used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading On a flat open width of the Argentière road, a mile or so to the north-east of Le Prieuré, a little company of astronomers was gathered to gaze at the moon.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading They carried glasses and instruments; there was not the least air of privacy about their proceedings; the spot selected was open to all.
acceptancenounUS /ækˈseptəns/
the mental attitude that something is believable and should be accepted as true
From this reading Nor did his arrival affect it now, further than to its tacit acceptance of his company as of that of a recognised kindred spirit.
affectverbUS /əˈfekt/
have an effect upon
From this reading Nor did his arrival affect it now, further than to its tacit acceptance of his company as of that of a recognised kindred spirit.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading They carried glasses and instruments; there was not the least air of privacy about their proceedings; the spot selected was open to all.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading They carried glasses and instruments; there was not the least air of privacy about their proceedings; the spot selected was open to all.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading There was an extension in the long tear of the valley in this place, the increased interval between the mountains being occupied by a humpish land strewn with boulders.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading They carried glasses and instruments; there was not the least air of privacy about their proceedings; the spot selected was open to all.
move towards
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
Argentière
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On a flat open width of the Argentière road, a mile or so to the north-east of Le Prieuré, a little company of astronomers was gathered to gaze at the moon.
accomplishment of an objective
From this reading Nor did his arrival affect it now, further than to its tacit acceptance of his company as of that of a recognised kindred spirit.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Nor did his arrival affect it now, further than to its tacit acceptance of his company as of that of a recognised kindred spirit.
astronomersnounUS /əˈstrɑːnəmərz/
plural of “astronomer” — a physicist who studies astronomy
From this reading On a flat open width of the Argentière road, a mile or so to the north-east of Le Prieuré, a little company of astronomers was gathered to gaze at the moon.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading On a flat open width of the Argentière road, a mile or so to the north-east of Le Prieuré, a little company of astronomers was gathered to gaze at the moon.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading There was an extension in the long tear of the valley in this place, the increased interval between the mountains being occupied by a humpish land strewn with boulders.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading There was an extension in the long tear of the valley in this place, the increased interval between the mountains being occupied by a humpish land strewn with boulders.
bouldersnounUS /ˈboʊldərz/
plural of “boulder” — a large smooth mass of rock detached from its place of origin
From this reading There was an extension in the long tear of the valley in this place, the increased interval between the mountains being occupied by a humpish land strewn with boulders.
brimmingadjectiveUS /ˈbrɪmɪŋ/
filled to capacity
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading There was an extension in the long tear of the valley in this place, the increased interval between the mountains being occupied by a humpish land strewn with boulders.
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading They carried glasses and instruments; there was not the least air of privacy about their proceedings; the spot selected was open to all.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading On a flat open width of the Argentière road, a mile or so to the north-east of Le Prieuré, a little company of astronomers was gathered to gaze at the moon.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Nor did his arrival affect it now, further than to its tacit acceptance of his company as of that of a recognised kindred spirit.
the act of consuming liquids
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
being one more than seven
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
enthusiastsnounUS /enˈθuːziæsts/
plural of “enthusiast” — an ardent and enthusiastic supporter of some person or activity
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
extensionnounUS /ɪkˈstenʃən/
a mutually agreed delay in the date set for the completion of a job or payment of a debt
From this reading There was an extension in the long tear of the valley in this place, the increased interval between the mountains being occupied by a humpish land strewn with boulders.
opinion or judgment
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another
From this reading On a flat open width of the Argentière road, a mile or so to the north-east of Le Prieuré, a little company of astronomers was gathered to gaze at the moon.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading Nor did his arrival affect it now, further than to its tacit acceptance of his company as of that of a recognised kindred spirit.
brought together in one place
From this reading On a flat open width of the Argentière road, a mile or so to the north-east of Le Prieuré, a little company of astronomers was gathered to gaze at the moon.
a long fixed look
From this reading On a flat open width of the Argentière road, a mile or so to the north-east of Le Prieuré, a little company of astronomers was gathered to gaze at the moon.
