used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "Many years ago it happened that two of the other old geese and myself encountered frightful storms during a spring flight and were wind-driven to this island.
in the past
From this reading "Many years ago it happened that two of the other old geese and myself encountered frightful storms during a spring flight and were wind-driven to this island.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "Many years ago it happened that two of the other old geese and myself encountered frightful storms during a spring flight and were wind-driven to this island.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading We hoped to find grain in the bags and pulled and tugged at them till we tore the cloth.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
bagsnounUS /bæɡz/
plural of “bag” — a flexible container with a single opening
From this reading We couldn't find a green blade, but we saw a number of securely tied bags half buried in the sand.
completely unclothed
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
bladenounUS /bleɪd/
especially a leaf of grass or the broad portion of a leaf as distinct from the petiole
From this reading We couldn't find a green blade, but we saw a number of securely tied bags half buried in the sand.
placed in a grave
From this reading We couldn't find a green blade, but we saw a number of securely tied bags half buried in the sand.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading We couldn't find a green blade, but we saw a number of securely tied bags half buried in the sand.
cleftnounUS /kleft/
a split or indentation in something (as the palate or chin)
From this reading "We suffered terribly from hunger; once we ventured up to the cleft on this island in search of food.
cliffsnounUS /klɪfs/
plural of “cliff” — a steep high face of rock
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers
From this reading We hoped to find grain in the bags and pulled and tugged at them till we tore the cloth.
inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
couldn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We couldn't find a green blade, but we saw a number of securely tied bags half buried in the sand.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading "Many years ago it happened that two of the other old geese and myself encountered frightful storms during a spring flight and were wind-driven to this island.
encounteredverbUS /ɪnˈkaʊntərd/
past form of “encounter” — come together
From this reading "Many years ago it happened that two of the other old geese and myself encountered frightful storms during a spring flight and were wind-driven to this island.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
a formation of aircraft in flight
From this reading "Many years ago it happened that two of the other old geese and myself encountered frightful storms during a spring flight and were wind-driven to this island.
any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue
From this reading "We suffered terribly from hunger; once we ventured up to the cleft on this island in search of food.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
frightfuladjectiveUS /ˈfraɪtfəl/
provoking horror
From this reading "Many years ago it happened that two of the other old geese and myself encountered frightful storms during a spring flight and were wind-driven to this island.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading "We suffered terribly from hunger; once we ventured up to the cleft on this island in search of food.
geesenounUS /ɡiːs/
plural of “goose” — web-footed long-necked typically gregarious migratory aquatic birds usually larger and less aquatic than ducks
From this reading "Many years ago it happened that two of the other old geese and myself encountered frightful storms during a spring flight and were wind-driven to this island.
grainnounUS /ɡreɪn/
a relatively small granular particle of a substance
From this reading We hoped to find grain in the bags and pulled and tugged at them till we tore the cloth.
green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass
From this reading We couldn't find a green blade, but we saw a number of securely tied bags half buried in the sand.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading We couldn't find a green blade, but we saw a number of securely tied bags half buried in the sand.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading "Many years ago it happened that two of the other old geese and myself encountered frightful storms during a spring flight and were wind-driven to this island.
past form of “hope” — expect and wish
From this reading We hoped to find grain in the bags and pulled and tugged at them till we tore the cloth.
a physiological need for food; the consequence of food deprivation
From this reading "We suffered terribly from hunger; once we ventured up to the cleft on this island in search of food.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "We suffered terribly from hunger; once we ventured up to the cleft on this island in search of food.
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading "Many years ago it happened that two of the other old geese and myself encountered frightful storms during a spring flight and were wind-driven to this island.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "Many years ago it happened that two of the other old geese and myself encountered frightful storms during a spring flight and were wind-driven to this island.
