used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE OIL-TANKER FOR two hours more the _Alerte_ held on a westerly course through a blinding fog before Captain Cain resolved upon a plan of action.
something done (usually as opposed to something said)
From this reading THE OIL-TANKER FOR two hours more the _Alerte_ held on a westerly course through a blinding fog before Captain Cain resolved upon a plan of action.
AdmiraltynounUS /ˈædmərəlti/
the department in charge of the navy (as in Great Britain)
From this reading Against one outstanding asset--the Admiralty declaration that the patrolling destroyers had been withdrawn--was a more than counterbalancing debit.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Against one outstanding asset--the Admiralty declaration that the patrolling destroyers had been withdrawn--was a more than counterbalancing debit.
Alerte
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE OIL-TANKER FOR two hours more the _Alerte_ held on a westerly course through a blinding fog before Captain Cain resolved upon a plan of action.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Cap'n Silas Porthoustoc's sudden demise had not only deprived the pirate of a necessary confederate--it had handicapped him severely in the important matter of refilling the almost empty fuel tanks.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Generally capable of forming a swift and workable decision, he was now beset with so many perplexities that for once at least his ready resource failed him.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading It was impossible for the _Alerte_ to enter any commercial harbour and obtain oil from the storage tanks without certain detection.
assetnounUS /ˈæset/
a useful or valuable quality
From this reading Against one outstanding asset--the Admiralty declaration that the patrolling destroyers had been withdrawn--was a more than counterbalancing debit.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Generally capable of forming a swift and workable decision, he was now beset with so many perplexities that for once at least his ready resource failed him.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Against one outstanding asset--the Admiralty declaration that the patrolling destroyers had been withdrawn--was a more than counterbalancing debit.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading THE OIL-TANKER FOR two hours more the _Alerte_ held on a westerly course through a blinding fog before Captain Cain resolved upon a plan of action.
besetverbUS /bɪˈset/
annoy continually or chronically
From this reading Generally capable of forming a swift and workable decision, he was now beset with so many perplexities that for once at least his ready resource failed him.
blindingadjectiveUS /ˈblaɪndɪŋ/
shining intensely
From this reading THE OIL-TANKER FOR two hours more the _Alerte_ held on a westerly course through a blinding fog before Captain Cain resolved upon a plan of action.
CainnounUS /keɪn/
(Old Testament) Cain and Abel were the first children of Adam and Eve born after the Fall of Man; Cain killed Abel out of jealousy and was exiled by God
From this reading THE OIL-TANKER FOR two hours more the _Alerte_ held on a westerly course through a blinding fog before Captain Cain resolved upon a plan of action.
Cap'n
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cap'n Silas Porthoustoc's sudden demise had not only deprived the pirate of a necessary confederate--it had handicapped him severely in the important matter of refilling the almost empty fuel tanks.
(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability
From this reading Generally capable of forming a swift and workable decision, he was now beset with so many perplexities that for once at least his ready resource failed him.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading THE OIL-TANKER FOR two hours more the _Alerte_ held on a westerly course through a blinding fog before Captain Cain resolved upon a plan of action.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading It was impossible for the _Alerte_ to enter any commercial harbour and obtain oil from the storage tanks without certain detection.
commercialadjectiveUS /kəˈmɜːrʃəl/
connected with or engaged in or sponsored by or used in commerce or commercial enterprises
From this reading It was impossible for the _Alerte_ to enter any commercial harbour and obtain oil from the storage tanks without certain detection.
confederatenounUS /kənˈfedərət/
a supporter of the Confederate States of America
From this reading Cap'n Silas Porthoustoc's sudden demise had not only deprived the pirate of a necessary confederate--it had handicapped him severely in the important matter of refilling the almost empty fuel tanks.
counterbalancingverbUS /ˈkaʊntərbælənsɪŋ/
-ing form of “counterbalance” — adjust for
From this reading Against one outstanding asset--the Admiralty declaration that the patrolling destroyers had been withdrawn--was a more than counterbalancing debit.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading THE OIL-TANKER FOR two hours more the _Alerte_ held on a westerly course through a blinding fog before Captain Cain resolved upon a plan of action.
debitnounUS /ˈdebɪt/
an accounting entry acknowledging sums that are owing
From this reading Against one outstanding asset--the Admiralty declaration that the patrolling destroyers had been withdrawn--was a more than counterbalancing debit.
