Chapter III · A Narrow Escape

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading A sand bank showed yellow against the dark gray of the sky.

anew

From this reading Kiwi’s spirits rose, for it had begun to look as though his flight might be postponed again.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading A sand bank showed yellow against the dark gray of the sky.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)

From this reading A sand bank showed yellow against the dark gray of the sky.

an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Kiwi’s spirits rose, for it had begun to look as though his flight might be postponed again.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Kiwi’s spirits rose, for it had begun to look as though his flight might be postponed again.

a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

From this reading On the ride over to the field in the car, Jack said:

rid of obstructions

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

marked by rude or peremptory shortness

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

absence of light or illumination

From this reading A sand bank showed yellow against the dark gray of the sky.

having lost your job

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed

From this reading On the ride over to the field in the car, Jack said:

a formation of aircraft in flight

From this reading Kiwi’s spirits rose, for it had begun to look as though his flight might be postponed again.

borne up by or suspended in a liquid

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Kiwi’s spirits rose, for it had begun to look as though his flight might be postponed again.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

the act of departing

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading A sand bank showed yellow against the dark gray of the sky.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Kiwi’s spirits rose, for it had begun to look as though his flight might be postponed again.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

a barge that is designed and equipped for use as a dwelling

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

inflected form of “instal” — set up for use

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Kiwi’s spirits rose, for it had begun to look as though his flight might be postponed again.

a small worthless amount

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

climbing vine native to China; cultivated in New Zealand for its fuzzy edible fruit with green meat

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

possessive form of “kiwi” — climbing vine native to China; cultivated in New Zealand for its fuzzy edible fruit with green meat

From this reading Kiwi’s spirits rose, for it had begun to look as though his flight might be postponed again.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

the force of workers available

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Kiwi’s spirits rose, for it had begun to look as though his flight might be postponed again.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

the middle of the day

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

above and across; more than

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

past form of “postpone” — hold back to a later time

From this reading Kiwi’s spirits rose, for it had begun to look as though his flight might be postponed again.

accomplished rapidly and without delay

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

plural of “report” — a written document describing the findings of some individual or group

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions

From this reading On the ride over to the field in the car, Jack said:

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading Kiwi’s spirits rose, for it had begun to look as though his flight might be postponed again.

past form of “row” — propel with oars

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading On the ride over to the field in the car, Jack said:

a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral

From this reading A sand bank showed yellow against the dark gray of the sky.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

the land along the edge of a body of water

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading A sand bank showed yellow against the dark gray of the sky.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading A sand bank showed yellow against the dark gray of the sky.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented

From this reading Kiwi’s spirits rose, for it had begun to look as though his flight might be postponed again.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Kiwi’s spirits rose, for it had begun to look as though his flight might be postponed again.

threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

very small

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Kiwi’s spirits rose, for it had begun to look as though his flight might be postponed again.

in the direction of

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

in or at the place that

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

inflected form of “whip” — beat severely with a whip or rod

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading IN the morning, as Kiwi and the two men rowed away from the little houseboat, clouds hung low over the bay, the wind whipped up tiny whitecaps, and in the bow of the boat where Kiwi sat he felt the wavelets going slap-slap as they drew toward the shore.

medium for communication

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

in the company of; together with

From this reading Jack had received weather reports during the night from the wireless he had installed on their floating home and, with a quick look around, dismissed the threatening appearance of things with a curt, “This will all clear away by noon, I’m sure.”

of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk

From this reading A sand bank showed yellow against the dark gray of the sky.