used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading NAVIGATING AN UNNAVIGABLE STREAM In the morning the sun and the mist filled our little harbour with a golden shimmer, and all the marsh reeds were quivering in the radiance.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading Imagine, then, our chagrin when the sailor returned with not only the chickens but the information also that we could not get the houseboat any farther up the stream, on account of numerous shallows and submerged cypress stumps.
(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 NAVIGATING AN UNNAVIGABLE STREAM In the morning the sun and the mist filled our little harbour with a golden shimmer, and all the marsh reeds were quivering in the radiance.
in addition
From this reading Imagine, then, our chagrin when the sailor returned with not only the chickens but the information also that we could not get the houseboat any farther up the stream, on account of numerous shallows and submerged cypress stumps.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading NAVIGATING AN UNNAVIGABLE STREAM In the morning the sun and the mist filled our little harbour with a golden shimmer, and all the marsh reeds were quivering in the radiance.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading NAVIGATING AN UNNAVIGABLE STREAM In the morning the sun and the mist filled our little harbour with a golden shimmer, and all the marsh reeds were quivering in the radiance.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Imagine, then, our chagrin when the sailor returned with not only the chickens but the information also that we could not get the houseboat any farther up the stream, on account of numerous shallows and submerged cypress stumps.
astiradjective
out of bed
From this reading Gadabout's household was early astir ready for the run up Kittewan Creek.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading We had only to get a chicken or two at the house on the bluff, and then we should be ready to start at the turn of the tide.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading We had only to get a chicken or two at the house on the bluff, and then we should be ready to start at the turn of the tide.
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading The blue herons were winging out to the river, and the doves were weaving spells round and round the dormer-windowed cottage on the hill.
bluffnounUS /blʌf/
a high steep bank (usually formed by river erosion)
From this reading We had only to get a chicken or two at the house on the bluff, and then we should be ready to start at the turn of the tide.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Imagine, then, our chagrin when the sailor returned with not only the chickens but the information also that we could not get the houseboat any farther up the stream, on account of numerous shallows and submerged cypress stumps.
chagrinnounUS /ʃəˈɡrɪn/
strong feelings of embarrassment
From this reading Imagine, then, our chagrin when the sailor returned with not only the chickens but the information also that we could not get the houseboat any farther up the stream, on account of numerous shallows and submerged cypress stumps.
chickennounUS /ˈtʃɪkən/
the flesh of a chicken used for food
From this reading We had only to get a chicken or two at the house on the bluff, and then we should be ready to start at the turn of the tide.
chickensnounUS /ˈtʃɪkənz/
plural of “chicken” — the flesh of a chicken used for food
From this reading Imagine, then, our chagrin when the sailor returned with not only the chickens but the information also that we could not get the houseboat any farther up the stream, on account of numerous shallows and submerged cypress stumps.
a small house with a single story
From this reading The blue herons were winging out to the river, and the doves were weaving spells round and round the dormer-windowed cottage on the hill.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Imagine, then, our chagrin when the sailor returned with not only the chickens but the information also that we could not get the houseboat any farther up the stream, on account of numerous shallows and submerged cypress stumps.
CreeknounUS /kriːk/
a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)
From this reading Gadabout's household was early astir ready for the run up Kittewan Creek.
cypressnounUS /ˈsaɪprəs/
wood of any of various cypress trees especially of the genus Cupressus
From this reading Imagine, then, our chagrin when the sailor returned with not only the chickens but the information also that we could not get the houseboat any farther up the stream, on account of numerous shallows and submerged cypress stumps.
dormer-windowed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The blue herons were winging out to the river, and the doves were weaving spells round and round the dormer-windowed cottage on the hill.
dovesnounUS /dʌvz/
plural of “dove” — any of numerous small pigeons
From this reading The blue herons were winging out to the river, and the doves were weaving spells round and round the dormer-windowed cottage on the hill.
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 Gadabout's household was early astir ready for the run up Kittewan Creek.
more distant in especially space or time
From this reading Imagine, then, our chagrin when the sailor returned with not only the chickens but the information also that we could not get the houseboat any farther up the stream, on account of numerous shallows and submerged cypress stumps.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading NAVIGATING AN UNNAVIGABLE STREAM In the morning the sun and the mist filled our little harbour with a golden shimmer, and all the marsh reeds were quivering in the radiance.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Gadabout's household was early astir ready for the run up Kittewan Creek.
