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 Amidst the smoke and fumes of high-explosive shells, with the outlook obscured by the hail of splinters and the nerves shaken by the incessant blast of shells, it was difficult to keep a perfectly cool head.
aimed
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From this reading The Germans aimed chiefly at the _Polyphemus’s_ conning-tower, wherein, they knew, dwelt the brain that directed the British force.
AmidstprepositionUS /əˈmɪdst/
in the middle of; surrounded by
From this reading Amidst the smoke and fumes of high-explosive shells, with the outlook obscured by the hail of splinters and the nerves shaken by the incessant blast of shells, it was difficult to keep a perfectly cool head.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
anticipation
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From this reading FIERCE CRUISER BATTLE Contrary to anticipation, in the interchange of fire the ships of the two combatants did not suffer any disabling injury.
any
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From this reading FIERCE CRUISER BATTLE Contrary to anticipation, in the interchange of fire the ships of the two combatants did not suffer any disabling injury.
armour
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From this reading The armour on either side kept out the shells from the vitals, though great smoking gaps began to show where the unarmoured sides had been riven.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
BATTLE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIERCE CRUISER BATTLE Contrary to anticipation, in the interchange of fire the ships of the two combatants did not suffer any disabling injury.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The armour on either side kept out the shells from the vitals, though great smoking gaps began to show where the unarmoured sides had been riven.
begannounUS /began/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The armour on either side kept out the shells from the vitals, though great smoking gaps began to show where the unarmoured sides had been riven.
blast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Amidst the smoke and fumes of high-explosive shells, with the outlook obscured by the hail of splinters and the nerves shaken by the incessant blast of shells, it was difficult to keep a perfectly cool head.
brain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Germans aimed chiefly at the _Polyphemus’s_ conning-tower, wherein, they knew, dwelt the brain that directed the British force.
British
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Amidst the smoke and fumes of high-explosive shells, with the outlook obscured by the hail of splinters and the nerves shaken by the incessant blast of shells, it was difficult to keep a perfectly cool head.
chiefly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Germans aimed chiefly at the _Polyphemus’s_ conning-tower, wherein, they knew, dwelt the brain that directed the British force.
closed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
combatants
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIERCE CRUISER BATTLE Contrary to anticipation, in the interchange of fire the ships of the two combatants did not suffer any disabling injury.
concentrated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
conning-tower
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From this reading The Germans aimed chiefly at the _Polyphemus’s_ conning-tower, wherein, they knew, dwelt the brain that directed the British force.
Contrary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIERCE CRUISER BATTLE Contrary to anticipation, in the interchange of fire the ships of the two combatants did not suffer any disabling injury.
cool
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Amidst the smoke and fumes of high-explosive shells, with the outlook obscured by the hail of splinters and the nerves shaken by the incessant blast of shells, it was difficult to keep a perfectly cool head.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
CRUISER
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIERCE CRUISER BATTLE Contrary to anticipation, in the interchange of fire the ships of the two combatants did not suffer any disabling injury.
cruisers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading FIERCE CRUISER BATTLE Contrary to anticipation, in the interchange of fire the ships of the two combatants did not suffer any disabling injury.
difficult
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Amidst the smoke and fumes of high-explosive shells, with the outlook obscured by the hail of splinters and the nerves shaken by the incessant blast of shells, it was difficult to keep a perfectly cool head.
directed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Germans aimed chiefly at the _Polyphemus’s_ conning-tower, wherein, they knew, dwelt the brain that directed the British force.
disabling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIERCE CRUISER BATTLE Contrary to anticipation, in the interchange of fire the ships of the two combatants did not suffer any disabling injury.
disadvantage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
dwelt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Germans aimed chiefly at the _Polyphemus’s_ conning-tower, wherein, they knew, dwelt the brain that directed the British force.
eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/
one or the other of two
From this reading The armour on either side kept out the shells from the vitals, though great smoking gaps began to show where the unarmoured sides had been riven.
extreme
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
FIERCE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIERCE CRUISER BATTLE Contrary to anticipation, in the interchange of fire the ships of the two combatants did not suffer any disabling injury.
