used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Pesquiera nodded a careless greeting and passed into the house.
commonly used or practiced; usual
From this reading The door was open, and he stood a moment on the threshold to get accustomed to the dim light.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A lover's instinct told him that he would find her in the room that served both as an office and a library for her, seated perhaps before the leaping fireglow she loved or playing softly on the piano in the darkness.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading WHEN THE WIRES WERE CUT Don Manuel rode into the moonlit plaza of the Valdes ranch, dismounted, and flung the reins to the boy that came running.
announcementnounUS /əˈnaʊnsmənt/
a formal public statement
From this reading He did not ask of anyone where Valencia was, nor did he send in a card of announcement.
any person at all
From this reading He did not ask of anyone where Valencia was, nor did he send in a card of announcement.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A lover's instinct told him that he would find her in the room that served both as an office and a library for her, seated perhaps before the leaping fireglow she loved or playing softly on the piano in the darkness.
make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading He did not ask of anyone where Valencia was, nor did he send in a card of announcement.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading A lover's instinct told him that he would find her in the room that served both as an office and a library for her, seated perhaps before the leaping fireglow she loved or playing softly on the piano in the darkness.
the two together, not just one
From this reading A lover's instinct told him that he would find her in the room that served both as an office and a library for her, seated perhaps before the leaping fireglow she loved or playing softly on the piano in the darkness.
a youthful male person
From this reading WHEN THE WIRES WERE CUT Don Manuel rode into the moonlit plaza of the Valdes ranch, dismounted, and flung the reins to the boy that came running.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading WHEN THE WIRES WERE CUT Don Manuel rode into the moonlit plaza of the Valdes ranch, dismounted, and flung the reins to the boy that came running.
one of a set of small pieces of stiff paper marked in various ways and used for playing games or for telling fortunes
From this reading He did not ask of anyone where Valencia was, nor did he send in a card of announcement.
marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful
From this reading Pesquiera nodded a careless greeting and passed into the house.
separate with or as if with an instrument
From this reading WHEN THE WIRES WERE CUT Don Manuel rode into the moonlit plaza of the Valdes ranch, dismounted, and flung the reins to the boy that came running.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading A lover's instinct told him that he would find her in the room that served both as an office and a library for her, seated perhaps before the leaping fireglow she loved or playing softly on the piano in the darkness.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He did not ask of anyone where Valencia was, nor did he send in a card of announcement.
lacking in light; not bright or harsh
From this reading The door was open, and he stood a moment on the threshold to get accustomed to the dim light.
dismounted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading WHEN THE WIRES WERE CUT Don Manuel rode into the moonlit plaza of the Valdes ranch, dismounted, and flung the reins to the boy that came running.
a Spanish gentleman or nobleman
From this reading WHEN THE WIRES WERE CUT Don Manuel rode into the moonlit plaza of the Valdes ranch, dismounted, and flung the reins to the boy that came running.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading The door was open, and he stood a moment on the threshold to get accustomed to the dim light.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading A lover's instinct told him that he would find her in the room that served both as an office and a library for her, seated perhaps before the leaping fireglow she loved or playing softly on the piano in the darkness.
fireglow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A lover's instinct told him that he would find her in the room that served both as an office and a library for her, seated perhaps before the leaping fireglow she loved or playing softly on the piano in the darkness.
inflected form of “fling” — throw with force or recklessness
From this reading WHEN THE WIRES WERE CUT Don Manuel rode into the moonlit plaza of the Valdes ranch, dismounted, and flung the reins to the boy that came running.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A lover's instinct told him that he would find her in the room that served both as an office and a library for her, seated perhaps before the leaping fireglow she loved or playing softly on the piano in the darkness.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading The door was open, and he stood a moment on the threshold to get accustomed to the dim light.
greetingnounUS /ˈɡriːtɪŋ/
(usually plural) an acknowledgment or expression of good will (especially on meeting)
From this reading Pesquiera nodded a careless greeting and passed into the house.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He did not ask of anyone where Valencia was, nor did he send in a card of announcement.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading A lover's instinct told him that he would find her in the room that served both as an office and a library for her, seated perhaps before the leaping fireglow she loved or playing softly on the piano in the darkness.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading A lover's instinct told him that he would find her in the room that served both as an office and a library for her, seated perhaps before the leaping fireglow she loved or playing softly on the piano in the darkness.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Pesquiera nodded a careless greeting and passed into the house.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He did not ask of anyone where Valencia was, nor did he send in a card of announcement.
inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli
From this reading A lover's instinct told him that he would find her in the room that served both as an office and a library for her, seated perhaps before the leaping fireglow she loved or playing softly on the piano in the darkness.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading WHEN THE WIRES WERE CUT Don Manuel rode into the moonlit plaza of the Valdes ranch, dismounted, and flung the reins to the boy that came running.
leapingnounUS /ˈliːpɪŋ/
a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards
From this reading A lover's instinct told him that he would find her in the room that served both as an office and a library for her, seated perhaps before the leaping fireglow she loved or playing softly on the piano in the darkness.
a room where books are kept
From this reading A lover's instinct told him that he would find her in the room that served both as an office and a library for her, seated perhaps before the leaping fireglow she loved or playing softly on the piano in the darkness.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading The door was open, and he stood a moment on the threshold to get accustomed to the dim light.
held dear
From this reading A lover's instinct told him that he would find her in the room that served both as an office and a library for her, seated perhaps before the leaping fireglow she loved or playing softly on the piano in the darkness.
lover'snounUS /ˈlʌvərz/
possessive form of “lover” — a person who loves someone or is loved by someone
From this reading A lover's instinct told him that he would find her in the room that served both as an office and a library for her, seated perhaps before the leaping fireglow she loved or playing softly on the piano in the darkness.
Manuel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading WHEN THE WIRES WERE CUT Don Manuel rode into the moonlit plaza of the Valdes ranch, dismounted, and flung the reins to the boy that came running.
a particular point in time
From this reading The door was open, and he stood a moment on the threshold to get accustomed to the dim light.
moonlitadjectiveUS /ˈmuːnlɪt/
lighted by moonlight
From this reading WHEN THE WIRES WERE CUT Don Manuel rode into the moonlit plaza of the Valdes ranch, dismounted, and flung the reins to the boy that came running.
inflected form of “nod” — express or signify by nodding
From this reading Pesquiera nodded a careless greeting and passed into the house.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading He did not ask of anyone where Valencia was, nor did he send in a card of announcement.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He did not ask of anyone where Valencia was, nor did he send in a card of announcement.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading WHEN THE WIRES WERE CUT Don Manuel rode into the moonlit plaza of the Valdes ranch, dismounted, and flung the reins to the boy that came running.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading A lover's instinct told him that he would find her in the room that served both as an office and a library for her, seated perhaps before the leaping fireglow she loved or playing softly on the piano in the darkness.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A lover's instinct told him that he would find her in the room that served both as an office and a library for her, seated perhaps before the leaping fireglow she loved or playing softly on the piano in the darkness.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading The door was open, and he stood a moment on the threshold to get accustomed to the dim light.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading A lover's instinct told him that he would find her in the room that served both as an office and a library for her, seated perhaps before the leaping fireglow she loved or playing softly on the piano in the darkness.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading Pesquiera nodded a careless greeting and passed into the house.
by chance
From this reading A lover's instinct told him that he would find her in the room that served both as an office and a library for her, seated perhaps before the leaping fireglow she loved or playing softly on the piano in the darkness.
Pesquiera
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pesquiera nodded a careless greeting and passed into the house.
pianonounUS /piˈænoʊ/
a keyboard instrument that is played by depressing keys that cause hammers to strike tuned strings and produce sounds
From this reading A lover's instinct told him that he would find her in the room that served both as an office and a library for her, seated perhaps before the leaping fireglow she loved or playing softly on the piano in the darkness.
the act of playing a musical instrument
From this reading A lover's instinct told him that he would find her in the room that served both as an office and a library for her, seated perhaps before the leaping fireglow she loved or playing softly on the piano in the darkness.
plazanounUS /ˈplɑːzə/
a public square with room for pedestrians
From this reading WHEN THE WIRES WERE CUT Don Manuel rode into the moonlit plaza of the Valdes ranch, dismounted, and flung the reins to the boy that came running.
