used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading But with the rising of the sun the wind increased in force, and an hour later it was blowing half a gale, and dead astern.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
Andy's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Trembling on the crest of a huge wave, then sliding with a sickening sensation down the green slope into the trough, the little craft held on her course, steered by Andy's sinewy arm.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
From this reading Trembling on the crest of a huge wave, then sliding with a sickening sensation down the green slope into the trough, the little craft held on her course, steered by Andy's sinewy arm.
asternadverb
stern foremost or backward
From this reading But with the rising of the sun the wind increased in force, and an hour later it was blowing half a gale, and dead astern.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
awakeadjectiveUS /əˈweɪk/
not in a state of sleep; completely conscious
From this reading Ellerton, propped up by cushions, was kept awake by the motion of the boat, every lurch causing his wound to pain horribly.
(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 GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
blowingnounUS /ˈbloʊɪŋ/
processing that involves blowing a gas
From this reading But with the rising of the sun the wind increased in force, and an hour later it was blowing half a gale, and dead astern.
a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading Ellerton, propped up by cushions, was kept awake by the motion of the boat, every lurch causing his wound to pain horribly.
breastedadjectiveUS /ˈbrestəd/
having a breast or breasts; or breasts as specified; used chiefly in compounds
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
bunksnounUS /bʌŋks/
plural of “bunk” — a long trough for feeding cattle
From this reading Mr. McKay, unable to keep his eyes open, lay deep in slumber upon one of the bunks.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But with the rising of the sun the wind increased in force, and an hour later it was blowing half a gale, and dead astern.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Trembling on the crest of a huge wave, then sliding with a sickening sensation down the green slope into the trough, the little craft held on her course, steered by Andy's sinewy arm.
causingnounUS /ˈkɑːzɪŋ/
the act of causing something to happen
From this reading Ellerton, propped up by cushions, was kept awake by the motion of the boat, every lurch causing his wound to pain horribly.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading Trembling on the crest of a huge wave, then sliding with a sickening sensation down the green slope into the trough, the little craft held on her course, steered by Andy's sinewy arm.
the skilled practice of a practical occupation
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
crestnounUS /krest/
the top line of a hill, mountain, or wave
From this reading Trembling on the crest of a huge wave, then sliding with a sickening sensation down the green slope into the trough, the little craft held on her course, steered by Andy's sinewy arm.
cushionsnounUS /ˈkʊʃənz/
plural of “cushion” — a mechanical damper; absorbs energy of sudden impulses
From this reading Ellerton, propped up by cushions, was kept awake by the motion of the boat, every lurch causing his wound to pain horribly.
no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life
From this reading But with the rising of the sun the wind increased in force, and an hour later it was blowing half a gale, and dead astern.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading Mr. McKay, unable to keep his eyes open, lay deep in slumber upon one of the bunks.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Trembling on the crest of a huge wave, then sliding with a sickening sensation down the green slope into the trough, the little craft held on her course, steered by Andy's sinewy arm.
Ellerton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ellerton, propped up by cushions, was kept awake by the motion of the boat, every lurch causing his wound to pain horribly.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Ellerton, propped up by cushions, was kept awake by the motion of the boat, every lurch causing his wound to pain horribly.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Mr. McKay, unable to keep his eyes open, lay deep in slumber upon one of the bunks.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading But with the rising of the sun the wind increased in force, and an hour later it was blowing half a gale, and dead astern.
GALEnounUS /ɡeɪl/
a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
gallantlyadverbUS /ˈɡæləntli/
in a gallant manner
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass
From this reading Trembling on the crest of a huge wave, then sliding with a sickening sensation down the green slope into the trough, the little craft held on her course, steered by Andy's sinewy arm.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading But with the rising of the sun the wind increased in force, and an hour later it was blowing half a gale, and dead astern.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading Trembling on the crest of a huge wave, then sliding with a sickening sensation down the green slope into the trough, the little craft held on her course, steered by Andy's sinewy arm.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
superlative of “high” — greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Mr. McKay, unable to keep his eyes open, lay deep in slumber upon one of the bunks.
the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
horriblyadverbUS /ˈhɔːrəbli/
of a dreadful kind
From this reading Ellerton, propped up by cushions, was kept awake by the motion of the boat, every lurch causing his wound to pain horribly.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading But with the rising of the sun the wind increased in force, and an hour later it was blowing half a gale, and dead astern.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading Trembling on the crest of a huge wave, then sliding with a sickening sensation down the green slope into the trough, the little craft held on her course, steered by Andy's sinewy arm.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading But with the rising of the sun the wind increased in force, and an hour later it was blowing half a gale, and dead astern.
made greater in size or amount or degree
From this reading But with the rising of the sun the wind increased in force, and an hour later it was blowing half a gale, and dead astern.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Trembling on the crest of a huge wave, then sliding with a sickening sensation down the green slope into the trough, the little craft held on her course, steered by Andy's sinewy arm.
