used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading HOW THE SERAPIS STRUCK HER FLAG John Paul Jones, a dark, slender figure, paced calmly to and fro upon his quarter-deck.
ablazeadjectiveUS /əˈbleɪz/
keenly excited (especially sexually) or indicating excitement
From this reading From that moment the night was ablaze; broadside answered broadside with echoing fury; the men at the guns, stripped to the waist, with hard set mouths and scowling brows, charged, rammed and fired like clockwork.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading HOW THE SERAPIS STRUCK HER FLAG John Paul Jones, a dark, slender figure, paced calmly to and fro upon his quarter-deck.
past form of “answer” — react verbally
From this reading From that moment the night was ablaze; broadside answered broadside with echoing fury; the men at the guns, stripped to the waist, with hard set mouths and scowling brows, charged, rammed and fired like clockwork.
appliedadjectiveUS /əˈplaɪd/
concerned with concrete problems or data rather than with fundamental principles
From this reading Dale passed the word; the gunners applied their matches and the whole broadside of the Richard hurled destruction at the grim Englishman.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Dale passed the word; the gunners applied their matches and the whole broadside of the Richard hurled destruction at the grim Englishman.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Men standing behind screens, drenched with water, handed out charges of powder to boys who darted up and down the ladders like monkeys, passing the explosive to the guns.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading Men standing behind screens, drenched with water, handed out charges of powder to boys who darted up and down the ladders like monkeys, passing the explosive to the guns.
broadsidenounUS /ˈbrɔːdsaɪd/
an advertisement (usually printed on a page or in a leaflet) intended for wide distribution
From this reading Dale passed the word; the gunners applied their matches and the whole broadside of the Richard hurled destruction at the grim Englishman.
browsnounUS /braʊz/
plural of “brow” — the part of the face above the eyes
From this reading From that moment the night was ablaze; broadside answered broadside with echoing fury; the men at the guns, stripped to the waist, with hard set mouths and scowling brows, charged, rammed and fired like clockwork.
with self-possession (especially in times of stress)
From this reading HOW THE SERAPIS STRUCK HER FLAG John Paul Jones, a dark, slender figure, paced calmly to and fro upon his quarter-deck.
chargedadjectiveUS /tʃɑːrdʒd/
of a particle or body or system; having a net amount of positive or negative electric charge
From this reading From that moment the night was ablaze; broadside answered broadside with echoing fury; the men at the guns, stripped to the waist, with hard set mouths and scowling brows, charged, rammed and fired like clockwork.
chargesnounUS /ˈtʃɑːrdʒəz/
plural of “charge” — an impetuous rush toward someone or something
From this reading Men standing behind screens, drenched with water, handed out charges of powder to boys who darted up and down the ladders like monkeys, passing the explosive to the guns.
clockworknounUS /ˈklɑːkwɜːrk/
any mechanism of geared wheels that is driven by a coiled spring; resembles the works of a mechanical clock
From this reading From that moment the night was ablaze; broadside answered broadside with echoing fury; the men at the guns, stripped to the waist, with hard set mouths and scowling brows, charged, rammed and fired like clockwork.
composedlyadverb
in a self-collected or self-possessed manner
From this reading “You may fire, Mr. Dale,” he said composedly.
DalenounUS /deɪl/
an open river valley (in a hilly area)
From this reading “You may fire, Mr. Dale,” he said composedly.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading HOW THE SERAPIS STRUCK HER FLAG John Paul Jones, a dark, slender figure, paced calmly to and fro upon his quarter-deck.
dartedverbUS /ˈdɑːrtɪd/
past form of “dart” — move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart
From this reading Men standing behind screens, drenched with water, handed out charges of powder to boys who darted up and down the ladders like monkeys, passing the explosive to the guns.
the termination of something by causing so much damage to it that it cannot be repaired or no longer exists
From this reading Dale passed the word; the gunners applied their matches and the whole broadside of the Richard hurled destruction at the grim Englishman.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Men standing behind screens, drenched with water, handed out charges of powder to boys who darted up and down the ladders like monkeys, passing the explosive to the guns.
