used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
adventurousadjectiveUS /ædˈventʃərəs/
willing to undertake or seeking out new and daring enterprises
From this reading Trusting to the stanchness of their ships and the favor of their saints, the Spanish seamen in those adventurous days but seldom learned to swim.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As the hours dragged on, while the storm, in full retreat, hurried its black battalions toward the west, the moaning beach became a resting-place for grimmer flotsam than sailor’s kit or broken spar.
ASTONISHverbUS /əˈstɑːnɪʃ/
affect with wonder
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
bagsnounUS /bæɡz/
plural of “bag” — a flexible container with a single opening
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
ballastnounUS /ˈbæləst/
any heavy material used to stabilize a ship or airship
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
battalionsnounUS /bəˈtæljənz/
plural of “battalion” — an army unit usually consisting of a headquarters and three or more companies
From this reading As the hours dragged on, while the storm, in full retreat, hurried its black battalions toward the west, the moaning beach became a resting-place for grimmer flotsam than sailor’s kit or broken spar.
an area of sand sloping down to the water of a sea or lake
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading As the hours dragged on, while the storm, in full retreat, hurried its black battalions toward the west, the moaning beach became a resting-place for grimmer flotsam than sailor’s kit or broken spar.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading As the hours dragged on, while the storm, in full retreat, hurried its black battalions toward the west, the moaning beach became a resting-place for grimmer flotsam than sailor’s kit or broken spar.
physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split
From this reading As the hours dragged on, while the storm, in full retreat, hurried its black battalions toward the west, the moaning beach became a resting-place for grimmer flotsam than sailor’s kit or broken spar.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
cablesnounUS /ˈkeɪbəlz/
plural of “cable” — a telegram sent abroad
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
cannonnounUS /ˈkænən/
a large artillery gun that is usually on wheels
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
chestsnounUS /tʃests/
plural of “chest” — the part of the human torso between the neck and the diaphragm or the corresponding part in other vertebrates
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
crestnounUS /krest/
the top line of a hill, mountain, or wave
From this reading A portion of this impotent sacrifice the sullen surf had uplifted upon its crest, and, rushing shoreward, had tossed it spitefully upon the sands.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading Trusting to the stanchness of their ships and the favor of their saints, the Spanish seamen in those adventurous days but seldom learned to swim.
demonnounUS /ˈdiːmən/
an evil supernatural being
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
inflected form of “drag” — pull, as against a resistance
From this reading As the hours dragged on, while the storm, in full retreat, hurried its black battalions toward the west, the moaning beach became a resting-place for grimmer flotsam than sailor’s kit or broken spar.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
endedadjectiveUS /ˈendəd/
having come or been brought to a conclusion
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
promote over another
From this reading Trusting to the stanchness of their ships and the favor of their saints, the Spanish seamen in those adventurous days but seldom learned to swim.
floatverbUS /floʊt/
be in motion due to some air or water current
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
flotsamnounUS /ˈflɑːtsəm/
the floating wreckage of a ship
From this reading As the hours dragged on, while the storm, in full retreat, hurried its black battalions toward the west, the moaning beach became a resting-place for grimmer flotsam than sailor’s kit or broken spar.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading As the hours dragged on, while the storm, in full retreat, hurried its black battalions toward the west, the moaning beach became a resting-place for grimmer flotsam than sailor’s kit or broken spar.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading As the hours dragged on, while the storm, in full retreat, hurried its black battalions toward the west, the moaning beach became a resting-place for grimmer flotsam than sailor’s kit or broken spar.
futileadjectiveUS /ˈfjuːtəl/
producing no result or effect
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
ghastlyadjectiveUS /ˈɡæstli/
shockingly repellent; inspiring horror
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
grimmeradjectiveUS /ˈɡrɪmər/
comparative of “grim” — not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
From this reading As the hours dragged on, while the storm, in full retreat, hurried its black battalions toward the west, the moaning beach became a resting-place for grimmer flotsam than sailor’s kit or broken spar.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading As the hours dragged on, while the storm, in full retreat, hurried its black battalions toward the west, the moaning beach became a resting-place for grimmer flotsam than sailor’s kit or broken spar.
moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste
From this reading As the hours dragged on, while the storm, in full retreat, hurried its black battalions toward the west, the moaning beach became a resting-place for grimmer flotsam than sailor’s kit or broken spar.
impotentadjectiveUS /ˈɪmpətənt/
lacking power or ability
From this reading A portion of this impotent sacrifice the sullen surf had uplifted upon its crest, and, rushing shoreward, had tossed it spitefully upon the sands.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A portion of this impotent sacrifice the sullen surf had uplifted upon its crest, and, rushing shoreward, had tossed it spitefully upon the sands.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading A portion of this impotent sacrifice the sullen surf had uplifted upon its crest, and, rushing shoreward, had tossed it spitefully upon the sands.