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading But with the rising of the sun the wind increased in force, and an hour later it was blowing half a gale, and dead astern.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading Mr. McKay, unable to keep his eyes open, lay deep in slumber upon one of the bunks.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading Ellerton, propped up by cushions, was kept awake by the motion of the boat, every lurch causing his wound to pain horribly.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading But with the rising of the sun the wind increased in force, and an hour later it was blowing half a gale, and dead astern.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Mr. McKay, unable to keep his eyes open, lay deep in slumber upon one of the bunks.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
lurchverbUS /lɜːrtʃ/
walk as if unable to control one's movements
From this reading Ellerton, propped up by cushions, was kept awake by the motion of the boat, every lurch causing his wound to pain horribly.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
McKay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. McKay, unable to keep his eyes open, lay deep in slumber upon one of the bunks.
McKay's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals
From this reading Ellerton, propped up by cushions, was kept awake by the motion of the boat, every lurch causing his wound to pain horribly.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Mr. McKay, unable to keep his eyes open, lay deep in slumber upon one of the bunks.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Mr. McKay, unable to keep his eyes open, lay deep in slumber upon one of the bunks.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading Mr. McKay, unable to keep his eyes open, lay deep in slumber upon one of the bunks.
outwardadjectiveUS /ˈaʊtwərd/
relating to physical reality rather than with thoughts or the mind
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
a symptom of some physical hurt or disorder
From this reading Ellerton, propped up by cushions, was kept awake by the motion of the boat, every lurch causing his wound to pain horribly.
the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
peaknounUS /piːk/
the most extreme possible amount or value
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
proppedverbUS /prɑːpt/
inflected form of “prop” — support by placing against something solid or rigid
From this reading Ellerton, propped up by cushions, was kept awake by the motion of the boat, every lurch causing his wound to pain horribly.
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading But with the rising of the sun the wind increased in force, and an hour later it was blowing half a gale, and dead astern.
an unelaborated elementary awareness of stimulation
From this reading Trembling on the crest of a huge wave, then sliding with a sickening sensation down the green slope into the trough, the little craft held on her course, steered by Andy's sinewy arm.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
sickeningadjectiveUS /ˈsɪkənɪŋ/
causing or able to cause nausea
From this reading Trembling on the crest of a huge wave, then sliding with a sickening sensation down the green slope into the trough, the little craft held on her course, steered by Andy's sinewy arm.
sinewyadjectiveUS /ˈsɪnjuːi/
(of meat) full of sinews; especially impossible to chew
From this reading Trembling on the crest of a huge wave, then sliding with a sickening sensation down the green slope into the trough, the little craft held on her course, steered by Andy's sinewy arm.
slidingadjectiveUS /ˈslaɪdɪŋ/
being a smooth continuous motion
From this reading Trembling on the crest of a huge wave, then sliding with a sickening sensation down the green slope into the trough, the little craft held on her course, steered by Andy's sinewy arm.
an elevated geological formation
From this reading Trembling on the crest of a huge wave, then sliding with a sickening sensation down the green slope into the trough, the little craft held on her course, steered by Andy's sinewy arm.
slumbernounUS /ˈslʌmbər/
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading Mr. McKay, unable to keep his eyes open, lay deep in slumber upon one of the bunks.
steeredverbUS /stɪrd/
past form of “steer” — direct the course; determine the direction of travelling
From this reading Trembling on the crest of a huge wave, then sliding with a sickening sensation down the green slope into the trough, the little craft held on her course, steered by Andy's sinewy arm.
not moving or operating freely
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading But with the rising of the sun the wind increased in force, and an hour later it was blowing half a gale, and dead astern.
sunrisenounUS /ˈsʌnraɪz/
the first light of day
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Trembling on the crest of a huge wave, then sliding with a sickening sensation down the green slope into the trough, the little craft held on her course, steered by Andy's sinewy arm.
in every part of a place, or for the whole of a period
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Mr. McKay, unable to keep his eyes open, lay deep in slumber upon one of the bunks.
a shaky motion
From this reading Trembling on the crest of a huge wave, then sliding with a sickening sensation down the green slope into the trough, the little craft held on her course, steered by Andy's sinewy arm.
troughnounUS /trɔːf/
a narrow depression (as in the earth or between ocean waves or in the ocean bed)
From this reading Trembling on the crest of a huge wave, then sliding with a sickening sensation down the green slope into the trough, the little craft held on her course, steered by Andy's sinewy arm.
(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
From this reading Mr. McKay, unable to keep his eyes open, lay deep in slumber upon one of the bunks.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Ellerton, propped up by cushions, was kept awake by the motion of the boat, every lurch causing his wound to pain horribly.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Mr. McKay, unable to keep his eyes open, lay deep in slumber upon one of the bunks.
an act of traveling by water
From this reading THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But with the rising of the sun the wind increased in force, and an hour later it was blowing half a gale, and dead astern.
one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
From this reading Trembling on the crest of a huge wave, then sliding with a sickening sensation down the green slope into the trough, the little craft held on her course, steered by Andy's sinewy arm.
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 THE GALE Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared above the horizon.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading But with the rising of the sun the wind increased in force, and an hour later it was blowing half a gale, and dead astern.
in the company of; together with
From this reading But with the rising of the sun the wind increased in force, and an hour later it was blowing half a gale, and dead astern.
an injury to living tissue (especially an injury involving a cut or break in the skin)
From this reading Ellerton, propped up by cushions, was kept awake by the motion of the boat, every lurch causing his wound to pain horribly.
