used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Tom and Bob gradually quickened their stroke, hoping to make some slight but sure gain on the leaders; but the Ellison brothers were evidently of a mind to hold their lead as long as possible, and continued to do so.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading CONQUERING THE RAPIDS This part of the stream, for some two miles above the Ellison dam, was deep, still water, lying between quite steep banks, and there was little perceptible current.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading In the course of half an hour, after leaving the dam, the current began to flow faster against them; now and then it came down over shoals of quite an incline, so that they made better headway by getting out their setting-poles and using them, instead of the paddles.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading In the course of half an hour, after leaving the dam, the current began to flow faster against them; now and then it came down over shoals of quite an incline, so that they made better headway by getting out their setting-poles and using them, instead of the paddles.
at or in the front
From this reading So that now, the water being unruffled by any wind, the four canoes shot ahead at good speed, retaining generally their relative positions.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading In the course of half an hour, after leaving the dam, the current began to flow faster against them; now and then it came down over shoals of quite an incline, so that they made better headway by getting out their setting-poles and using them, instead of the paddles.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading CONQUERING THE RAPIDS This part of the stream, for some two miles above the Ellison dam, was deep, still water, lying between quite steep banks, and there was little perceptible current.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading So that now, the water being unruffled by any wind, the four canoes shot ahead at good speed, retaining generally their relative positions.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Tom and Bob gradually quickened their stroke, hoping to make some slight but sure gain on the leaders; but the Ellison brothers were evidently of a mind to hold their lead as long as possible, and continued to do so.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading So that now, the water being unruffled by any wind, the four canoes shot ahead at good speed, retaining generally their relative positions.
English botanist who accompanied Captain Cook on his first voyage to the Pacific Ocean (1743-1820)
From this reading CONQUERING THE RAPIDS This part of the stream, for some two miles above the Ellison dam, was deep, still water, lying between quite steep banks, and there was little perceptible current.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading In the course of half an hour, after leaving the dam, the current began to flow faster against them; now and then it came down over shoals of quite an incline, so that they made better headway by getting out their setting-poles and using them, instead of the paddles.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading So that now, the water being unruffled by any wind, the four canoes shot ahead at good speed, retaining generally their relative positions.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading In the course of half an hour, after leaving the dam, the current began to flow faster against them; now and then it came down over shoals of quite an incline, so that they made better headway by getting out their setting-poles and using them, instead of the paddles.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading CONQUERING THE RAPIDS This part of the stream, for some two miles above the Ellison dam, was deep, still water, lying between quite steep banks, and there was little perceptible current.
move up and down repeatedly
From this reading Tom and Bob gradually quickened their stroke, hoping to make some slight but sure gain on the leaders; but the Ellison brothers were evidently of a mind to hold their lead as long as possible, and continued to do so.
plural of “brother” — a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading Tom and Bob gradually quickened their stroke, hoping to make some slight but sure gain on the leaders; but the Ellison brothers were evidently of a mind to hold their lead as long as possible, and continued to do so.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Tom and Bob gradually quickened their stroke, hoping to make some slight but sure gain on the leaders; but the Ellison brothers were evidently of a mind to hold their lead as long as possible, and continued to do so.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading So that now, the water being unruffled by any wind, the four canoes shot ahead at good speed, retaining generally their relative positions.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading In the course of half an hour, after leaving the dam, the current began to flow faster against them; now and then it came down over shoals of quite an incline, so that they made better headway by getting out their setting-poles and using them, instead of the paddles.
canoesnounUS /kəˈnuːz/
plural of “canoe” — small and light boat; pointed at both ends; propelled with a paddle
From this reading So that now, the water being unruffled by any wind, the four canoes shot ahead at good speed, retaining generally their relative positions.
