used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading As far as the eye could see, there appeared nothing but a vast expanse of tumbling waves, their whiteness above accentuated by the green blackness below, as they flung their shattered spray as in derision against the grim sky.
accentuatedverbUS /ækˈsentʃuːeɪtɪd/
past form of “accentuate” — to stress, single out as important
From this reading As far as the eye could see, there appeared nothing but a vast expanse of tumbling waves, their whiteness above accentuated by the green blackness below, as they flung their shattered spray as in derision against the grim sky.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading As far as the eye could see, there appeared nothing but a vast expanse of tumbling waves, their whiteness above accentuated by the green blackness below, as they flung their shattered spray as in derision against the grim sky.
(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 Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading As far as the eye could see, there appeared nothing but a vast expanse of tumbling waves, their whiteness above accentuated by the green blackness below, as they flung their shattered spray as in derision against the grim sky.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Placid waters these generally are, especially during the months of the halcyon, but now a stiff breeze was blowing steadily from the north, which by noon increased to a fierce gale.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As far as the eye could see, there appeared nothing but a vast expanse of tumbling waves, their whiteness above accentuated by the green blackness below, as they flung their shattered spray as in derision against the grim sky.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading As far as the eye could see, there appeared nothing but a vast expanse of tumbling waves, their whiteness above accentuated by the green blackness below, as they flung their shattered spray as in derision against the grim sky.
BetwixtprepositionUS /biˈtwɪkst/
an old word for “between”
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
billowsnounUS /ˈbɪloʊz/
plural of “billow” — a large sea wave
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
blacknessnounUS /ˈblæknəs/
the quality or state of the achromatic color of least lightness (bearing the least resemblance to white)
From this reading As far as the eye could see, there appeared nothing but a vast expanse of tumbling waves, their whiteness above accentuated by the green blackness below, as they flung their shattered spray as in derision against the grim sky.
blowingnounUS /ˈbloʊɪŋ/
processing that involves blowing a gas
From this reading Placid waters these generally are, especially during the months of the halcyon, but now a stiff breeze was blowing steadily from the north, which by noon increased to a fierce gale.
a slight wind (usually refreshing)
From this reading Placid waters these generally are, especially during the months of the halcyon, but now a stiff breeze was blowing steadily from the north, which by noon increased to a fierce gale.
physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Placid waters these generally are, especially during the months of the halcyon, but now a stiff breeze was blowing steadily from the north, which by noon increased to a fierce gale.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Having passed the Island of Cythera during the night, by next morning the yacht was ploughing the placid waters of the Cretan Sea.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading As far as the eye could see, there appeared nothing but a vast expanse of tumbling waves, their whiteness above accentuated by the green blackness below, as they flung their shattered spray as in derision against the grim sky.
Cretannoun
a native or inhabitant of Crete
From this reading Having passed the Island of Cythera during the night, by next morning the yacht was ploughing the placid waters of the Cretan Sea.
plural of “cry” — a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
Cythera
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Having passed the Island of Cythera during the night, by next morning the yacht was ploughing the placid waters of the Cretan Sea.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
derisionnounUS /dərˈɪʒən/
contemptuous laughter
From this reading As far as the eye could see, there appeared nothing but a vast expanse of tumbling waves, their whiteness above accentuated by the green blackness below, as they flung their shattered spray as in derision against the grim sky.
DespairingadjectiveUS /dɪˈsperɪŋ/
arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
disturbèd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
doomverbUS /duːm/
decree or designate beforehand
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
driftsnounUS /drɪfts/
plural of “drift” — a force that moves something along
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
drowningverbUS /ˈdraʊnɪŋ/
-ing form of “drown” — cover completely or make imperceptible
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading Having passed the Island of Cythera during the night, by next morning the yacht was ploughing the placid waters of the Cretan Sea.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading Placid waters these generally are, especially during the months of the halcyon, but now a stiff breeze was blowing steadily from the north, which by noon increased to a fierce gale.
expansenounUS /ɪkˈspæns/
a wide scope
From this reading As far as the eye could see, there appeared nothing but a vast expanse of tumbling waves, their whiteness above accentuated by the green blackness below, as they flung their shattered spray as in derision against the grim sky.
the organ of sight
From this reading As far as the eye could see, there appeared nothing but a vast expanse of tumbling waves, their whiteness above accentuated by the green blackness below, as they flung their shattered spray as in derision against the grim sky.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading As far as the eye could see, there appeared nothing but a vast expanse of tumbling waves, their whiteness above accentuated by the green blackness below, as they flung their shattered spray as in derision against the grim sky.
