Chapter IX · Chapter 9

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

From this reading Reginald Hawthorne lay upon a couch on the wide veranda of his lovely home.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading The birds held high carnival around him,--nesting in the large cherry tree, playing hide and seek among the fragrant apple blossoms and making the air melodious with their merry songs.

open to or abounding in fresh air

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading He heard the merry hum of the bees at work and the strident call of the locusts, mingled with the distant neighing of horses and the soft lowing of the cows, but all the sweetness of nature was powerless to lift the gloom which seemed to envelop him as in a shroud.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading The birds held high carnival around him,--nesting in the large cherry tree, playing hide and seek among the fragrant apple blossoms and making the air melodious with their merry songs.

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

From this reading The birds held high carnival around him,--nesting in the large cherry tree, playing hide and seek among the fragrant apple blossoms and making the air melodious with their merry songs.

fruit with red or yellow or green skin and sweet to tart crisp whitish flesh

From this reading The birds held high carnival around him,--nesting in the large cherry tree, playing hide and seek among the fragrant apple blossoms and making the air melodious with their merry songs.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading The birds held high carnival around him,--nesting in the large cherry tree, playing hide and seek among the fragrant apple blossoms and making the air melodious with their merry songs.

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

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He heard the merry hum of the bees at work and the strident call of the locusts, mingled with the distant neighing of horses and the soft lowing of the cows, but all the sweetness of nature was powerless to lift the gloom which seemed to envelop him as in a shroud.

plural of “bee” — any of numerous hairy-bodied insects including social and solitary species

From this reading He heard the merry hum of the bees at work and the strident call of the locusts, mingled with the distant neighing of horses and the soft lowing of the cows, but all the sweetness of nature was powerless to lift the gloom which seemed to envelop him as in a shroud.

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading His face was white and drawn with pain and there were heavy rings beneath his eyes.

plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading The birds held high carnival around him,--nesting in the large cherry tree, playing hide and seek among the fragrant apple blossoms and making the air melodious with their merry songs.

plural of “blossom” — reproductive organ of angiosperm plants especially one having showy or colorful parts

From this reading The birds held high carnival around him,--nesting in the large cherry tree, playing hide and seek among the fragrant apple blossoms and making the air melodious with their merry songs.

with boldness, in a bold manner

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

of surpassing excellence

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He heard the merry hum of the bees at work and the strident call of the locusts, mingled with the distant neighing of horses and the soft lowing of the cows, but all the sweetness of nature was powerless to lift the gloom which seemed to envelop him as in a shroud.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading He heard the merry hum of the bees at work and the strident call of the locusts, mingled with the distant neighing of horses and the soft lowing of the cows, but all the sweetness of nature was powerless to lift the gloom which seemed to envelop him as in a shroud.

a festival marked by merrymaking and processions

From this reading The birds held high carnival around him,--nesting in the large cherry tree, playing hide and seek among the fragrant apple blossoms and making the air melodious with their merry songs.

wood of any of various cherry trees especially the black cherry

From this reading The birds held high carnival around him,--nesting in the large cherry tree, playing hide and seek among the fragrant apple blossoms and making the air melodious with their merry songs.

a grouping of a number of similar things

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

an upholstered seat for more than one person

From this reading Reginald Hawthorne lay upon a couch on the wide veranda of his lovely home.

domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age

From this reading He heard the merry hum of the bees at work and the strident call of the locusts, mingled with the distant neighing of horses and the soft lowing of the cows, but all the sweetness of nature was powerless to lift the gloom which seemed to envelop him as in a shroud.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading He heard the merry hum of the bees at work and the strident call of the locusts, mingled with the distant neighing of horses and the soft lowing of the cows, but all the sweetness of nature was powerless to lift the gloom which seemed to envelop him as in a shroud.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading His face was white and drawn with pain and there were heavy rings beneath his eyes.

enclose or enfold completely with or as if with a covering

From this reading He heard the merry hum of the bees at work and the strident call of the locusts, mingled with the distant neighing of horses and the soft lowing of the cows, but all the sweetness of nature was powerless to lift the gloom which seemed to envelop him as in a shroud.

opinion or judgment

From this reading His face was white and drawn with pain and there were heavy rings beneath his eyes.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading His face was white and drawn with pain and there were heavy rings beneath his eyes.

past form of “flash” — gleam or glow intermittently

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

pleasant-smelling

From this reading The birds held high carnival around him,--nesting in the large cherry tree, playing hide and seek among the fragrant apple blossoms and making the air melodious with their merry songs.

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

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

plural of “gleam” — an appearance of reflected light

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

a state of partial or total darkness

From this reading He heard the merry hum of the bees at work and the strident call of the locusts, mingled with the distant neighing of horses and the soft lowing of the cows, but all the sweetness of nature was powerless to lift the gloom which seemed to envelop him as in a shroud.

coins made of gold

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

plural of “hammock” — a small natural hill

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

United States writer of novels and short stories mostly on moral themes (1804-1864)

From this reading Reginald Hawthorne lay upon a couch on the wide veranda of his lovely home.

