used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now past control.
abandonverbUS /əˈbændən/
forsake, leave behind
From this reading The flames spread through the combustible material which had been stored on the deck; and they were compelled to abandon the ill-starred steamer with the utmost precipitation, in order to save their own lives.
filled with fear or apprehension
From this reading Our scouts kept up appearances in the most remarkable manner, and Somers was only afraid that his zealous companion would overdo the matter.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now past control.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now past control.
appearancesnounUS /əˈpɪrənsəz/
plural of “appearance” — outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading Our scouts kept up appearances in the most remarkable manner, and Somers was only afraid that his zealous companion would overdo the matter.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now past control.
BANYANnounUS /ˈbænjən/
East Indian tree that puts out aerial shoots that grow down into the soil forming additional trunks
From this reading CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now past control.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The flames spread through the combustible material which had been stored on the deck; and they were compelled to abandon the ill-starred steamer with the utmost precipitation, in order to save their own lives.
the two together, not just one
From this reading CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now past control.
treated by heating to a high temperature but below the melting or fusing point
From this reading It had burned long enough to remove suspicion from him; and, when the pilot and crew went on shore, Captain Osborn had no idea of the trick of which he had been made the victim.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now past control.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now past control.
checkverbUS /tʃek/
examine so as to determine accuracy, quality, or condition
From this reading CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now past control.
combustiblenoun
a substance that can be burned to provide heat or power
From this reading The flames spread through the combustible material which had been stored on the deck; and they were compelled to abandon the ill-starred steamer with the utmost precipitation, in order to save their own lives.
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading Our scouts kept up appearances in the most remarkable manner, and Somers was only afraid that his zealous companion would overdo the matter.
inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something
From this reading The flames spread through the combustible material which had been stored on the deck; and they were compelled to abandon the ill-starred steamer with the utmost precipitation, in order to save their own lives.
power to direct or determine
From this reading CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now past control.
the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)
From this reading It had burned long enough to remove suspicion from him; and, when the pilot and crew went on shore, Captain Osborn had no idea of the trick of which he had been made the victim.
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now past control.
any of various platforms built into a vessel
From this reading The flames spread through the combustible material which had been stored on the deck; and they were compelled to abandon the ill-starred steamer with the utmost precipitation, in order to save their own lives.
elementnounUS /ˈeləmənt/
an abstract part of something
From this reading CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now past control.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading De Banyan had rolled up an old newspaper, making of it a kind of torch, some three feet in length, which he had inserted in a mass of pitch-wood shavings, and set the end on fire.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading It had burned long enough to remove suspicion from him; and, when the pilot and crew went on shore, Captain Osborn had no idea of the trick of which he had been made the victim.
enthusiasticadjectiveUS /ɪnˌθuːziˈæstɪk/
having or showing great excitement and interest
From this reading CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now past control.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading De Banyan had rolled up an old newspaper, making of it a kind of torch, some three feet in length, which he had inserted in a mass of pitch-wood shavings, and set the end on fire.
plural of “find” — a productive insight
From this reading CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now past control.
start firing a weapon
From this reading CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now past control.
flamesnounUS /fleɪmz/
plural of “flame” — the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke
From this reading The flames spread through the combustible material which had been stored on the deck; and they were compelled to abandon the ill-starred steamer with the utmost precipitation, in order to save their own lives.
inflected form of “fly” — travel through the air; be airborne
From this reading CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now past control.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now past control.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It had burned long enough to remove suspicion from him; and, when the pilot and crew went on shore, Captain Osborn had no idea of the trick of which he had been made the victim.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The flames spread through the combustible material which had been stored on the deck; and they were compelled to abandon the ill-starred steamer with the utmost precipitation, in order to save their own lives.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading De Banyan had rolled up an old newspaper, making of it a kind of torch, some three feet in length, which he had inserted in a mass of pitch-wood shavings, and set the end on fire.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It had burned long enough to remove suspicion from him; and, when the pilot and crew went on shore, Captain Osborn had no idea of the trick of which he had been made the victim.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Our scouts kept up appearances in the most remarkable manner, and Somers was only afraid that his zealous companion would overdo the matter.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading It had burned long enough to remove suspicion from him; and, when the pilot and crew went on shore, Captain Osborn had no idea of the trick of which he had been made the victim.
ill-starredadjective
marked by or promising bad fortune
From this reading The flames spread through the combustible material which had been stored on the deck; and they were compelled to abandon the ill-starred steamer with the utmost precipitation, in order to save their own lives.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The flames spread through the combustible material which had been stored on the deck; and they were compelled to abandon the ill-starred steamer with the utmost precipitation, in order to save their own lives.