(plural) optical instrument consisting of a frame that holds a pair of lenses for correcting defective vision
From this reading They carried glasses and instruments; there was not the least air of privacy about their proceedings; the spot selected was open to all.
any number of entities (members) considered as a unit
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Nor did his arrival affect it now, further than to its tacit acceptance of his company as of that of a recognised kindred spirit.
humpish
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was an extension in the long tear of the valley in this place, the increased interval between the mountains being occupied by a humpish land strewn with boulders.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There was an extension in the long tear of the valley in this place, the increased interval between the mountains being occupied by a humpish land strewn with boulders.
made greater in size or amount or degree
From this reading There was an extension in the long tear of the valley in this place, the increased interval between the mountains being occupied by a humpish land strewn with boulders.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
instrumentsnounUS /ˈɪnstrəmənts/
plural of “instrument” — a device that requires skill for proper use
From this reading They carried glasses and instruments; there was not the least air of privacy about their proceedings; the spot selected was open to all.
intervalnounUS /ˈɪntərvəl/
a definite length of time marked off by two instants
From this reading There was an extension in the long tear of the valley in this place, the increased interval between the mountains being occupied by a humpish land strewn with boulders.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
of or relating to two people who are married to each other
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
kindredadjectiveUS /ˈkɪndrɪd/
similar in quality or character
From this reading Nor did his arrival affect it now, further than to its tacit acceptance of his company as of that of a recognised kindred spirit.
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading There was an extension in the long tear of the valley in this place, the increased interval between the mountains being occupied by a humpish land strewn with boulders.
a chronic inflammatory collagen disease affecting connective tissue (skin or joints)
From this reading On a flat open width of the Argentière road, a mile or so to the north-east of Le Prieuré, a little company of astronomers was gathered to gaze at the moon.
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 They carried glasses and instruments; there was not the least air of privacy about their proceedings; the spot selected was open to all.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading On a flat open width of the Argentière road, a mile or so to the north-east of Le Prieuré, a little company of astronomers was gathered to gaze at the moon.
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 There was an extension in the long tear of the valley in this place, the increased interval between the mountains being occupied by a humpish land strewn with boulders.
lunaradjectiveUS /ˈluːnər/
of or relating to or associated with the moon
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading On a flat open width of the Argentière road, a mile or so to the north-east of Le Prieuré, a little company of astronomers was gathered to gaze at the moon.
the natural satellite of the Earth
From this reading On a flat open width of the Argentière road, a mile or so to the north-east of Le Prieuré, a little company of astronomers was gathered to gaze at the moon.
moonshinenounUS /ˈmuːnʃaɪn/
the light of the Moon
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading There was an extension in the long tear of the valley in this place, the increased interval between the mountains being occupied by a humpish land strewn with boulders.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading Nor did his arrival affect it now, further than to its tacit acceptance of his company as of that of a recognised kindred spirit.
north-eastadverbUS /ˌnɔːrˈθiːst/
to, toward, or in the northeast
From this reading On a flat open width of the Argentière road, a mile or so to the north-east of Le Prieuré, a little company of astronomers was gathered to gaze at the moon.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading They carried glasses and instruments; there was not the least air of privacy about their proceedings; the spot selected was open to all.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Nor did his arrival affect it now, further than to its tacit acceptance of his company as of that of a recognised kindred spirit.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
obfuscationnounUS /ˌɑːbfəˈskeɪʃən/
confusion resulting from failure to understand
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
held or filled or in use
From this reading There was an extension in the long tear of the valley in this place, the increased interval between the mountains being occupied by a humpish land strewn with boulders.
inflected form of “occur” — come to pass
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading On a flat open width of the Argentière road, a mile or so to the north-east of Le Prieuré, a little company of astronomers was gathered to gaze at the moon.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On a flat open width of the Argentière road, a mile or so to the north-east of Le Prieuré, a little company of astronomers was gathered to gaze at the moon.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading On a flat open width of the Argentière road, a mile or so to the north-east of Le Prieuré, a little company of astronomers was gathered to gaze at the moon.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading On a flat open width of the Argentière road, a mile or so to the north-east of Le Prieuré, a little company of astronomers was gathered to gaze at the moon.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading There was an extension in the long tear of the valley in this place, the increased interval between the mountains being occupied by a humpish land strewn with boulders.
preoccupationnounUS /priˌɑːkjəˈpeɪʃən/
an idea that preoccupies the mind and holds the attention
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
Prieuré
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On a flat open width of the Argentière road, a mile or so to the north-east of Le Prieuré, a little company of astronomers was gathered to gaze at the moon.