the act of making up your mind about something
From this reading Generally capable of forming a swift and workable decision, he was now beset with so many perplexities that for once at least his ready resource failed him.
declarationnounUS /ˌdeklərˈeɪʃən/
a statement that is emphatic and explicit (spoken or written)
From this reading Against one outstanding asset--the Admiralty declaration that the patrolling destroyers had been withdrawn--was a more than counterbalancing debit.
demisenounUS /dɪˈmaɪz/
the time when something ends
From this reading Cap'n Silas Porthoustoc's sudden demise had not only deprived the pirate of a necessary confederate--it had handicapped him severely in the important matter of refilling the almost empty fuel tanks.
deprivedadjectiveUS /dɪˈpraɪvd/
marked by deprivation especially of the necessities of life or healthful environmental influences
From this reading Cap'n Silas Porthoustoc's sudden demise had not only deprived the pirate of a necessary confederate--it had handicapped him severely in the important matter of refilling the almost empty fuel tanks.
destroyersnounUS /dɪˈstrɔɪərz/
plural of “destroyer” — a small fast lightly armored but heavily armed warship
From this reading Against one outstanding asset--the Admiralty declaration that the patrolling destroyers had been withdrawn--was a more than counterbalancing debit.
detectionnounUS /dɪˈtekʃən/
the perception that something has occurred or some state exists
From this reading It was impossible for the _Alerte_ to enter any commercial harbour and obtain oil from the storage tanks without certain detection.
make void or empty of contents
From this reading Cap'n Silas Porthoustoc's sudden demise had not only deprived the pirate of a necessary confederate--it had handicapped him severely in the important matter of refilling the almost empty fuel tanks.
to come or go into
From this reading It was impossible for the _Alerte_ to enter any commercial harbour and obtain oil from the storage tanks without certain detection.
past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone
From this reading Generally capable of forming a swift and workable decision, he was now beset with so many perplexities that for once at least his ready resource failed him.
fognounUS /fɑːɡ/
droplets of water vapor suspended in the air near the ground
From this reading THE OIL-TANKER FOR two hours more the _Alerte_ held on a westerly course through a blinding fog before Captain Cain resolved upon a plan of action.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE OIL-TANKER FOR two hours more the _Alerte_ held on a westerly course through a blinding fog before Captain Cain resolved upon a plan of action.
formingverbUS /ˈfɔːrmɪŋ/
-ing form of “form” — create (as an entity)
From this reading Generally capable of forming a swift and workable decision, he was now beset with so many perplexities that for once at least his ready resource failed him.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It was impossible for the _Alerte_ to enter any commercial harbour and obtain oil from the storage tanks without certain detection.
fuelverbUS /ˈfjuːəl/
provide with a combustible substance that provides energy
From this reading Cap'n Silas Porthoustoc's sudden demise had not only deprived the pirate of a necessary confederate--it had handicapped him severely in the important matter of refilling the almost empty fuel tanks.
usually; as a rule
From this reading Generally capable of forming a swift and workable decision, he was now beset with so many perplexities that for once at least his ready resource failed him.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Against one outstanding asset--the Admiralty declaration that the patrolling destroyers had been withdrawn--was a more than counterbalancing debit.
handicappedadjectiveUS /ˈhændikæpt/
having restricted mental or physical functioning as a consequence of injury or illness
From this reading Cap'n Silas Porthoustoc's sudden demise had not only deprived the pirate of a necessary confederate--it had handicapped him severely in the important matter of refilling the almost empty fuel tanks.
harbourverbUS /ˈhɑːrbər/
secretly shelter (as of fugitives or criminals)
From this reading It was impossible for the _Alerte_ to enter any commercial harbour and obtain oil from the storage tanks without certain detection.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Generally capable of forming a swift and workable decision, he was now beset with so many perplexities that for once at least his ready resource failed him.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading THE OIL-TANKER FOR two hours more the _Alerte_ held on a westerly course through a blinding fog before Captain Cain resolved upon a plan of action.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Generally capable of forming a swift and workable decision, he was now beset with so many perplexities that for once at least his ready resource failed him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Generally capable of forming a swift and workable decision, he was now beset with so many perplexities that for once at least his ready resource failed him.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading THE OIL-TANKER FOR two hours more the _Alerte_ held on a westerly course through a blinding fog before Captain Cain resolved upon a plan of action.
