used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading One by one the long black shapes slid through the outer defences, ebon shadows in a world of shades.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
admiralnounUS /ˈædmərəl/
the supreme commander of a fleet; ranks above a vice admiral and below a fleet admiral
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
at or in the front
From this reading From the bridge of each mass of towering indeterminate shadows the stern light of the next ahead could be discerned dimly through binoculars, and on those pin-points of light they steered.
(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 The voices of the leadsmen in the chains blended their mournful intermittent chant with the rush of water past the ship’s side; to all but the ears of the watchful figures on the bridges the sound was swallowed by the dirge of the funnel stays and halliards in the cold wind heralding the dawn.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading IN THE TWILIGHT I. HEAVY METAL It was still dark when the battle cruisers slipped from their moorings and began to feel their way towards the unseen entrance of the harbour.
arcnounUS /ɑːrk/
electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading IN THE TWILIGHT I. HEAVY METAL It was still dark when the battle cruisers slipped from their moorings and began to feel their way towards the unseen entrance of the harbour.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading From the bridge of each mass of towering indeterminate shadows the stern light of the next ahead could be discerned dimly through binoculars, and on those pin-points of light they steered.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading IN THE TWILIGHT I. HEAVY METAL It was still dark when the battle cruisers slipped from their moorings and began to feel their way towards the unseen entrance of the harbour.
binnaclenoun
a nonmagnetic housing for a ship's compass (usually in front of the helm)
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
binocularsnounUS /bəˈnɑːkjələrz/
(plural) an optical instrument designed for simultaneous use by both eyes
From this reading From the bridge of each mass of towering indeterminate shadows the stern light of the next ahead could be discerned dimly through binoculars, and on those pin-points of light they steered.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading One by one the long black shapes slid through the outer defences, ebon shadows in a world of shades.
blendedadjectiveUS /ˈblendɪd/
combined or mixed together so that the constituent parts are indistinguishable
From this reading The voices of the leadsmen in the chains blended their mournful intermittent chant with the rush of water past the ship’s side; to all but the ears of the watchful figures on the bridges the sound was swallowed by the dirge of the funnel stays and halliards in the cold wind heralding the dawn.
a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.
From this reading From the bridge of each mass of towering indeterminate shadows the stern light of the next ahead could be discerned dimly through binoculars, and on those pin-points of light they steered.
bridgesnounUS /ˈbrɪdʒəz/
United States labor leader who organized the longshoremen (1901-1990)
From this reading The voices of the leadsmen in the chains blended their mournful intermittent chant with the rush of water past the ship’s side; to all but the ears of the watchful figures on the bridges the sound was swallowed by the dirge of the funnel stays and halliards in the cold wind heralding the dawn.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The voices of the leadsmen in the chains blended their mournful intermittent chant with the rush of water past the ship’s side; to all but the ears of the watchful figures on the bridges the sound was swallowed by the dirge of the funnel stays and halliards in the cold wind heralding the dawn.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
chainsnounUS /tʃeɪnz/
metal shackles; for hands or legs
From this reading The voices of the leadsmen in the chains blended their mournful intermittent chant with the rush of water past the ship’s side; to all but the ears of the watchful figures on the bridges the sound was swallowed by the dirge of the funnel stays and halliards in the cold wind heralding the dawn.
chantverbUS /tʃænt/
recite with musical intonation; recite as a chant or a psalm
From this reading The voices of the leadsmen in the chains blended their mournful intermittent chant with the rush of water past the ship’s side; to all but the ears of the watchful figures on the bridges the sound was swallowed by the dirge of the funnel stays and halliards in the cold wind heralding the dawn.
charttable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
coatsnounUS /koʊts/
plural of “coat” — an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading The voices of the leadsmen in the chains blended their mournful intermittent chant with the rush of water past the ship’s side; to all but the ears of the watchful figures on the bridges the sound was swallowed by the dirge of the funnel stays and halliards in the cold wind heralding the dawn.
confinesnounUS /ˈkɑːnfaɪnz/
a bounded scope
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading From the bridge of each mass of towering indeterminate shadows the stern light of the next ahead could be discerned dimly through binoculars, and on those pin-points of light they steered.
