used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Where our houseboat lay, the early colonists used to find haven for their vessels, "lashed to one another and moor'd a shore secure from all Wind and Weather Whatsoever."
from one side of something to the other
From this reading So, we deferred until evening the long walk across the island.
AFLOATadjectiveUS /əˈfloʊt/
aimlessly drifting
From this reading FANCIES AFLOAT AND RUINS ASHORE It was midday when we tied Gadabout to the pilings beside the bridge, and the weather was hot and sultry.
(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 Where our houseboat lay, the early colonists used to find haven for their vessels, "lashed to one another and moor'd a shore secure from all Wind and Weather Whatsoever."
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading But already, sitting under our own awning, we were in the thick of historic association.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading FANCIES AFLOAT AND RUINS ASHORE It was midday when we tied Gadabout to the pilings beside the bridge, and the weather was hot and sultry.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading Where our houseboat lay, the early colonists used to find haven for their vessels, "lashed to one another and moor'd a shore secure from all Wind and Weather Whatsoever."
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As they found Back River at this point so we found it, a stream without banks; instead, on either hand stretched lonely marshes, jungles of reeds and rushes, now as then more than man high.
ASHOREadverbUS /əˈʃɔːr/
towards the shore from the water
From this reading FANCIES AFLOAT AND RUINS ASHORE It was midday when we tied Gadabout to the pilings beside the bridge, and the weather was hot and sultry.
associationnounUS /əˌsoʊsiˈeɪʃən/
a formal organization of people or groups of people
From this reading But already, sitting under our own awning, we were in the thick of historic association.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading As they found Back River at this point so we found it, a stream without banks; instead, on either hand stretched lonely marshes, jungles of reeds and rushes, now as then more than man high.
awningnounUS /ˈɑːnɪŋ/
a canopy made of canvas to shelter people or things from rain or sun
From this reading But already, sitting under our own awning, we were in the thick of historic association.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading As they found Back River at this point so we found it, a stream without banks; instead, on either hand stretched lonely marshes, jungles of reeds and rushes, now as then more than man high.
English botanist who accompanied Captain Cook on his first voyage to the Pacific Ocean (1743-1820)
From this reading As they found Back River at this point so we found it, a stream without banks; instead, on either hand stretched lonely marshes, jungles of reeds and rushes, now as then more than man high.
next to; at the side of
From this reading FANCIES AFLOAT AND RUINS ASHORE It was midday when we tied Gadabout to the pilings beside the bridge, and the weather was hot and sultry.
a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.
From this reading FANCIES AFLOAT AND RUINS ASHORE It was midday when we tied Gadabout to the pilings beside the bridge, and the weather was hot and sultry.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But already, sitting under our own awning, we were in the thick of historic association.
colonistsnounUS /ˈkɑːlənɪsts/
plural of “colonist” — a person who settles in a new colony or moves into new country
From this reading Where our houseboat lay, the early colonists used to find haven for their vessels, "lashed to one another and moor'd a shore secure from all Wind and Weather Whatsoever."
deferredverbUS /dɪˈfɜːrd/
inflected form of “defer” — hold back to a later time
From this reading So, we deferred until evening the long walk across the island.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading Where our houseboat lay, the early colonists used to find haven for their vessels, "lashed to one another and moor'd a shore secure from all Wind and Weather Whatsoever."
one or the other of two
From this reading As they found Back River at this point so we found it, a stream without banks; instead, on either hand stretched lonely marshes, jungles of reeds and rushes, now as then more than man high.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading So, we deferred until evening the long walk across the island.
FANCIESnounUS /ˈfænsiz/
plural of “fancy” — something many people believe that is false
From this reading FANCIES AFLOAT AND RUINS ASHORE It was midday when we tied Gadabout to the pilings beside the bridge, and the weather was hot and sultry.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading Where our houseboat lay, the early colonists used to find haven for their vessels, "lashed to one another and moor'd a shore secure from all Wind and Weather Whatsoever."
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Where our houseboat lay, the early colonists used to find haven for their vessels, "lashed to one another and moor'd a shore secure from all Wind and Weather Whatsoever."
set up or found
From this reading As they found Back River at this point so we found it, a stream without banks; instead, on either hand stretched lonely marshes, jungles of reeds and rushes, now as then more than man high.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Where our houseboat lay, the early colonists used to find haven for their vessels, "lashed to one another and moor'd a shore secure from all Wind and Weather Whatsoever."
Gadaboutnoun
a restless seeker after amusement or social companionship
From this reading FANCIES AFLOAT AND RUINS ASHORE It was midday when we tied Gadabout to the pilings beside the bridge, and the weather was hot and sultry.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading As they found Back River at this point so we found it, a stream without banks; instead, on either hand stretched lonely marshes, jungles of reeds and rushes, now as then more than man high.
havennounUS /ˈheɪvən/
a shelter serving as a place of safety or sanctuary
From this reading Where our houseboat lay, the early colonists used to find haven for their vessels, "lashed to one another and moor'd a shore secure from all Wind and Weather Whatsoever."
