first bit of Alaska, was the south side of the island of Oonimak, one of the largest of the entire Aleutian chain, and also the only one of any size absolutely without inhabitants.
plural of “island” — a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading It was Shishaldin, the most beautiful peak of all the Aleutian Islands, and as it was the first volcano Phil Ryder had ever seen, he gazed upon it with delight and wonder.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was Shishaldin, the most beautiful peak of all the Aleutian Islands, and as it was the first volcano Phil Ryder had ever seen, he gazed upon it with delight and wonder.
largestadjectiveUS /ˈlɑːrdʒəst/
superlative of “large” — above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The forbidding coast they were skirting, and which was Phil’s first bit of Alaska, was the south side of the island of Oonimak, one of the largest of the entire Aleutian chain, and also the only one of any size absolutely without inhabitants.
lazilyadverbUS /ˈlæzəli/
in a slow and lazy manner
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
leewardnounUS /ˈliːwərd/
the direction in which the wind is blowing
From this reading Above all towered the symmetrical snow-capped peak of a lofty mountain, from the summit of which a thin banner of smoke trailed to leeward.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
loftyadjectiveUS /ˈlɔːfti/
of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style
From this reading Above all towered the symmetrical snow-capped peak of a lofty mountain, from the summit of which a thin banner of smoke trailed to leeward.
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 The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
used to form the superlative
From this reading It was Shishaldin, the most beautiful peak of all the Aleutian Islands, and as it was the first volcano Phil Ryder had ever seen, he gazed upon it with delight and wonder.
a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading Above all towered the symmetrical snow-capped peak of a lofty mountain, from the summit of which a thin banner of smoke trailed to leeward.
myriads
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
not any; not one
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
and nothing more
From this reading The forbidding coast they were skirting, and which was Phil’s first bit of Alaska, was the south side of the island of Oonimak, one of the largest of the entire Aleutian chain, and also the only one of any size absolutely without inhabitants.
Oonimak
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The forbidding coast they were skirting, and which was Phil’s first bit of Alaska, was the south side of the island of Oonimak, one of the largest of the entire Aleutian chain, and also the only one of any size absolutely without inhabitants.
PacificnounUS /pəˈsɪfɪk/
the largest ocean in the world
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
peaknounUS /piːk/
the most extreme possible amount or value
From this reading Above all towered the symmetrical snow-capped peak of a lofty mountain, from the summit of which a thin banner of smoke trailed to leeward.
Phil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Shishaldin, the most beautiful peak of all the Aleutian Islands, and as it was the first volcano Phil Ryder had ever seen, he gazed upon it with delight and wonder.
Phil's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The forbidding coast they were skirting, and which was Phil’s first bit of Alaska, was the south side of the island of Oonimak, one of the largest of the entire Aleutian chain, and also the only one of any size absolutely without inhabitants.
precipitousadjectiveUS /prɪˈsɪpɪtəs/
done with very great haste and without due deliberation
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
plural of “rock” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
especially of petals or leaves in bud; having margins rolled inward
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
Ryder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Shishaldin, the most beautiful peak of all the Aleutian Islands, and as it was the first volcano Phil Ryder had ever seen, he gazed upon it with delight and wonder.
the place where some action occurs
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
sea-fowl
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
sea-lions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
Seamew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading It was Shishaldin, the most beautiful peak of all the Aleutian Islands, and as it was the first volcano Phil Ryder had ever seen, he gazed upon it with delight and wonder.
Shishaldin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Shishaldin, the most beautiful peak of all the Aleutian Islands, and as it was the first volcano Phil Ryder had ever seen, he gazed upon it with delight and wonder.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading The forbidding coast they were skirting, and which was Phil’s first bit of Alaska, was the south side of the island of Oonimak, one of the largest of the entire Aleutian chain, and also the only one of any size absolutely without inhabitants.
a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)
From this reading The forbidding coast they were skirting, and which was Phil’s first bit of Alaska, was the south side of the island of Oonimak, one of the largest of the entire Aleutian chain, and also the only one of any size absolutely without inhabitants.