overfilled or compacted or concentrated
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
cruisernounUS /ˈkruːzər/
a car in which policemen cruise the streets; equipped with radiotelephonic communications to headquarters
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
cruisersnounUS /ˈkruːzərz/
plural of “cruiser” — a car in which policemen cruise the streets; equipped with radiotelephonic communications to headquarters
From this reading IN THE TWILIGHT I. HEAVY METAL It was still dark when the battle cruisers slipped from their moorings and began to feel their way towards the unseen entrance of the harbour.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading IN THE TWILIGHT I. HEAVY METAL It was still dark when the battle cruisers slipped from their moorings and began to feel their way towards the unseen entrance of the harbour.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
the first light of day
From this reading The voices of the leadsmen in the chains blended their mournful intermittent chant with the rush of water past the ship’s side; to all but the ears of the watchful figures on the bridges the sound was swallowed by the dirge of the funnel stays and halliards in the cold wind heralding the dawn.
defences
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One by one the long black shapes slid through the outer defences, ebon shadows in a world of shades.
dimlyadverbUS /ˈdɪmli/
in a dim indistinct manner
From this reading From the bridge of each mass of towering indeterminate shadows the stern light of the next ahead could be discerned dimly through binoculars, and on those pin-points of light they steered.
dirgenounUS /dɜːrdʒ/
a song or hymn of mourning composed or performed as a memorial to a dead person
From this reading The voices of the leadsmen in the chains blended their mournful intermittent chant with the rush of water past the ship’s side; to all but the ears of the watchful figures on the bridges the sound was swallowed by the dirge of the funnel stays and halliards in the cold wind heralding the dawn.
discernedverbUS /dɪˈsɜːrnd/
past form of “discern” — detect with the senses
From this reading From the bridge of each mass of towering indeterminate shadows the stern light of the next ahead could be discerned dimly through binoculars, and on those pin-points of light they steered.
dufflenoun
a large cylindrical bag of heavy cloth; for carrying personal belongings
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading From the bridge of each mass of towering indeterminate shadows the stern light of the next ahead could be discerned dimly through binoculars, and on those pin-points of light they steered.
plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading The voices of the leadsmen in the chains blended their mournful intermittent chant with the rush of water past the ship’s side; to all but the ears of the watchful figures on the bridges the sound was swallowed by the dirge of the funnel stays and halliards in the cold wind heralding the dawn.
ebonadjective
of a very dark black
From this reading One by one the long black shapes slid through the outer defences, ebon shadows in a world of shades.
something that provides access (to get in or get out)
From this reading IN THE TWILIGHT I. HEAVY METAL It was still dark when the battle cruisers slipped from their moorings and began to feel their way towards the unseen entrance of the harbour.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading IN THE TWILIGHT I. HEAVY METAL It was still dark when the battle cruisers slipped from their moorings and began to feel their way towards the unseen entrance of the harbour.
plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
flagshipnounUS /ˈflæɡʃɪp/
the chief one of a related group
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
forebridge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading IN THE TWILIGHT I. HEAVY METAL It was still dark when the battle cruisers slipped from their moorings and began to feel their way towards the unseen entrance of the harbour.
funnelnounUS /ˈfʌnəl/
a conical shape with a wider and a narrower opening at the two ends
From this reading The voices of the leadsmen in the chains blended their mournful intermittent chant with the rush of water past the ship’s side; to all but the ears of the watchful figures on the bridges the sound was swallowed by the dirge of the funnel stays and halliards in the cold wind heralding the dawn.
glow-worm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
halliards
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The voices of the leadsmen in the chains blended their mournful intermittent chant with the rush of water past the ship’s side; to all but the ears of the watchful figures on the bridges the sound was swallowed by the dirge of the funnel stays and halliards in the cold wind heralding the dawn.
