18
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
(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 Through the night, full speed, with all lights extinguished, ran the Watson, her only guide the information contained in Rutile’s brief and indefinite message over the wireless.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Through the night, full speed, with all lights extinguished, ran the Watson, her only guide the information contained in Rutile’s brief and indefinite message over the wireless.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading If the Windbird should run without lights, as she certainly would if Ouro Preto should suspect pursuit (and as she might in any case), she would be invisible even at close range, unless betrayed by the glow from her funnels.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading If the Windbird should run without lights, as she certainly would if Ouro Preto should suspect pursuit (and as she might in any case), she would be invisible even at close range, unless betrayed by the glow from her funnels.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The night was dark; the moon had set hours before, and the stars were invisible behind a light film of clouds.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading The night was dark; the moon had set hours before, and the stars were invisible behind a light film of clouds.
past form of “betray” — reveal unintentionally
From this reading If the Windbird should run without lights, as she certainly would if Ouro Preto should suspect pursuit (and as she might in any case), she would be invisible even at close range, unless betrayed by the glow from her funnels.
of short duration or distance
From this reading Through the night, full speed, with all lights extinguished, ran the Watson, her only guide the information contained in Rutile’s brief and indefinite message over the wireless.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But there were many “ifs” in these premises.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading If the Windbird should run without lights, as she certainly would if Ouro Preto should suspect pursuit (and as she might in any case), she would be invisible even at close range, unless betrayed by the glow from her funnels.
calculationnounUS /ˌkælkjəˈleɪʃən/
the procedure of calculating; determining something by mathematical or logical methods
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
an occurrence of something
From this reading If the Windbird should run without lights, as she certainly would if Ouro Preto should suspect pursuit (and as she might in any case), she would be invisible even at close range, unless betrayed by the glow from her funnels.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading If the Windbird should run without lights, as she certainly would if Ouro Preto should suspect pursuit (and as she might in any case), she would be invisible even at close range, unless betrayed by the glow from her funnels.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading If the Windbird should run without lights, as she certainly would if Ouro Preto should suspect pursuit (and as she might in any case), she would be invisible even at close range, unless betrayed by the glow from her funnels.
plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible
From this reading The night was dark; the moon had set hours before, and the stars were invisible behind a light film of clouds.
gotten under control
From this reading Through the night, full speed, with all lights extinguished, ran the Watson, her only guide the information contained in Rutile’s brief and indefinite message over the wireless.
continue a certain state, condition, or activity
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
make right or correct
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading The night was dark; the moon had set hours before, and the stars were invisible behind a light film of clouds.
determineverbUS /dəˈtɜːrmən/
establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
a line leading to a place or point
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
owed and payable immediately or on demand
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
divisible by two
From this reading If the Windbird should run without lights, as she certainly would if Ouro Preto should suspect pursuit (and as she might in any case), she would be invisible even at close range, unless betrayed by the glow from her funnels.
extinguishedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈstɪŋɡwɪʃt/
of a conditioned response; caused to die out because of the absence or withdrawal of reinforcement
From this reading Through the night, full speed, with all lights extinguished, ran the Watson, her only guide the information contained in Rutile’s brief and indefinite message over the wireless.
filmnounUS /fɪlm/
a form of entertainment that enacts a story by sound and a sequence of images giving the illusion of continuous movement
From this reading The night was dark; the moon had set hours before, and the stars were invisible behind a light film of clouds.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading If the Windbird should run without lights, as she certainly would if Ouro Preto should suspect pursuit (and as she might in any case), she would be invisible even at close range, unless betrayed by the glow from her funnels.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading Through the night, full speed, with all lights extinguished, ran the Watson, her only guide the information contained in Rutile’s brief and indefinite message over the wireless.
funnelsnounUS /ˈfʌnəlz/
plural of “funnel” — a conical shape with a wider and a narrower opening at the two ends
From this reading If the Windbird should run without lights, as she certainly would if Ouro Preto should suspect pursuit (and as she might in any case), she would be invisible even at close range, unless betrayed by the glow from her funnels.
an alert and refreshed state
From this reading If the Windbird should run without lights, as she certainly would if Ouro Preto should suspect pursuit (and as she might in any case), she would be invisible even at close range, unless betrayed by the glow from her funnels.
someone employed to conduct others
From this reading Through the night, full speed, with all lights extinguished, ran the Watson, her only guide the information contained in Rutile’s brief and indefinite message over the wireless.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Through the night, full speed, with all lights extinguished, ran the Watson, her only guide the information contained in Rutile’s brief and indefinite message over the wireless.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading The night was dark; the moon had set hours before, and the stars were invisible behind a light film of clouds.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
ifs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there were many “ifs” in these premises.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Through the night, full speed, with all lights extinguished, ran the Watson, her only guide the information contained in Rutile’s brief and indefinite message over the wireless.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
indefiniteadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈdefənət/
vague or not clearly defined or stated
From this reading Through the night, full speed, with all lights extinguished, ran the Watson, her only guide the information contained in Rutile’s brief and indefinite message over the wireless.
a message received and understood
From this reading Through the night, full speed, with all lights extinguished, ran the Watson, her only guide the information contained in Rutile’s brief and indefinite message over the wireless.
invisibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvɪzəbəl/
impossible or nearly impossible to see; imperceptible by the eye
From this reading The night was dark; the moon had set hours before, and the stars were invisible behind a light film of clouds.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
knotsnounUS /nɑːts/
plural of “knot” — a tight cluster of people or things
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading The night was dark; the moon had set hours before, and the stars were invisible behind a light film of clouds.
plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation
From this reading Through the night, full speed, with all lights extinguished, ran the Watson, her only guide the information contained in Rutile’s brief and indefinite message over the wireless.