drenchedadjectiveUS /drentʃt/
abundantly covered or supplied with; often used in combination
From this reading Men standing behind screens, drenched with water, handed out charges of powder to boys who darted up and down the ladders like monkeys, passing the explosive to the guns.
echoingadjectiveUS /ˈekoʊɪŋ/
(of sounds) repeating by reflection
From this reading From that moment the night was ablaze; broadside answered broadside with echoing fury; the men at the guns, stripped to the waist, with hard set mouths and scowling brows, charged, rammed and fired like clockwork.
EnglishmannounUS /ˈɪŋɡlɪʃmən/
a man who is a native or inhabitant of England
From this reading Dale passed the word; the gunners applied their matches and the whole broadside of the Richard hurled destruction at the grim Englishman.
explosiveadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsploʊsɪv/
serving to explode or characterized by explosion or sudden outburst
From this reading Men standing behind screens, drenched with water, handed out charges of powder to boys who darted up and down the ladders like monkeys, passing the explosive to the guns.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading HOW THE SERAPIS STRUCK HER FLAG John Paul Jones, a dark, slender figure, paced calmly to and fro upon his quarter-deck.
start firing a weapon
From this reading “You may fire, Mr. Dale,” he said composedly.
firedadjectiveUS /ˈfaɪərd/
having lost your job
From this reading From that moment the night was ablaze; broadside answered broadside with echoing fury; the men at the guns, stripped to the waist, with hard set mouths and scowling brows, charged, rammed and fired like clockwork.
emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design
From this reading HOW THE SERAPIS STRUCK HER FLAG John Paul Jones, a dark, slender figure, paced calmly to and fro upon his quarter-deck.
fro
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW THE SERAPIS STRUCK HER FLAG John Paul Jones, a dark, slender figure, paced calmly to and fro upon his quarter-deck.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From that moment the night was ablaze; broadside answered broadside with echoing fury; the men at the guns, stripped to the waist, with hard set mouths and scowling brows, charged, rammed and fired like clockwork.
a feeling of intense anger
From this reading From that moment the night was ablaze; broadside answered broadside with echoing fury; the men at the guns, stripped to the waist, with hard set mouths and scowling brows, charged, rammed and fired like clockwork.
not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
From this reading Dale passed the word; the gunners applied their matches and the whole broadside of the Richard hurled destruction at the grim Englishman.
gunnersnounUS /ˈɡʌnərz/
plural of “gunner” — a serviceman in the artillery
From this reading Dale passed the word; the gunners applied their matches and the whole broadside of the Richard hurled destruction at the grim Englishman.
plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
From this reading From that moment the night was ablaze; broadside answered broadside with echoing fury; the men at the guns, stripped to the waist, with hard set mouths and scowling brows, charged, rammed and fired like clockwork.
having or involving the use of hands
From this reading Men standing behind screens, drenched with water, handed out charges of powder to boys who darted up and down the ladders like monkeys, passing the explosive to the guns.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading From that moment the night was ablaze; broadside answered broadside with echoing fury; the men at the guns, stripped to the waist, with hard set mouths and scowling brows, charged, rammed and fired like clockwork.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “You may fire, Mr. Dale,” he said composedly.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading HOW THE SERAPIS STRUCK HER FLAG John Paul Jones, a dark, slender figure, paced calmly to and fro upon his quarter-deck.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading HOW THE SERAPIS STRUCK HER FLAG John Paul Jones, a dark, slender figure, paced calmly to and fro upon his quarter-deck.
HOW
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW THE SERAPIS STRUCK HER FLAG John Paul Jones, a dark, slender figure, paced calmly to and fro upon his quarter-deck.
hurledverbUS /hɜːrld/
past form of “hurl” — throw forcefully
From this reading Dale passed the word; the gunners applied their matches and the whole broadside of the Richard hurled destruction at the grim Englishman.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading HOW THE SERAPIS STRUCK HER FLAG John Paul Jones, a dark, slender figure, paced calmly to and fro upon his quarter-deck.