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading As they found Back River at this point so we found it, a stream without banks; instead, on either hand stretched lonely marshes, jungles of reeds and rushes, now as then more than man high.
historicadjectiveUS /hɪˈstɔːrɪk/
belonging to the past; of what is important or famous in the past
From this reading But already, sitting under our own awning, we were in the thick of historic association.
used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
From this reading FANCIES AFLOAT AND RUINS ASHORE It was midday when we tied Gadabout to the pilings beside the bridge, and the weather was hot and sultry.
houseboatnounUS /ˈhaʊsboʊt/
a barge that is designed and equipped for use as a dwelling
From this reading Where our houseboat lay, the early colonists used to find haven for their vessels, "lashed to one another and moor'd a shore secure from all Wind and Weather Whatsoever."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading But already, sitting under our own awning, we were in the thick of historic association.
in place of, or as an alternative to
From this reading As they found Back River at this point so we found it, a stream without banks; instead, on either hand stretched lonely marshes, jungles of reeds and rushes, now as then more than man high.
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading So, we deferred until evening the long walk across the island.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading FANCIES AFLOAT AND RUINS ASHORE It was midday when we tied Gadabout to the pilings beside the bridge, and the weather was hot and sultry.
junglesnounUS /ˈdʒʌŋɡəlz/
plural of “jungle” — a location marked by an intense competition and struggle for survival
From this reading As they found Back River at this point so we found it, a stream without banks; instead, on either hand stretched lonely marshes, jungles of reeds and rushes, now as then more than man high.
lashedverbUS /læʃt/
past form of “lash” — beat severely with a whip or rod
From this reading Where our houseboat lay, the early colonists used to find haven for their vessels, "lashed to one another and moor'd a shore secure from all Wind and Weather Whatsoever."
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Where our houseboat lay, the early colonists used to find haven for their vessels, "lashed to one another and moor'd a shore secure from all Wind and Weather Whatsoever."
lacking companions or companionship
From this reading As they found Back River at this point so we found it, a stream without banks; instead, on either hand stretched lonely marshes, jungles of reeds and rushes, now as then more than man high.
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 So, we deferred until evening the long walk across the island.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading As they found Back River at this point so we found it, a stream without banks; instead, on either hand stretched lonely marshes, jungles of reeds and rushes, now as then more than man high.
marshesnounUS /ˈmɑːrʃəz/
plural of “marsh” — low-lying wet land with grassy vegetation; usually is a transition zone between land and water
From this reading As they found Back River at this point so we found it, a stream without banks; instead, on either hand stretched lonely marshes, jungles of reeds and rushes, now as then more than man high.
middaynounUS /ˈmɪddeɪ/
the middle of the day
From this reading FANCIES AFLOAT AND RUINS ASHORE It was midday when we tied Gadabout to the pilings beside the bridge, and the weather was hot and sultry.
moor'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Where our houseboat lay, the early colonists used to find haven for their vessels, "lashed to one another and moor'd a shore secure from all Wind and Weather Whatsoever."
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading As they found Back River at this point so we found it, a stream without banks; instead, on either hand stretched lonely marshes, jungles of reeds and rushes, now as then more than man high.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading As they found Back River at this point so we found it, a stream without banks; instead, on either hand stretched lonely marshes, jungles of reeds and rushes, now as then more than man high.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading But already, sitting under our own awning, we were in the thick of historic association.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading As they found Back River at this point so we found it, a stream without banks; instead, on either hand stretched lonely marshes, jungles of reeds and rushes, now as then more than man high.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Where our houseboat lay, the early colonists used to find haven for their vessels, "lashed to one another and moor'd a shore secure from all Wind and Weather Whatsoever."
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading But already, sitting under our own awning, we were in the thick of historic association.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading But already, sitting under our own awning, we were in the thick of historic association.
pilingsnounUS /ˈpaɪlɪŋz/
plural of “piling” — a column of wood or steel or concrete that is driven into the ground to provide support for a structure
From this reading FANCIES AFLOAT AND RUINS ASHORE It was midday when we tied Gadabout to the pilings beside the bridge, and the weather was hot and sultry.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading As they found Back River at this point so we found it, a stream without banks; instead, on either hand stretched lonely marshes, jungles of reeds and rushes, now as then more than man high.
reedsnounUS /riːdz/
plural of “reed” — tall woody perennial grasses with hollow slender stems especially of the genera Arundo and Phragmites
From this reading As they found Back River at this point so we found it, a stream without banks; instead, on either hand stretched lonely marshes, jungles of reeds and rushes, now as then more than man high.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading As they found Back River at this point so we found it, a stream without banks; instead, on either hand stretched lonely marshes, jungles of reeds and rushes, now as then more than man high.