marked by extreme and violent energy
From this reading Placid waters these generally are, especially during the months of the halcyon, but now a stiff breeze was blowing steadily from the north, which by noon increased to a fierce gale.
gleam or glow intermittently
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
fliesnounUS /flaɪz/
(theater) the space over the stage (out of view of the audience) used to store scenery (drop curtains)
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
inflected form of “fling” — throw with force or recklessness
From this reading As far as the eye could see, there appeared nothing but a vast expanse of tumbling waves, their whiteness above accentuated by the green blackness below, as they flung their shattered spray as in derision against the grim sky.
moving swiftly
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
galenounUS /ɡeɪl/
a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
usually; as a rule
From this reading Placid waters these generally are, especially during the months of the halcyon, but now a stiff breeze was blowing steadily from the north, which by noon increased to a fierce gale.
any creature of exceptional size
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass
From this reading As far as the eye could see, there appeared nothing but a vast expanse of tumbling waves, their whiteness above accentuated by the green blackness below, as they flung their shattered spray as in derision against the grim sky.
not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
From this reading As far as the eye could see, there appeared nothing but a vast expanse of tumbling waves, their whiteness above accentuated by the green blackness below, as they flung their shattered spray as in derision against the grim sky.
halcyonnounUS /ˈhælsiən/
(Greek mythology) a woman who was turned into a kingfisher
From this reading Placid waters these generally are, especially during the months of the halcyon, but now a stiff breeze was blowing steadily from the north, which by noon increased to a fierce gale.
Havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Having passed the Island of Cythera during the night, by next morning the yacht was ploughing the placid waters of the Cretan Sea.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
made greater in size or amount or degree
From this reading Placid waters these generally are, especially during the months of the halcyon, but now a stiff breeze was blowing steadily from the north, which by noon increased to a fierce gale.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading Having passed the Island of Cythera during the night, by next morning the yacht was ploughing the placid waters of the Cretan Sea.
lightningsnounUS /ˈlaɪtnɪŋz/
plural of “lightning” — abrupt electric discharge from cloud to cloud or from cloud to earth accompanied by the emission of light
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
lo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
most important element
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
mastnounUS /mæst/
a vertical spar for supporting sails
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
become covered with mist
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading Placid waters these generally are, especially during the months of the halcyon, but now a stiff breeze was blowing steadily from the north, which by noon increased to a fierce gale.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading Having passed the Island of Cythera during the night, by next morning the yacht was ploughing the placid waters of the Cretan Sea.
plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading Having passed the Island of Cythera during the night, by next morning the yacht was ploughing the placid waters of the Cretan Sea.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Having passed the Island of Cythera during the night, by next morning the yacht was ploughing the placid waters of the Cretan Sea.
the middle of the day
From this reading Placid waters these generally are, especially during the months of the halcyon, but now a stiff breeze was blowing steadily from the north, which by noon increased to a fierce gale.
the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading Placid waters these generally are, especially during the months of the halcyon, but now a stiff breeze was blowing steadily from the north, which by noon increased to a fierce gale.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading As far as the eye could see, there appeared nothing but a vast expanse of tumbling waves, their whiteness above accentuated by the green blackness below, as they flung their shattered spray as in derision against the grim sky.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Placid waters these generally are, especially during the months of the halcyon, but now a stiff breeze was blowing steadily from the north, which by noon increased to a fierce gale.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
onwardadverbUS /ˈɔːnwərd/
forward in time or order or degree
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading Having passed the Island of Cythera during the night, by next morning the yacht was ploughing the placid waters of the Cretan Sea.
pitchyadjective
of the blackest black; similar to the color of jet or coal
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
placidadjectiveUS /ˈplæsəd/
(of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves
From this reading Having passed the Island of Cythera during the night, by next morning the yacht was ploughing the placid waters of the Cretan Sea.
ploughingnoun
tilling the land with a plow
From this reading Having passed the Island of Cythera during the night, by next morning the yacht was ploughing the placid waters of the Cretan Sea.
polenounUS /poʊl/
a long (usually round) rod of wood or metal or plastic
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
ragingadjectiveUS /ˈreɪdʒɪŋ/
characterized by violent and forceful activity or movement; very intense
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
move by turning over or rotating
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
rollsnounUS /roʊlz/
plural of “roll” — rotary motion of an object around its own axis
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
traverse or travel on (a body of water)
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
scudverbUS /skʌd/
run or move very quickly or hastily
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading As far as the eye could see, there appeared nothing but a vast expanse of tumbling waves, their whiteness above accentuated by the green blackness below, as they flung their shattered spray as in derision against the grim sky.
