used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading NEW USE FOR AN AIRSHIP Indeed it did seem as if a miniature battle was in progress, but the people fired at did not appear to be in any fear.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading But the projectile fell short, and landed about twenty feet from shore, splashing the water high.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading There was only a slight movement among them, though the boys and the professor in the airship could plainly see a black object, which they took to be a cannon ball, speeding across the wide, turgid, rushing river.
AIRSHIPnounUS /ˈerʃɪp/
a steerable self-propelled aircraft
From this reading NEW USE FOR AN AIRSHIP Indeed it did seem as if a miniature battle was in progress, but the people fired at did not appear to be in any fear.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading There was only a slight movement among them, though the boys and the professor in the airship could plainly see a black object, which they took to be a cannon ball, speeding across the wide, turgid, rushing river.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading NEW USE FOR AN AIRSHIP Indeed it did seem as if a miniature battle was in progress, but the people fired at did not appear to be in any fear.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading There was only a slight movement among them, though the boys and the professor in the airship could plainly see a black object, which they took to be a cannon ball, speeding across the wide, turgid, rushing river.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading Immediately there was a flash of flame and a puff of smoke from the other side of the stream, and the fire was returned, another black object speeding toward the crowd that had first discharged a cannon.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading NEW USE FOR AN AIRSHIP Indeed it did seem as if a miniature battle was in progress, but the people fired at did not appear to be in any fear.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading NEW USE FOR AN AIRSHIP Indeed it did seem as if a miniature battle was in progress, but the people fired at did not appear to be in any fear.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading NEW USE FOR AN AIRSHIP Indeed it did seem as if a miniature battle was in progress, but the people fired at did not appear to be in any fear.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading NEW USE FOR AN AIRSHIP Indeed it did seem as if a miniature battle was in progress, but the people fired at did not appear to be in any fear.
round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
From this reading There was only a slight movement among them, though the boys and the professor in the airship could plainly see a black object, which they took to be a cannon ball, speeding across the wide, turgid, rushing river.
a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading NEW USE FOR AN AIRSHIP Indeed it did seem as if a miniature battle was in progress, but the people fired at did not appear to be in any fear.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading NEW USE FOR AN AIRSHIP Indeed it did seem as if a miniature battle was in progress, but the people fired at did not appear to be in any fear.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading There was only a slight movement among them, though the boys and the professor in the airship could plainly see a black object, which they took to be a cannon ball, speeding across the wide, turgid, rushing river.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading There was only a slight movement among them, though the boys and the professor in the airship could plainly see a black object, which they took to be a cannon ball, speeding across the wide, turgid, rushing river.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading NEW USE FOR AN AIRSHIP Indeed it did seem as if a miniature battle was in progress, but the people fired at did not appear to be in any fear.
cannonnounUS /ˈkænən/
a large artillery gun that is usually on wheels
From this reading There was only a slight movement among them, though the boys and the professor in the airship could plainly see a black object, which they took to be a cannon ball, speeding across the wide, turgid, rushing river.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading There was only a slight movement among them, though the boys and the professor in the airship could plainly see a black object, which they took to be a cannon ball, speeding across the wide, turgid, rushing river.
inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading “It’s a regular battle!” cried the professor.
cause to herd, drive, or crowd together
From this reading Immediately there was a flash of flame and a puff of smoke from the other side of the stream, and the fire was returned, another black object speeding toward the crowd that had first discharged a cannon.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading NEW USE FOR AN AIRSHIP Indeed it did seem as if a miniature battle was in progress, but the people fired at did not appear to be in any fear.
dischargedadjectiveUS /dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒd/
having lost your job
From this reading Immediately there was a flash of flame and a puff of smoke from the other side of the stream, and the fire was returned, another black object speeding toward the crowd that had first discharged a cannon.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading NEW USE FOR AN AIRSHIP Indeed it did seem as if a miniature battle was in progress, but the people fired at did not appear to be in any fear.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading But the projectile fell short, and landed about twenty feet from shore, splashing the water high.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading But the projectile fell short, and landed about twenty feet from shore, splashing the water high.
start firing a weapon
From this reading Immediately there was a flash of flame and a puff of smoke from the other side of the stream, and the fire was returned, another black object speeding toward the crowd that had first discharged a cannon.
firedadjectiveUS /ˈfaɪərd/
having lost your job
From this reading NEW USE FOR AN AIRSHIP Indeed it did seem as if a miniature battle was in progress, but the people fired at did not appear to be in any fear.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Immediately there was a flash of flame and a puff of smoke from the other side of the stream, and the fire was returned, another black object speeding toward the crowd that had first discharged a cannon.