United States labor leader (born in Ireland) who helped to found the Industrial Workers of the World (1830-1930)
From this reading HOW THE SERAPIS STRUCK HER FLAG John Paul Jones, a dark, slender figure, paced calmly to and fro upon his quarter-deck.
laddersnounUS /ˈlædərz/
plural of “ladder” — steps consisting of two parallel members connected by rungs; for climbing up or down
From this reading Men standing behind screens, drenched with water, handed out charges of powder to boys who darted up and down the ladders like monkeys, passing the explosive to the guns.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading From that moment the night was ablaze; broadside answered broadside with echoing fury; the men at the guns, stripped to the waist, with hard set mouths and scowling brows, charged, rammed and fired like clockwork.
matchesnounUS /ˈmætʃəz/
plural of “match” — lighter consisting of a thin piece of wood or cardboard tipped with combustible chemical; ignites with friction
From this reading Dale passed the word; the gunners applied their matches and the whole broadside of the Richard hurled destruction at the grim Englishman.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading “You may fire, Mr. Dale,” he said composedly.
the force of workers available
From this reading From that moment the night was ablaze; broadside answered broadside with echoing fury; the men at the guns, stripped to the waist, with hard set mouths and scowling brows, charged, rammed and fired like clockwork.
a particular point in time
From this reading From that moment the night was ablaze; broadside answered broadside with echoing fury; the men at the guns, stripped to the waist, with hard set mouths and scowling brows, charged, rammed and fired like clockwork.
monkeysnounUS /ˈmʌŋkiz/
plural of “monkey” — any of various long-tailed primates (excluding the prosimians)
From this reading Men standing behind screens, drenched with water, handed out charges of powder to boys who darted up and down the ladders like monkeys, passing the explosive to the guns.
mouthsnounUS /maʊðz/
plural of “mouth” — the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
From this reading From that moment the night was ablaze; broadside answered broadside with echoing fury; the men at the guns, stripped to the waist, with hard set mouths and scowling brows, charged, rammed and fired like clockwork.
a form of address for a man
From this reading “You may fire, Mr. Dale,” he said composedly.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading From that moment the night was ablaze; broadside answered broadside with echoing fury; the men at the guns, stripped to the waist, with hard set mouths and scowling brows, charged, rammed and fired like clockwork.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Dale passed the word; the gunners applied their matches and the whole broadside of the Richard hurled destruction at the grim Englishman.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Men standing behind screens, drenched with water, handed out charges of powder to boys who darted up and down the ladders like monkeys, passing the explosive to the guns.
pacedverbUS /peɪst/
past form of “pace” — walk with slow or fast paces
From this reading HOW THE SERAPIS STRUCK HER FLAG John Paul Jones, a dark, slender figure, paced calmly to and fro upon his quarter-deck.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading Dale passed the word; the gunners applied their matches and the whole broadside of the Richard hurled destruction at the grim Englishman.
(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate
From this reading Men standing behind screens, drenched with water, handed out charges of powder to boys who darted up and down the ladders like monkeys, passing the explosive to the guns.
United States feminist (1885-1977)
From this reading HOW THE SERAPIS STRUCK HER FLAG John Paul Jones, a dark, slender figure, paced calmly to and fro upon his quarter-deck.
powdernounUS /ˈpaʊdər/
a solid substance in the form of tiny loose particles; a solid that has been pulverized
From this reading Men standing behind screens, drenched with water, handed out charges of powder to boys who darted up and down the ladders like monkeys, passing the explosive to the guns.
quarter-deck
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW THE SERAPIS STRUCK HER FLAG John Paul Jones, a dark, slender figure, paced calmly to and fro upon his quarter-deck.
rammedverbUS /ræmd/
inflected form of “ram” — strike or drive against with a heavy impact
From this reading From that moment the night was ablaze; broadside answered broadside with echoing fury; the men at the guns, stripped to the waist, with hard set mouths and scowling brows, charged, rammed and fired like clockwork.