Gadabout's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gadabout's household was early astir ready for the run up Kittewan Creek.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading We had only to get a chicken or two at the house on the bluff, and then we should be ready to start at the turn of the tide.
having the deep slightly brownish color of gold
From this reading NAVIGATING AN UNNAVIGABLE STREAM In the morning the sun and the mist filled our little harbour with a golden shimmer, and all the marsh reeds were quivering in the radiance.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading We had only to get a chicken or two at the house on the bluff, and then we should be ready to start at the turn of the tide.
harbourverbUS /ˈhɑːrbər/
secretly shelter (as of fugitives or criminals)
From this reading NAVIGATING AN UNNAVIGABLE STREAM In the morning the sun and the mist filled our little harbour with a golden shimmer, and all the marsh reeds were quivering in the radiance.
heronsnounUS /ˈherənz/
plural of “heron” — Greek mathematician and inventor who devised a way to determine the area of a triangle and who described various mechanical devices (first century)
From this reading The blue herons were winging out to the river, and the doves were weaving spells round and round the dormer-windowed cottage on the hill.
a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading The blue herons were winging out to the river, and the doves were weaving spells round and round the dormer-windowed cottage on the hill.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading We had only to get a chicken or two at the house on the bluff, and then we should be ready to start at the turn of the tide.
houseboatnounUS /ˈhaʊsboʊt/
a barge that is designed and equipped for use as a dwelling
From this reading Imagine, then, our chagrin when the sailor returned with not only the chickens but the information also that we could not get the houseboat any farther up the stream, on account of numerous shallows and submerged cypress stumps.
a social unit living together
From this reading Gadabout's household was early astir ready for the run up Kittewan Creek.
form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case
From this reading Imagine, then, our chagrin when the sailor returned with not only the chickens but the information also that we could not get the houseboat any farther up the stream, on account of numerous shallows and submerged cypress stumps.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading NAVIGATING AN UNNAVIGABLE STREAM In the morning the sun and the mist filled our little harbour with a golden shimmer, and all the marsh reeds were quivering in the radiance.
a message received and understood
From this reading Imagine, then, our chagrin when the sailor returned with not only the chickens but the information also that we could not get the houseboat any farther up the stream, on account of numerous shallows and submerged cypress stumps.
Kittewan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gadabout's household was early astir ready for the run up Kittewan Creek.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading NAVIGATING AN UNNAVIGABLE STREAM In the morning the sun and the mist filled our little harbour with a golden shimmer, and all the marsh reeds were quivering in the radiance.
marshnounUS /mɑːrʃ/
low-lying wet land with grassy vegetation; usually is a transition zone between land and water
From this reading NAVIGATING AN UNNAVIGABLE STREAM In the morning the sun and the mist filled our little harbour with a golden shimmer, and all the marsh reeds were quivering in the radiance.
become covered with mist
From this reading NAVIGATING AN UNNAVIGABLE STREAM In the morning the sun and the mist filled our little harbour with a golden shimmer, and all the marsh reeds were quivering in the radiance.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading NAVIGATING AN UNNAVIGABLE STREAM In the morning the sun and the mist filled our little harbour with a golden shimmer, and all the marsh reeds were quivering in the radiance.
NAVIGATINGverbUS /ˈnævəɡeɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “navigate” — travel on water propelled by wind or by other means
From this reading NAVIGATING AN UNNAVIGABLE STREAM In the morning the sun and the mist filled our little harbour with a golden shimmer, and all the marsh reeds were quivering in the radiance.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Imagine, then, our chagrin when the sailor returned with not only the chickens but the information also that we could not get the houseboat any farther up the stream, on account of numerous shallows and submerged cypress stumps.
amounting to a large indefinite number
From this reading Imagine, then, our chagrin when the sailor returned with not only the chickens but the information also that we could not get the houseboat any farther up the stream, on account of numerous shallows and submerged cypress stumps.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading We had only to get a chicken or two at the house on the bluff, and then we should be ready to start at the turn of the tide.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The blue herons were winging out to the river, and the doves were weaving spells round and round the dormer-windowed cottage on the hill.
and nothing more
From this reading We had only to get a chicken or two at the house on the bluff, and then we should be ready to start at the turn of the tide.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading We had only to get a chicken or two at the house on the bluff, and then we should be ready to start at the turn of the tide.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading NAVIGATING AN UNNAVIGABLE STREAM In the morning the sun and the mist filled our little harbour with a golden shimmer, and all the marsh reeds were quivering in the radiance.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The blue herons were winging out to the river, and the doves were weaving spells round and round the dormer-windowed cottage on the hill.
quiveringnounUS /ˈkwɪvərɪŋ/
a shaky motion
From this reading NAVIGATING AN UNNAVIGABLE STREAM In the morning the sun and the mist filled our little harbour with a golden shimmer, and all the marsh reeds were quivering in the radiance.
radiancenounUS /ˈreɪdiːəns/
the amount of electromagnetic radiation leaving or arriving at a point on a surface
From this reading NAVIGATING AN UNNAVIGABLE STREAM In the morning the sun and the mist filled our little harbour with a golden shimmer, and all the marsh reeds were quivering in the radiance.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading Gadabout's household was early astir ready for the run up Kittewan Creek.
