used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading There was a motion of the nerveless fingers towards the place.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading Another breath:-- "Give--love--" A long silence fell.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading The strong hand undid the button, gently--very gently, without apparent movement.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
awfuladjectiveUS /ˈɑːfəl/
exceptionally bad or displeasing
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading Another breath:-- "Give--love--" A long silence fell.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
buttonnounUS /ˈbʌtən/
a round fastener sewn to shirts and coats etc to fit through buttonholes
From this reading The strong hand undid the button, gently--very gently, without apparent movement.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
take in solid food
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
divisible by two
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading Another breath:-- "Give--love--" A long silence fell.
plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
From this reading There was a motion of the nerveless fingers towards the place.
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
in a gradual manner
From this reading The strong hand undid the button, gently--very gently, without apparent movement.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Another breath:-- "Give--love--" A long silence fell.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading The strong hand undid the button, gently--very gently, without apparent movement.
Hannah
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "What’d I tell ye, Hannah?
heavedverbUS /hiːvd/
past form of “heave” — utter a sound, as with obvious effort
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "What’d I tell ye, Hannah?
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
knottedadjectiveUS /ˈnɑːtɪd/
tied with a knot
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading Another breath:-- "Give--love--" A long silence fell.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading Another breath:-- "Give--love--" A long silence fell.
mathematicallyadverbUS /ˌmæθəˈmætɪkəli/
with respect to mathematics
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
meltverbUS /melt/
reduce or cause to be reduced from a solid to a liquid state, usually by heating
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
mitenounUS /maɪt/
a slight but appreciable amount
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals
From this reading There was a motion of the nerveless fingers towards the place.
the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
a change of position that does not entail a change of location
From this reading The strong hand undid the button, gently--very gently, without apparent movement.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
n't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
nervelessadjective
marked by calm self-control (especially in trying circumstances); unemotional
From this reading There was a motion of the nerveless fingers towards the place.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading There was a motion of the nerveless fingers towards the place.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading There was a motion of the nerveless fingers towards the place.
quiltsnounUS /kwɪlts/
plural of “quilt” — bedding made of two layers of cloth filled with stuffing and stitched together
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
rowsnounUS /roʊz/
plural of “row” — an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
shortcakenounUS /ˈʃɔːrtkeɪk/
very short biscuit dough baked as individual biscuits or a round loaf; served with sweetened fruit and usually whipped cream
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
an instance of visual perception
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading Another breath:-- "Give--love--" A long silence fell.
Spillkins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
squaresnounUS /skwerz/
plural of “square” — (geometry) a plane rectangle with four equal sides and four right angles; a four-sided regular polygon
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
strawberrynounUS /ˈstrɔːberi/
sweet fleshy red fruit
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading The strong hand undid the button, gently--very gently, without apparent movement.
a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
surveyingnounUS /sərˈveɪɪŋ/
the practice of measuring angles and distances on the ground so that they can be accurately plotted on a map
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
tackedverbUS /tækt/
past form of “tack” — fasten with tacks
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
express in words
From this reading "What’d I tell ye, Hannah?
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The strong hand undid the button, gently--very gently, without apparent movement.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was a motion of the nerveless fingers towards the place.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
in the direction of
From this reading There was a motion of the nerveless fingers towards the place.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
undidverbUS /ˌʌnˈdɪd/
inflected form of “undo” — cancel, annul, or reverse an action or its effect
From this reading The strong hand undid the button, gently--very gently, without apparent movement.
ve
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
precisely as stated
From this reading The strong hand undid the button, gently--very gently, without apparent movement.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There was a motion of the nerveless fingers towards the place.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
What'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "What’d I tell ye, Hannah?
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading The strong hand undid the button, gently--very gently, without apparent movement.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
an old word for “you”, speaking to more than one person
From this reading "What’d I tell ye, Hannah?
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Mrs. Spillkins heaved a sigh of satisfaction: "We ’ve done an awful sight of work," she said, surveying the five quilts "run" and "tacked" and "knotted" in even rows and mathematically true squares; "but it seems as if they did n’t eat a mite of supper, an’ that strawberry shortcake was enough to melt in your mouth."