skirtingadjectiveUS /ˈskɜːrtɪŋ/
being all around the edges; enclosing
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas
From this reading Above all towered the symmetrical snow-capped peak of a lofty mountain, from the summit of which a thin banner of smoke trailed to leeward.
snow-cappedadjective
(of mountains) capped with a covering of snow
From this reading Above all towered the symmetrical snow-capped peak of a lofty mountain, from the summit of which a thin banner of smoke trailed to leeward.
solitudenounUS /ˈsɑːlətuːd/
a state of social isolation
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading The forbidding coast they were skirting, and which was Phil’s first bit of Alaska, was the south side of the island of Oonimak, one of the largest of the entire Aleutian chain, and also the only one of any size absolutely without inhabitants.
summitnounUS /ˈsʌmət/
the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
From this reading Above all towered the symmetrical snow-capped peak of a lofty mountain, from the summit of which a thin banner of smoke trailed to leeward.
swellsnounUS /swelz/
plural of “swell” — the undulating movement of the surface of the open sea
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
symmetricaladjectiveUS /səˈmetrɪkəl/
having similarity in size, shape, and relative position of corresponding parts
From this reading Above all towered the symmetrical snow-capped peak of a lofty mountain, from the summit of which a thin banner of smoke trailed to leeward.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The forbidding coast they were skirting, and which was Phil’s first bit of Alaska, was the south side of the island of Oonimak, one of the largest of the entire Aleutian chain, and also the only one of any size absolutely without inhabitants.
Having little thickness or extent.
From this reading Above all towered the symmetrical snow-capped peak of a lofty mountain, from the summit of which a thin banner of smoke trailed to leeward.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
thunderedverbUS /ˈθʌndərd/
past form of “thunder” — move fast, noisily, and heavily
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Above all towered the symmetrical snow-capped peak of a lofty mountain, from the summit of which a thin banner of smoke trailed to leeward.
toweredverbUS /ˈtaʊərd/
past form of “tower” — appear very large or occupy a commanding position
From this reading Above all towered the symmetrical snow-capped peak of a lofty mountain, from the summit of which a thin banner of smoke trailed to leeward.
trailedverbUS /treɪld/
past form of “trail” — to lag or linger behind
From this reading Above all towered the symmetrical snow-capped peak of a lofty mountain, from the summit of which a thin banner of smoke trailed to leeward.
tumultuousadjectiveUS /ˌtuːˈmʌltʃuːəs/
characterized by unrest or disorder or insubordination
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading It was Shishaldin, the most beautiful peak of all the Aleutian Islands, and as it was the first volcano Phil Ryder had ever seen, he gazed upon it with delight and wonder.
articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
capable of being seen; or open to easy view
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
volcanonounUS /vɑːlˈkeɪnoʊ/
a fissure in the earth's crust (or in the surface of some other planet) through which molten lava and gases erupt
From this reading It was Shishaldin, the most beautiful peak of all the Aleutian Islands, and as it was the first volcano Phil Ryder had ever seen, he gazed upon it with delight and wonder.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
United States actress and singer (1896-1977)
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The forbidding coast they were skirting, and which was Phil’s first bit of Alaska, was the south side of the island of Oonimak, one of the largest of the entire Aleutian chain, and also the only one of any size absolutely without inhabitants.
whalesnounUS /weɪlz/
plural of “whale” — a very large person; impressive in size or qualities
From this reading The scene was one of awful grandeur and desolation, though not of utter solitude, for though no sign of human life was visible, sea-lions disported in the tumultuous breakers, huge whales rolled lazily on the long swells, and myriads of sea-fowl circled with harsh cries above the precipitous rocks.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
wild-looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A VENTURE INTO FORBIDDEN WATERS On the morning following that of the day of fishing the _Seamew_ was skirting a wild-looking coast, against the bald headlands of which the huge blue billows of the Pacific thundered with a ceaseless roar.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading The forbidding coast they were skirting, and which was Phil’s first bit of Alaska, was the south side of the island of Oonimak, one of the largest of the entire Aleutian chain, and also the only one of any size absolutely without inhabitants.
the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
From this reading It was Shishaldin, the most beautiful peak of all the Aleutian Islands, and as it was the first volcano Phil Ryder had ever seen, he gazed upon it with delight and wonder.