kitnounUS /kɪt/
a case for containing a set of articles
From this reading As the hours dragged on, while the storm, in full retreat, hurried its black battalions toward the west, the moaning beach became a resting-place for grimmer flotsam than sailor’s kit or broken spar.
kitsnounUS /kɪts/
plural of “kit” — a case for containing a set of articles
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
having or showing profound knowledge
From this reading Trusting to the stanchness of their ships and the favor of their saints, the Spanish seamen in those adventurous days but seldom learned to swim.
lightenverbUS /ˈlaɪtən/
make more cheerful
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
Mississippi'snounUS /ˌmɪsɪˈsɪpiz/
possessive form of “mississippi” — a major North American river and the chief river of the United States; rises in northern Minnesota and flows southward into the Gulf of Mexico
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
moaningverbUS /ˈmoʊnɪŋ/
-ing form of “moan” — indicate pain, discomfort, or displeasure
From this reading As the hours dragged on, while the storm, in full retreat, hurried its black battalions toward the west, the moaning beach became a resting-place for grimmer flotsam than sailor’s kit or broken spar.
the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading As the hours dragged on, while the storm, in full retreat, hurried its black battalions toward the west, the moaning beach became a resting-place for grimmer flotsam than sailor’s kit or broken spar.
overboardadverbUS /ˈoʊvərbɔːrd/
to extremes
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading A portion of this impotent sacrifice the sullen surf had uplifted upon its crest, and, rushing shoreward, had tossed it spitefully upon the sands.
PortuguesenounUS /ˈpɔːrtʃəɡiːz/
the Romance language spoken in Portugal and Brazil
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
powdernounUS /ˈpaʊdər/
a solid substance in the form of tiny loose particles; a solid that has been pulverized
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
propitiateverb
make peace with
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
puncheons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
recentadjectiveUS /ˈriːsənt/
new
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
reefnounUS /riːf/
a submerged ridge of rock or coral near the surface of the water
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
resting-place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the hours dragged on, while the storm, in full retreat, hurried its black battalions toward the west, the moaning beach became a resting-place for grimmer flotsam than sailor’s kit or broken spar.
(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat
From this reading As the hours dragged on, while the storm, in full retreat, hurried its black battalions toward the west, the moaning beach became a resting-place for grimmer flotsam than sailor’s kit or broken spar.
(American football) an attempt to advance the ball by running into the line
From this reading A portion of this impotent sacrifice the sullen surf had uplifted upon its crest, and, rushing shoreward, had tossed it spitefully upon the sands.
the act of losing or surrendering something as a penalty for a mistake or fault or failure to perform etc.
From this reading A portion of this impotent sacrifice the sullen surf had uplifted upon its crest, and, rushing shoreward, had tossed it spitefully upon the sands.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
sailor'snounUS /ˈseɪlərz/
possessive form of “sailor” — any member of a ship's crew
From this reading As the hours dragged on, while the storm, in full retreat, hurried its black battalions toward the west, the moaning beach became a resting-place for grimmer flotsam than sailor’s kit or broken spar.
plural of “sailor” — any member of a ship's crew
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
saintsnounUS /seɪnts/
plural of “saint” — a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization
From this reading Trusting to the stanchness of their ships and the favor of their saints, the Spanish seamen in those adventurous days but seldom learned to swim.
sandsnounUS /sændz/
the region of the shore of a lake or sea or ocean
From this reading A portion of this impotent sacrifice the sullen surf had uplifted upon its crest, and, rushing shoreward, had tossed it spitefully upon the sands.
SCOUNDRELnounUS /ˈskaʊndrəl/
a wicked or evil person; someone who does evil deliberately
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
sea-biscuit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
seamennounUS /ˈsiːmən/
plural of “seaman” — a man who serves as a sailor
From this reading Trusting to the stanchness of their ships and the favor of their saints, the Spanish seamen in those adventurous days but seldom learned to swim.
not often
From this reading Trusting to the stanchness of their ships and the favor of their saints, the Spanish seamen in those adventurous days but seldom learned to swim.
shatteredadjectiveUS /ˈʃætərd/
ruined or disrupted
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
transport commercially
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
plural of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight
From this reading Trusting to the stanchness of their ships and the favor of their saints, the Spanish seamen in those adventurous days but seldom learned to swim.
shorewardadjectiveUS /ˈʃɔːrwərd/
(of winds) coming from the sea toward the land
From this reading A portion of this impotent sacrifice the sullen surf had uplifted upon its crest, and, rushing shoreward, had tossed it spitefully upon the sands.