RUINSnounUS /ˈruːənz/
plural of “ruin” — an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction
From this reading FANCIES AFLOAT AND RUINS ASHORE It was midday when we tied Gadabout to the pilings beside the bridge, and the weather was hot and sultry.
rushesnounUS /ˈrʌʃəz/
plural of “rush” — the act of moving hurriedly and in a careless manner
From this reading As they found Back River at this point so we found it, a stream without banks; instead, on either hand stretched lonely marshes, jungles of reeds and rushes, now as then more than man high.
get by special effort
From this reading Where our houseboat lay, the early colonists used to find haven for their vessels, "lashed to one another and moor'd a shore secure from all Wind and Weather Whatsoever."
the land along the edge of a body of water
From this reading Where our houseboat lay, the early colonists used to find haven for their vessels, "lashed to one another and moor'd a shore secure from all Wind and Weather Whatsoever."
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading But already, sitting under our own awning, we were in the thick of historic association.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading So, we deferred until evening the long walk across the island.
a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
From this reading As they found Back River at this point so we found it, a stream without banks; instead, on either hand stretched lonely marshes, jungles of reeds and rushes, now as then more than man high.
(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching
From this reading As they found Back River at this point so we found it, a stream without banks; instead, on either hand stretched lonely marshes, jungles of reeds and rushes, now as then more than man high.
sultryadjectiveUS /ˈsʌltri/
sexually exciting or gratifying
From this reading FANCIES AFLOAT AND RUINS ASHORE It was midday when we tied Gadabout to the pilings beside the bridge, and the weather was hot and sultry.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading As they found Back River at this point so we found it, a stream without banks; instead, on either hand stretched lonely marshes, jungles of reeds and rushes, now as then more than man high.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading FANCIES AFLOAT AND RUINS ASHORE It was midday when we tied Gadabout to the pilings beside the bridge, and the weather was hot and sultry.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Where our houseboat lay, the early colonists used to find haven for their vessels, "lashed to one another and moor'd a shore secure from all Wind and Weather Whatsoever."
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading As they found Back River at this point so we found it, a stream without banks; instead, on either hand stretched lonely marshes, jungles of reeds and rushes, now as then more than man high.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As they found Back River at this point so we found it, a stream without banks; instead, on either hand stretched lonely marshes, jungles of reeds and rushes, now as then more than man high.
not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions
From this reading But already, sitting under our own awning, we were in the thick of historic association.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading As they found Back River at this point so we found it, a stream without banks; instead, on either hand stretched lonely marshes, jungles of reeds and rushes, now as then more than man high.
bound or secured closely
From this reading FANCIES AFLOAT AND RUINS ASHORE It was midday when we tied Gadabout to the pilings beside the bridge, and the weather was hot and sultry.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading FANCIES AFLOAT AND RUINS ASHORE It was midday when we tied Gadabout to the pilings beside the bridge, and the weather was hot and sultry.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading But already, sitting under our own awning, we were in the thick of historic association.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading So, we deferred until evening the long walk across the island.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading Where our houseboat lay, the early colonists used to find haven for their vessels, "lashed to one another and moor'd a shore secure from all Wind and Weather Whatsoever."
vesselsnounUS /ˈvesəlz/
plural of “vessel” — a tube in which a body fluid circulates
From this reading Where our houseboat lay, the early colonists used to find haven for their vessels, "lashed to one another and moor'd a shore secure from all Wind and Weather Whatsoever."
the act of traveling by foot
From this reading So, we deferred until evening the long walk across the island.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading FANCIES AFLOAT AND RUINS ASHORE It was midday when we tied Gadabout to the pilings beside the bridge, and the weather was hot and sultry.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading FANCIES AFLOAT AND RUINS ASHORE It was midday when we tied Gadabout to the pilings beside the bridge, and the weather was hot and sultry.
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading FANCIES AFLOAT AND RUINS ASHORE It was midday when we tied Gadabout to the pilings beside the bridge, and the weather was hot and sultry.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading But already, sitting under our own awning, we were in the thick of historic association.
WhatsoeveradjectiveUS /ˌwʌtsoʊˈevər/
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Where our houseboat lay, the early colonists used to find haven for their vessels, "lashed to one another and moor'd a shore secure from all Wind and Weather Whatsoever."
at the time that
From this reading FANCIES AFLOAT AND RUINS ASHORE It was midday when we tied Gadabout to the pilings beside the bridge, and the weather was hot and sultry.
in or at the place that
From this reading Where our houseboat lay, the early colonists used to find haven for their vessels, "lashed to one another and moor'd a shore secure from all Wind and Weather Whatsoever."
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading Where our houseboat lay, the early colonists used to find haven for their vessels, "lashed to one another and moor'd a shore secure from all Wind and Weather Whatsoever."
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading As they found Back River at this point so we found it, a stream without banks; instead, on either hand stretched lonely marshes, jungles of reeds and rushes, now as then more than man high.