insertedverbUS /ˌɪnˈsɜːrtəd/
past form of “insert” — put or introduce into something
From this reading De Banyan had rolled up an old newspaper, making of it a kind of torch, some three feet in length, which he had inserted in a mass of pitch-wood shavings, and set the end on fire.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading De Banyan had rolled up an old newspaper, making of it a kind of torch, some three feet in length, which he had inserted in a mass of pitch-wood shavings, and set the end on fire.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading Our scouts kept up appearances in the most remarkable manner, and Somers was only afraid that his zealous companion would overdo the matter.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading De Banyan had rolled up an old newspaper, making of it a kind of torch, some three feet in length, which he had inserted in a mass of pitch-wood shavings, and set the end on fire.
the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading De Banyan had rolled up an old newspaper, making of it a kind of torch, some three feet in length, which he had inserted in a mass of pitch-wood shavings, and set the end on fire.
plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading The flames spread through the combustible material which had been stored on the deck; and they were compelled to abandon the ill-starred steamer with the utmost precipitation, in order to save their own lives.
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 It had burned long enough to remove suspicion from him; and, when the pilot and crew went on shore, Captain Osborn had no idea of the trick of which he had been made the victim.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now past control.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading De Banyan had rolled up an old newspaper, making of it a kind of torch, some three feet in length, which he had inserted in a mass of pitch-wood shavings, and set the end on fire.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Our scouts kept up appearances in the most remarkable manner, and Somers was only afraid that his zealous companion would overdo the matter.
the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field
From this reading De Banyan had rolled up an old newspaper, making of it a kind of torch, some three feet in length, which he had inserted in a mass of pitch-wood shavings, and set the end on fire.
concerned with worldly rather than spiritual interests
From this reading The flames spread through the combustible material which had been stored on the deck; and they were compelled to abandon the ill-starred steamer with the utmost precipitation, in order to save their own lives.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Our scouts kept up appearances in the most remarkable manner, and Somers was only afraid that his zealous companion would overdo the matter.
used to form the superlative
From this reading CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now past control.
a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements
From this reading De Banyan had rolled up an old newspaper, making of it a kind of torch, some three feet in length, which he had inserted in a mass of pitch-wood shavings, and set the end on fire.
not any; not one
From this reading It had burned long enough to remove suspicion from him; and, when the pilot and crew went on shore, Captain Osborn had no idea of the trick of which he had been made the victim.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now past control.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading De Banyan had rolled up an old newspaper, making of it a kind of torch, some three feet in length, which he had inserted in a mass of pitch-wood shavings, and set the end on fire.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now past control.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The flames spread through the combustible material which had been stored on the deck; and they were compelled to abandon the ill-starred steamer with the utmost precipitation, in order to save their own lives.
and nothing more
From this reading Our scouts kept up appearances in the most remarkable manner, and Somers was only afraid that his zealous companion would overdo the matter.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading The flames spread through the combustible material which had been stored on the deck; and they were compelled to abandon the ill-starred steamer with the utmost precipitation, in order to save their own lives.
Osborn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had burned long enough to remove suspicion from him; and, when the pilot and crew went on shore, Captain Osborn had no idea of the trick of which he had been made the victim.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Our scouts kept up appearances in the most remarkable manner, and Somers was only afraid that his zealous companion would overdo the matter.
overdoverbUS /ˈoʊvərˈduː/
do something to an excessive degree
From this reading Our scouts kept up appearances in the most remarkable manner, and Somers was only afraid that his zealous companion would overdo the matter.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading The flames spread through the combustible material which had been stored on the deck; and they were compelled to abandon the ill-starred steamer with the utmost precipitation, in order to save their own lives.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now past control.
pilotverbUS /ˈpaɪlət/
operate an airplane
From this reading It had burned long enough to remove suspicion from him; and, when the pilot and crew went on shore, Captain Osborn had no idea of the trick of which he had been made the victim.
pitch-wood
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading De Banyan had rolled up an old newspaper, making of it a kind of torch, some three feet in length, which he had inserted in a mass of pitch-wood shavings, and set the end on fire.
precipitationnounUS /prɪˌsɪpɪˈteɪʃən/
the quantity of water falling to earth at a specific place within a specified period of time
From this reading The flames spread through the combustible material which had been stored on the deck; and they were compelled to abandon the ill-starred steamer with the utmost precipitation, in order to save their own lives.
ragingadjectiveUS /ˈreɪdʒɪŋ/
characterized by violent and forceful activity or movement; very intense
From this reading CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now past control.
unusual or striking
From this reading Our scouts kept up appearances in the most remarkable manner, and Somers was only afraid that his zealous companion would overdo the matter.
removeverbUS /riˈmuːv/
remove something concrete, as by lifting, pushing, or taking off, or remove something abstract
From this reading It had burned long enough to remove suspicion from him; and, when the pilot and crew went on shore, Captain Osborn had no idea of the trick of which he had been made the victim.
rescueverbUS /ˈreskjuː/
free from harm or evil
From this reading CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now past control.
especially of petals or leaves in bud; having margins rolled inward
From this reading De Banyan had rolled up an old newspaper, making of it a kind of torch, some three feet in length, which he had inserted in a mass of pitch-wood shavings, and set the end on fire.
