Chapter III · How a Humpback Dives and Spouts

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

From this reading There are no dull moments when one is hunting a humpback, for it is never possible to foretell what the animal’s next move will be.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Although it had been possible to secure but few good pictures during my first trip at sea on the _Orion_, nevertheless I had learned much about the ways of humpbacks.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

(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 One impression, which I subsequently found to be correct, was that this would prove to be the most interesting of all large whales to study—at least from the standpoint of its habits.

past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading He may do dozens of other highly original things, all of which show his playful, good-natured disposition and, if he is allowed to continue his elephantine gambols unmolested, he is as harmless as a puppy.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Although it had been possible to secure but few good pictures during my first trip at sea on the _Orion_, nevertheless I had learned much about the ways of humpbacks.

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

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

possessive form of “animal” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading There are no dull moments when one is hunting a humpback, for it is never possible to foretell what the animal’s next move will be.

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

From this reading There are no dull moments when one is hunting a humpback, for it is never possible to foretell what the animal’s next move will be.

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

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Although it had been possible to secure but few good pictures during my first trip at sea on the _Orion_, nevertheless I had learned much about the ways of humpbacks.

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

From this reading One impression, which I subsequently found to be correct, was that this would prove to be the most interesting of all large whales to study—at least from the standpoint of its habits.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Although it had been possible to secure but few good pictures during my first trip at sea on the _Orion_, nevertheless I had learned much about the ways of humpbacks.

plural of “blow” — a powerful stroke with the fist or a weapon

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Although it had been possible to secure but few good pictures during my first trip at sea on the _Orion_, nevertheless I had learned much about the ways of humpbacks.

shoot forth or launch, as if from a catapult

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

continue a certain state, condition, or activity

From this reading He may do dozens of other highly original things, all of which show his playful, good-natured disposition and, if he is allowed to continue his elephantine gambols unmolested, he is as harmless as a puppy.

make right or correct

From this reading One impression, which I subsequently found to be correct, was that this would prove to be the most interesting of all large whales to study—at least from the standpoint of its habits.

run or move very quickly or hastily

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

your usual mood

From this reading He may do dozens of other highly original things, all of which show his playful, good-natured disposition and, if he is allowed to continue his elephantine gambols unmolested, he is as harmless as a puppy.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading He may do dozens of other highly original things, all of which show his playful, good-natured disposition and, if he is allowed to continue his elephantine gambols unmolested, he is as harmless as a puppy.

a large number or amount

From this reading He may do dozens of other highly original things, all of which show his playful, good-natured disposition and, if he is allowed to continue his elephantine gambols unmolested, he is as harmless as a puppy.

lacking in liveliness or animation

From this reading There are no dull moments when one is hunting a humpback, for it is never possible to foretell what the animal’s next move will be.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading Although it had been possible to secure but few good pictures during my first trip at sea on the _Orion_, nevertheless I had learned much about the ways of humpbacks.

of great mass; huge and bulky

From this reading He may do dozens of other highly original things, all of which show his playful, good-natured disposition and, if he is allowed to continue his elephantine gambols unmolested, he is as harmless as a puppy.

extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Although it had been possible to secure but few good pictures during my first trip at sea on the _Orion_, nevertheless I had learned much about the ways of humpbacks.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Although it had been possible to secure but few good pictures during my first trip at sea on the _Orion_, nevertheless I had learned much about the ways of humpbacks.

plural of “fluke” — a stroke of luck

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading There are no dull moments when one is hunting a humpback, for it is never possible to foretell what the animal’s next move will be.

foreshadow or presage

From this reading There are no dull moments when one is hunting a humpback, for it is never possible to foretell what the animal’s next move will be.

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

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

set up or found

From this reading One impression, which I subsequently found to be correct, was that this would prove to be the most interesting of all large whales to study—at least from the standpoint of its habits.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading One impression, which I subsequently found to be correct, was that this would prove to be the most interesting of all large whales to study—at least from the standpoint of its habits.

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

From this reading He may do dozens of other highly original things, all of which show his playful, good-natured disposition and, if he is allowed to continue his elephantine gambols unmolested, he is as harmless as a puppy.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Although it had been possible to secure but few good pictures during my first trip at sea on the _Orion_, nevertheless I had learned much about the ways of humpbacks.

having an easygoing and cheerful disposition

From this reading He may do dozens of other highly original things, all of which show his playful, good-natured disposition and, if he is allowed to continue his elephantine gambols unmolested, he is as harmless as a puppy.

plural of “habit” — an established custom

From this reading One impression, which I subsequently found to be correct, was that this would prove to be the most interesting of all large whales to study—at least from the standpoint of its habits.

