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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Within thirty seconds of the time the ominous words fell from the general’s lips, the single word “Dennis,” the universal sobriquet for a discharged man our working world over, was in every man’s mouth.
AFTERprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
air
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From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
all
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From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
battery
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The means of communication was that same old silent current that requires neither pole nor battery to put it into working order.
BATTLE
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From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
board
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
boat
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From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
cabin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
captainnounUS /ˈcaptain/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
Carleton's
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From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
chicken
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From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
clear
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From this reading Whatever medium was used, the meaning was none the less clear and unmistakable.
communication
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The means of communication was that same old silent current that requires neither pole nor battery to put it into working order.
conveyed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
cook
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
crewnounUS /crew/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
currentnounUS /ˈcurrent/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The means of communication was that same old silent current that requires neither pole nor battery to put it into working order.
decision
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
Dennis
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within thirty seconds of the time the ominous words fell from the general’s lips, the single word “Dennis,” the universal sobriquet for a discharged man our working world over, was in every man’s mouth.
dischargedverbUS /dɪsˈtʃɑrdʒd/
released from a duty or job
From this reading Within thirty seconds of the time the ominous words fell from the general’s lips, the single word “Dennis,” the universal sobriquet for a discharged man our working world over, was in every man’s mouth.
downfall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
ears
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/
one or the other of two
From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
fell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within thirty seconds of the time the ominous words fell from the general’s lips, the single word “Dennis,” the universal sobriquet for a discharged man our working world over, was in every man’s mouth.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Within thirty seconds of the time the ominous words fell from the general’s lips, the single word “Dennis,” the universal sobriquet for a discharged man our working world over, was in every man’s mouth.
forecastlenounUS /ˈforecastle/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Within thirty seconds of the time the ominous words fell from the general’s lips, the single word “Dennis,” the universal sobriquet for a discharged man our working world over, was in every man’s mouth.
gasping
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
gave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
general
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
general's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within thirty seconds of the time the ominous words fell from the general’s lips, the single word “Dennis,” the universal sobriquet for a discharged man our working world over, was in every man’s mouth.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Within thirty seconds of the time the ominous words fell from the general’s lips, the single word “Dennis,” the universal sobriquet for a discharged man our working world over, was in every man’s mouth.
instantly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The means of communication was that same old silent current that requires neither pole nor battery to put it into working order.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The means of communication was that same old silent current that requires neither pole nor battery to put it into working order.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
known
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
lay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
Ledge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
less
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Whatever medium was used, the meaning was none the less clear and unmistakable.
lips
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within thirty seconds of the time the ominous words fell from the general’s lips, the single word “Dennis,” the universal sobriquet for a discharged man our working world over, was in every man’s mouth.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within thirty seconds of the time the ominous words fell from the general’s lips, the single word “Dennis,” the universal sobriquet for a discharged man our working world over, was in every man’s mouth.
man's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within thirty seconds of the time the ominous words fell from the general’s lips, the single word “Dennis,” the universal sobriquet for a discharged man our working world over, was in every man’s mouth.
mate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
meaning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Whatever medium was used, the meaning was none the less clear and unmistakable.
means
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The means of communication was that same old silent current that requires neither pole nor battery to put it into working order.
medium
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Whatever medium was used, the meaning was none the less clear and unmistakable.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
moment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
motion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
mouth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within thirty seconds of the time the ominous words fell from the general’s lips, the single word “Dennis,” the universal sobriquet for a discharged man our working world over, was in every man’s mouth.
nearest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
necessary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
neitherdeterminerUS /ˈniːðər/
not one and not the other of two
From this reading The means of communication was that same old silent current that requires neither pole nor battery to put it into working order.
news
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
nonepronounUS /nʌn/
not one, and not any
From this reading Whatever medium was used, the meaning was none the less clear and unmistakable.
norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading The means of communication was that same old silent current that requires neither pole nor battery to put it into working order.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The means of communication was that same old silent current that requires neither pole nor battery to put it into working order.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The means of communication was that same old silent current that requires neither pole nor battery to put it into working order.
ominous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within thirty seconds of the time the ominous words fell from the general’s lips, the single word “Dennis,” the universal sobriquet for a discharged man our working world over, was in every man’s mouth.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
To move from a closed position.