shatteredadjectiveUS /ˈʃætərd/
ruined or disrupted
From this reading As far as the eye could see, there appeared nothing but a vast expanse of tumbling waves, their whiteness above accentuated by the green blackness below, as they flung their shattered spray as in derision against the grim sky.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
transport commercially
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
plural of “soul” — the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
spraynounUS /spreɪ/
a pesticide in suspension or solution; intended for spraying
From this reading As far as the eye could see, there appeared nothing but a vast expanse of tumbling waves, their whiteness above accentuated by the green blackness below, as they flung their shattered spray as in derision against the grim sky.
distribute or disperse widely
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
spumenoun
foam or froth on the sea
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
at a steady rate or pace
From this reading Placid waters these generally are, especially during the months of the halcyon, but now a stiff breeze was blowing steadily from the north, which by noon increased to a fierce gale.
not moving or operating freely
From this reading Placid waters these generally are, especially during the months of the halcyon, but now a stiff breeze was blowing steadily from the north, which by noon increased to a fierce gale.
storm-clouds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
stormsnounUS /stɔːrmz/
plural of “storm” — a violent weather condition with winds 64-72 knots (11 on the Beaufort scale) and precipitation and thunder and lightning
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
tatteredadjectiveUS /ˈtætərd/
worn to shreds; or wearing torn or ragged clothing
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading As far as the eye could see, there appeared nothing but a vast expanse of tumbling waves, their whiteness above accentuated by the green blackness below, as they flung their shattered spray as in derision against the grim sky.
in or at that place or location
From this reading As far as the eye could see, there appeared nothing but a vast expanse of tumbling waves, their whiteness above accentuated by the green blackness below, as they flung their shattered spray as in derision against the grim sky.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Placid waters these generally are, especially during the months of the halcyon, but now a stiff breeze was blowing steadily from the north, which by noon increased to a fierce gale.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As far as the eye could see, there appeared nothing but a vast expanse of tumbling waves, their whiteness above accentuated by the green blackness below, as they flung their shattered spray as in derision against the grim sky.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
thundersnounUS /ˈθʌndərz/
plural of “thunder” — a deep prolonged loud noise
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
tumblingnounUS /ˈtʌmbəlɪŋ/
the gymnastic moves of an acrobat
From this reading As far as the eye could see, there appeared nothing but a vast expanse of tumbling waves, their whiteness above accentuated by the green blackness below, as they flung their shattered spray as in derision against the grim sky.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Betwixt the flying scud and spume, A ship drifts onward to her doom; She flies before the raging gale, With broken mast and tattered sail; While up through pitchy darkness rolls Despairing cries of drowning souls.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
veiledadjectiveUS /veɪld/
having or as if having a veil or concealing cover
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Having passed the Island of Cythera during the night, by next morning the yacht was ploughing the placid waters of the Cretan Sea.
United States actress and singer (1896-1977)
From this reading Having passed the Island of Cythera during the night, by next morning the yacht was ploughing the placid waters of the Cretan Sea.
plural of “wave” — one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
From this reading As far as the eye could see, there appeared nothing but a vast expanse of tumbling waves, their whiteness above accentuated by the green blackness below, as they flung their shattered spray as in derision against the grim sky.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Placid waters these generally are, especially during the months of the halcyon, but now a stiff breeze was blowing steadily from the north, which by noon increased to a fierce gale.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
whirlingnounUS /ˈwɜːrlɪŋ/
the act of rotating in a circle or spiral
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
whitenessnounUS /ˈwaɪtnəs/
the quality or state of the achromatic color of greatest lightness (bearing the least resemblance to black)
From this reading As far as the eye could see, there appeared nothing but a vast expanse of tumbling waves, their whiteness above accentuated by the green blackness below, as they flung their shattered spray as in derision against the grim sky.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Dark storm-clouds spread from pole to pole, The lightnings flash, the thunders roll, And lo, the sea, in mountains high, With giant billows storms the sky, While all the vast disturbèd main Is veiled in whirling mist and rain.
yachtnounUS /jɑːt/
an expensive vessel propelled by sail or power and used for cruising or racing
From this reading Having passed the Island of Cythera during the night, by next morning the yacht was ploughing the placid waters of the Cretan Sea.