ranchnounUS /ræntʃ/
farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle)
From this reading WHEN THE WIRES WERE CUT Don Manuel rode into the moonlit plaza of the Valdes ranch, dismounted, and flung the reins to the boy that came running.
reinsnounUS /reɪnz/
plural of “rein” — one of a pair of long straps (usually connected to the bit or the headpiece) used to control a horse
From this reading WHEN THE WIRES WERE CUT Don Manuel rode into the moonlit plaza of the Valdes ranch, dismounted, and flung the reins to the boy that came running.
inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
From this reading WHEN THE WIRES WERE CUT Don Manuel rode into the moonlit plaza of the Valdes ranch, dismounted, and flung the reins to the boy that came running.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading A lover's instinct told him that he would find her in the room that served both as an office and a library for her, seated perhaps before the leaping fireglow she loved or playing softly on the piano in the darkness.
(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream
From this reading WHEN THE WIRES WERE CUT Don Manuel rode into the moonlit plaza of the Valdes ranch, dismounted, and flung the reins to the boy that came running.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading A lover's instinct told him that he would find her in the room that served both as an office and a library for her, seated perhaps before the leaping fireglow she loved or playing softly on the piano in the darkness.
cause to go somewhere
From this reading He did not ask of anyone where Valencia was, nor did he send in a card of announcement.
past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading A lover's instinct told him that he would find her in the room that served both as an office and a library for her, seated perhaps before the leaping fireglow she loved or playing softly on the piano in the darkness.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A lover's instinct told him that he would find her in the room that served both as an office and a library for her, seated perhaps before the leaping fireglow she loved or playing softly on the piano in the darkness.
with low volume
From this reading A lover's instinct told him that he would find her in the room that served both as an office and a library for her, seated perhaps before the leaping fireglow she loved or playing softly on the piano in the darkness.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading The door was open, and he stood a moment on the threshold to get accustomed to the dim light.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading WHEN THE WIRES WERE CUT Don Manuel rode into the moonlit plaza of the Valdes ranch, dismounted, and flung the reins to the boy that came running.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading WHEN THE WIRES WERE CUT Don Manuel rode into the moonlit plaza of the Valdes ranch, dismounted, and flung the reins to the boy that came running.
thresholdnounUS /ˈθreʃoʊld/
the starting point for a new state or experience
From this reading The door was open, and he stood a moment on the threshold to get accustomed to the dim light.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading WHEN THE WIRES WERE CUT Don Manuel rode into the moonlit plaza of the Valdes ranch, dismounted, and flung the reins to the boy that came running.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading A lover's instinct told him that he would find her in the room that served both as an office and a library for her, seated perhaps before the leaping fireglow she loved or playing softly on the piano in the darkness.
Valdes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading WHEN THE WIRES WERE CUT Don Manuel rode into the moonlit plaza of the Valdes ranch, dismounted, and flung the reins to the boy that came running.
ValencianounUS /vəˈlensiə/
an industrial city in northern Venezuela
From this reading He did not ask of anyone where Valencia was, nor did he send in a card of announcement.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He did not ask of anyone where Valencia was, nor did he send in a card of announcement.
WEREauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading WHEN THE WIRES WERE CUT Don Manuel rode into the moonlit plaza of the Valdes ranch, dismounted, and flung the reins to the boy that came running.
at the time that
From this reading WHEN THE WIRES WERE CUT Don Manuel rode into the moonlit plaza of the Valdes ranch, dismounted, and flung the reins to the boy that came running.
in or at the place that
From this reading He did not ask of anyone where Valencia was, nor did he send in a card of announcement.
WIRESnounUS /ˈwaɪərz/
plural of “wire” — ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc
From this reading WHEN THE WIRES WERE CUT Don Manuel rode into the moonlit plaza of the Valdes ranch, dismounted, and flung the reins to the boy that came running.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading A lover's instinct told him that he would find her in the room that served both as an office and a library for her, seated perhaps before the leaping fireglow she loved or playing softly on the piano in the darkness.