privacynounUS /ˈpraɪvəsi/
the quality of being secluded from the presence or view of others
From this reading They carried glasses and instruments; there was not the least air of privacy about their proceedings; the spot selected was open to all.
proceedingsnounUS /proʊˈsiːdɪŋz/
(law) the institution of a sequence of steps by which legal judgments are invoked
From this reading They carried glasses and instruments; there was not the least air of privacy about their proceedings; the spot selected was open to all.
recognisedadjectiveUS /ˈrekəɡnaɪzd/
provided with a secure reputation
From this reading Nor did his arrival affect it now, further than to its tacit acceptance of his company as of that of a recognised kindred spirit.
an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
From this reading On a flat open width of the Argentière road, a mile or so to the north-east of Le Prieuré, a little company of astronomers was gathered to gaze at the moon.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
selectedadjectiveUS /səˈlektɪd/
chosen in preference to another
From this reading They carried glasses and instruments; there was not the least air of privacy about their proceedings; the spot selected was open to all.
SeptembernounUS /sepˈtembər/
the month following August and preceding October
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading On a flat open width of the Argentière road, a mile or so to the north-east of Le Prieuré, a little company of astronomers was gathered to gaze at the moon.
the vital principle or animating force within living things
From this reading Nor did his arrival affect it now, further than to its tacit acceptance of his company as of that of a recognised kindred spirit.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading They carried glasses and instruments; there was not the least air of privacy about their proceedings; the spot selected was open to all.
strewnverbUS /struːn/
inflected form of “strew” — spread by scattering ("straw" is archaic)
From this reading There was an extension in the long tear of the valley in this place, the increased interval between the mountains being occupied by a humpish land strewn with boulders.
tacitadjectiveUS /ˈtæsɪt/
implied by or inferred from actions or statements
From this reading Nor did his arrival affect it now, further than to its tacit acceptance of his company as of that of a recognised kindred spirit.
separate or cause to separate abruptly
From this reading There was an extension in the long tear of the valley in this place, the increased interval between the mountains being occupied by a humpish land strewn with boulders.
telescopesnounUS /ˈteləskoʊps/
plural of “telescope” — a magnifier of images of distant objects
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Nor did his arrival affect it now, further than to its tacit acceptance of his company as of that of a recognised kindred spirit.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Nor did his arrival affect it now, further than to its tacit acceptance of his company as of that of a recognised kindred spirit.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading On a flat open width of the Argentière road, a mile or so to the north-east of Le Prieuré, a little company of astronomers was gathered to gaze at the moon.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading They carried glasses and instruments; there was not the least air of privacy about their proceedings; the spot selected was open to all.
in or at that place or location
From this reading They carried glasses and instruments; there was not the least air of privacy about their proceedings; the spot selected was open to all.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They carried glasses and instruments; there was not the least air of privacy about their proceedings; the spot selected was open to all.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading There was an extension in the long tear of the valley in this place, the increased interval between the mountains being occupied by a humpish land strewn with boulders.
tiltedadjectiveUS /ˈtɪltɪd/
departing or being caused to depart from the true vertical or horizontal
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading On a flat open width of the Argentière road, a mile or so to the north-east of Le Prieuré, a little company of astronomers was gathered to gaze at the moon.
unnoticedadjectiveUS /ənˈnoʊtɪst/
not noticed
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river
From this reading There was an extension in the long tear of the valley in this place, the increased interval between the mountains being occupied by a humpish land strewn with boulders.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading On a flat open width of the Argentière road, a mile or so to the north-east of Le Prieuré, a little company of astronomers was gathered to gaze at the moon.
belonging to which person
From this reading About eight o’clock of a September evening, this group of enthusiasts--drinking in lunar obfuscation; its telescopes, like so many glasses brimming with moonshine, tilted to its eyes--was joined by a single individual, whose approach from Le Prieuré, it seemed, had occurred unnoticed by it in its preoccupation.
widthnounUS /wɪdθ/
the extent of something from side to side
From this reading On a flat open width of the Argentière road, a mile or so to the north-east of Le Prieuré, a little company of astronomers was gathered to gaze at the moon.
in the company of; together with
From this reading There was an extension in the long tear of the valley in this place, the increased interval between the mountains being occupied by a humpish land strewn with boulders.
