Chapter XVIII · Chapter 18

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

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

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

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading One of these, whose walk extended from corner to corner, heard something, and paused often to listen intently, his eyes peering around into the fog.

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

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading If asked, he might have likened it to the rustling of paper, or the sound of a cat's claws digging into a carpet.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading They were scattered through the yard, at various important points, one at the gangway of each ship at the docks, others at corners and entrances to the different walks that traversed the green lawn, and others under the walls of the huge naval prison.

inflected form of “blow” — exhale hard

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But the sound was not repeated while he listened--only as his footfalls sounded soggily on the damp path were they punctuated by this still, small sound, that he could not localize or remember.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading But the sound was not repeated while he listened--only as his footfalls sounded soggily on the damp path were they punctuated by this still, small sound, that he could not localize or remember.

floor covering consisting of a piece of thick heavy fabric (usually with nap or pile)

From this reading If asked, he might have likened it to the rustling of paper, or the sound of a cat's claws digging into a carpet.

possessive form of “cat” — feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats

From this reading If asked, he might have likened it to the rustling of paper, or the sound of a cat's claws digging into a carpet.

plural of “claw” — sharp curved horny process on the toe of a bird or some mammals or reptiles

From this reading If asked, he might have likened it to the rustling of paper, or the sound of a cat's claws digging into a carpet.

driving or forcing

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading One of these, whose walk extended from corner to corner, heard something, and paused often to listen intently, his eyes peering around into the fog.

plural of “corner” — a place off to the side of an area

From this reading They were scattered through the yard, at various important points, one at the gangway of each ship at the docks, others at corners and entrances to the different walks that traversed the green lawn, and others under the walls of the huge naval prison.

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

From this reading But the sound was not repeated while he listened--only as his footfalls sounded soggily on the damp path were they punctuated by this still, small sound, that he could not localize or remember.

determine the number or amount of

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

provide with a covering or cause to be covered

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

slightly wet

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading They were scattered through the yard, at various important points, one at the gangway of each ship at the docks, others at corners and entrances to the different walks that traversed the green lawn, and others under the walls of the huge naval prison.

the act of digging

From this reading If asked, he might have likened it to the rustling of paper, or the sound of a cat's claws digging into a carpet.

plural of “dock” — an enclosure in a court of law where the defendant sits during the trial

From this reading They were scattered through the yard, at various important points, one at the gangway of each ship at the docks, others at corners and entrances to the different walks that traversed the green lawn, and others under the walls of the huge naval prison.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

having the power of driving or impelling

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading They were scattered through the yard, at various important points, one at the gangway of each ship at the docks, others at corners and entrances to the different walks that traversed the green lawn, and others under the walls of the huge naval prison.

the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

plural of “entrance” — something that provides access (to get in or get out)

From this reading They were scattered through the yard, at various important points, one at the gangway of each ship at the docks, others at corners and entrances to the different walks that traversed the green lawn, and others under the walls of the huge naval prison.

relatively long in duration; tediously protracted

From this reading One of these, whose walk extended from corner to corner, heard something, and paused often to listen intently, his eyes peering around into the fog.

opinion or judgment

From this reading One of these, whose walk extended from corner to corner, heard something, and paused often to listen intently, his eyes peering around into the fog.

droplets of water vapor suspended in the air near the ground

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

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

From this reading But the sound was not repeated while he listened--only as his footfalls sounded soggily on the damp path were they punctuated by this still, small sound, that he could not localize or remember.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

a temporary passageway of planks (as over mud on a building site)

From this reading They were scattered through the yard, at various important points, one at the gangway of each ship at the docks, others at corners and entrances to the different walks that traversed the green lawn, and others under the walls of the huge naval prison.

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading They were scattered through the yard, at various important points, one at the gangway of each ship at the docks, others at corners and entrances to the different walks that traversed the green lawn, and others under the walls of the huge naval prison.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading If asked, he might have likened it to the rustling of paper, or the sound of a cat's claws digging into a carpet.

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

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading One of these, whose walk extended from corner to corner, heard something, and paused often to listen intently, his eyes peering around into the fog.

inflected form of “hide” — prevent from being seen or discovered

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

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

From this reading One of these, whose walk extended from corner to corner, heard something, and paused often to listen intently, his eyes peering around into the fog.