harbourverbUS /ˈhɑːrbər/
secretly shelter (as of fugitives or criminals)
From this reading IN THE TWILIGHT I. HEAVY METAL It was still dark when the battle cruisers slipped from their moorings and began to feel their way towards the unseen entrance of the harbour.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading IN THE TWILIGHT I. HEAVY METAL It was still dark when the battle cruisers slipped from their moorings and began to feel their way towards the unseen entrance of the harbour.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
heraldingverbUS /ˈherəldɪŋ/
-ing form of “herald” — foreshadow or presage
From this reading The voices of the leadsmen in the chains blended their mournful intermittent chant with the rush of water past the ship’s side; to all but the ears of the watchful figures on the bridges the sound was swallowed by the dirge of the funnel stays and halliards in the cold wind heralding the dawn.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading IN THE TWILIGHT I. HEAVY METAL It was still dark when the battle cruisers slipped from their moorings and began to feel their way towards the unseen entrance of the harbour.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN THE TWILIGHT I. HEAVY METAL It was still dark when the battle cruisers slipped from their moorings and began to feel their way towards the unseen entrance of the harbour.
indeterminateadjectiveUS /ˌɪndɪˈtɜːrmɪnɪt/
not precisely determined or established; not fixed or known in advance
From this reading From the bridge of each mass of towering indeterminate shadows the stern light of the next ahead could be discerned dimly through binoculars, and on those pin-points of light they steered.
inkyadjectiveUS /ˈɪŋki/
of the color of black ink
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
intermittentadjectiveUS /ˌɪntərˈmɪtənt/
stopping and starting at irregular intervals
From this reading The voices of the leadsmen in the chains blended their mournful intermittent chant with the rush of water past the ship’s side; to all but the ears of the watchful figures on the bridges the sound was swallowed by the dirge of the funnel stays and halliards in the cold wind heralding the dawn.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading IN THE TWILIGHT I. HEAVY METAL It was still dark when the battle cruisers slipped from their moorings and began to feel their way towards the unseen entrance of the harbour.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
knotnounUS /nɑːt/
a tight cluster of people or things
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
leadsmen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The voices of the leadsmen in the chains blended their mournful intermittent chant with the rush of water past the ship’s side; to all but the ears of the watchful figures on the bridges the sound was swallowed by the dirge of the funnel stays and halliards in the cold wind heralding the dawn.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading From the bridge of each mass of towering indeterminate shadows the stern light of the next ahead could be discerned dimly through binoculars, and on those pin-points of light they steered.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading One by one the long black shapes slid through the outer defences, ebon shadows in a world of shades.
the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field
From this reading From the bridge of each mass of towering indeterminate shadows the stern light of the next ahead could be discerned dimly through binoculars, and on those pin-points of light they steered.
METALnounUS /ˈmetəl/
any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc.
From this reading IN THE TWILIGHT I. HEAVY METAL It was still dark when the battle cruisers slipped from their moorings and began to feel their way towards the unseen entrance of the harbour.
mooringsnounUS /ˈmuːrɪŋz/
plural of “mooring” — a place where a craft can be made fast
From this reading IN THE TWILIGHT I. HEAVY METAL It was still dark when the battle cruisers slipped from their moorings and began to feel their way towards the unseen entrance of the harbour.
mournfuladjectiveUS /ˈmɔːrnfəl/
expressing sorrow
From this reading The voices of the leadsmen in the chains blended their mournful intermittent chant with the rush of water past the ship’s side; to all but the ears of the watchful figures on the bridges the sound was swallowed by the dirge of the funnel stays and halliards in the cold wind heralding the dawn.
in motion
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
muffledadjectiveUS /ˈmʌfəld/
being or made softer or less loud or clear
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
mysteriouslyadverbUS /ˌmɪˈstɪriəsli/
in a cryptic manner
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
navigatornounUS /ˈnævəɡeɪtər/
the ship's officer in charge of navigation
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading From the bridge of each mass of towering indeterminate shadows the stern light of the next ahead could be discerned dimly through binoculars, and on those pin-points of light they steered.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading IN THE TWILIGHT I. HEAVY METAL It was still dark when the battle cruisers slipped from their moorings and began to feel their way towards the unseen entrance of the harbour.
officer-of-the-watch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading From the bridge of each mass of towering indeterminate shadows the stern light of the next ahead could be discerned dimly through binoculars, and on those pin-points of light they steered.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One by one the long black shapes slid through the outer defences, ebon shadows in a world of shades.
