used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
AleutiannounUS /əˈluːʃən/
a member of the people inhabiting the Aleutian Islands and southwestern Alaska
From this reading Here they found the ruins of many ancient dwellings huddled closely together, and marking the site of a once populous Aleutian settlement.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading They did not visit it, but searched among the others for one suited to their purpose.
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading Here they found the ruins of many ancient dwellings huddled closely together, and marking the site of a once populous Aleutian settlement.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Phil and Serge had never been there before, but Jalap Coombs had, though only in the night-time, and he pointed out the ruin that stood nearest the beach as the one containing the cache of seal-skins.
an area of sand sloping down to the water of a sea or lake
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Phil and Serge had never been there before, but Jalap Coombs had, though only in the night-time, and he pointed out the ruin that stood nearest the beach as the one containing the cache of seal-skins.
beltnounUS /belt/
endless loop of flexible material between two rotating shafts or pulleys
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
the two together, not just one
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
BRIMSTONEnounUS /ˈbrɪmstoʊn/
an old name for sulfur
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
brisklyadverbUS /ˈbrɪskli/
in a brisk manner
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Phil and Serge had never been there before, but Jalap Coombs had, though only in the night-time, and he pointed out the ruin that stood nearest the beach as the one containing the cache of seal-skins.
cachenounUS /kæʃ/
a hidden storage space (for money or provisions or weapons)
From this reading Phil and Serge had never been there before, but Jalap Coombs had, though only in the night-time, and he pointed out the ruin that stood nearest the beach as the one containing the cache of seal-skins.
castawaysnounUS /ˈkæstəweɪz/
plural of “castaway” — a person who is rejected (from society or home)
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
in a close relation or position in time or space
From this reading Here they found the ruins of many ancient dwellings huddled closely together, and marking the site of a once populous Aleutian settlement.
containingverbUS /kənˈteɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “contain” — include or contain; have as a component
From this reading Phil and Serge had never been there before, but Jalap Coombs had, though only in the night-time, and he pointed out the ruin that stood nearest the beach as the one containing the cache of seal-skins.
Coombs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Phil and Serge had never been there before, but Jalap Coombs had, though only in the night-time, and he pointed out the ruin that stood nearest the beach as the one containing the cache of seal-skins.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
placed crosswise
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
despairingadjectiveUS /dɪˈsperɪŋ/
arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading They did not visit it, but searched among the others for one suited to their purpose.
inflected form of “drink” — take in liquids
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
drenchedadjectiveUS /drentʃt/
abundantly covered or supplied with; often used in combination
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
dwellingsnounUS /ˈdwelɪŋz/
plural of “dwelling” — housing that someone is living in
From this reading Here they found the ruins of many ancient dwellings huddled closely together, and marking the site of a once populous Aleutian settlement.
with eagerness; in an eager manner
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
emergeverbUS /ɪˈmɜːrdʒ/
come out into view, as from concealment
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
-ing form of “expect” — regard something as probable or likely
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
fancying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
FEATHERSnounUS /ˈfeðərz/
plural of “feather” — the light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
plural of “form” — the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
set up or found
From this reading Here they found the ruins of many ancient dwellings huddled closely together, and marking the site of a once populous Aleutian settlement.
recently made, produced, or harvested
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
golden-greenadjective
of green tinged with gold
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Phil and Serge had never been there before, but Jalap Coombs had, though only in the night-time, and he pointed out the ruin that stood nearest the beach as the one containing the cache of seal-skins.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Here they found the ruins of many ancient dwellings huddled closely together, and marking the site of a once populous Aleutian settlement.
huddledadjectiveUS /ˈhʌdəld/
crowded or massed together
From this reading Here they found the ruins of many ancient dwellings huddled closely together, and marking the site of a once populous Aleutian settlement.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
inhabitedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈhæbətəd/
having inhabitants; lived in
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading They did not visit it, but searched among the others for one suited to their purpose.
Jalap
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Phil and Serge had never been there before, but Jalap Coombs had, though only in the night-time, and he pointed out the ruin that stood nearest the beach as the one containing the cache of seal-skins.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
Krenitzin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
plural of “lad” — a boy or man
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
roused to anger
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Here they found the ruins of many ancient dwellings huddled closely together, and marking the site of a once populous Aleutian settlement.
markingnounUS /ˈmɑːrkɪŋ/
a distinguishing symbol
From this reading Here they found the ruins of many ancient dwellings huddled closely together, and marking the site of a once populous Aleutian settlement.
the officer below the master on a commercial ship
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
mossnounUS /mɔːs/
tiny leafy-stemmed flowerless plants
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance
From this reading Phil and Serge had never been there before, but Jalap Coombs had, though only in the night-time, and he pointed out the ruin that stood nearest the beach as the one containing the cache of seal-skins.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Phil and Serge had never been there before, but Jalap Coombs had, though only in the night-time, and he pointed out the ruin that stood nearest the beach as the one containing the cache of seal-skins.
night-time
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Phil and Serge had never been there before, but Jalap Coombs had, though only in the night-time, and he pointed out the ruin that stood nearest the beach as the one containing the cache of seal-skins.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
on one occasion
From this reading Here they found the ruins of many ancient dwellings huddled closely together, and marking the site of a once populous Aleutian settlement.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Phil and Serge had never been there before, but Jalap Coombs had, though only in the night-time, and he pointed out the ruin that stood nearest the beach as the one containing the cache of seal-skins.
and nothing more
From this reading Phil and Serge had never been there before, but Jalap Coombs had, though only in the night-time, and he pointed out the ruin that stood nearest the beach as the one containing the cache of seal-skins.