Richard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Dale passed the word; the gunners applied their matches and the whole broadside of the Richard hurled destruction at the grim Englishman.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “You may fire, Mr. Dale,” he said composedly.
scowlingadjectiveUS /ˈskaʊlɪŋ/
sullen or unfriendly in appearance
From this reading From that moment the night was ablaze; broadside answered broadside with echoing fury; the men at the guns, stripped to the waist, with hard set mouths and scowling brows, charged, rammed and fired like clockwork.
screensnounUS /skriːnz/
plural of “screen” — a white or silvered surface where pictures can be projected for viewing
From this reading Men standing behind screens, drenched with water, handed out charges of powder to boys who darted up and down the ladders like monkeys, passing the explosive to the guns.
SERAPIS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading HOW THE SERAPIS STRUCK HER FLAG John Paul Jones, a dark, slender figure, paced calmly to and fro upon his quarter-deck.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading From that moment the night was ablaze; broadside answered broadside with echoing fury; the men at the guns, stripped to the waist, with hard set mouths and scowling brows, charged, rammed and fired like clockwork.
being of delicate or slender build
From this reading HOW THE SERAPIS STRUCK HER FLAG John Paul Jones, a dark, slender figure, paced calmly to and fro upon his quarter-deck.
having a supporting base
From this reading Men standing behind screens, drenched with water, handed out charges of powder to boys who darted up and down the ladders like monkeys, passing the explosive to the guns.
strippedadjectiveUS /strɪpt/
having only essential or minimal features
From this reading From that moment the night was ablaze; broadside answered broadside with echoing fury; the men at the guns, stripped to the waist, with hard set mouths and scowling brows, charged, rammed and fired like clockwork.
(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming
From this reading HOW THE SERAPIS STRUCK HER FLAG John Paul Jones, a dark, slender figure, paced calmly to and fro upon his quarter-deck.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading From that moment the night was ablaze; broadside answered broadside with echoing fury; the men at the guns, stripped to the waist, with hard set mouths and scowling brows, charged, rammed and fired like clockwork.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading HOW THE SERAPIS STRUCK HER FLAG John Paul Jones, a dark, slender figure, paced calmly to and fro upon his quarter-deck.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Dale passed the word; the gunners applied their matches and the whole broadside of the Richard hurled destruction at the grim Englishman.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading HOW THE SERAPIS STRUCK HER FLAG John Paul Jones, a dark, slender figure, paced calmly to and fro upon his quarter-deck.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Men standing behind screens, drenched with water, handed out charges of powder to boys who darted up and down the ladders like monkeys, passing the explosive to the guns.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading HOW THE SERAPIS STRUCK HER FLAG John Paul Jones, a dark, slender figure, paced calmly to and fro upon his quarter-deck.
the narrowing of the body between the ribs and hips
From this reading From that moment the night was ablaze; broadside answered broadside with echoing fury; the men at the guns, stripped to the waist, with hard set mouths and scowling brows, charged, rammed and fired like clockwork.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading From that moment the night was ablaze; broadside answered broadside with echoing fury; the men at the guns, stripped to the waist, with hard set mouths and scowling brows, charged, rammed and fired like clockwork.
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading Men standing behind screens, drenched with water, handed out charges of powder to boys who darted up and down the ladders like monkeys, passing the explosive to the guns.
which person or people
From this reading Men standing behind screens, drenched with water, handed out charges of powder to boys who darted up and down the ladders like monkeys, passing the explosive to the guns.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading Dale passed the word; the gunners applied their matches and the whole broadside of the Richard hurled destruction at the grim Englishman.
in the company of; together with
From this reading From that moment the night was ablaze; broadside answered broadside with echoing fury; the men at the guns, stripped to the waist, with hard set mouths and scowling brows, charged, rammed and fired like clockwork.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading Dale passed the word; the gunners applied their matches and the whole broadside of the Richard hurled destruction at the grim Englishman.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “You may fire, Mr. Dale,” he said composedly.
