used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Miss Stuart's visit was drawing to a close, and Nan was giving a luncheon in her honor.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading A few good etchings and a half-dozen rare old prints adorned the walls, and scattered about on the low mantel were several valuable bits of _vertu_.
adornedadjectiveUS /əˈdɔːrnd/
provided with something intended to increase its beauty or distinction
From this reading A few good etchings and a half-dozen rare old prints adorned the walls, and scattered about on the low mantel were several valuable bits of _vertu_.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Miss Stuart's visit was drawing to a close, and Nan was giving a luncheon in her honor.
arrangementnounUS /ərˈeɪndʒmənt/
the thing arranged or agreed to
From this reading The little parlor of the parsonage was redolent with the fragrance of roses and mignonette, which were massed in every vase and bowl, and the arrangement of the simple, old-fashioned furniture bore evidence of Nan's artistic taste.
artisticadjectiveUS /ɑːrˈtɪstɪk/
relating to or characteristic of art or artists
From this reading The little parlor of the parsonage was redolent with the fragrance of roses and mignonette, which were massed in every vase and bowl, and the arrangement of the simple, old-fashioned furniture bore evidence of Nan's artistic taste.
beamingadjectiveUS /ˈbiːmɪŋ/
cheerful and bright
From this reading Nan stood in the center of the room, and received her guests with outstretched hand and beaming face.
bitsnounUS /bɪts/
plural of “bit” — a small piece or quantity of something
From this reading A few good etchings and a half-dozen rare old prints adorned the walls, and scattered about on the low mantel were several valuable bits of _vertu_.
cause to be bored
From this reading The little parlor of the parsonage was redolent with the fragrance of roses and mignonette, which were massed in every vase and bowl, and the arrangement of the simple, old-fashioned furniture bore evidence of Nan's artistic taste.
bowlnounUS /boʊl/
a round vessel that is open at the top; used chiefly for holding food or liquids
From this reading The little parlor of the parsonage was redolent with the fragrance of roses and mignonette, which were massed in every vase and bowl, and the arrangement of the simple, old-fashioned furniture bore evidence of Nan's artistic taste.
centernounUS /ˈsɛn.tər/
The middle point or core of an area.
From this reading Nan stood in the center of the room, and received her guests with outstretched hand and beaming face.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading Miss Stuart's visit was drawing to a close, and Nan was giving a luncheon in her honor.
an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper
From this reading Miss Stuart's visit was drawing to a close, and Nan was giving a luncheon in her honor.
etchingsnounUS /ˈetʃɪŋz/
plural of “etching” — an impression made from an etched plate
From this reading A few good etchings and a half-dozen rare old prints adorned the walls, and scattered about on the low mantel were several valuable bits of _vertu_.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading The little parlor of the parsonage was redolent with the fragrance of roses and mignonette, which were massed in every vase and bowl, and the arrangement of the simple, old-fashioned furniture bore evidence of Nan's artistic taste.
your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief
From this reading The little parlor of the parsonage was redolent with the fragrance of roses and mignonette, which were massed in every vase and bowl, and the arrangement of the simple, old-fashioned furniture bore evidence of Nan's artistic taste.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Nan stood in the center of the room, and received her guests with outstretched hand and beaming face.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading A few good etchings and a half-dozen rare old prints adorned the walls, and scattered about on the low mantel were several valuable bits of _vertu_.
fragrancenounUS /ˈfreɪɡrəns/
a distinctive odor that is pleasant
From this reading The little parlor of the parsonage was redolent with the fragrance of roses and mignonette, which were massed in every vase and bowl, and the arrangement of the simple, old-fashioned furniture bore evidence of Nan's artistic taste.
furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy
From this reading The little parlor of the parsonage was redolent with the fragrance of roses and mignonette, which were massed in every vase and bowl, and the arrangement of the simple, old-fashioned furniture bore evidence of Nan's artistic taste.
the act of giving
From this reading Miss Stuart's visit was drawing to a close, and Nan was giving a luncheon in her honor.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading A few good etchings and a half-dozen rare old prints adorned the walls, and scattered about on the low mantel were several valuable bits of _vertu_.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading Nan stood in the center of the room, and received her guests with outstretched hand and beaming face.
half-dozenadjectiveUS /ˈhæfdʌzən/
denoting a quantity consisting of six items or units
From this reading A few good etchings and a half-dozen rare old prints adorned the walls, and scattered about on the low mantel were several valuable bits of _vertu_.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Nan stood in the center of the room, and received her guests with outstretched hand and beaming face.