of great significance or value
From this reading Cap'n Silas Porthoustoc's sudden demise had not only deprived the pirate of a necessary confederate--it had handicapped him severely in the important matter of refilling the almost empty fuel tanks.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading It was impossible for the _Alerte_ to enter any commercial harbour and obtain oil from the storage tanks without certain detection.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Cap'n Silas Porthoustoc's sudden demise had not only deprived the pirate of a necessary confederate--it had handicapped him severely in the important matter of refilling the almost empty fuel tanks.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Cap'n Silas Porthoustoc's sudden demise had not only deprived the pirate of a necessary confederate--it had handicapped him severely in the important matter of refilling the almost empty fuel tanks.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading Generally capable of forming a swift and workable decision, he was now beset with so many perplexities that for once at least his ready resource failed him.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Generally capable of forming a swift and workable decision, he was now beset with so many perplexities that for once at least his ready resource failed him.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Cap'n Silas Porthoustoc's sudden demise had not only deprived the pirate of a necessary confederate--it had handicapped him severely in the important matter of refilling the almost empty fuel tanks.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading THE OIL-TANKER FOR two hours more the _Alerte_ held on a westerly course through a blinding fog before Captain Cain resolved upon a plan of action.
absolutely essential
From this reading Cap'n Silas Porthoustoc's sudden demise had not only deprived the pirate of a necessary confederate--it had handicapped him severely in the important matter of refilling the almost empty fuel tanks.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Cap'n Silas Porthoustoc's sudden demise had not only deprived the pirate of a necessary confederate--it had handicapped him severely in the important matter of refilling the almost empty fuel tanks.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Generally capable of forming a swift and workable decision, he was now beset with so many perplexities that for once at least his ready resource failed him.
come into possession of
From this reading It was impossible for the _Alerte_ to enter any commercial harbour and obtain oil from the storage tanks without certain detection.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE OIL-TANKER FOR two hours more the _Alerte_ held on a westerly course through a blinding fog before Captain Cain resolved upon a plan of action.
A viscous liquid derived from petroleum or plants, stored in large earthen jars.
From this reading It was impossible for the _Alerte_ to enter any commercial harbour and obtain oil from the storage tanks without certain detection.
OIL-TANKER
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE OIL-TANKER FOR two hours more the _Alerte_ held on a westerly course through a blinding fog before Captain Cain resolved upon a plan of action.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE OIL-TANKER FOR two hours more the _Alerte_ held on a westerly course through a blinding fog before Captain Cain resolved upon a plan of action.
on one occasion
From this reading Generally capable of forming a swift and workable decision, he was now beset with so many perplexities that for once at least his ready resource failed him.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Against one outstanding asset--the Admiralty declaration that the patrolling destroyers had been withdrawn--was a more than counterbalancing debit.
and nothing more
From this reading Cap'n Silas Porthoustoc's sudden demise had not only deprived the pirate of a necessary confederate--it had handicapped him severely in the important matter of refilling the almost empty fuel tanks.
outstandingadjectiveUS /ˌaʊtˈstændɪŋ/
distinguished from others in excellence
From this reading Against one outstanding asset--the Admiralty declaration that the patrolling destroyers had been withdrawn--was a more than counterbalancing debit.
patrollingverbUS /pəˈtroʊlɪŋ/
inflected form of “patrol” — maintain the security of by carrying out a patrol
From this reading Against one outstanding asset--the Admiralty declaration that the patrolling destroyers had been withdrawn--was a more than counterbalancing debit.
perplexities
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Generally capable of forming a swift and workable decision, he was now beset with so many perplexities that for once at least his ready resource failed him.
piratenounUS /ˈpaɪrət/
someone who uses another person's words or ideas as if they were his own
From this reading Cap'n Silas Porthoustoc's sudden demise had not only deprived the pirate of a necessary confederate--it had handicapped him severely in the important matter of refilling the almost empty fuel tanks.
have the will and intention to carry out some action
From this reading THE OIL-TANKER FOR two hours more the _Alerte_ held on a westerly course through a blinding fog before Captain Cain resolved upon a plan of action.