From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
opening
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
ordernounUS /order/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The means of communication was that same old silent current that requires neither pole nor battery to put it into working order.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Within thirty seconds of the time the ominous words fell from the general’s lips, the single word “Dennis,” the universal sobriquet for a discharged man our working world over, was in every man’s mouth.
outsidenounUS /ˈoutside/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
passednounUS /passed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
pilothouse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
pole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The means of communication was that same old silent current that requires neither pole nor battery to put it into working order.
precise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
put
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The means of communication was that same old silent current that requires neither pole nor battery to put it into working order.
regained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
requires
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The means of communication was that same old silent current that requires neither pole nor battery to put it into working order.
rope
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
samenounUS /same/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The means of communication was that same old silent current that requires neither pole nor battery to put it into working order.
Sanford
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
seconds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within thirty seconds of the time the ominous words fell from the general’s lips, the single word “Dennis,” the universal sobriquet for a discharged man our working world over, was in every man’s mouth.
shoulders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
shrugged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
silent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The means of communication was that same old silent current that requires neither pole nor battery to put it into working order.
single
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within thirty seconds of the time the ominous words fell from the general’s lips, the single word “Dennis,” the universal sobriquet for a discharged man our working world over, was in every man’s mouth.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
sobriquet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within thirty seconds of the time the ominous words fell from the general’s lips, the single word “Dennis,” the universal sobriquet for a discharged man our working world over, was in every man’s mouth.
steward
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
strangling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
thirty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within thirty seconds of the time the ominous words fell from the general’s lips, the single word “Dennis,” the universal sobriquet for a discharged man our working world over, was in every man’s mouth.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Within thirty seconds of the time the ominous words fell from the general’s lips, the single word “Dennis,” the universal sobriquet for a discharged man our working world over, was in every man’s mouth.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The means of communication was that same old silent current that requires neither pole nor battery to put it into working order.
uncoil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
universal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within thirty seconds of the time the ominous words fell from the general’s lips, the single word “Dennis,” the universal sobriquet for a discharged man our working world over, was in every man’s mouth.
unmistakable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Whatever medium was used, the meaning was none the less clear and unmistakable.
used
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Whatever medium was used, the meaning was none the less clear and unmistakable.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
wharf
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AFTER THE BATTLE Carleton’s downfall was known all over the Ledge and on board every boat that lay at its wharf long before either he or Sanford regained the open air.
WhateverdeterminerUS /ˌwʌˈtevər/
any or all of a kind, it does not matter which
From this reading Whatever medium was used, the meaning was none the less clear and unmistakable.
wide
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
window
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
winked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The steward may have winked to the captain in the pilothouse, or the cook shrugged his shoulders, opening his mouth with the gasping motion of a strangling chicken, and so conveyed the news to the forecastle; or one of the crew, with ears wide open, might have found it necessary to uncoil a rope outside the cabin window at the precise moment the general gave his decision, and have instantly passed the news along to his nearest mate.
WithinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Within thirty seconds of the time the ominous words fell from the general’s lips, the single word “Dennis,” the universal sobriquet for a discharged man our working world over, was in every man’s mouth.
word
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within thirty seconds of the time the ominous words fell from the general’s lips, the single word “Dennis,” the universal sobriquet for a discharged man our working world over, was in every man’s mouth.
words
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within thirty seconds of the time the ominous words fell from the general’s lips, the single word “Dennis,” the universal sobriquet for a discharged man our working world over, was in every man’s mouth.
working
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The means of communication was that same old silent current that requires neither pole nor battery to put it into working order.
world
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Within thirty seconds of the time the ominous words fell from the general’s lips, the single word “Dennis,” the universal sobriquet for a discharged man our working world over, was in every man’s mouth.
