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On The Blockade
On The Blockade

Chapter XXIII

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Context Illustration Reading 1/19 · 5 lines
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CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.
The four guns, therefore, were rather too heavy a burden for the size of the cutters.
But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.
They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.
Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
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A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

On The Blockade

Chapter XXIII

Reading 1/19 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.
Line 2
The four guns, therefore, were rather too heavy a burden for the size of the cutters.
Line 3
But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.
Line 4
They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.
Line 5
Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

About preposition US /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.”

CAPTAIN noun US /ˈcaptain/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading “But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.”

Disposed noun US /ˈdisposed/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.”

Duty noun US /ˈduːti/

a responsibility that must be carried out

From this reading “They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.”

Flint noun US /flint/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.”

Half noun US /half/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.”

Nothing pronoun US /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading “They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.”

Overboard adverb US /ˈoʊvərbɔːrd/

from a ship into the water

From this reading “But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.”

Point noun US /pɔɪnt/

the main matter or purpose being discussed

From this reading “Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.”

Same noun US /same/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.”

Therefore adverb US /ˈðerfɔːr/

for that reason; as a result

From this reading “The four guns, therefore, were rather too heavy a burden for the size of the cutters.”

Till preposition US /tɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading “They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.”

While conjunction US /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading “CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.”

Without preposition US /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading “But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.”

All words in this reading · 120

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading The four guns, therefore, were rather too heavy a burden for the size of the cutters.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

account

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

From this reading Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.

bay

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

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.

believed

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

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

better

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

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

boat

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

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

Bronx

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

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

bronze

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

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

burden

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

From this reading The four guns, therefore, were rather too heavy a burden for the size of the cutters.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.

calibre

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

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

CAPTAINnounUS /ˈcaptain/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

carriages

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

From this reading But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.

carried

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

From this reading Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.

Christy

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

From this reading But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.

clear

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

From this reading But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.

commander

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

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

completed

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

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.

cutters

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

From this reading The four guns, therefore, were rather too heavy a burden for the size of the cutters.

decided

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

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

depth

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

From this reading But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.

disposednounUS /ˈdisposed/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.

dutynounUS /ˈduːti/

a responsibility that must be carried out

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

engaged

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

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

expedition

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

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

fathoms

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

From this reading But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.

Flint

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

From this reading Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The four guns, therefore, were rather too heavy a burden for the size of the cutters.

four

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

From this reading The four guns, therefore, were rather too heavy a burden for the size of the cutters.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.

gun

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

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

guns

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

From this reading The four guns, therefore, were rather too heavy a burden for the size of the cutters.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

halfnounUS /half/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.

HAVANA

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

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

heavy

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

From this reading The four guns, therefore, were rather too heavy a burden for the size of the cutters.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

hundred

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

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

informed

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

From this reading Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.

just

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

From this reading Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.

Key

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

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

land

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

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

learned

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

From this reading Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.

locality

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

From this reading But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.

LONLEY

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

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

Mr

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

From this reading Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

object

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

From this reading Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

off

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

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

only

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

From this reading Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.

operations

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

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.

ordinary

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

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

overboardadverbUS /ˈoʊvərbɔːrd/

from a ship into the water

From this reading But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.

past

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

From this reading Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.

plan

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

From this reading Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.

pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/

the main matter or purpose being discussed

From this reading Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.

pounds

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

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

present

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

From this reading Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.

rather

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

From this reading The four guns, therefore, were rather too heavy a burden for the size of the cutters.

repeater

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

From this reading Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.

require

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

From this reading Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.

samenounUS /same/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

Seahorse

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

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

seen

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

From this reading But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.

seven

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

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

six

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

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

sixty

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

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

size

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

From this reading The four guns, therefore, were rather too heavy a burden for the size of the cutters.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.

STEAMER

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

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.

taken

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

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/

for that reason; as a result

From this reading The four guns, therefore, were rather too heavy a burden for the size of the cutters.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.

three

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

From this reading But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.

throw

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

From this reading But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.

tillprepositionUS /tɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

too

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

From this reading The four guns, therefore, were rather too heavy a burden for the size of the cutters.

transported

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

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

trophies

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

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

twelve-pounders

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

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

two

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

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

unwilling

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

From this reading But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.

usefulness

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

From this reading Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.

useless

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

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.

water

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

From this reading But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.

weigh

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

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

weighs

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

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading They were useless for the duty in which the expedition was engaged, and the commander of the expedition decided to land them on the Seahorse Key till he had completed his operations in the bay, when they could be taken off and transported to the Bronx as trophies, if for nothing better.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading CAPTAIN LONLEY OF THE STEAMER HAVANA The two twelve-pounders in each boat were believed to weigh about six hundred pounds each, while the ordinary bronze boat gun of the same calibre weighs seven hundred and sixty pounds.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading But Christy was unwilling to throw the two without carriages overboard, for the water in this locality was so clear that they could have been seen at a depth of two or three fathoms.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.

yielded

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

From this reading Mr. Flint was disposed to object to this plan, on account of the time it would require; but he yielded the point when Christy informed him that it was only half past two, as he learned from the repeater he carried for its usefulness on just such duty as the present expedition.