CONQUERINGnounUS /ˈkɑːŋkərɪŋ/
the act of conquering
From this reading CONQUERING THE RAPIDS This part of the stream, for some two miles above the Ellison dam, was deep, still water, lying between quite steep banks, and there was little perceptible current.
without stop or interruption
From this reading Tom and Bob gradually quickened their stroke, hoping to make some slight but sure gain on the leaders; but the Ellison brothers were evidently of a mind to hold their lead as long as possible, and continued to do so.
the total spent for goods or services including money and time and labor
From this reading This, however, was at the cost of some extra exertion, which might tell in the long run.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading In the course of half an hour, after leaving the dam, the current began to flow faster against them; now and then it came down over shoals of quite an incline, so that they made better headway by getting out their setting-poles and using them, instead of the paddles.
a flow of electricity through a conductor
From this reading CONQUERING THE RAPIDS This part of the stream, for some two miles above the Ellison dam, was deep, still water, lying between quite steep banks, and there was little perceptible current.
damnounUS /dæm/
a barrier constructed to contain the flow of water or to keep out the sea
From this reading CONQUERING THE RAPIDS This part of the stream, for some two miles above the Ellison dam, was deep, still water, lying between quite steep banks, and there was little perceptible current.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading CONQUERING THE RAPIDS This part of the stream, for some two miles above the Ellison dam, was deep, still water, lying between quite steep banks, and there was little perceptible current.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Tom and Bob gradually quickened their stroke, hoping to make some slight but sure gain on the leaders; but the Ellison brothers were evidently of a mind to hold their lead as long as possible, and continued to do so.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading In the course of half an hour, after leaving the dam, the current began to flow faster against them; now and then it came down over shoals of quite an incline, so that they made better headway by getting out their setting-poles and using them, instead of the paddles.
EllisonnounUS /ˈelɪsən/
United States novelist who wrote about a young Black man and his struggles in American society (1914-1994)
From this reading CONQUERING THE RAPIDS This part of the stream, for some two miles above the Ellison dam, was deep, still water, lying between quite steep banks, and there was little perceptible current.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading Tom and Bob gradually quickened their stroke, hoping to make some slight but sure gain on the leaders; but the Ellison brothers were evidently of a mind to hold their lead as long as possible, and continued to do so.
exertionnounUS /ɪɡˈzɜːrʃən/
use of physical or mental energy; hard work
From this reading This, however, was at the cost of some extra exertion, which might tell in the long run.
extraadjectiveUS /ˈekstrə/
more than is needed, desired, or required
From this reading This, however, was at the cost of some extra exertion, which might tell in the long run.
fasteradverbUS /ˈfæstər/
more quickly
From this reading In the course of half an hour, after leaving the dam, the current began to flow faster against them; now and then it came down over shoals of quite an incline, so that they made better headway by getting out their setting-poles and using them, instead of the paddles.
flownounUS /floʊ/
the motion characteristic of fluids (liquids or gases)
From this reading In the course of half an hour, after leaving the dam, the current began to flow faster against them; now and then it came down over shoals of quite an incline, so that they made better headway by getting out their setting-poles and using them, instead of the paddles.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading CONQUERING THE RAPIDS This part of the stream, for some two miles above the Ellison dam, was deep, still water, lying between quite steep banks, and there was little perceptible current.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading So that now, the water being unruffled by any wind, the four canoes shot ahead at good speed, retaining generally their relative positions.
obtain
From this reading Tom and Bob gradually quickened their stroke, hoping to make some slight but sure gain on the leaders; but the Ellison brothers were evidently of a mind to hold their lead as long as possible, and continued to do so.
usually; as a rule
From this reading So that now, the water being unruffled by any wind, the four canoes shot ahead at good speed, retaining generally their relative positions.
the act of acquiring something
From this reading In the course of half an hour, after leaving the dam, the current began to flow faster against them; now and then it came down over shoals of quite an incline, so that they made better headway by getting out their setting-poles and using them, instead of the paddles.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading So that now, the water being unruffled by any wind, the four canoes shot ahead at good speed, retaining generally their relative positions.
in a gradual manner
From this reading Tom and Bob gradually quickened their stroke, hoping to make some slight but sure gain on the leaders; but the Ellison brothers were evidently of a mind to hold their lead as long as possible, and continued to do so.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading In the course of half an hour, after leaving the dam, the current began to flow faster against them; now and then it came down over shoals of quite an incline, so that they made better headway by getting out their setting-poles and using them, instead of the paddles.
