used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The castaways could not have chosen a better harbour.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
alongsideadverbUS /əˈlɔːŋˈsaɪd/
side by side
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
Andy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I think we had better make a tour of exploration as we did before," said Andy.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "I think we had better make a tour of exploration as we did before," said Andy.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
backedadjectiveUS /bækt/
having a back or backing, usually of a specified type
From this reading THE CAMP Slowly the cutter was backed in till its sternpost stuck on the smooth, even bottom.
an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf
From this reading "Not that I think this part of the island is inhabited any more than yonder bay."
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading "I think we had better make a tour of exploration as we did before," said Andy.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading The castaways could not have chosen a better harbour.
a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
boat'snounUS /boʊts/
possessive form of “boat” — a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
the lower side of anything
From this reading THE CAMP Slowly the cutter was backed in till its sternpost stuck on the smooth, even bottom.
take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers
From this reading THE CAMP Slowly the cutter was backed in till its sternpost stuck on the smooth, even bottom.
castawaysnounUS /ˈkæstəweɪz/
plural of “castaway” — a person who is rejected (from society or home)
From this reading The castaways could not have chosen a better harbour.
one who is the object of choice; who is given preference
From this reading The castaways could not have chosen a better harbour.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The castaways could not have chosen a better harbour.
cutternounUS /ˈkʌtər/
someone who cuts or carves stone
From this reading THE CAMP Slowly the cutter was backed in till its sternpost stuck on the smooth, even bottom.
the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading "I think we had better make a tour of exploration as we did before," said Andy.
free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
one or the other of two
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
divisible by two
From this reading THE CAMP Slowly the cutter was backed in till its sternpost stuck on the smooth, even bottom.
explorationnounUS /ˌeksplərˈeɪʃən/
to travel for the purpose of discovery
From this reading "I think we had better make a tour of exploration as we did before," said Andy.
flat-toppedadjective
having a flat or flattened upper surface
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
in a gradual manner
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
gunwalenoun
wale at the top of the side of boat; topmost planking of a wooden vessel
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading "I think we had better make a tour of exploration as we did before," said Andy.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
harbourverbUS /ˈhɑːrbər/
secretly shelter (as of fugitives or criminals)
From this reading The castaways could not have chosen a better harbour.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The castaways could not have chosen a better harbour.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I think we had better make a tour of exploration as we did before," said Andy.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE CAMP Slowly the cutter was backed in till its sternpost stuck on the smooth, even bottom.
inhabitedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈhæbətəd/
having inhabitants; lived in
From this reading "Not that I think this part of the island is inhabited any more than yonder bay."
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Not that I think this part of the island is inhabited any more than yonder bay."
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading "Not that I think this part of the island is inhabited any more than yonder bay."
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading THE CAMP Slowly the cutter was backed in till its sternpost stuck on the smooth, even bottom.
ledgenounUS /ledʒ/
a projecting ridge on a mountain or submerged under water
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
engage in
From this reading "I think we had better make a tour of exploration as we did before," said Andy.
mooredverbUS /mʊrd/
past form of “moor” — secure in or as if in a berth or dock
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading "Not that I think this part of the island is inhabited any more than yonder bay."
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The castaways could not have chosen a better harbour.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE CAMP Slowly the cutter was backed in till its sternpost stuck on the smooth, even bottom.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading "Not that I think this part of the island is inhabited any more than yonder bay."
piernounUS /pɪr/
a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
plural of “rock” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "I think we had better make a tour of exploration as we did before," said Andy.
shelvedverbUS /ʃelvd/
past form of “shelve” — hold back to a later time
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading THE CAMP Slowly the cutter was backed in till its sternpost stuck on the smooth, even bottom.
having a surface free from roughness or bumps or ridges or irregularities
From this reading THE CAMP Slowly the cutter was backed in till its sternpost stuck on the smooth, even bottom.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
sternpostnounUS /ˈstɜːrnpoʊst/
(nautical) the principal upright timber at the stern of a vessel
From this reading THE CAMP Slowly the cutter was backed in till its sternpost stuck on the smooth, even bottom.
caught or fixed
From this reading THE CAMP Slowly the cutter was backed in till its sternpost stuck on the smooth, even bottom.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading "Not that I think this part of the island is inhabited any more than yonder bay."
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE CAMP Slowly the cutter was backed in till its sternpost stuck on the smooth, even bottom.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading "I think we had better make a tour of exploration as we did before," said Andy.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading "Not that I think this part of the island is inhabited any more than yonder bay."
the periodic rise and fall of the sea level under the gravitational pull of the moon
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
up to a particular time
From this reading THE CAMP Slowly the cutter was backed in till its sternpost stuck on the smooth, even bottom.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
tournounUS /tʊr/
a journey or route all the way around a particular place or area
From this reading "I think we had better make a tour of exploration as we did before," said Andy.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE CAMP Slowly the cutter was backed in till its sternpost stuck on the smooth, even bottom.
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 On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading "I think we had better make a tour of exploration as we did before," said Andy.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
in the company of; together with
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading On either hand the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide.
distant but within sight (“yon” is dialectal)
From this reading "Not that I think this part of the island is inhabited any more than yonder bay."