(Greek mythology) the beautiful daughter of Zeus and Leda who was abducted by Paris; the Greek army sailed to Troy to get her back which resulted in the Trojan War
From this reading HELEN IS PUZZLED.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Miss Stuart's visit was drawing to a close, and Nan was giving a luncheon in her honor.
a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
From this reading Miss Stuart's visit was drawing to a close, and Nan was giving a luncheon in her honor.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Miss Stuart's visit was drawing to a close, and Nan was giving a luncheon in her honor.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading HELEN IS PUZZLED.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The little parlor of the parsonage was redolent with the fragrance of roses and mignonette, which were massed in every vase and bowl, and the arrangement of the simple, old-fashioned furniture bore evidence of Nan's artistic taste.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading A few good etchings and a half-dozen rare old prints adorned the walls, and scattered about on the low mantel were several valuable bits of _vertu_.
luncheonnounUS /ˈlʌntʃən/
a midday meal
From this reading Miss Stuart's visit was drawing to a close, and Nan was giving a luncheon in her honor.
mantelnounUS /ˈmæntəl/
shelf that projects from wall above fireplace
From this reading A few good etchings and a half-dozen rare old prints adorned the walls, and scattered about on the low mantel were several valuable bits of _vertu_.
massedverbUS /mæst/
past form of “mass” — join together into a mass or collect or form a mass
From this reading The little parlor of the parsonage was redolent with the fragrance of roses and mignonette, which were massed in every vase and bowl, and the arrangement of the simple, old-fashioned furniture bore evidence of Nan's artistic taste.
mignonettenoun
Mediterranean woody annual widely cultivated for its dense terminal spikelike clusters greenish or yellowish white flowers having an intense spicy fragrance
From this reading The little parlor of the parsonage was redolent with the fragrance of roses and mignonette, which were massed in every vase and bowl, and the arrangement of the simple, old-fashioned furniture bore evidence of Nan's artistic taste.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading Miss Stuart's visit was drawing to a close, and Nan was giving a luncheon in her honor.
NannounUS /næn/
your grandmother
From this reading Miss Stuart's visit was drawing to a close, and Nan was giving a luncheon in her honor.
Nan'snounUS /nænz/
possessive form of “nan” — your grandmother
From this reading The little parlor of the parsonage was redolent with the fragrance of roses and mignonette, which were massed in every vase and bowl, and the arrangement of the simple, old-fashioned furniture bore evidence of Nan's artistic taste.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The little parlor of the parsonage was redolent with the fragrance of roses and mignonette, which were massed in every vase and bowl, and the arrangement of the simple, old-fashioned furniture bore evidence of Nan's artistic taste.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading A few good etchings and a half-dozen rare old prints adorned the walls, and scattered about on the low mantel were several valuable bits of _vertu_.
old-fashionedadjectiveUS /ˌoʊldˈfæʃənd/
out of fashion
From this reading The little parlor of the parsonage was redolent with the fragrance of roses and mignonette, which were massed in every vase and bowl, and the arrangement of the simple, old-fashioned furniture bore evidence of Nan's artistic taste.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A few good etchings and a half-dozen rare old prints adorned the walls, and scattered about on the low mantel were several valuable bits of _vertu_.
outstretchedadjectiveUS /aʊtˈstretʃt/
fully extended especially in length
From this reading Nan stood in the center of the room, and received her guests with outstretched hand and beaming face.
parlornounUS /ˈpɑːrlər/
reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received
From this reading The little parlor of the parsonage was redolent with the fragrance of roses and mignonette, which were massed in every vase and bowl, and the arrangement of the simple, old-fashioned furniture bore evidence of Nan's artistic taste.
parsonagenounUS /ˈpɑːrsənɪdʒ/
an official residence provided by a church for its parson or vicar or rector
From this reading The little parlor of the parsonage was redolent with the fragrance of roses and mignonette, which were massed in every vase and bowl, and the arrangement of the simple, old-fashioned furniture bore evidence of Nan's artistic taste.