headwaynounUS /ˈhedweɪ/
vertical space available to allow easy passage under something
From this reading In the course of half an hour, after leaving the dam, the current began to flow faster against them; now and then it came down over shoals of quite an incline, so that they made better headway by getting out their setting-poles and using them, instead of the paddles.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading Tom and Bob gradually quickened their stroke, hoping to make some slight but sure gain on the leaders; but the Ellison brothers were evidently of a mind to hold their lead as long as possible, and continued to do so.
hopingverbUS /ˈhoʊpɪŋ/
-ing form of “hope” — expect and wish
From this reading Tom and Bob gradually quickened their stroke, hoping to make some slight but sure gain on the leaders; but the Ellison brothers were evidently of a mind to hold their lead as long as possible, and continued to do so.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading In the course of half an hour, after leaving the dam, the current began to flow faster against them; now and then it came down over shoals of quite an incline, so that they made better headway by getting out their setting-poles and using them, instead of the paddles.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading This, however, was at the cost of some extra exertion, which might tell in the long run.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading This, however, was at the cost of some extra exertion, which might tell in the long run.
inclinenounUS /ˌɪnˈklaɪn/
an elevated geological formation
From this reading In the course of half an hour, after leaving the dam, the current began to flow faster against them; now and then it came down over shoals of quite an incline, so that they made better headway by getting out their setting-poles and using them, instead of the paddles.
in place of, or as an alternative to
From this reading In the course of half an hour, after leaving the dam, the current began to flow faster against them; now and then it came down over shoals of quite an incline, so that they made better headway by getting out their setting-poles and using them, instead of the paddles.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In the course of half an hour, after leaving the dam, the current began to flow faster against them; now and then it came down over shoals of quite an incline, so that they made better headway by getting out their setting-poles and using them, instead of the paddles.
take somebody somewhere
From this reading Tom and Bob gradually quickened their stroke, hoping to make some slight but sure gain on the leaders; but the Ellison brothers were evidently of a mind to hold their lead as long as possible, and continued to do so.
leadersnounUS /ˈliːdərz/
the body of people who lead a group
From this reading Tom and Bob gradually quickened their stroke, hoping to make some slight but sure gain on the leaders; but the Ellison brothers were evidently of a mind to hold their lead as long as possible, and continued to do so.
the act of departing
From this reading In the course of half an hour, after leaving the dam, the current began to flow faster against them; now and then it came down over shoals of quite an incline, so that they made better headway by getting out their setting-poles and using them, instead of the paddles.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading CONQUERING THE RAPIDS This part of the stream, for some two miles above the Ellison dam, was deep, still water, lying between quite steep banks, and there was little perceptible current.
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 Tom and Bob gradually quickened their stroke, hoping to make some slight but sure gain on the leaders; but the Ellison brothers were evidently of a mind to hold their lead as long as possible, and continued to do so.
the deliberate act of deviating from the truth
From this reading CONQUERING THE RAPIDS This part of the stream, for some two miles above the Ellison dam, was deep, still water, lying between quite steep banks, and there was little perceptible current.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading In the course of half an hour, after leaving the dam, the current began to flow faster against them; now and then it came down over shoals of quite an incline, so that they made better headway by getting out their setting-poles and using them, instead of the paddles.
engage in
From this reading Tom and Bob gradually quickened their stroke, hoping to make some slight but sure gain on the leaders; but the Ellison brothers were evidently of a mind to hold their lead as long as possible, and continued to do so.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading This, however, was at the cost of some extra exertion, which might tell in the long run.
plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading CONQUERING THE RAPIDS This part of the stream, for some two miles above the Ellison dam, was deep, still water, lying between quite steep banks, and there was little perceptible current.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading Tom and Bob gradually quickened their stroke, hoping to make some slight but sure gain on the leaders; but the Ellison brothers were evidently of a mind to hold their lead as long as possible, and continued to do so.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading So that now, the water being unruffled by any wind, the four canoes shot ahead at good speed, retaining generally their relative positions.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading CONQUERING THE RAPIDS This part of the stream, for some two miles above the Ellison dam, was deep, still water, lying between quite steep banks, and there was little perceptible current.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Tom and Bob gradually quickened their stroke, hoping to make some slight but sure gain on the leaders; but the Ellison brothers were evidently of a mind to hold their lead as long as possible, and continued to do so.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading In the course of half an hour, after leaving the dam, the current began to flow faster against them; now and then it came down over shoals of quite an incline, so that they made better headway by getting out their setting-poles and using them, instead of the paddles.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading In the course of half an hour, after leaving the dam, the current began to flow faster against them; now and then it came down over shoals of quite an incline, so that they made better headway by getting out their setting-poles and using them, instead of the paddles.