fire
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIERCE CRUISER BATTLE Contrary to anticipation, in the interchange of fire the ships of the two combatants did not suffer any disabling injury.
flashed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
followed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
force
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Germans aimed chiefly at the _Polyphemus’s_ conning-tower, wherein, they knew, dwelt the brain that directed the British force.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The armour on either side kept out the shells from the vitals, though great smoking gaps began to show where the unarmoured sides had been riven.
fumes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Amidst the smoke and fumes of high-explosive shells, with the outlook obscured by the hail of splinters and the nerves shaken by the incessant blast of shells, it was difficult to keep a perfectly cool head.
gaps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The armour on either side kept out the shells from the vitals, though great smoking gaps began to show where the unarmoured sides had been riven.
German
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
Germans
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Germans aimed chiefly at the _Polyphemus’s_ conning-tower, wherein, they knew, dwelt the brain that directed the British force.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The armour on either side kept out the shells from the vitals, though great smoking gaps began to show where the unarmoured sides had been riven.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The armour on either side kept out the shells from the vitals, though great smoking gaps began to show where the unarmoured sides had been riven.
hail
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Amidst the smoke and fumes of high-explosive shells, with the outlook obscured by the hail of splinters and the nerves shaken by the incessant blast of shells, it was difficult to keep a perfectly cool head.
head
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Amidst the smoke and fumes of high-explosive shells, with the outlook obscured by the hail of splinters and the nerves shaken by the incessant blast of shells, it was difficult to keep a perfectly cool head.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
high-explosive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Amidst the smoke and fumes of high-explosive shells, with the outlook obscured by the hail of splinters and the nerves shaken by the incessant blast of shells, it was difficult to keep a perfectly cool head.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading FIERCE CRUISER BATTLE Contrary to anticipation, in the interchange of fire the ships of the two combatants did not suffer any disabling injury.
incessant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Amidst the smoke and fumes of high-explosive shells, with the outlook obscured by the hail of splinters and the nerves shaken by the incessant blast of shells, it was difficult to keep a perfectly cool head.
incessantly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
included
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
injury
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIERCE CRUISER BATTLE Contrary to anticipation, in the interchange of fire the ships of the two combatants did not suffer any disabling injury.
interchange
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIERCE CRUISER BATTLE Contrary to anticipation, in the interchange of fire the ships of the two combatants did not suffer any disabling injury.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Amidst the smoke and fumes of high-explosive shells, with the outlook obscured by the hail of splinters and the nerves shaken by the incessant blast of shells, it was difficult to keep a perfectly cool head.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
keep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Amidst the smoke and fumes of high-explosive shells, with the outlook obscured by the hail of splinters and the nerves shaken by the incessant blast of shells, it was difficult to keep a perfectly cool head.
kept
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The armour on either side kept out the shells from the vitals, though great smoking gaps began to show where the unarmoured sides had been riven.
knew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Germans aimed chiefly at the _Polyphemus’s_ conning-tower, wherein, they knew, dwelt the brain that directed the British force.
line
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
nerves
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Amidst the smoke and fumes of high-explosive shells, with the outlook obscured by the hail of splinters and the nerves shaken by the incessant blast of shells, it was difficult to keep a perfectly cool head.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading FIERCE CRUISER BATTLE Contrary to anticipation, in the interchange of fire the ships of the two combatants did not suffer any disabling injury.
obscured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Amidst the smoke and fumes of high-explosive shells, with the outlook obscured by the hail of splinters and the nerves shaken by the incessant blast of shells, it was difficult to keep a perfectly cool head.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading FIERCE CRUISER BATTLE Contrary to anticipation, in the interchange of fire the ships of the two combatants did not suffer any disabling injury.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The armour on either side kept out the shells from the vitals, though great smoking gaps began to show where the unarmoured sides had been riven.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The armour on either side kept out the shells from the vitals, though great smoking gaps began to show where the unarmoured sides had been riven.
outlook
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Amidst the smoke and fumes of high-explosive shells, with the outlook obscured by the hail of splinters and the nerves shaken by the incessant blast of shells, it was difficult to keep a perfectly cool head.
perfectly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Amidst the smoke and fumes of high-explosive shells, with the outlook obscured by the hail of splinters and the nerves shaken by the incessant blast of shells, it was difficult to keep a perfectly cool head.