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

From this reading Although it had been possible to secure but few good pictures during my first trip at sea on the _Orion_, nevertheless I had learned much about the ways of humpbacks.

not causing or capable of causing harm

From this reading He may do dozens of other highly original things, all of which show his playful, good-natured disposition and, if he is allowed to continue his elephantine gambols unmolested, he is as harmless as a puppy.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect

From this reading He may do dozens of other highly original things, all of which show his playful, good-natured disposition and, if he is allowed to continue his elephantine gambols unmolested, he is as harmless as a puppy.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

an abnormal backward curve to the vertebral column

From this reading There are no dull moments when one is hunting a humpback, for it is never possible to foretell what the animal’s next move will be.

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

From this reading Although it had been possible to secure but few good pictures during my first trip at sea on the _Orion_, nevertheless I had learned much about the ways of humpbacks.

the pursuit and killing or capture of wild animals regarded as a sport

From this reading There are no dull moments when one is hunting a humpback, for it is never possible to foretell what the animal’s next move will be.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading Although it had been possible to secure but few good pictures during my first trip at sea on the _Orion_, nevertheless I had learned much about the ways of humpbacks.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading He may do dozens of other highly original things, all of which show his playful, good-natured disposition and, if he is allowed to continue his elephantine gambols unmolested, he is as harmless as a puppy.

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading One impression, which I subsequently found to be correct, was that this would prove to be the most interesting of all large whales to study—at least from the standpoint of its habits.

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading One impression, which I subsequently found to be correct, was that this would prove to be the most interesting of all large whales to study—at least from the standpoint of its habits.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

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

From this reading There are no dull moments when one is hunting a humpback, for it is never possible to foretell what the animal’s next move will be.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Although it had been possible to secure but few good pictures during my first trip at sea on the _Orion_, nevertheless I had learned much about the ways of humpbacks.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading One impression, which I subsequently found to be correct, was that this would prove to be the most interesting of all large whales to study—at least from the standpoint of its habits.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading One impression, which I subsequently found to be correct, was that this would prove to be the most interesting of all large whales to study—at least from the standpoint of its habits.

set up or found

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading Although it had been possible to secure but few good pictures during my first trip at sea on the _Orion_, nevertheless I had learned much about the ways of humpbacks.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading One impression, which I subsequently found to be correct, was that this would prove to be the most interesting of all large whales to study—at least from the standpoint of its habits.

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

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

plural of “moment” — a particular point in time

From this reading There are no dull moments when one is hunting a humpback, for it is never possible to foretell what the animal’s next move will be.

used to form the superlative

From this reading One impression, which I subsequently found to be correct, was that this would prove to be the most interesting of all large whales to study—at least from the standpoint of its habits.

the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading There are no dull moments when one is hunting a humpback, for it is never possible to foretell what the animal’s next move will be.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Although it had been possible to secure but few good pictures during my first trip at sea on the _Orion_, nevertheless I had learned much about the ways of humpbacks.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Although it had been possible to secure but few good pictures during my first trip at sea on the _Orion_, nevertheless I had learned much about the ways of humpbacks.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading There are no dull moments when one is hunting a humpback, for it is never possible to foretell what the animal’s next move will be.

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading Although it had been possible to secure but few good pictures during my first trip at sea on the _Orion_, nevertheless I had learned much about the ways of humpbacks.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading There are no dull moments when one is hunting a humpback, for it is never possible to foretell what the animal’s next move will be.

not any; not one

From this reading There are no dull moments when one is hunting a humpback, for it is never possible to foretell what the animal’s next move will be.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Although it had been possible to secure but few good pictures during my first trip at sea on the _Orion_, nevertheless I had learned much about the ways of humpbacks.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Although it had been possible to secure but few good pictures during my first trip at sea on the _Orion_, nevertheless I had learned much about the ways of humpbacks.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One impression, which I subsequently found to be correct, was that this would prove to be the most interesting of all large whales to study—at least from the standpoint of its habits.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed

From this reading He may do dozens of other highly original things, all of which show his playful, good-natured disposition and, if he is allowed to continue his elephantine gambols unmolested, he is as harmless as a puppy.