A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.
From this reading Immediately there was a flash of flame and a puff of smoke from the other side of the stream, and the fire was returned, another black object speeding toward the crowd that had first discharged a cannon.
gleam or glow intermittently
From this reading Immediately there was a flash of flame and a puff of smoke from the other side of the stream, and the fire was returned, another black object speeding toward the crowd that had first discharged a cannon.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading NEW USE FOR AN AIRSHIP Indeed it did seem as if a miniature battle was in progress, but the people fired at did not appear to be in any fear.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading But the projectile fell short, and landed about twenty feet from shore, splashing the water high.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Immediately there was a flash of flame and a puff of smoke from the other side of the stream, and the fire was returned, another black object speeding toward the crowd that had first discharged a cannon.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading But the projectile fell short, and landed about twenty feet from shore, splashing the water high.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading NEW USE FOR AN AIRSHIP Indeed it did seem as if a miniature battle was in progress, but the people fired at did not appear to be in any fear.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading Immediately there was a flash of flame and a puff of smoke from the other side of the stream, and the fire was returned, another black object speeding toward the crowd that had first discharged a cannon.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading NEW USE FOR AN AIRSHIP Indeed it did seem as if a miniature battle was in progress, but the people fired at did not appear to be in any fear.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading NEW USE FOR AN AIRSHIP Indeed it did seem as if a miniature battle was in progress, but the people fired at did not appear to be in any fear.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading NEW USE FOR AN AIRSHIP Indeed it did seem as if a miniature battle was in progress, but the people fired at did not appear to be in any fear.
It's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “It’s a regular battle!” cried the professor.
owning or consisting of land or real estate
From this reading But the projectile fell short, and landed about twenty feet from shore, splashing the water high.
miniaturenounUS /ˈmɪniətʃʊr/
painting or drawing included in a book (especially in illuminated medieval manuscripts)
From this reading NEW USE FOR AN AIRSHIP Indeed it did seem as if a miniature battle was in progress, but the people fired at did not appear to be in any fear.
a change of position that does not entail a change of location
From this reading There was only a slight movement among them, though the boys and the professor in the airship could plainly see a black object, which they took to be a cannon ball, speeding across the wide, turgid, rushing river.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading NEW USE FOR AN AIRSHIP Indeed it did seem as if a miniature battle was in progress, but the people fired at did not appear to be in any fear.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading NEW USE FOR AN AIRSHIP Indeed it did seem as if a miniature battle was in progress, but the people fired at did not appear to be in any fear.
a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading There was only a slight movement among them, though the boys and the professor in the airship could plainly see a black object, which they took to be a cannon ball, speeding across the wide, turgid, rushing river.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Immediately there was a flash of flame and a puff of smoke from the other side of the stream, and the fire was returned, another black object speeding toward the crowd that had first discharged a cannon.
and nothing more
From this reading There was only a slight movement among them, though the boys and the professor in the airship could plainly see a black object, which they took to be a cannon ball, speeding across the wide, turgid, rushing river.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Immediately there was a flash of flame and a puff of smoke from the other side of the stream, and the fire was returned, another black object speeding toward the crowd that had first discharged a cannon.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading NEW USE FOR AN AIRSHIP Indeed it did seem as if a miniature battle was in progress, but the people fired at did not appear to be in any fear.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading There was only a slight movement among them, though the boys and the professor in the airship could plainly see a black object, which they took to be a cannon ball, speeding across the wide, turgid, rushing river.
someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university
From this reading There was only a slight movement among them, though the boys and the professor in the airship could plainly see a black object, which they took to be a cannon ball, speeding across the wide, turgid, rushing river.
gradual improvement or growth or development
From this reading NEW USE FOR AN AIRSHIP Indeed it did seem as if a miniature battle was in progress, but the people fired at did not appear to be in any fear.
projectilenounUS /prəˈdʒektəl/
a weapon that is forcibly thrown or projected at a targets but is not self-propelled
From this reading But the projectile fell short, and landed about twenty feet from shore, splashing the water high.
puffverbUS /pʌf/
smoke and exhale strongly
From this reading Immediately there was a flash of flame and a puff of smoke from the other side of the stream, and the fire was returned, another black object speeding toward the crowd that had first discharged a cannon.
in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle
From this reading “It’s a regular battle!” cried the professor.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading Immediately there was a flash of flame and a puff of smoke from the other side of the stream, and the fire was returned, another black object speeding toward the crowd that had first discharged a cannon.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading There was only a slight movement among them, though the boys and the professor in the airship could plainly see a black object, which they took to be a cannon ball, speeding across the wide, turgid, rushing river.
