Chapter XXIII · Chapter 23

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

From this reading Towards dinner-time Salve and Nils Buvaagen were standing for a moment together by the ship's side.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading Although the wind was on shore they could hear the dull thunder of the breakers there, and a kind of dim rumbling in the air.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Although the wind was on shore they could hear the dull thunder of the breakers there, and a kind of dim rumbling in the air.

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

From this reading Towards dinner-time Salve and Nils Buvaagen were standing for a moment together by the ship's side.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

waves breaking on the shore

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The storm had perceptibly lulled, but the weather was still dull and hazy, and the sea high.

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

From this reading Towards dinner-time Salve and Nils Buvaagen were standing for a moment together by the ship's side.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Towards dinner-time Salve and Nils Buvaagen were standing for a moment together by the ship's side.

-ing form of “circle” — travel around something

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

the shore of a sea or ocean

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

reach, make, or come to a decision about something

From this reading The next three or four hours would obviously decide their fate.

lacking in light; not bright or harsh

From this reading Although the wind was on shore they could hear the dull thunder of the breakers there, and a kind of dim rumbling in the air.

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

From this reading Towards dinner-time Salve and Nils Buvaagen were standing for a moment together by the ship's side.

in a cheerless manner

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

lacking in liveliness or animation

From this reading The storm had perceptibly lulled, but the weather was still dull and hazy, and the sea high.

decreasing in amount or degree

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading The next three or four hours would obviously decide their fate.

emitting or filled with bubbles as from carbonation or fermentation

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Towards dinner-time Salve and Nils Buvaagen were standing for a moment together by the ship's side.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading The next three or four hours would obviously decide their fate.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

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

From this reading The storm had perceptibly lulled, but the weather was still dull and hazy, and the sea high.

filled or abounding with fog or mist

From this reading The storm had perceptibly lulled, but the weather was still dull and hazy, and the sea high.

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading Although the wind was on shore they could hear the dull thunder of the breakers there, and a kind of dim rumbling in the air.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The storm had perceptibly lulled, but the weather was still dull and hazy, and the sea high.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading The next three or four hours would obviously decide their fate.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

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

From this reading Although the wind was on shore they could hear the dull thunder of the breakers there, and a kind of dim rumbling in the air.

an airplane powered by one or more jet engines

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading Although the wind was on shore they could hear the dull thunder of the breakers there, and a kind of dim rumbling in the air.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

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 Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

past form of “lull” — calm by deception

From this reading The storm had perceptibly lulled, but the weather was still dull and hazy, and the sea high.

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

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

a particular point in time

From this reading Towards dinner-time Salve and Nils Buvaagen were standing for a moment together by the ship's side.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading The next three or four hours would obviously decide their fate.

plural of “nil” — a quantity of no importance

From this reading Towards dinner-time Salve and Nils Buvaagen were standing for a moment together by the ship's side.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading The next three or four hours would obviously decide their fate.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

in a noticeable manner

From this reading The storm had perceptibly lulled, but the weather was still dull and hazy, and the sea high.

a submerged ridge of rock or coral near the surface of the water

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

a loud low dull continuous noise

From this reading Although the wind was on shore they could hear the dull thunder of the breakers there, and a kind of dim rumbling in the air.

semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation

From this reading Towards dinner-time Salve and Nils Buvaagen were standing for a moment together by the ship's side.

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

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading The storm had perceptibly lulled, but the weather was still dull and hazy, and the sea high.

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

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

possessive form of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight

From this reading Towards dinner-time Salve and Nils Buvaagen were standing for a moment together by the ship's side.

the land along the edge of a body of water

From this reading Although the wind was on shore they could hear the dull thunder of the breakers there, and a kind of dim rumbling in the air.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading Towards dinner-time Salve and Nils Buvaagen were standing for a moment together by the ship's side.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

a pesticide in suspension or solution; intended for spraying

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

having a supporting base

From this reading Towards dinner-time Salve and Nils Buvaagen were standing for a moment together by the ship's side.

not in physical motion

From this reading The storm had perceptibly lulled, but the weather was still dull and hazy, and the sea high.

behave violently, as if in state of a great anger

From this reading The storm had perceptibly lulled, but the weather was still dull and hazy, and the sea high.

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

From this reading Towards dinner-time Salve and Nils Buvaagen were standing for a moment together by the ship's side.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The next three or four hours would obviously decide their fate.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

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

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

move fast, noisily, and heavily

From this reading Although the wind was on shore they could hear the dull thunder of the breakers there, and a kind of dim rumbling in the air.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading Towards dinner-time Salve and Nils Buvaagen were standing for a moment together by the ship's side.

in the direction of

From this reading Towards dinner-time Salve and Nils Buvaagen were standing for a moment together by the ship's side.

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

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading The storm had perceptibly lulled, but the weather was still dull and hazy, and the sea high.

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

From this reading The storm had perceptibly lulled, but the weather was still dull and hazy, and the sea high.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Towards dinner-time Salve and Nils Buvaagen were standing for a moment together by the ship's side.

in or at the place that

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

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

From this reading Although the wind was on shore they could hear the dull thunder of the breakers there, and a kind of dim rumbling in the air.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading The next three or four hours would obviously decide their fate.

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

From this reading Two or three sea-gulls were circling drearily between them and the coast, where they could now see a long line of yellow foaming breakers like a huge wall, rising and falling on the sandbanks, with here and there a mast-high jet of spray from some reef outside.