printsnounUS /prɪnts/
plural of “print” — the text appearing in a book, newspaper, or other printed publication
From this reading A few good etchings and a half-dozen rare old prints adorned the walls, and scattered about on the low mantel were several valuable bits of _vertu_.
filled with bewilderment
From this reading HELEN IS PUZZLED.
not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
From this reading A few good etchings and a half-dozen rare old prints adorned the walls, and scattered about on the low mantel were several valuable bits of _vertu_.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading Nan stood in the center of the room, and received her guests with outstretched hand and beaming face.
redolentadjectiveUS /ˈredələnt/
serving to bring to mind
From this reading The little parlor of the parsonage was redolent with the fragrance of roses and mignonette, which were massed in every vase and bowl, and the arrangement of the simple, old-fashioned furniture bore evidence of Nan's artistic taste.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Nan stood in the center of the room, and received her guests with outstretched hand and beaming face.
plural of “rose” — any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading The little parlor of the parsonage was redolent with the fragrance of roses and mignonette, which were massed in every vase and bowl, and the arrangement of the simple, old-fashioned furniture bore evidence of Nan's artistic taste.
occurring or distributed over widely spaced and irregular intervals in time or space
From this reading A few good etchings and a half-dozen rare old prints adorned the walls, and scattered about on the low mantel were several valuable bits of _vertu_.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading A few good etchings and a half-dozen rare old prints adorned the walls, and scattered about on the low mantel were several valuable bits of _vertu_.
having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
From this reading The little parlor of the parsonage was redolent with the fragrance of roses and mignonette, which were massed in every vase and bowl, and the arrangement of the simple, old-fashioned furniture bore evidence of Nan's artistic taste.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Nan stood in the center of the room, and received her guests with outstretched hand and beaming face.
Stuart'snounUS /ˈstuːərts/
possessive form of “stuart” — United States painter best known for his portraits of George Washington (1755-1828)
From this reading Miss Stuart's visit was drawing to a close, and Nan was giving a luncheon in her honor.
To perceive flavor through the mouth.
From this reading The little parlor of the parsonage was redolent with the fragrance of roses and mignonette, which were massed in every vase and bowl, and the arrangement of the simple, old-fashioned furniture bore evidence of Nan's artistic taste.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The little parlor of the parsonage was redolent with the fragrance of roses and mignonette, which were massed in every vase and bowl, and the arrangement of the simple, old-fashioned furniture bore evidence of Nan's artistic taste.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Miss Stuart's visit was drawing to a close, and Nan was giving a luncheon in her honor.
having great material or monetary value especially for use or exchange
From this reading A few good etchings and a half-dozen rare old prints adorned the walls, and scattered about on the low mantel were several valuable bits of _vertu_.
vasenounUS /veɪs/
an open jar of glass or porcelain used as an ornament or to hold flowers
From this reading The little parlor of the parsonage was redolent with the fragrance of roses and mignonette, which were massed in every vase and bowl, and the arrangement of the simple, old-fashioned furniture bore evidence of Nan's artistic taste.
vertunoun
love of or taste for fine objects of art
From this reading A few good etchings and a half-dozen rare old prints adorned the walls, and scattered about on the low mantel were several valuable bits of _vertu_.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading Miss Stuart's visit was drawing to a close, and Nan was giving a luncheon in her honor.
plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading A few good etchings and a half-dozen rare old prints adorned the walls, and scattered about on the low mantel were several valuable bits of _vertu_.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Miss Stuart's visit was drawing to a close, and Nan was giving a luncheon in her honor.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The little parlor of the parsonage was redolent with the fragrance of roses and mignonette, which were massed in every vase and bowl, and the arrangement of the simple, old-fashioned furniture bore evidence of Nan's artistic taste.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The little parlor of the parsonage was redolent with the fragrance of roses and mignonette, which were massed in every vase and bowl, and the arrangement of the simple, old-fashioned furniture bore evidence of Nan's artistic taste.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The little parlor of the parsonage was redolent with the fragrance of roses and mignonette, which were massed in every vase and bowl, and the arrangement of the simple, old-fashioned furniture bore evidence of Nan's artistic taste.