Polyphemus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
Polyphemus's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Germans aimed chiefly at the _Polyphemus’s_ conning-tower, wherein, they knew, dwelt the brain that directed the British force.
range
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
rear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
riven
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The armour on either side kept out the shells from the vitals, though great smoking gaps began to show where the unarmoured sides had been riven.
shaken
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Amidst the smoke and fumes of high-explosive shells, with the outlook obscured by the hail of splinters and the nerves shaken by the incessant blast of shells, it was difficult to keep a perfectly cool head.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
shells
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The armour on either side kept out the shells from the vitals, though great smoking gaps began to show where the unarmoured sides had been riven.
ships
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIERCE CRUISER BATTLE Contrary to anticipation, in the interchange of fire the ships of the two combatants did not suffer any disabling injury.
show
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The armour on either side kept out the shells from the vitals, though great smoking gaps began to show where the unarmoured sides had been riven.
side
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The armour on either side kept out the shells from the vitals, though great smoking gaps began to show where the unarmoured sides had been riven.
sides
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The armour on either side kept out the shells from the vitals, though great smoking gaps began to show where the unarmoured sides had been riven.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
six
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
smoke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Amidst the smoke and fumes of high-explosive shells, with the outlook obscured by the hail of splinters and the nerves shaken by the incessant blast of shells, it was difficult to keep a perfectly cool head.
smoked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
smokingnounUS /ˈsmoking/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The armour on either side kept out the shells from the vitals, though great smoking gaps began to show where the unarmoured sides had been riven.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
splinters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Amidst the smoke and fumes of high-explosive shells, with the outlook obscured by the hail of splinters and the nerves shaken by the incessant blast of shells, it was difficult to keep a perfectly cool head.
squadron
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
suffer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIERCE CRUISER BATTLE Contrary to anticipation, in the interchange of fire the ships of the two combatants did not suffer any disabling injury.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The Germans aimed chiefly at the _Polyphemus’s_ conning-tower, wherein, they knew, dwelt the brain that directed the British force.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading FIERCE CRUISER BATTLE Contrary to anticipation, in the interchange of fire the ships of the two combatants did not suffer any disabling injury.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The Germans aimed chiefly at the _Polyphemus’s_ conning-tower, wherein, they knew, dwelt the brain that directed the British force.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The armour on either side kept out the shells from the vitals, though great smoking gaps began to show where the unarmoured sides had been riven.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading FIERCE CRUISER BATTLE Contrary to anticipation, in the interchange of fire the ships of the two combatants did not suffer any disabling injury.
turned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
turrets
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIERCE CRUISER BATTLE Contrary to anticipation, in the interchange of fire the ships of the two combatants did not suffer any disabling injury.
unarmoured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The armour on either side kept out the shells from the vitals, though great smoking gaps began to show where the unarmoured sides had been riven.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
vitals
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The armour on either side kept out the shells from the vitals, though great smoking gaps began to show where the unarmoured sides had been riven.
Waldersee's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Amidst the smoke and fumes of high-explosive shells, with the outlook obscured by the hail of splinters and the nerves shaken by the incessant blast of shells, it was difficult to keep a perfectly cool head.
weapons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading The armour on either side kept out the shells from the vitals, though great smoking gaps began to show where the unarmoured sides had been riven.
wherein
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Germans aimed chiefly at the _Polyphemus’s_ conning-tower, wherein, they knew, dwelt the brain that directed the British force.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
whole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The _Waldersee’s_ turrets flashed and smoked incessantly as she closed; the whole German squadron of six ships, which included her and followed her, turned its concentrated fire upon the _Polyphemus_, and the British cruisers to the rear of the British line were at some disadvantage, since their weapons could only fire at extreme range.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Amidst the smoke and fumes of high-explosive shells, with the outlook obscured by the hail of splinters and the nerves shaken by the incessant blast of shells, it was difficult to keep a perfectly cool head.
