Chapter I

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

From this reading Instead of gray skies, leaden waters, and brown or snowy earth, there was a sky of glowing beauty, a glittering sea, and a land covered with the evergreen foliage of the South--for it was December in Florida.

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

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

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

From this reading Instead of gray skies, leaden waters, and brown or snowy earth, there was a sky of glowing beauty, a glittering sea, and a land covered with the evergreen foliage of the South--for it was December in Florida.

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

From this reading On the gray sea wall there were several loiterers; but, as the sun finally sank, and the purple veil of twilight fell over land and sea, most of these departed, leaving only two girls, who still paced the narrow promenade, talking earnestly.

past form of “associate” — make a logical or causal connection

From this reading The short December day was drawing to its close; but, though the month was December, the temperature was not that which is usually associated with the season.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

(Roman Catholic Church) one of the great Fathers of the early Christian church; after a dramatic conversion to Christianity he became bishop of Hippo Regius in North Africa; St. Augustine emphasized man's need for grace (354-430)

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading Instead of gray skies, leaden waters, and brown or snowy earth, there was a sky of glowing beauty, a glittering sea, and a land covered with the evergreen foliage of the South--for it was December in Florida.

a bell tower; usually stands alone unattached to a building

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

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

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading Instead of gray skies, leaden waters, and brown or snowy earth, there was a sky of glowing beauty, a glittering sea, and a land covered with the evergreen foliage of the South--for it was December in Florida.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The short December day was drawing to its close; but, though the month was December, the temperature was not that which is usually associated with the season.

affectionate play (or foreplay without contact with the genital organs)

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

any large and important church

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading The short December day was drawing to its close; but, though the month was December, the temperature was not that which is usually associated with the season.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading Instead of gray skies, leaden waters, and brown or snowy earth, there was a sky of glowing beauty, a glittering sea, and a land covered with the evergreen foliage of the South--for it was December in Florida.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The short December day was drawing to its close; but, though the month was December, the temperature was not that which is usually associated with the season.

the last (12th) month of the year

From this reading The short December day was drawing to its close; but, though the month was December, the temperature was not that which is usually associated with the season.

greatly pleasing or entertaining

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

give pleasure to or be pleasing to

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

well in the past; former

From this reading On the gray sea wall there were several loiterers; but, as the sun finally sank, and the purple veil of twilight fell over land and sea, most of these departed, leaving only two girls, who still paced the narrow promenade, talking earnestly.

an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper

From this reading The short December day was drawing to its close; but, though the month was December, the temperature was not that which is usually associated with the season.

in a serious manner

From this reading On the gray sea wall there were several loiterers; but, as the sun finally sank, and the purple veil of twilight fell over land and sea, most of these departed, leaving only two girls, who still paced the narrow promenade, talking earnestly.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading Instead of gray skies, leaden waters, and brown or snowy earth, there was a sky of glowing beauty, a glittering sea, and a land covered with the evergreen foliage of the South--for it was December in Florida.

a plant having foliage that persists and remains green throughout the year

From this reading Instead of gray skies, leaden waters, and brown or snowy earth, there was a sky of glowing beauty, a glittering sea, and a land covered with the evergreen foliage of the South--for it was December in Florida.

the state or fact of existing

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading On the gray sea wall there were several loiterers; but, as the sun finally sank, and the purple veil of twilight fell over land and sea, most of these departed, leaving only two girls, who still paced the narrow promenade, talking earnestly.

after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay

From this reading On the gray sea wall there were several loiterers; but, as the sun finally sank, and the purple veil of twilight fell over land and sea, most of these departed, leaving only two girls, who still paced the narrow promenade, talking earnestly.

a state in southeastern United States between the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico; one of the Confederate states during the American Civil War

From this reading Instead of gray skies, leaden waters, and brown or snowy earth, there was a sky of glowing beauty, a glittering sea, and a land covered with the evergreen foliage of the South--for it was December in Florida.

the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading Instead of gray skies, leaden waters, and brown or snowy earth, there was a sky of glowing beauty, a glittering sea, and a land covered with the evergreen foliage of the South--for it was December in Florida.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Instead of gray skies, leaden waters, and brown or snowy earth, there was a sky of glowing beauty, a glittering sea, and a land covered with the evergreen foliage of the South--for it was December in Florida.

a fortified military post where troops are stationed

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

a coating of gold or of something that looks like gold

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading On the gray sea wall there were several loiterers; but, as the sun finally sank, and the purple veil of twilight fell over land and sea, most of these departed, leaving only two girls, who still paced the narrow promenade, talking earnestly.

having brief brilliant points or flashes of light

From this reading Instead of gray skies, leaden waters, and brown or snowy earth, there was a sky of glowing beauty, a glittering sea, and a land covered with the evergreen foliage of the South--for it was December in Florida.

highly enthusiastic

From this reading Instead of gray skies, leaden waters, and brown or snowy earth, there was a sky of glowing beauty, a glittering sea, and a land covered with the evergreen foliage of the South--for it was December in Florida.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading Instead of gray skies, leaden waters, and brown or snowy earth, there was a sky of glowing beauty, a glittering sea, and a land covered with the evergreen foliage of the South--for it was December in Florida.