signedadjectiveUS /saɪnd/
having a handwritten signature
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
the Romance language spoken in most of Spain and the countries colonized by Spain
From this reading Trusting to the stanchness of their ships and the favor of their saints, the Spanish seamen in those adventurous days but seldom learned to swim.
sparverbUS /spɑːr/
furnish with spars
From this reading As the hours dragged on, while the storm, in full retreat, hurried its black battalions toward the west, the moaning beach became a resting-place for grimmer flotsam than sailor’s kit or broken spar.
spars
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
spitefullyadverb
in a maliciously spiteful manner
From this reading A portion of this impotent sacrifice the sullen surf had uplifted upon its crest, and, rushing shoreward, had tossed it spitefully upon the sands.
stanchness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Trusting to the stanchness of their ships and the favor of their saints, the Spanish seamen in those adventurous days but seldom learned to swim.
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
behave violently, as if in state of a great anger
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
sullenadjectiveUS /ˈsʌlən/
showing a brooding ill humor
From this reading A portion of this impotent sacrifice the sullen surf had uplifted upon its crest, and, rushing shoreward, had tossed it spitefully upon the sands.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
sunkenadjectiveUS /ˈsʌŋkən/
having a sunken area
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
surfnounUS /sɜːrf/
waves breaking on the shore
From this reading A portion of this impotent sacrifice the sullen surf had uplifted upon its crest, and, rushing shoreward, had tossed it spitefully upon the sands.
swimverbUS /swɪm/
travel through water
From this reading Trusting to the stanchness of their ships and the favor of their saints, the Spanish seamen in those adventurous days but seldom learned to swim.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading As the hours dragged on, while the storm, in full retreat, hurried its black battalions toward the west, the moaning beach became a resting-place for grimmer flotsam than sailor’s kit or broken spar.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading A portion of this impotent sacrifice the sullen surf had uplifted upon its crest, and, rushing shoreward, had tossed it spitefully upon the sands.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Trusting to the stanchness of their ships and the favor of their saints, the Spanish seamen in those adventurous days but seldom learned to swim.
caused to fall to the ground
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
tossedverbUS /tɔːst/
past form of “toss” — throw or toss with a light motion
From this reading A portion of this impotent sacrifice the sullen surf had uplifted upon its crest, and, rushing shoreward, had tossed it spitefully upon the sands.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading As the hours dragged on, while the storm, in full retreat, hurried its black battalions toward the west, the moaning beach became a resting-place for grimmer flotsam than sailor’s kit or broken spar.
trophiesnounUS /ˈtroʊfiz/
plural of “trophy” — an award for success in war or hunting
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
trucenounUS /truːs/
a state of peace agreed to between opponents so they can discuss peace terms
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
TrustingadjectiveUS /ˈtrʌstɪŋ/
inclined to believe or confide readily; full of trust
From this reading Trusting to the stanchness of their ships and the favor of their saints, the Spanish seamen in those adventurous days but seldom learned to swim.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
upliftedadjectiveUS /ˈʌplɪftɪd/
exalted emotionally especially with pride
From this reading A portion of this impotent sacrifice the sullen surf had uplifted upon its crest, and, rushing shoreward, had tossed it spitefully upon the sands.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading A portion of this impotent sacrifice the sullen surf had uplifted upon its crest, and, rushing shoreward, had tossed it spitefully upon the sands.
characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
varyingadjectiveUS /ˈveriɪŋ/
marked by diversity or difference
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
a tube in which a body fluid circulates
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
water-casks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
plural of “wave” — one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America
From this reading As the hours dragged on, while the storm, in full retreat, hurried its black battalions toward the west, the moaning beach became a resting-place for grimmer flotsam than sailor’s kit or broken spar.
westwardadverbUS /ˈwestwərd/
toward the west
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading As the hours dragged on, while the storm, in full retreat, hurried its black battalions toward the west, the moaning beach became a resting-place for grimmer flotsam than sailor’s kit or broken spar.
plural of “wind” — air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading IN WHICH TWO CHILDREN OF THE SUN ASTONISH A SCOUNDREL Before the day was ended the winds and waves had signed a truce, but on the beach, far to the westward of the Mississippi’s mouth, lay ghastly trophies of their recent war.
fermented juice (of grapes especially)
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading In a vain effort to propitiate the demon of the storm--according to the Portuguese sailors: to lighten the vessel, the captain would have said--cables, spars, water-casks, kits and chests of varying size, puncheons of wine, bags of sea-biscuit, cannon, powder, and stone ballast had been thrown overboard in a futile effort to float the shattered ship from a sunken reef.