(Greek mythology) a giant Boeotian hunter who pursued the Pleiades and was eventually slain by Artemis; was then placed in the sky as a constellation

From this reading Although it had been possible to secure but few good pictures during my first trip at sea on the _Orion_, nevertheless I had learned much about the ways of humpbacks.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading He may do dozens of other highly original things, all of which show his playful, good-natured disposition and, if he is allowed to continue his elephantine gambols unmolested, he is as harmless as a puppy.

plural of “picture” — a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface

From this reading Although it had been possible to secure but few good pictures during my first trip at sea on the _Orion_, nevertheless I had learned much about the ways of humpbacks.

full of fun and high spirits

From this reading He may do dozens of other highly original things, all of which show his playful, good-natured disposition and, if he is allowed to continue his elephantine gambols unmolested, he is as harmless as a puppy.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading Although it had been possible to secure but few good pictures during my first trip at sea on the _Orion_, nevertheless I had learned much about the ways of humpbacks.

be shown or be found to be

From this reading One impression, which I subsequently found to be correct, was that this would prove to be the most interesting of all large whales to study—at least from the standpoint of its habits.

a young dog

From this reading He may do dozens of other highly original things, all of which show his playful, good-natured disposition and, if he is allowed to continue his elephantine gambols unmolested, he is as harmless as a puppy.

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

From this reading Although it had been possible to secure but few good pictures during my first trip at sea on the _Orion_, nevertheless I had learned much about the ways of humpbacks.

get by special effort

From this reading Although it had been possible to secure but few good pictures during my first trip at sea on the _Orion_, nevertheless I had learned much about the ways of humpbacks.

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading He may do dozens of other highly original things, all of which show his playful, good-natured disposition and, if he is allowed to continue his elephantine gambols unmolested, he is as harmless as a puppy.

the act of breaking something into small pieces

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

a pesticide in suspension or solution; intended for spraying

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

be standing; be upright

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

a mental position from which things are viewed

From this reading One impression, which I subsequently found to be correct, was that this would prove to be the most interesting of all large whales to study—at least from the standpoint of its habits.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading One impression, which I subsequently found to be correct, was that this would prove to be the most interesting of all large whales to study—at least from the standpoint of its habits.

a submersible warship usually armed with torpedoes

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading One impression, which I subsequently found to be correct, was that this would prove to be the most interesting of all large whales to study—at least from the standpoint of its habits.

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

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading One impression, which I subsequently found to be correct, was that this would prove to be the most interesting of all large whales to study—at least from the standpoint of its habits.

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

From this reading Although it had been possible to secure but few good pictures during my first trip at sea on the _Orion_, nevertheless I had learned much about the ways of humpbacks.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There are no dull moments when one is hunting a humpback, for it is never possible to foretell what the animal’s next move will be.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading He may do dozens of other highly original things, all of which show his playful, good-natured disposition and, if he is allowed to continue his elephantine gambols unmolested, he is as harmless as a puppy.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading One impression, which I subsequently found to be correct, was that this would prove to be the most interesting of all large whales to study—at least from the standpoint of its habits.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

-ing form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

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

From this reading Although it had been possible to secure but few good pictures during my first trip at sea on the _Orion_, nevertheless I had learned much about the ways of humpbacks.

a journey for some purpose (usually including the return)

From this reading Although it had been possible to secure but few good pictures during my first trip at sea on the _Orion_, nevertheless I had learned much about the ways of humpbacks.

not interfered with, disturbed, or harmed

From this reading He may do dozens of other highly original things, all of which show his playful, good-natured disposition and, if he is allowed to continue his elephantine gambols unmolested, he is as harmless as a puppy.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

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

From this reading One impression, which I subsequently found to be correct, was that this would prove to be the most interesting of all large whales to study—at least from the standpoint of its habits.

structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired

From this reading Although it had been possible to secure but few good pictures during my first trip at sea on the _Orion_, nevertheless I had learned much about the ways of humpbacks.

plural of “whale” — a very large person; impressive in size or qualities

From this reading One impression, which I subsequently found to be correct, was that this would prove to be the most interesting of all large whales to study—at least from the standpoint of its habits.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading There are no dull moments when one is hunting a humpback, for it is never possible to foretell what the animal’s next move will be.

at the time that

From this reading There are no dull moments when one is hunting a humpback, for it is never possible to foretell what the animal’s next move will be.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading One impression, which I subsequently found to be correct, was that this would prove to be the most interesting of all large whales to study—at least from the standpoint of its habits.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading There are no dull moments when one is hunting a humpback, for it is never possible to foretell what the animal’s next move will be.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He may dash along the surface with his enormous mouth wide open, stand upon his head and “lobtail,” throwing up clouds of spray with smashing blows of his flukes, or launch his forty-ton body into the air as though shot from a submarine catapult.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading One impression, which I subsequently found to be correct, was that this would prove to be the most interesting of all large whales to study—at least from the standpoint of its habits.