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

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

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

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

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

From this reading Instead of gray skies, leaden waters, and brown or snowy earth, there was a sky of glowing beauty, a glittering sea, and a land covered with the evergreen foliage of the South--for it was December in Florida.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading Instead of gray skies, leaden waters, and brown or snowy earth, there was a sky of glowing beauty, a glittering sea, and a land covered with the evergreen foliage of the South--for it was December in Florida.

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

From this reading The short December day was drawing to its close; but, though the month was December, the temperature was not that which is usually associated with the season.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Instead of gray skies, leaden waters, and brown or snowy earth, there was a sky of glowing beauty, a glittering sea, and a land covered with the evergreen foliage of the South--for it was December in Florida.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The short December day was drawing to its close; but, though the month was December, the temperature was not that which is usually associated with the season.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading Instead of gray skies, leaden waters, and brown or snowy earth, there was a sky of glowing beauty, a glittering sea, and a land covered with the evergreen foliage of the South--for it was December in Florida.

immediately past

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

plural of “latitude” — the angular distance between an imaginary line around a heavenly body parallel to its equator and the equator itself

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

darkened with overcast

From this reading Instead of gray skies, leaden waters, and brown or snowy earth, there was a sky of glowing beauty, a glittering sea, and a land covered with the evergreen foliage of the South--for it was December in Florida.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading At least one was talking earnestly--the other only listened.

the act of departing

From this reading On the gray sea wall there were several loiterers; but, as the sun finally sank, and the purple veil of twilight fell over land and sea, most of these departed, leaving only two girls, who still paced the narrow promenade, talking earnestly.

past form of “listen” — hear with intention

From this reading At least one was talking earnestly--the other only listened.

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

From this reading On the gray sea wall there were several loiterers; but, as the sun finally sank, and the purple veil of twilight fell over land and sea, most of these departed, leaving only two girls, who still paced the narrow promenade, talking earnestly.

plural of “make” — a recognizable kind

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

being nothing more than specified

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading The short December day was drawing to its close; but, though the month was December, the temperature was not that which is usually associated with the season.

a style of architecture common in Spain from the 13th to 16th centuries; characterized by horseshoe-shaped arches

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

used to form the superlative

From this reading On the gray sea wall there were several loiterers; but, as the sun finally sank, and the purple veil of twilight fell over land and sea, most of these departed, leaving only two girls, who still paced the narrow promenade, talking earnestly.

make or become more narrow or restricted

From this reading On the gray sea wall there were several loiterers; but, as the sun finally sank, and the purple veil of twilight fell over land and sea, most of these departed, leaving only two girls, who still paced the narrow promenade, talking earnestly.

the middle of the day

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The short December day was drawing to its close; but, though the month was December, the temperature was not that which is usually associated with the season.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Instead of gray skies, leaden waters, and brown or snowy earth, there was a sky of glowing beauty, a glittering sea, and a land covered with the evergreen foliage of the South--for it was December in Florida.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading At least one was talking earnestly--the other only listened.

and nothing more

From this reading On the gray sea wall there were several loiterers; but, as the sun finally sank, and the purple veil of twilight fell over land and sea, most of these departed, leaving only two girls, who still paced the narrow promenade, talking earnestly.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Instead of gray skies, leaden waters, and brown or snowy earth, there was a sky of glowing beauty, a glittering sea, and a land covered with the evergreen foliage of the South--for it was December in Florida.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading At least one was talking earnestly--the other only listened.

above and across; more than

From this reading On the gray sea wall there were several loiterers; but, as the sun finally sank, and the purple veil of twilight fell over land and sea, most of these departed, leaving only two girls, who still paced the narrow promenade, talking earnestly.

past form of “pace” — walk with slow or fast paces

From this reading On the gray sea wall there were several loiterers; but, as the sun finally sank, and the purple veil of twilight fell over land and sea, most of these departed, leaving only two girls, who still paced the narrow promenade, talking earnestly.

a public square with room for pedestrians

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

a formal ball held for a school class toward the end of the academic year

From this reading On the gray sea wall there were several loiterers; but, as the sun finally sank, and the purple veil of twilight fell over land and sea, most of these departed, leaving only two girls, who still paced the narrow promenade, talking earnestly.

a purple color or pigment

From this reading On the gray sea wall there were several loiterers; but, as the sun finally sank, and the purple veil of twilight fell over land and sea, most of these departed, leaving only two girls, who still paced the narrow promenade, talking earnestly.

plural of “ray” — a column of light (as from a beacon)

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

inflected form of “sink” — fall or descend to a lower place or level

From this reading On the gray sea wall there were several loiterers; but, as the sun finally sank, and the purple veil of twilight fell over land and sea, most of these departed, leaving only two girls, who still paced the narrow promenade, talking earnestly.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading Instead of gray skies, leaden waters, and brown or snowy earth, there was a sky of glowing beauty, a glittering sea, and a land covered with the evergreen foliage of the South--for it was December in Florida.