Oonimak
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They did not visit it, but searched among the others for one suited to their purpose.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Phil and Serge had never been there before, but Jalap Coombs had, though only in the night-time, and he pointed out the ruin that stood nearest the beach as the one containing the cache of seal-skins.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
overlookingadjectiveUS /ˈoʊvərlʊkɪŋ/
used of a height or viewpoint
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
Phil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Phil and Serge had never been there before, but Jalap Coombs had, though only in the night-time, and he pointed out the ruin that stood nearest the beach as the one containing the cache of seal-skins.
plateaunounUS /plæˈtoʊ/
a relatively flat highland
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
having a point
From this reading Phil and Serge had never been there before, but Jalap Coombs had, though only in the night-time, and he pointed out the ruin that stood nearest the beach as the one containing the cache of seal-skins.
populousadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːpjələs/
densely populated
From this reading Here they found the ruins of many ancient dwellings huddled closely together, and marking the site of a once populous Aleutian settlement.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading They did not visit it, but searched among the others for one suited to their purpose.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
rooflessadjective
not having a roof
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction
From this reading Phil and Serge had never been there before, but Jalap Coombs had, though only in the night-time, and he pointed out the ruin that stood nearest the beach as the one containing the cache of seal-skins.
ruinsnounUS /ˈruːənz/
plural of “ruin” — an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction
From this reading Here they found the ruins of many ancient dwellings huddled closely together, and marking the site of a once populous Aleutian settlement.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
seal-skins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Phil and Serge had never been there before, but Jalap Coombs had, though only in the night-time, and he pointed out the ruin that stood nearest the beach as the one containing the cache of seal-skins.
searchedverbUS /sɜːrtʃt/
past form of “search” — try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of
From this reading They did not visit it, but searched among the others for one suited to their purpose.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
SergenounUS /sɜːrdʒ/
a twilled woolen fabric
From this reading Phil and Serge had never been there before, but Jalap Coombs had, though only in the night-time, and he pointed out the ruin that stood nearest the beach as the one containing the cache of seal-skins.
settlementnounUS /ˈsetəlmənt/
a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government
From this reading Here they found the ruins of many ancient dwellings huddled closely together, and marking the site of a once populous Aleutian settlement.
shiveringnounUS /ˈʃɪvərɪŋ/
a sensation of cold that often marks the start of an infection and the development of a fever
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
shrieknounUS /ʃriːk/
sharp piercing cry
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
sitenounUS /saɪt/
the piece of land on which something is located (or is to be located)
From this reading Here they found the ruins of many ancient dwellings huddled closely together, and marking the site of a once populous Aleutian settlement.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Phil and Serge had never been there before, but Jalap Coombs had, though only in the night-time, and he pointed out the ruin that stood nearest the beach as the one containing the cache of seal-skins.
StraitnounUS /streɪt/
a narrow channel of the sea joining two larger bodies of water
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
structuresnounUS /ˈstrʌktʃərz/
plural of “structure” — a thing constructed; a complex entity constructed of many parts
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
suitedadjectiveUS /ˈsuːtɪd/
meant or adapted for an occasion or use
From this reading They did not visit it, but searched among the others for one suited to their purpose.
past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading They did not visit it, but searched among the others for one suited to their purpose.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Phil and Serge had never been there before, but Jalap Coombs had, though only in the night-time, and he pointed out the ruin that stood nearest the beach as the one containing the cache of seal-skins.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Phil and Serge had never been there before, but Jalap Coombs had, though only in the night-time, and he pointed out the ruin that stood nearest the beach as the one containing the cache of seal-skins.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading Here they found the ruins of many ancient dwellings huddled closely together, and marking the site of a once populous Aleutian settlement.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading They did not visit it, but searched among the others for one suited to their purpose.
plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
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 BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
United States actress and singer (1896-1977)
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
wind-swept
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BRIMSTONE AND FEATHERS While they talked, the three drenched and shivering castaways walked briskly up the beach, through a broad belt of golden-green moss, crossed a little stream of fresh water, from which they drank eagerly, and finally reached a wind-swept plateau overlooking both the sea and the mad waters of Krenitzin Strait.
a late time of life
From this reading Although the mate and the two lads knew that Oonimak Island had not been inhabited for many years, they could not help expecting to see human forms emerge from some of the ancient dwellings, and fancying that in the shriek of the wind over the roofless structures they heard despairing human voices.