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

From this reading They were scattered through the yard, at various important points, one at the gangway of each ship at the docks, others at corners and entrances to the different walks that traversed the green lawn, and others under the walls of the huge naval prison.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If asked, he might have likened it to the rustling of paper, or the sound of a cat's claws digging into a carpet.

not admitting of penetration or passage into or through

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

of great significance or value

From this reading They were scattered through the yard, at various important points, one at the gangway of each ship at the docks, others at corners and entrances to the different walks that traversed the green lawn, and others under the walls of the huge naval prison.

with strained or eager attention

From this reading One of these, whose walk extended from corner to corner, heard something, and paused often to listen intently, his eyes peering around into the fog.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading One of these, whose walk extended from corner to corner, heard something, and paused often to listen intently, his eyes peering around into the fog.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

a field of cultivated and mowed grass

From this reading They were scattered through the yard, at various important points, one at the gangway of each ship at the docks, others at corners and entrances to the different walks that traversed the green lawn, and others under the walls of the huge naval prison.

past form of “liken” — consider or describe as similar, equal, or analogous

From this reading If asked, he might have likened it to the rustling of paper, or the sound of a cat's claws digging into a carpet.

hear with intention

From this reading One of these, whose walk extended from corner to corner, heard something, and paused often to listen intently, his eyes peering around into the fog.

past form of “listen” — hear with intention

From this reading But the sound was not repeated while he listened--only as his footfalls sounded soggily on the damp path were they punctuated by this still, small sound, that he could not localize or remember.

identify the location or place of

From this reading But the sound was not repeated while he listened--only as his footfalls sounded soggily on the damp path were they punctuated by this still, small sound, that he could not localize or remember.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading If asked, he might have likened it to the rustling of paper, or the sound of a cat's claws digging into a carpet.

plural of “mosquito” — two-winged insect whose female has a long proboscis to pierce the skin and suck the blood of humans and animals

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

connected with or belonging to or used in a navy

From this reading They were scattered through the yard, at various important points, one at the gangway of each ship at the docks, others at corners and entrances to the different walks that traversed the green lawn, and others under the walls of the huge naval prison.

an organization of military vessels belonging to a country and available for sea warfare

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But the sound was not repeated while he listened--only as his footfalls sounded soggily on the damp path were they punctuated by this still, small sound, that he could not localize or remember.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading They were scattered through the yard, at various important points, one at the gangway of each ship at the docks, others at corners and entrances to the different walks that traversed the green lawn, and others under the walls of the huge naval prison.

many times at short intervals

From this reading One of these, whose walk extended from corner to corner, heard something, and paused often to listen intently, his eyes peering around into the fog.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading But the sound was not repeated while he listened--only as his footfalls sounded soggily on the damp path were they punctuated by this still, small sound, that he could not localize or remember.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading They were scattered through the yard, at various important points, one at the gangway of each ship at the docks, others at corners and entrances to the different walks that traversed the green lawn, and others under the walls of the huge naval prison.

and nothing more

From this reading But the sound was not repeated while he listened--only as his footfalls sounded soggily on the damp path were they punctuated by this still, small sound, that he could not localize or remember.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading But the sound was not repeated while he listened--only as his footfalls sounded soggily on the damp path were they punctuated by this still, small sound, that he could not localize or remember.

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

From this reading They were scattered through the yard, at various important points, one at the gangway of each ship at the docks, others at corners and entrances to the different walks that traversed the green lawn, and others under the walls of the huge naval prison.

above and across; more than

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

past form of “pace” — walk with slow or fast paces

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading If asked, he might have likened it to the rustling of paper, or the sound of a cat's claws digging into a carpet.

a course of conduct

From this reading But the sound was not repeated while he listened--only as his footfalls sounded soggily on the damp path were they punctuated by this still, small sound, that he could not localize or remember.

past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing

From this reading One of these, whose walk extended from corner to corner, heard something, and paused often to listen intently, his eyes peering around into the fog.

-ing form of “peer” — look searchingly

From this reading One of these, whose walk extended from corner to corner, heard something, and paused often to listen intently, his eyes peering around into the fog.

plural of “point” — a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading They were scattered through the yard, at various important points, one at the gangway of each ship at the docks, others at corners and entrances to the different walks that traversed the green lawn, and others under the walls of the huge naval prison.

a correctional institution where persons are confined while on trial or for punishment

From this reading They were scattered through the yard, at various important points, one at the gangway of each ship at the docks, others at corners and entrances to the different walks that traversed the green lawn, and others under the walls of the huge naval prison.

past form of “punctuate” — insert punctuation marks into

From this reading But the sound was not repeated while he listened--only as his footfalls sounded soggily on the damp path were they punctuated by this still, small sound, that he could not localize or remember.