except for; apart from
From this reading The flames spread through the combustible material which had been stored on the deck; and they were compelled to abandon the ill-starred steamer with the utmost precipitation, in order to save their own lives.
scoutsnounUS /skaʊts/
plural of “scout” — a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
From this reading Our scouts kept up appearances in the most remarkable manner, and Somers was only afraid that his zealous companion would overdo the matter.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading De Banyan had rolled up an old newspaper, making of it a kind of torch, some three feet in length, which he had inserted in a mass of pitch-wood shavings, and set the end on fire.
shavingsnounUS /ˈʃeɪvɪŋz/
plural of “shaving” — the act of removing hair with a razor
From this reading De Banyan had rolled up an old newspaper, making of it a kind of torch, some three feet in length, which he had inserted in a mass of pitch-wood shavings, and set the end on fire.
the land along the edge of a body of water
From this reading It had burned long enough to remove suspicion from him; and, when the pilot and crew went on shore, Captain Osborn had no idea of the trick of which he had been made the victim.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading De Banyan had rolled up an old newspaper, making of it a kind of torch, some three feet in length, which he had inserted in a mass of pitch-wood shavings, and set the end on fire.
Somers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now past control.
distribute or disperse widely
From this reading The flames spread through the combustible material which had been stored on the deck; and they were compelled to abandon the ill-starred steamer with the utmost precipitation, in order to save their own lives.
steamernounUS /ˈstiːmər/
a clam that is usually steamed in the shell
From this reading The flames spread through the combustible material which had been stored on the deck; and they were compelled to abandon the ill-starred steamer with the utmost precipitation, in order to save their own lives.
storedverbUS /stɔːrd/
past form of “store” — keep or lay aside for future use
From this reading The flames spread through the combustible material which had been stored on the deck; and they were compelled to abandon the ill-starred steamer with the utmost precipitation, in order to save their own lives.
an impression that something might be the case
From this reading It had burned long enough to remove suspicion from him; and, when the pilot and crew went on shore, Captain Osborn had no idea of the trick of which he had been made the victim.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Our scouts kept up appearances in the most remarkable manner, and Somers was only afraid that his zealous companion would overdo the matter.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now past control.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The flames spread through the combustible material which had been stored on the deck; and they were compelled to abandon the ill-starred steamer with the utmost precipitation, in order to save their own lives.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The flames spread through the combustible material which had been stored on the deck; and they were compelled to abandon the ill-starred steamer with the utmost precipitation, in order to save their own lives.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading De Banyan had rolled up an old newspaper, making of it a kind of torch, some three feet in length, which he had inserted in a mass of pitch-wood shavings, and set the end on fire.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading The flames spread through the combustible material which had been stored on the deck; and they were compelled to abandon the ill-starred steamer with the utmost precipitation, in order to save their own lives.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now past control.
torchnounUS /tɔːrtʃ/
a light usually carried in the hand; consists of some flammable substance
From this reading De Banyan had rolled up an old newspaper, making of it a kind of torch, some three feet in length, which he had inserted in a mass of pitch-wood shavings, and set the end on fire.
a cunning or deceitful action or device
From this reading It had burned long enough to remove suspicion from him; and, when the pilot and crew went on shore, Captain Osborn had no idea of the trick of which he had been made the victim.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading De Banyan had rolled up an old newspaper, making of it a kind of torch, some three feet in length, which he had inserted in a mass of pitch-wood shavings, and set the end on fire.
of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity
From this reading The flames spread through the combustible material which had been stored on the deck; and they were compelled to abandon the ill-starred steamer with the utmost precipitation, in order to save their own lives.
an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance
From this reading It had burned long enough to remove suspicion from him; and, when the pilot and crew went on shore, Captain Osborn had no idea of the trick of which he had been made the victim.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now past control.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading It had burned long enough to remove suspicion from him; and, when the pilot and crew went on shore, Captain Osborn had no idea of the trick of which he had been made the victim.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The flames spread through the combustible material which had been stored on the deck; and they were compelled to abandon the ill-starred steamer with the utmost precipitation, in order to save their own lives.
at the time that
From this reading It had burned long enough to remove suspicion from him; and, when the pilot and crew went on shore, Captain Osborn had no idea of the trick of which he had been made the victim.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The flames spread through the combustible material which had been stored on the deck; and they were compelled to abandon the ill-starred steamer with the utmost precipitation, in order to save their own lives.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The flames spread through the combustible material which had been stored on the deck; and they were compelled to abandon the ill-starred steamer with the utmost precipitation, in order to save their own lives.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Our scouts kept up appearances in the most remarkable manner, and Somers was only afraid that his zealous companion would overdo the matter.
zealousadjectiveUS /ˈzeləs/
marked by active interest and enthusiasm
From this reading Our scouts kept up appearances in the most remarkable manner, and Somers was only afraid that his zealous companion would overdo the matter.