reedsnounUS /riːdz/
plural of “reed” — tall woody perennial grasses with hollow slender stems especially of the genera Arundo and Phragmites
From this reading NAVIGATING AN UNNAVIGABLE STREAM In the morning the sun and the mist filled our little harbour with a golden shimmer, and all the marsh reeds were quivering in the radiance.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading Imagine, then, our chagrin when the sailor returned with not only the chickens but the information also that we could not get the houseboat any farther up the stream, on account of numerous shallows and submerged cypress stumps.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading The blue herons were winging out to the river, and the doves were weaving spells round and round the dormer-windowed cottage on the hill.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading The blue herons were winging out to the river, and the doves were weaving spells round and round the dormer-windowed cottage on the hill.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading Gadabout's household was early astir ready for the run up Kittewan Creek.
any member of a ship's crew
From this reading Imagine, then, our chagrin when the sailor returned with not only the chickens but the information also that we could not get the houseboat any farther up the stream, on account of numerous shallows and submerged cypress stumps.
shallows
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Imagine, then, our chagrin when the sailor returned with not only the chickens but the information also that we could not get the houseboat any farther up the stream, on account of numerous shallows and submerged cypress stumps.
shimmerverbUS /ˈʃɪmər/
shine with a weak or fitful light
From this reading NAVIGATING AN UNNAVIGABLE STREAM In the morning the sun and the mist filled our little harbour with a golden shimmer, and all the marsh reeds were quivering in the radiance.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading We had only to get a chicken or two at the house on the bluff, and then we should be ready to start at the turn of the tide.
spellsnounUS /spelz/
plural of “spell” — a psychological state induced by (or as if induced by) a magical incantation
From this reading The blue herons were winging out to the river, and the doves were weaving spells round and round the dormer-windowed cottage on the hill.
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading We had only to get a chicken or two at the house on the bluff, and then we should be ready to start at the turn of the tide.
a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
From this reading NAVIGATING AN UNNAVIGABLE STREAM In the morning the sun and the mist filled our little harbour with a golden shimmer, and all the marsh reeds were quivering in the radiance.
stumpsnounUS /stʌmps/
plural of “stump” — the base part of a tree that remains standing after the tree has been felled
From this reading Imagine, then, our chagrin when the sailor returned with not only the chickens but the information also that we could not get the houseboat any farther up the stream, on account of numerous shallows and submerged cypress stumps.
submergedadjectiveUS /səbˈmɜːrdʒd/
beneath the surface of the water
From this reading Imagine, then, our chagrin when the sailor returned with not only the chickens but the information also that we could not get the houseboat any farther up the stream, on account of numerous shallows and submerged cypress stumps.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading NAVIGATING AN UNNAVIGABLE STREAM In the morning the sun and the mist filled our little harbour with a golden shimmer, and all the marsh reeds were quivering in the radiance.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Imagine, then, our chagrin when the sailor returned with not only the chickens but the information also that we could not get the houseboat any farther up the stream, on account of numerous shallows and submerged cypress stumps.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading NAVIGATING AN UNNAVIGABLE STREAM In the morning the sun and the mist filled our little harbour with a golden shimmer, and all the marsh reeds were quivering in the radiance.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading We had only to get a chicken or two at the house on the bluff, and then we should be ready to start at the turn of the tide.
the periodic rise and fall of the sea level under the gravitational pull of the moon
From this reading We had only to get a chicken or two at the house on the bluff, and then we should be ready to start at the turn of the tide.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The blue herons were winging out to the river, and the doves were weaving spells round and round the dormer-windowed cottage on the hill.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading We had only to get a chicken or two at the house on the bluff, and then we should be ready to start at the turn of the tide.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading We had only to get a chicken or two at the house on the bluff, and then we should be ready to start at the turn of the tide.
UNNAVIGABLEadjective
incapable of being navigated
From this reading NAVIGATING AN UNNAVIGABLE STREAM In the morning the sun and the mist filled our little harbour with a golden shimmer, and all the marsh reeds were quivering in the radiance.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Gadabout's household was early astir ready for the run up Kittewan Creek.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Gadabout's household was early astir ready for the run up Kittewan Creek.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We had only to get a chicken or two at the house on the bluff, and then we should be ready to start at the turn of the tide.
weavingnounUS /ˈwiːvɪŋ/
creating fabric
From this reading The blue herons were winging out to the river, and the doves were weaving spells round and round the dormer-windowed cottage on the hill.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading NAVIGATING AN UNNAVIGABLE STREAM In the morning the sun and the mist filled our little harbour with a golden shimmer, and all the marsh reeds were quivering in the radiance.
at the time that
From this reading Imagine, then, our chagrin when the sailor returned with not only the chickens but the information also that we could not get the houseboat any farther up the stream, on account of numerous shallows and submerged cypress stumps.
wingingverbUS /ˈwɪŋɪŋ/
-ing form of “wing” — travel through the air; be airborne
From this reading The blue herons were winging out to the river, and the doves were weaving spells round and round the dormer-windowed cottage on the hill.
in the company of; together with
From this reading NAVIGATING AN UNNAVIGABLE STREAM In the morning the sun and the mist filled our little harbour with a golden shimmer, and all the marsh reeds were quivering in the radiance.
