Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Sometimes there was a spout of a distant whale.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading All sorts of creatures, strange to the boys, were to be seen in the sea.

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

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

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

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading All sorts of creatures, strange to the boys, were to be seen in the sea.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading All sorts of creatures, strange to the boys, were to be seen in the sea.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Many of the crew found themselves unable to sleep below, for in those days there was but little thought of ventilation.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

-ing form of “chase” — go after with the intent to catch

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

plural of “creature” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading All sorts of creatures, strange to the boys, were to be seen in the sea.

the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)

From this reading Many of the crew found themselves unable to sleep below, for in those days there was but little thought of ventilation.

past form of “dart” — move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Many of the crew found themselves unable to sleep below, for in those days there was but little thought of ventilation.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading Sometimes there was a spout of a distant whale.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

compelled forcibly by an outside agency

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

plural of “enemy” — an opposing military force

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

any of various mostly cold-blooded aquatic vertebrates usually having scales and breathing through gills

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

plural of “flock” — a church congregation guided by a pastor

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

moving swiftly

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Many of the crew found themselves unable to sleep below, for in those days there was but little thought of ventilation.

set up or found

From this reading Many of the crew found themselves unable to sleep below, for in those days there was but little thought of ventilation.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

be excessively hot

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

in a gradual manner

From this reading Gradually, as the time went on, the heat increased.

plural of “gull” — a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature

From this reading Gradually, as the time went on, the heat increased.

past form of “hover” — be undecided about something; waver between conflicting positions or courses of action

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

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

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading All sorts of creatures, strange to the boys, were to be seen in the sea.

made greater in size or amount or degree

From this reading Gradually, as the time went on, the heat increased.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

set down according to a plan

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

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

From this reading Many of the crew found themselves unable to sleep below, for in those days there was but little thought of ventilation.

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 of the crew found themselves unable to sleep below, for in those days there was but little thought of ventilation.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading All sorts of creatures, strange to the boys, were to be seen in the sea.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Gradually, as the time went on, the heat increased.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

above and across; more than

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

-ing form of “pounce” — move down on as if in an attack

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

a submerged bank of sand near a shore or in a river; can be exposed at low tide

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading All sorts of creatures, strange to the boys, were to be seen in the sea.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading All sorts of creatures, strange to the boys, were to be seen in the sea.

plural of “shoal” — a sandbank in a stretch of water that is visible at low tide

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended

From this reading Many of the crew found themselves unable to sleep below, for in those days there was but little thought of ventilation.

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

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading Sometimes there was a spout of a distant whale.

plural of “sort” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading All sorts of creatures, strange to the boys, were to be seen in the sea.

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

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

gush forth in a sudden stream or jet

From this reading Sometimes there was a spout of a distant whale.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading All sorts of creatures, strange to the boys, were to be seen in the sea.

the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

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

From this reading All sorts of creatures, strange to the boys, were to be seen in the sea.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Many of the crew found themselves unable to sleep below, for in those days there was but little thought of ventilation.

from that place or that time

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Sometimes there was a spout of a distant whale.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Many of the crew found themselves unable to sleep below, for in those days there was but little thought of ventilation.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Many of the crew found themselves unable to sleep below, for in those days there was but little thought of ventilation.

plural of “thousand” — the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Gradually, as the time went on, the heat increased.

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

From this reading All sorts of creatures, strange to the boys, were to be seen in the sea.

(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how

From this reading Many of the crew found themselves unable to sleep below, for in those days there was but little thought of ventilation.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

the act of supplying fresh air and getting rid of foul air

From this reading Many of the crew found themselves unable to sleep below, for in those days there was but little thought of ventilation.

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

From this reading Sometimes there was a spout of a distant whale.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Gradually, as the time went on, the heat increased.

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

From this reading All sorts of creatures, strange to the boys, were to be seen in the sea.

a very large person; impressive in size or qualities

From this reading Sometimes there was a spout of a distant whale.

during the time that

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

(of hair) having lost its color

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.

belonging to which person

From this reading Thousands of flying fish darted from the water, driven thence by the pursuit of their enemies beneath; while huge flocks of gulls and other birds hovered over the sea, chasing the flying fish, or pouncing down upon the shoals of small fry; whose splashings whitened the surface of the water, as if a sandbank had laid below it.