and nothing more
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
outeradjectiveUS /ˈaʊtər/
being on the outside or further from a center
From this reading One by one the long black shapes slid through the outer defences, ebon shadows in a world of shades.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading The voices of the leadsmen in the chains blended their mournful intermittent chant with the rush of water past the ship’s side; to all but the ears of the watchful figures on the bridges the sound was swallowed by the dirge of the funnel stays and halliards in the cold wind heralding the dawn.
pin-points
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the bridge of each mass of towering indeterminate shadows the stern light of the next ahead could be discerned dimly through binoculars, and on those pin-points of light they steered.
move hurridly
From this reading The voices of the leadsmen in the chains blended their mournful intermittent chant with the rush of water past the ship’s side; to all but the ears of the watchful figures on the bridges the sound was swallowed by the dirge of the funnel stays and halliards in the cold wind heralding the dawn.
shadesnounUS /ʃeɪdz/
(plural) something that reminds you of someone or something
From this reading One by one the long black shapes slid through the outer defences, ebon shadows in a world of shades.
plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries
From this reading From the bridge of each mass of towering indeterminate shadows the stern light of the next ahead could be discerned dimly through binoculars, and on those pin-points of light they steered.
shapesnounUS /ʃeɪps/
plural of “shape” — any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
From this reading One by one the long black shapes slid through the outer defences, ebon shadows in a world of shades.
ship'snounUS /ʃɪps/
possessive form of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight
From this reading The voices of the leadsmen in the chains blended their mournful intermittent chant with the rush of water past the ship’s side; to all but the ears of the watchful figures on the bridges the sound was swallowed by the dirge of the funnel stays and halliards in the cold wind heralding the dawn.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading The voices of the leadsmen in the chains blended their mournful intermittent chant with the rush of water past the ship’s side; to all but the ears of the watchful figures on the bridges the sound was swallowed by the dirge of the funnel stays and halliards in the cold wind heralding the dawn.
slidverbUS /slɪd/
inflected form of “slide” — move obliquely or sideways, usually in an uncontrolled manner
From this reading One by one the long black shapes slid through the outer defences, ebon shadows in a world of shades.
inflected form of “slip” — move stealthily
From this reading IN THE TWILIGHT I. HEAVY METAL It was still dark when the battle cruisers slipped from their moorings and began to feel their way towards the unseen entrance of the harbour.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading The voices of the leadsmen in the chains blended their mournful intermittent chant with the rush of water past the ship’s side; to all but the ears of the watchful figures on the bridges the sound was swallowed by the dirge of the funnel stays and halliards in the cold wind heralding the dawn.
staysnounUS /steɪz/
a woman's close-fitting foundation garment
From this reading The voices of the leadsmen in the chains blended their mournful intermittent chant with the rush of water past the ship’s side; to all but the ears of the watchful figures on the bridges the sound was swallowed by the dirge of the funnel stays and halliards in the cold wind heralding the dawn.
steeredverbUS /stɪrd/
past form of “steer” — direct the course; determine the direction of travelling
From this reading From the bridge of each mass of towering indeterminate shadows the stern light of the next ahead could be discerned dimly through binoculars, and on those pin-points of light they steered.
sternadjectiveUS /stɜːrn/
of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
From this reading From the bridge of each mass of towering indeterminate shadows the stern light of the next ahead could be discerned dimly through binoculars, and on those pin-points of light they steered.
not in physical motion
From this reading IN THE TWILIGHT I. HEAVY METAL It was still dark when the battle cruisers slipped from their moorings and began to feel their way towards the unseen entrance of the harbour.