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

From this reading He heard the merry hum of the bees at work and the strident call of the locusts, mingled with the distant neighing of horses and the soft lowing of the cows, but all the sweetness of nature was powerless to lift the gloom which seemed to envelop him as in a shroud.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading He heard the merry hum of the bees at work and the strident call of the locusts, mingled with the distant neighing of horses and the soft lowing of the cows, but all the sweetness of nature was powerless to lift the gloom which seemed to envelop him as in a shroud.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading His face was white and drawn with pain and there were heavy rings beneath his eyes.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading The birds held high carnival around him,--nesting in the large cherry tree, playing hide and seek among the fragrant apple blossoms and making the air melodious with their merry songs.

prevent from being seen or discovered

From this reading The birds held high carnival around him,--nesting in the large cherry tree, playing hide and seek among the fragrant apple blossoms and making the air melodious with their merry songs.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The birds held high carnival around him,--nesting in the large cherry tree, playing hide and seek among the fragrant apple blossoms and making the air melodious with their merry songs.

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

From this reading The birds held high carnival around him,--nesting in the large cherry tree, playing hide and seek among the fragrant apple blossoms and making the air melodious with their merry songs.

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

From this reading Reginald Hawthorne lay upon a couch on the wide veranda of his lovely home.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Reginald Hawthorne lay upon a couch on the wide veranda of his lovely home.

plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading He heard the merry hum of the bees at work and the strident call of the locusts, mingled with the distant neighing of horses and the soft lowing of the cows, but all the sweetness of nature was powerless to lift the gloom which seemed to envelop him as in a shroud.

sing with closed lips

From this reading He heard the merry hum of the bees at work and the strident call of the locusts, mingled with the distant neighing of horses and the soft lowing of the cows, but all the sweetness of nature was powerless to lift the gloom which seemed to envelop him as in a shroud.

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

From this reading The birds held high carnival around him,--nesting in the large cherry tree, playing hide and seek among the fragrant apple blossoms and making the air melodious with their merry songs.

showing curiosity

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The birds held high carnival around him,--nesting in the large cherry tree, playing hide and seek among the fragrant apple blossoms and making the air melodious with their merry songs.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Reginald Hawthorne lay upon a couch on the wide veranda of his lovely home.

raise from a lower to a higher position

From this reading He heard the merry hum of the bees at work and the strident call of the locusts, mingled with the distant neighing of horses and the soft lowing of the cows, but all the sweetness of nature was powerless to lift the gloom which seemed to envelop him as in a shroud.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

plural of “locust” — migratory grasshoppers of warm regions having short antennae

From this reading He heard the merry hum of the bees at work and the strident call of the locusts, mingled with the distant neighing of horses and the soft lowing of the cows, but all the sweetness of nature was powerless to lift the gloom which seemed to envelop him as in a shroud.

appealing to the emotions as well as the eye

From this reading Reginald Hawthorne lay upon a couch on the wide veranda of his lovely home.

-ing form of “low” — make a low noise, characteristic of bovines

From this reading He heard the merry hum of the bees at work and the strident call of the locusts, mingled with the distant neighing of horses and the soft lowing of the cows, but all the sweetness of nature was powerless to lift the gloom which seemed to envelop him as in a shroud.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading The birds held high carnival around him,--nesting in the large cherry tree, playing hide and seek among the fragrant apple blossoms and making the air melodious with their merry songs.

having a musical sound; especially a pleasing tune

From this reading The birds held high carnival around him,--nesting in the large cherry tree, playing hide and seek among the fragrant apple blossoms and making the air melodious with their merry songs.

full of or showing high-spirited merriment

From this reading The birds held high carnival around him,--nesting in the large cherry tree, playing hide and seek among the fragrant apple blossoms and making the air melodious with their merry songs.

past form of “mingle” — to bring or combine together or with something else

From this reading He heard the merry hum of the bees at work and the strident call of the locusts, mingled with the distant neighing of horses and the soft lowing of the cows, but all the sweetness of nature was powerless to lift the gloom which seemed to envelop him as in a shroud.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading He heard the merry hum of the bees at work and the strident call of the locusts, mingled with the distant neighing of horses and the soft lowing of the cows, but all the sweetness of nature was powerless to lift the gloom which seemed to envelop him as in a shroud.

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

From this reading He heard the merry hum of the bees at work and the strident call of the locusts, mingled with the distant neighing of horses and the soft lowing of the cows, but all the sweetness of nature was powerless to lift the gloom which seemed to envelop him as in a shroud.

