used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading "I would not say absolutely that I do not," answered Master Atkins seriously.
anew
From this reading I never wish to see it again, I am sure of that."
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading I never wish to see it again, I am sure of that."
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
past form of “answer” — react verbally
From this reading "I would not say absolutely that I do not," answered Master Atkins seriously.
weapons considered collectively
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "You speak rather as if you believed in this unlucky Dutchman," said my husband.
Atkins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I would not say absolutely that I do not," answered Master Atkins seriously.
past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true
From this reading "You speak rather as if you believed in this unlucky Dutchman," said my husband.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading "I would not say absolutely that I do not," answered Master Atkins seriously.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
DutchmannounUS /ˈdʌtʃmən/
a native or inhabitant of Holland
From this reading "You speak rather as if you believed in this unlucky Dutchman," said my husband.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
opinion or judgment
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
fathomsnounUS /ˈfæðəmz/
plural of “fathom” — a linear unit of measurement (equal to 6 feet) for water depth
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
fishingnounUS /ˈfɪʃɪŋ/
the act of someone who fishes as a diversion
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
provoking horror
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading "You speak rather as if you believed in this unlucky Dutchman," said my husband.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I would not say absolutely that I do not," answered Master Atkins seriously.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading "You speak rather as if you believed in this unlucky Dutchman," said my husband.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "You speak rather as if you believed in this unlucky Dutchman," said my husband.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
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 ¹ "We old sailors see many strange things.
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading "I would not say absolutely that I do not," answered Master Atkins seriously.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "You speak rather as if you believed in this unlucky Dutchman," said my husband.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading I never wish to see it again, I am sure of that."
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading "I would not say absolutely that I do not," answered Master Atkins seriously.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading ¹ "We old sailors see many strange things.
cause to move by pulling
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
on the contrary
From this reading "You speak rather as if you believed in this unlucky Dutchman," said my husband.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "You speak rather as if you believed in this unlucky Dutchman," said my husband.
plural of “sailor” — any member of a ship's crew
From this reading ¹ "We old sailors see many strange things.
express in words
From this reading "I would not say absolutely that I do not," answered Master Atkins seriously.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading ¹ "We old sailors see many strange things.
in a serious manner
From this reading "I would not say absolutely that I do not," answered Master Atkins seriously.
serpentsnounUS /ˈsɜːrpənts/
plural of “serpent” — limbless scaly elongate reptile; some are venomous
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
snakyadjective
resembling a serpent in form
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
express in speech
From this reading "You speak rather as if you believed in this unlucky Dutchman," said my husband.
(used of eyes) open and fixed as if in fear or wonder
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading ¹ "We old sailors see many strange things.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading I never wish to see it again, I am sure of that."
express in words
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "I would not say absolutely that I do not," answered Master Atkins seriously.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading ¹ "We old sailors see many strange things.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading "You speak rather as if you believed in this unlucky Dutchman," said my husband.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
twistingnounUS /ˈtwɪstɪŋ/
the act of distorting something so it seems to mean something it was not intended to mean
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
unluckyadjectiveUS /ənˈlʌki/
having or bringing misfortune
From this reading "You speak rather as if you believed in this unlucky Dutchman," said my husband.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading ¹ "We old sailors see many strange things.
hope for; have a wish
From this reading I never wish to see it again, I am sure of that."
in the company of; together with
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading "I would not say absolutely that I do not," answered Master Atkins seriously.
wreathnounUS /riːθ/
flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
writhingadjectiveUS /ˈraɪðɪŋ/
moving in a twisting or snake-like or wormlike fashion
From this reading I could tell you of a great creature with a body like a snow wreath, fully two fathoms in length, and with a dozen snaky arms, each big enough to pull down a big fishing boat, twisting and writhing like serpents, and great staring eyes,—a horrible sight it was, I can tell you.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "You speak rather as if you believed in this unlucky Dutchman," said my husband.
¹
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ¹ "We old sailors see many strange things.