swallowedverbUS /ˈswɑːloʊd/
past form of “swallow” — pass through the esophagus as part of eating or drinking
From this reading The voices of the leadsmen in the chains blended their mournful intermittent chant with the rush of water past the ship’s side; to all but the ears of the watchful figures on the bridges the sound was swallowed by the dirge of the funnel stays and halliards in the cold wind heralding the dawn.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IN THE TWILIGHT I. HEAVY METAL It was still dark when the battle cruisers slipped from their moorings and began to feel their way towards the unseen entrance of the harbour.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading IN THE TWILIGHT I. HEAVY METAL It was still dark when the battle cruisers slipped from their moorings and began to feel their way towards the unseen entrance of the harbour.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading From the bridge of each mass of towering indeterminate shadows the stern light of the next ahead could be discerned dimly through binoculars, and on those pin-points of light they steered.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading From the bridge of each mass of towering indeterminate shadows the stern light of the next ahead could be discerned dimly through binoculars, and on those pin-points of light they steered.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading From the bridge of each mass of towering indeterminate shadows the stern light of the next ahead could be discerned dimly through binoculars, and on those pin-points of light they steered.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading IN THE TWILIGHT I. HEAVY METAL It was still dark when the battle cruisers slipped from their moorings and began to feel their way towards the unseen entrance of the harbour.
in the direction of
From this reading IN THE TWILIGHT I. HEAVY METAL It was still dark when the battle cruisers slipped from their moorings and began to feel their way towards the unseen entrance of the harbour.
toweringadjectiveUS /ˈtaʊərɪŋ/
of imposing height; especially standing out above others
From this reading From the bridge of each mass of towering indeterminate shadows the stern light of the next ahead could be discerned dimly through binoculars, and on those pin-points of light they steered.
TWILIGHTnounUS /ˈtwaɪlaɪt/
the time of day immediately following sunset
From this reading IN THE TWILIGHT I. HEAVY METAL It was still dark when the battle cruisers slipped from their moorings and began to feel their way towards the unseen entrance of the harbour.
unseenadjectiveUS /ənˈsiːn/
not seen or perceived
From this reading IN THE TWILIGHT I. HEAVY METAL It was still dark when the battle cruisers slipped from their moorings and began to feel their way towards the unseen entrance of the harbour.
plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading The voices of the leadsmen in the chains blended their mournful intermittent chant with the rush of water past the ship’s side; to all but the ears of the watchful figures on the bridges the sound was swallowed by the dirge of the funnel stays and halliards in the cold wind heralding the dawn.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading IN THE TWILIGHT I. HEAVY METAL It was still dark when the battle cruisers slipped from their moorings and began to feel their way towards the unseen entrance of the harbour.
watchfuladjectiveUS /ˈwɑːtʃfəl/
engaged in or accustomed to close observation
From this reading The voices of the leadsmen in the chains blended their mournful intermittent chant with the rush of water past the ship’s side; to all but the ears of the watchful figures on the bridges the sound was swallowed by the dirge of the funnel stays and halliards in the cold wind heralding the dawn.
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 The voices of the leadsmen in the chains blended their mournful intermittent chant with the rush of water past the ship’s side; to all but the ears of the watchful figures on the bridges the sound was swallowed by the dirge of the funnel stays and halliards in the cold wind heralding the dawn.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading IN THE TWILIGHT I. HEAVY METAL It was still dark when the battle cruisers slipped from their moorings and began to feel their way towards the unseen entrance of the harbour.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading What the battle cruiser flagship steered by, in the narrow confines of the crowded harbour and the inky darkness, only the little knot of figures on her forebridge knew: the admiral and flag captain, the navigator and officer-of-the-watch, muffled in duffle coats and moving mysteriously about the glow-worm arc of light from the binnacle and charttable.
at the time that
From this reading IN THE TWILIGHT I. HEAVY METAL It was still dark when the battle cruisers slipped from their moorings and began to feel their way towards the unseen entrance of the harbour.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading The voices of the leadsmen in the chains blended their mournful intermittent chant with the rush of water past the ship’s side; to all but the ears of the watchful figures on the bridges the sound was swallowed by the dirge of the funnel stays and halliards in the cold wind heralding the dawn.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The voices of the leadsmen in the chains blended their mournful intermittent chant with the rush of water past the ship’s side; to all but the ears of the watchful figures on the bridges the sound was swallowed by the dirge of the funnel stays and halliards in the cold wind heralding the dawn.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading One by one the long black shapes slid through the outer defences, ebon shadows in a world of shades.