a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading The short December day was drawing to its close; but, though the month was December, the temperature was not that which is usually associated with the season.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading On the gray sea wall there were several loiterers; but, as the sun finally sank, and the purple veil of twilight fell over land and sea, most of these departed, leaving only two girls, who still paced the narrow promenade, talking earnestly.

inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading The short December day was drawing to its close; but, though the month was December, the temperature was not that which is usually associated with the season.

plural of “sky” — the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading Instead of gray skies, leaden waters, and brown or snowy earth, there was a sky of glowing beauty, a glittering sea, and a land covered with the evergreen foliage of the South--for it was December in Florida.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading Instead of gray skies, leaden waters, and brown or snowy earth, there was a sky of glowing beauty, a glittering sea, and a land covered with the evergreen foliage of the South--for it was December in Florida.

marked by the presence of snow

From this reading Instead of gray skies, leaden waters, and brown or snowy earth, there was a sky of glowing beauty, a glittering sea, and a land covered with the evergreen foliage of the South--for it was December in Florida.

the property of giving little resistance to pressure and being easily cut or molded

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading Instead of gray skies, leaden waters, and brown or snowy earth, there was a sky of glowing beauty, a glittering sea, and a land covered with the evergreen foliage of the South--for it was December in Florida.

the Romance language spoken in most of Spain and the countries colonized by Spain

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

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

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

not in physical motion

From this reading On the gray sea wall there were several loiterers; but, as the sun finally sank, and the purple veil of twilight fell over land and sea, most of these departed, leaving only two girls, who still paced the narrow promenade, talking earnestly.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

an exchange of ideas via conversation

From this reading On the gray sea wall there were several loiterers; but, as the sun finally sank, and the purple veil of twilight fell over land and sea, most of these departed, leaving only two girls, who still paced the narrow promenade, talking earnestly.

the degree of hotness or coldness of a body or environment (corresponding to its molecular activity)

From this reading The short December day was drawing to its close; but, though the month was December, the temperature was not that which is usually associated with the season.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The short December day was drawing to its close; but, though the month was December, the temperature was not that which is usually associated with the season.

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

From this reading The short December day was drawing to its close; but, though the month was December, the temperature was not that which is usually associated with the season.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Instead of gray skies, leaden waters, and brown or snowy earth, there was a sky of glowing beauty, a glittering sea, and a land covered with the evergreen foliage of the South--for it was December in Florida.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading On the gray sea wall there were several loiterers; but, as the sun finally sank, and the purple veil of twilight fell over land and sea, most of these departed, leaving only two girls, who still paced the narrow promenade, talking earnestly.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The short December day was drawing to its close; but, though the month was December, the temperature was not that which is usually associated with the season.

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

From this reading The short December day was drawing to its close; but, though the month was December, the temperature was not that which is usually associated with the season.

the time of day immediately following sunset

From this reading On the gray sea wall there were several loiterers; but, as the sun finally sank, and the purple veil of twilight fell over land and sea, most of these departed, leaving only two girls, who still paced the narrow promenade, talking earnestly.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading On the gray sea wall there were several loiterers; but, as the sun finally sank, and the purple veil of twilight fell over land and sea, most of these departed, leaving only two girls, who still paced the narrow promenade, talking earnestly.

conducive to or feeling mental discomfort

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

under normal conditions

From this reading The short December day was drawing to its close; but, though the month was December, the temperature was not that which is usually associated with the season.

a garment that covers the head and face

From this reading On the gray sea wall there were several loiterers; but, as the sun finally sank, and the purple veil of twilight fell over land and sea, most of these departed, leaving only two girls, who still paced the narrow promenade, talking earnestly.

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 On the gray sea wall there were several loiterers; but, as the sun finally sank, and the purple veil of twilight fell over land and sea, most of these departed, leaving only two girls, who still paced the narrow promenade, talking earnestly.

the sensation caused by heat energy

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

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

From this reading The short December day was drawing to its close; but, though the month was December, the temperature was not that which is usually associated with the season.

United States actress and singer (1896-1977)

From this reading Instead of gray skies, leaden waters, and brown or snowy earth, there was a sky of glowing beauty, a glittering sea, and a land covered with the evergreen foliage of the South--for it was December in Florida.

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

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.

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

From this reading The short December day was drawing to its close; but, though the month was December, the temperature was not that which is usually associated with the season.

which person or people

From this reading On the gray sea wall there were several loiterers; but, as the sun finally sank, and the purple veil of twilight fell over land and sea, most of these departed, leaving only two girls, who still paced the narrow promenade, talking earnestly.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The short December day was drawing to its close; but, though the month was December, the temperature was not that which is usually associated with the season.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading At noon the sun had shone with uncomfortable power on the broad plaza and old Spanish houses of St. Augustine; but now that his last rays were gilding the ancient fort and the Moorish belfry of the cathedral, the air was full of that delicious softness--a caressing warmth without heat--which in such latitudes makes the mere fact of existence a delight.