paddlesnounUS /ˈpædəlz/
plural of “paddle” — small wooden bat with a flat surface; used for hitting balls in various games
From this reading In the course of half an hour, after leaving the dam, the current began to flow faster against them; now and then it came down over shoals of quite an incline, so that they made better headway by getting out their setting-poles and using them, instead of the paddles.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading CONQUERING THE RAPIDS This part of the stream, for some two miles above the Ellison dam, was deep, still water, lying between quite steep banks, and there was little perceptible current.
perceptibleadjectiveUS /pərˈseptəbəl/
capable of being perceived by the mind or senses
From this reading CONQUERING THE RAPIDS This part of the stream, for some two miles above the Ellison dam, was deep, still water, lying between quite steep banks, and there was little perceptible current.
positionsnounUS /pəˈzɪʃənz/
plural of “position” — the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading So that now, the water being unruffled by any wind, the four canoes shot ahead at good speed, retaining generally their relative positions.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading Tom and Bob gradually quickened their stroke, hoping to make some slight but sure gain on the leaders; but the Ellison brothers were evidently of a mind to hold their lead as long as possible, and continued to do so.
quickenedverbUS /ˈkwɪkənd/
past form of “quicken” — move faster
From this reading Tom and Bob gradually quickened their stroke, hoping to make some slight but sure gain on the leaders; but the Ellison brothers were evidently of a mind to hold their lead as long as possible, and continued to do so.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading CONQUERING THE RAPIDS This part of the stream, for some two miles above the Ellison dam, was deep, still water, lying between quite steep banks, and there was little perceptible current.
RAPIDSnounUS /ˈræpədz/
plural of “rapid” — a part of a river where the current is very fast
From this reading CONQUERING THE RAPIDS This part of the stream, for some two miles above the Ellison dam, was deep, still water, lying between quite steep banks, and there was little perceptible current.
relativenounUS /ˈrelətɪv/
a person related by blood or marriage
From this reading So that now, the water being unruffled by any wind, the four canoes shot ahead at good speed, retaining generally their relative positions.
retainingverbUS /rɪˈteɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “retain” — hold back within
From this reading So that now, the water being unruffled by any wind, the four canoes shot ahead at good speed, retaining generally their relative positions.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading This, however, was at the cost of some extra exertion, which might tell in the long run.
setting-poles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the course of half an hour, after leaving the dam, the current began to flow faster against them; now and then it came down over shoals of quite an incline, so that they made better headway by getting out their setting-poles and using them, instead of the paddles.
shoalsnounUS /ʃoʊlz/
plural of “shoal” — a sandbank in a stretch of water that is visible at low tide
From this reading In the course of half an hour, after leaving the dam, the current began to flow faster against them; now and then it came down over shoals of quite an incline, so that they made better headway by getting out their setting-poles and using them, instead of the paddles.
the act of firing a projectile
From this reading So that now, the water being unruffled by any wind, the four canoes shot ahead at good speed, retaining generally their relative positions.
a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)
From this reading Tom and Bob gradually quickened their stroke, hoping to make some slight but sure gain on the leaders; but the Ellison brothers were evidently of a mind to hold their lead as long as possible, and continued to do so.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading So that now, the water being unruffled by any wind, the four canoes shot ahead at good speed, retaining generally their relative positions.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading CONQUERING THE RAPIDS This part of the stream, for some two miles above the Ellison dam, was deep, still water, lying between quite steep banks, and there was little perceptible current.
move hurridly
From this reading So that now, the water being unruffled by any wind, the four canoes shot ahead at good speed, retaining generally their relative positions.
steepadjectiveUS /stiːp/
having a sharp inclination
From this reading CONQUERING THE RAPIDS This part of the stream, for some two miles above the Ellison dam, was deep, still water, lying between quite steep banks, and there was little perceptible current.
not in physical motion
From this reading CONQUERING THE RAPIDS This part of the stream, for some two miles above the Ellison dam, was deep, still water, lying between quite steep banks, and there was little perceptible current.
a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
From this reading CONQUERING THE RAPIDS This part of the stream, for some two miles above the Ellison dam, was deep, still water, lying between quite steep banks, and there was little perceptible current.
(sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand
From this reading Tom and Bob gradually quickened their stroke, hoping to make some slight but sure gain on the leaders; but the Ellison brothers were evidently of a mind to hold their lead as long as possible, and continued to do so.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading Tom and Bob gradually quickened their stroke, hoping to make some slight but sure gain on the leaders; but the Ellison brothers were evidently of a mind to hold their lead as long as possible, and continued to do so.
express in words
From this reading This, however, was at the cost of some extra exertion, which might tell in the long run.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading So that now, the water being unruffled by any wind, the four canoes shot ahead at good speed, retaining generally their relative positions.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading CONQUERING THE RAPIDS This part of the stream, for some two miles above the Ellison dam, was deep, still water, lying between quite steep banks, and there was little perceptible current.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading So that now, the water being unruffled by any wind, the four canoes shot ahead at good speed, retaining generally their relative positions.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading In the course of half an hour, after leaving the dam, the current began to flow faster against them; now and then it came down over shoals of quite an incline, so that they made better headway by getting out their setting-poles and using them, instead of the paddles.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading In the course of half an hour, after leaving the dam, the current began to flow faster against them; now and then it came down over shoals of quite an incline, so that they made better headway by getting out their setting-poles and using them, instead of the paddles.
in or at that place or location
From this reading CONQUERING THE RAPIDS This part of the stream, for some two miles above the Ellison dam, was deep, still water, lying between quite steep banks, and there was little perceptible current.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In the course of half an hour, after leaving the dam, the current began to flow faster against them; now and then it came down over shoals of quite an incline, so that they made better headway by getting out their setting-poles and using them, instead of the paddles.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading CONQUERING THE RAPIDS This part of the stream, for some two miles above the Ellison dam, was deep, still water, lying between quite steep banks, and there was little perceptible current.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Tom and Bob gradually quickened their stroke, hoping to make some slight but sure gain on the leaders; but the Ellison brothers were evidently of a mind to hold their lead as long as possible, and continued to do so.
male cat
From this reading Tom and Bob gradually quickened their stroke, hoping to make some slight but sure gain on the leaders; but the Ellison brothers were evidently of a mind to hold their lead as long as possible, and continued to do so.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading CONQUERING THE RAPIDS This part of the stream, for some two miles above the Ellison dam, was deep, still water, lying between quite steep banks, and there was little perceptible current.
unruffledadjectiveUS /ənˈrʌfəld/
free from emotional agitation or nervous tension
From this reading So that now, the water being unruffled by any wind, the four canoes shot ahead at good speed, retaining generally their relative positions.
usingnounUS /ˈjuːzɪŋ/
an act that exploits or victimizes someone (treats them unfairly)
From this reading In the course of half an hour, after leaving the dam, the current began to flow faster against them; now and then it came down over shoals of quite an incline, so that they made better headway by getting out their setting-poles and using them, instead of the paddles.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading CONQUERING THE RAPIDS This part of the stream, for some two miles above the Ellison dam, was deep, still water, lying between quite steep banks, and there was little perceptible current.
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 CONQUERING THE RAPIDS This part of the stream, for some two miles above the Ellison dam, was deep, still water, lying between quite steep banks, and there was little perceptible current.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Tom and Bob gradually quickened their stroke, hoping to make some slight but sure gain on the leaders; but the Ellison brothers were evidently of a mind to hold their lead as long as possible, and continued to do so.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading This, however, was at the cost of some extra exertion, which might tell in the long run.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading So that now, the water being unruffled by any wind, the four canoes shot ahead at good speed, retaining generally their relative positions.