-ing form of “nest” — inhabit a nest, usually after building

From this reading The birds held high carnival around him,--nesting in the large cherry tree, playing hide and seek among the fragrant apple blossoms and making the air melodious with their merry songs.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Reginald Hawthorne lay upon a couch on the wide veranda of his lovely home.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Reginald Hawthorne lay upon a couch on the wide veranda of his lovely home.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

plural of “oriole” — mostly tropical songbird; the male is usually bright orange and black

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

a symptom of some physical hurt or disorder

From this reading His face was white and drawn with pain and there were heavy rings beneath his eyes.

past form of “perch” — sit, as on a branch

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

the act of playing a musical instrument

From this reading The birds held high carnival around him,--nesting in the large cherry tree, playing hide and seek among the fragrant apple blossoms and making the air melodious with their merry songs.

lacking power

From this reading He heard the merry hum of the bees at work and the strident call of the locusts, mingled with the distant neighing of horses and the soft lowing of the cows, but all the sweetness of nature was powerless to lift the gloom which seemed to envelop him as in a shroud.

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

From this reading Reginald Hawthorne lay upon a couch on the wide veranda of his lovely home.

gymnastic apparatus consisting of a pair of heavy metal circles (usually covered with leather) suspended by ropes; used for gymnastic exercises

From this reading His face was white and drawn with pain and there were heavy rings beneath his eyes.

small Old World songbird with a reddish breast

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

past form of “screen” — test or examine for the presence of disease or infection

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

try to get or reach

From this reading The birds held high carnival around him,--nesting in the large cherry tree, playing hide and seek among the fragrant apple blossoms and making the air melodious with their merry songs.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading He heard the merry hum of the bees at work and the strident call of the locusts, mingled with the distant neighing of horses and the soft lowing of the cows, but all the sweetness of nature was powerless to lift the gloom which seemed to envelop him as in a shroud.

lift onto one's shoulders

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

cover as if with a shroud

From this reading He heard the merry hum of the bees at work and the strident call of the locusts, mingled with the distant neighing of horses and the soft lowing of the cows, but all the sweetness of nature was powerless to lift the gloom which seemed to envelop him as in a shroud.

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading He heard the merry hum of the bees at work and the strident call of the locusts, mingled with the distant neighing of horses and the soft lowing of the cows, but all the sweetness of nature was powerless to lift the gloom which seemed to envelop him as in a shroud.

plural of “song” — a short musical composition with words

From this reading The birds held high carnival around him,--nesting in the large cherry tree, playing hide and seek among the fragrant apple blossoms and making the air melodious with their merry songs.

conspicuously and offensively loud; given to vehement outcry

From this reading He heard the merry hum of the bees at work and the strident call of the locusts, mingled with the distant neighing of horses and the soft lowing of the cows, but all the sweetness of nature was powerless to lift the gloom which seemed to envelop him as in a shroud.

the rays of the sun

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

-ing form of “sway” — move back and forth or sideways

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

the taste experience when sugar dissolves in the mouth

From this reading He heard the merry hum of the bees at work and the strident call of the locusts, mingled with the distant neighing of horses and the soft lowing of the cows, but all the sweetness of nature was powerless to lift the gloom which seemed to envelop him as in a shroud.

possessing sweep

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

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

From this reading Reginald Hawthorne lay upon a couch on the wide veranda of his lovely home.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The birds held high carnival around him,--nesting in the large cherry tree, playing hide and seek among the fragrant apple blossoms and making the air melodious with their merry songs.

in or at that place or location

From this reading His face was white and drawn with pain and there were heavy rings beneath his eyes.

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

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

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

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading The birds held high carnival around him,--nesting in the large cherry tree, playing hide and seek among the fragrant apple blossoms and making the air melodious with their merry songs.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Reginald Hawthorne lay upon a couch on the wide veranda of his lovely home.

a porch along the outside of a building (sometimes partly enclosed)

From this reading Reginald Hawthorne lay upon a couch on the wide veranda of his lovely home.

plural of “vine” — a plant with a weak stem that derives support from climbing, twining, or creeping along a surface

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

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

From this reading He heard the merry hum of the bees at work and the strident call of the locusts, mingled with the distant neighing of horses and the soft lowing of the cows, but all the sweetness of nature was powerless to lift the gloom which seemed to envelop him as in a shroud.

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

From this reading His face was white and drawn with pain and there were heavy rings beneath his eyes.

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

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

a Caucasian

From this reading His face was white and drawn with pain and there were heavy rings beneath his eyes.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading Reginald Hawthorne lay upon a couch on the wide veranda of his lovely home.

any of numerous deciduous trees and shrubs of the genus Salix

From this reading Brilliant orioles flashed to and fro like gleams of gold in the sunlight, as they built their airy hammocks high among the swaying branches of the great willow, and one inquisitive robin swept boldly through the clustering vines which screened the front of the veranda and perched upon his shoulder.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The birds held high carnival around him,--nesting in the large cherry tree, playing hide and seek among the fragrant apple blossoms and making the air melodious with their merry songs.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading He heard the merry hum of the bees at work and the strident call of the locusts, mingled with the distant neighing of horses and the soft lowing of the cows, but all the sweetness of nature was powerless to lift the gloom which seemed to envelop him as in a shroud.