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
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 "Many years ago it happened that two of the other old geese and myself encountered frightful storms during a spring flight and were wind-driven to this island.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading "Many years ago it happened that two of the other old geese and myself encountered frightful storms during a spring flight and were wind-driven to this island.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading We couldn't find a green blade, but we saw a number of securely tied bags half buried in the sand.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "Many years ago it happened that two of the other old geese and myself encountered frightful storms during a spring flight and were wind-driven to this island.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading "Many years ago it happened that two of the other old geese and myself encountered frightful storms during a spring flight and were wind-driven to this island.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
on one occasion
From this reading "We suffered terribly from hunger; once we ventured up to the cleft on this island in search of food.
and nothing more
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading "Many years ago it happened that two of the other old geese and myself encountered frightful storms during a spring flight and were wind-driven to this island.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
past form of “pull” — cause to move by pulling
From this reading We hoped to find grain in the bags and pulled and tugged at them till we tore the cloth.
stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral
From this reading We couldn't find a green blade, but we saw a number of securely tied bags half buried in the sand.
cut with a saw
From this reading We couldn't find a green blade, but we saw a number of securely tied bags half buried in the sand.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of
From this reading "We suffered terribly from hunger; once we ventured up to the cleft on this island in search of food.
securelyadverbUS /sɪˈkjʊrli/
in a secure manner; in a manner free from danger
From this reading We couldn't find a green blade, but we saw a number of securely tied bags half buried in the sand.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
the season of growth
From this reading "Many years ago it happened that two of the other old geese and myself encountered frightful storms during a spring flight and were wind-driven to this island.
behave violently, as if in state of a great anger
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
stormsnounUS /stɔːrmz/
plural of “storm” — a violent weather condition with winds 64-72 knots (11 on the Beaufort scale) and precipitation and thunder and lightning
From this reading "Many years ago it happened that two of the other old geese and myself encountered frightful storms during a spring flight and were wind-driven to this island.
past form of “suffer” — undergo or be subjected to
From this reading "We suffered terribly from hunger; once we ventured up to the cleft on this island in search of food.
possessing sweep
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
terriblyadverbUS /ˈterəbli/
used as intensifiers
From this reading "We suffered terribly from hunger; once we ventured up to the cleft on this island in search of food.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "Many years ago it happened that two of the other old geese and myself encountered frightful storms during a spring flight and were wind-driven to this island.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "Many years ago it happened that two of the other old geese and myself encountered frightful storms during a spring flight and were wind-driven to this island.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading We hoped to find grain in the bags and pulled and tugged at them till we tore the cloth.
in or at that place or location
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading "Many years ago it happened that two of the other old geese and myself encountered frightful storms during a spring flight and were wind-driven to this island.
bound or secured closely
From this reading We couldn't find a green blade, but we saw a number of securely tied bags half buried in the sand.
up to a particular time
From this reading We hoped to find grain in the bags and pulled and tugged at them till we tore the cloth.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "Many years ago it happened that two of the other old geese and myself encountered frightful storms during a spring flight and were wind-driven to this island.
commonly the lowest molding at the base of a column
From this reading We hoped to find grain in the bags and pulled and tugged at them till we tore the cloth.
tuggedverbUS /tʌɡd/
inflected form of “tug” — pull hard
From this reading We hoped to find grain in the bags and pulled and tugged at them till we tore the cloth.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading "Many years ago it happened that two of the other old geese and myself encountered frightful storms during a spring flight and were wind-driven to this island.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading "We suffered terribly from hunger; once we ventured up to the cleft on this island in search of food.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
past form of “venture” — proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers
From this reading "We suffered terribly from hunger; once we ventured up to the cleft on this island in search of food.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
plural of “wave” — one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "Many years ago it happened that two of the other old geese and myself encountered frightful storms during a spring flight and were wind-driven to this island.
at the time that
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
in or at the place that
From this reading When we discovered that there was only open sea before us, we feared we should be swept so far out that we should never find our way back to land, so we lay down on the waves between these bare cliffs, where the storm compelled us to remain for several days.
wind-driven
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Many years ago it happened that two of the other old geese and myself encountered frightful storms during a spring flight and were wind-driven to this island.
a late time of life
From this reading "Many years ago it happened that two of the other old geese and myself encountered frightful storms during a spring flight and were wind-driven to this island.