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 But there were many “ifs” in these premises.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
being nothing more than specified
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled
From this reading Through the night, full speed, with all lights extinguished, ran the Watson, her only guide the information contained in Rutile’s brief and indefinite message over the wireless.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading If the Windbird should run without lights, as she certainly would if Ouro Preto should suspect pursuit (and as she might in any case), she would be invisible even at close range, unless betrayed by the glow from her funnels.
the natural satellite of the Earth
From this reading The night was dark; the moon had set hours before, and the stars were invisible behind a light film of clouds.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Through the night, full speed, with all lights extinguished, ran the Watson, her only guide the information contained in Rutile’s brief and indefinite message over the wireless.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
and nothing more
From this reading Through the night, full speed, with all lights extinguished, ran the Watson, her only guide the information contained in Rutile’s brief and indefinite message over the wireless.
Ouro
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If the Windbird should run without lights, as she certainly would if Ouro Preto should suspect pursuit (and as she might in any case), she would be invisible even at close range, unless betrayed by the glow from her funnels.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Through the night, full speed, with all lights extinguished, ran the Watson, her only guide the information contained in Rutile’s brief and indefinite message over the wireless.
overtakeverbUS /ˈoʊvərteɪk/
catch up with and possibly overtake
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
premisesnounUS /ˈpreməsəz/
land and the buildings on it
From this reading But there were many “ifs” in these premises.
Preto
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If the Windbird should run without lights, as she certainly would if Ouro Preto should suspect pursuit (and as she might in any case), she would be invisible even at close range, unless betrayed by the glow from her funnels.
with considerable certainty; without much doubt
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture
From this reading If the Windbird should run without lights, as she certainly would if Ouro Preto should suspect pursuit (and as she might in any case), she would be invisible even at close range, unless betrayed by the glow from her funnels.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading Through the night, full speed, with all lights extinguished, ran the Watson, her only guide the information contained in Rutile’s brief and indefinite message over the wireless.
an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"
From this reading If the Windbird should run without lights, as she certainly would if Ouro Preto should suspect pursuit (and as she might in any case), she would be invisible even at close range, unless betrayed by the glow from her funnels.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
Rutile's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Through the night, full speed, with all lights extinguished, ran the Watson, her only guide the information contained in Rutile’s brief and indefinite message over the wireless.
Identical; not different.
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading The night was dark; the moon had set hours before, and the stars were invisible behind a light film of clouds.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
move hurridly
From this reading Through the night, full speed, with all lights extinguished, ran the Watson, her only guide the information contained in Rutile’s brief and indefinite message over the wireless.
plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
From this reading The night was dark; the moon had set hours before, and the stars were invisible behind a light film of clouds.
imagine to be the case or true or probable
From this reading If the Windbird should run without lights, as she certainly would if Ouro Preto should suspect pursuit (and as she might in any case), she would be invisible even at close range, unless betrayed by the glow from her funnels.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Through the night, full speed, with all lights extinguished, ran the Watson, her only guide the information contained in Rutile’s brief and indefinite message over the wireless.
in or at that place or location
From this reading But there were many “ifs” in these premises.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading But there were many “ifs” in these premises.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Through the night, full speed, with all lights extinguished, ran the Watson, her only guide the information contained in Rutile’s brief and indefinite message over the wireless.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
except if; if not
From this reading If the Windbird should run without lights, as she certainly would if Ouro Preto should suspect pursuit (and as she might in any case), she would be invisible even at close range, unless betrayed by the glow from her funnels.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
WatsonnounUS /ˈwɑːtsən/
United States telephone engineer who assisted Alexander Graham Bell in his experiments (1854-1934)
From this reading Through the night, full speed, with all lights extinguished, ran the Watson, her only guide the information contained in Rutile’s brief and indefinite message over the wireless.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
at the time that
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
in or at the place that
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
Windbird
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If the Windbird should run without lights, as she certainly would if Ouro Preto should suspect pursuit (and as she might in any case), she would be invisible even at close range, unless betrayed by the glow from her funnels.
wirelessnounUS /ˈwaɪrlɪs/
medium for communication
From this reading Through the night, full speed, with all lights extinguished, ran the Watson, her only guide the information contained in Rutile’s brief and indefinite message over the wireless.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Through the night, full speed, with all lights extinguished, ran the Watson, her only guide the information contained in Rutile’s brief and indefinite message over the wireless.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading If the Windbird should run without lights, as she certainly would if Ouro Preto should suspect pursuit (and as she might in any case), she would be invisible even at close range, unless betrayed by the glow from her funnels.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
yachtnounUS /jɑːt/
an expensive vessel propelled by sail or power and used for cruising or racing
From this reading If this were correct--if the yacht had indeed run due east for half an hour and if she should continue in the same direction and at the same speed, and if her speed were about 18 knots an hour (as it probably was), it was a mere matter of calculation to determine where and when the Watson would overtake her.