(American football) an attempt to advance the ball by running into the line
From this reading There was only a slight movement among them, though the boys and the professor in the airship could plainly see a black object, which they took to be a cannon ball, speeding across the wide, turgid, rushing river.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading There was only a slight movement among them, though the boys and the professor in the airship could plainly see a black object, which they took to be a cannon ball, speeding across the wide, turgid, rushing river.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading NEW USE FOR AN AIRSHIP Indeed it did seem as if a miniature battle was in progress, but the people fired at did not appear to be in any fear.
the land along the edge of a body of water
From this reading But the projectile fell short, and landed about twenty feet from shore, splashing the water high.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading But the projectile fell short, and landed about twenty feet from shore, splashing the water high.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading Immediately there was a flash of flame and a puff of smoke from the other side of the stream, and the fire was returned, another black object speeding toward the crowd that had first discharged a cannon.
a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)
From this reading There was only a slight movement among them, though the boys and the professor in the airship could plainly see a black object, which they took to be a cannon ball, speeding across the wide, turgid, rushing river.
a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas
From this reading Immediately there was a flash of flame and a puff of smoke from the other side of the stream, and the fire was returned, another black object speeding toward the crowd that had first discharged a cannon.
speedingnounUS /ˈspiːdɪŋ/
changing location rapidly
From this reading There was only a slight movement among them, though the boys and the professor in the airship could plainly see a black object, which they took to be a cannon ball, speeding across the wide, turgid, rushing river.
splashingnounUS /ˈsplæʃɪŋ/
the act of splashing a (liquid) substance on a surface
From this reading But the projectile fell short, and landed about twenty feet from shore, splashing the water high.
a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
From this reading Immediately there was a flash of flame and a puff of smoke from the other side of the stream, and the fire was returned, another black object speeding toward the crowd that had first discharged a cannon.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Immediately there was a flash of flame and a puff of smoke from the other side of the stream, and the fire was returned, another black object speeding toward the crowd that had first discharged a cannon.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading NEW USE FOR AN AIRSHIP Indeed it did seem as if a miniature battle was in progress, but the people fired at did not appear to be in any fear.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading There was only a slight movement among them, though the boys and the professor in the airship could plainly see a black object, which they took to be a cannon ball, speeding across the wide, turgid, rushing river.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was only a slight movement among them, though the boys and the professor in the airship could plainly see a black object, which they took to be a cannon ball, speeding across the wide, turgid, rushing river.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading There was only a slight movement among them, though the boys and the professor in the airship could plainly see a black object, which they took to be a cannon ball, speeding across the wide, turgid, rushing river.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading There was only a slight movement among them, though the boys and the professor in the airship could plainly see a black object, which they took to be a cannon ball, speeding across the wide, turgid, rushing river.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading NEW USE FOR AN AIRSHIP Indeed it did seem as if a miniature battle was in progress, but the people fired at did not appear to be in any fear.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading There was only a slight movement among them, though the boys and the professor in the airship could plainly see a black object, which they took to be a cannon ball, speeding across the wide, turgid, rushing river.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading Immediately there was a flash of flame and a puff of smoke from the other side of the stream, and the fire was returned, another black object speeding toward the crowd that had first discharged a cannon.
turgidadjectiveUS /ˈtɜːrdʒɪd/
ostentatiously lofty in style
From this reading There was only a slight movement among them, though the boys and the professor in the airship could plainly see a black object, which they took to be a cannon ball, speeding across the wide, turgid, rushing river.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one
From this reading But the projectile fell short, and landed about twenty feet from shore, splashing the water high.
the act of using
From this reading NEW USE FOR AN AIRSHIP Indeed it did seem as if a miniature battle was in progress, but the people fired at did not appear to be in any fear.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading NEW USE FOR AN AIRSHIP Indeed it did seem as if a miniature battle was in progress, but the people fired at did not appear to be in any fear.
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 But the projectile fell short, and landed about twenty feet from shore, splashing the water high.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading There was only a slight movement among them, though the boys and the professor in the airship could plainly see a black object, which they took to be a cannon ball, speeding across the wide, turgid, rushing river.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading There was only a slight movement among them, though the boys and the professor in the airship could plainly see a black object, which they took to be a cannon ball, speeding across the wide, turgid, rushing river.