To recall to mind.

From this reading But the sound was not repeated while he listened--only as his footfalls sounded soggily on the damp path were they punctuated by this still, small sound, that he could not localize or remember.

recurring again and again

From this reading But the sound was not repeated while he listened--only as his footfalls sounded soggily on the damp path were they punctuated by this still, small sound, that he could not localize or remember.

the stealing of cattle

From this reading If asked, he might have likened it to the rustling of paper, or the sound of a cat's claws digging into a carpet.

inflected form of “sink” — fall or descend to a lower place or level

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

occurring or distributed over widely spaced and irregular intervals in time or space

From this reading They were scattered through the yard, at various important points, one at the gangway of each ship at the docks, others at corners and entrances to the different walks that traversed the green lawn, and others under the walls of the huge naval prison.

a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

transport commercially

From this reading They were scattered through the yard, at various important points, one at the gangway of each ship at the docks, others at corners and entrances to the different walks that traversed the green lawn, and others under the walls of the huge naval prison.

inflected form of “sleep” — be asleep

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

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

From this reading But the sound was not repeated while he listened--only as his footfalls sounded soggily on the damp path were they punctuated by this still, small sound, that he could not localize or remember.

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

From this reading But the sound was not repeated while he listened--only as his footfalls sounded soggily on the damp path were they punctuated by this still, small sound, that he could not localize or remember.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading One of these, whose walk extended from corner to corner, heard something, and paused often to listen intently, his eyes peering around into the fog.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading But the sound was not repeated while he listened--only as his footfalls sounded soggily on the damp path were they punctuated by this still, small sound, that he could not localize or remember.

past form of “sound” — appear in a certain way

From this reading But the sound was not repeated while he listened--only as his footfalls sounded soggily on the damp path were they punctuated by this still, small sound, that he could not localize or remember.

deeply or completely

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

not in physical motion

From this reading But the sound was not repeated while he listened--only as his footfalls sounded soggily on the damp path were they punctuated by this still, small sound, that he could not localize or remember.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

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

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading One of these, whose walk extended from corner to corner, heard something, and paused often to listen intently, his eyes peering around into the fog.

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

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

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

From this reading But the sound was not repeated while he listened--only as his footfalls sounded soggily on the damp path were they punctuated by this still, small sound, that he could not localize or remember.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading They were scattered through the yard, at various important points, one at the gangway of each ship at the docks, others at corners and entrances to the different walks that traversed the green lawn, and others under the walls of the huge naval prison.

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

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

past form of “traverse” — travel across or pass over

From this reading They were scattered through the yard, at various important points, one at the gangway of each ship at the docks, others at corners and entrances to the different walks that traversed the green lawn, and others under the walls of the huge naval prison.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading They were scattered through the yard, at various important points, one at the gangway of each ship at the docks, others at corners and entrances to the different walks that traversed the green lawn, and others under the walls of the huge naval prison.

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

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading They were scattered through the yard, at various important points, one at the gangway of each ship at the docks, others at corners and entrances to the different walks that traversed the green lawn, and others under the walls of the huge naval prison.

the act of traveling by foot

From this reading One of these, whose walk extended from corner to corner, heard something, and paused often to listen intently, his eyes peering around into the fog.

plural of “walk” — the act of traveling by foot

From this reading They were scattered through the yard, at various important points, one at the gangway of each ship at the docks, others at corners and entrances to the different walks that traversed the green lawn, and others under the walls of the huge naval prison.

plural of “wall” — 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 They were scattered through the yard, at various important points, one at the gangway of each ship at the docks, others at corners and entrances to the different walks that traversed the green lawn, and others under the walls of the huge naval prison.

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

From this reading But the sound was not repeated while he listened--only as his footfalls sounded soggily on the damp path were they punctuated by this still, small sound, that he could not localize or remember.

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

From this reading They were scattered through the yard, at various important points, one at the gangway of each ship at the docks, others at corners and entrances to the different walks that traversed the green lawn, and others under the walls of the huge naval prison.

during the time that

From this reading But the sound was not repeated while he listened--only as his footfalls sounded soggily on the damp path were they punctuated by this still, small sound, that he could not localize or remember.

belonging to which person

From this reading One of these, whose walk extended from corner to corner, heard something, and paused often to listen intently, his eyes peering around into the fog.

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

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.

a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading He slept soundly, and as he slept the wind blew up from the east, driving the mosquitoes to cover and bringing with it a damp, impenetrable fog that sank down over the navy yard and hid sentry from sentry, compelling them to count their steps as they paced.