Porthoustoc's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cap'n Silas Porthoustoc's sudden demise had not only deprived the pirate of a necessary confederate--it had handicapped him severely in the important matter of refilling the almost empty fuel tanks.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading Generally capable of forming a swift and workable decision, he was now beset with so many perplexities that for once at least his ready resource failed him.
refillingnoun
filling again by supplying what has been used up
From this reading Cap'n Silas Porthoustoc's sudden demise had not only deprived the pirate of a necessary confederate--it had handicapped him severely in the important matter of refilling the almost empty fuel tanks.
determined
From this reading THE OIL-TANKER FOR two hours more the _Alerte_ held on a westerly course through a blinding fog before Captain Cain resolved upon a plan of action.
resourcenounUS /ˈriːsɔːrs/
available source of wealth; a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed
From this reading Generally capable of forming a swift and workable decision, he was now beset with so many perplexities that for once at least his ready resource failed him.
severelyadverbUS /səˈvɪrli/
to a severe or serious degree
From this reading Cap'n Silas Porthoustoc's sudden demise had not only deprived the pirate of a necessary confederate--it had handicapped him severely in the important matter of refilling the almost empty fuel tanks.
Silas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cap'n Silas Porthoustoc's sudden demise had not only deprived the pirate of a necessary confederate--it had handicapped him severely in the important matter of refilling the almost empty fuel tanks.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Generally capable of forming a swift and workable decision, he was now beset with so many perplexities that for once at least his ready resource failed him.
storagenounUS /ˈstɔːrədʒ/
the act of storing something
From this reading It was impossible for the _Alerte_ to enter any commercial harbour and obtain oil from the storage tanks without certain detection.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading Cap'n Silas Porthoustoc's sudden demise had not only deprived the pirate of a necessary confederate--it had handicapped him severely in the important matter of refilling the almost empty fuel tanks.
moving very fast
From this reading Generally capable of forming a swift and workable decision, he was now beset with so many perplexities that for once at least his ready resource failed him.
tanksnounUS /tæŋks/
plural of “tank” — an enclosed armored military vehicle; has a cannon and moves on caterpillar treads
From this reading Cap'n Silas Porthoustoc's sudden demise had not only deprived the pirate of a necessary confederate--it had handicapped him severely in the important matter of refilling the almost empty fuel tanks.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Against one outstanding asset--the Admiralty declaration that the patrolling destroyers had been withdrawn--was a more than counterbalancing debit.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Generally capable of forming a swift and workable decision, he was now beset with so many perplexities that for once at least his ready resource failed him.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE OIL-TANKER FOR two hours more the _Alerte_ held on a westerly course through a blinding fog before Captain Cain resolved upon a plan of action.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading THE OIL-TANKER FOR two hours more the _Alerte_ held on a westerly course through a blinding fog before Captain Cain resolved upon a plan of action.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was impossible for the _Alerte_ to enter any commercial harbour and obtain oil from the storage tanks without certain detection.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading THE OIL-TANKER FOR two hours more the _Alerte_ held on a westerly course through a blinding fog before Captain Cain resolved upon a plan of action.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading THE OIL-TANKER FOR two hours more the _Alerte_ held on a westerly course through a blinding fog before Captain Cain resolved upon a plan of action.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Generally capable of forming a swift and workable decision, he was now beset with so many perplexities that for once at least his ready resource failed him.
westerlyadverbUS /ˈwestərli/
toward the west
From this reading THE OIL-TANKER FOR two hours more the _Alerte_ held on a westerly course through a blinding fog before Captain Cain resolved upon a plan of action.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Generally capable of forming a swift and workable decision, he was now beset with so many perplexities that for once at least his ready resource failed him.
withdrawnadjectiveUS /wɪθˈdrɔːn/
withdrawn from society; seeking solitude
From this reading Against one outstanding asset--the Admiralty declaration that the patrolling destroyers had been withdrawn--was a more than counterbalancing debit.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading It was impossible for the _Alerte_ to enter any commercial harbour and obtain oil from the storage tanks without certain detection.
workableadjectiveUS /ˈwɜːrkəbəl/
capable of being done with means at hand and circumstances as they are
From this reading Generally capable of forming a swift and workable decision, he was now beset with so many perplexities that for once at least his ready resource failed him.
