used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A CONVERSATION Dinner was served, not in the large dining-room, used on high days and festivals, but in a small octagonal apartment, reserved for such minor occasions.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A CONVERSATION Dinner was served, not in the large dining-room, used on high days and festivals, but in a small octagonal apartment, reserved for such minor occasions.
a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house
From this reading A CONVERSATION Dinner was served, not in the large dining-room, used on high days and festivals, but in a small octagonal apartment, reserved for such minor occasions.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading There was a blue-tiled fire-place in which stood a brass cradle for the flaming coals, though at present, the weather being warm, this was filled with ferns and bulrushes.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading There was a blue-tiled fire-place in which stood a brass cradle for the flaming coals, though at present, the weather being warm, this was filled with ferns and bulrushes.
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading Its walls were of polished white wood, gaily painted with wreaths of flowers bound with knots of blue ribbon and held by naked cupids, dimpled and rosy.
blue-tiled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a blue-tiled fire-place in which stood a brass cradle for the flaming coals, though at present, the weather being warm, this was filled with ferns and bulrushes.
confined by bonds
From this reading Its walls were of polished white wood, gaily painted with wreaths of flowers bound with knots of blue ribbon and held by naked cupids, dimpled and rosy.
brassnounUS /bræs/
an alloy of copper and zinc
From this reading There was a blue-tiled fire-place in which stood a brass cradle for the flaming coals, though at present, the weather being warm, this was filled with ferns and bulrushes.
bulrushes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a blue-tiled fire-place in which stood a brass cradle for the flaming coals, though at present, the weather being warm, this was filled with ferns and bulrushes.
bunchesnounUS /ˈbʌntʃəz/
plural of “bunch” — a grouping of a number of similar things
From this reading The ceiling was painted with sunset clouds, the carpet was moss-green sprinkled with bunches of daisies, and the furniture was of cream-coloured wood.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading A CONVERSATION Dinner was served, not in the large dining-room, used on high days and festivals, but in a small octagonal apartment, reserved for such minor occasions.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Its walls were of polished white wood, gaily painted with wreaths of flowers bound with knots of blue ribbon and held by naked cupids, dimpled and rosy.
carpetnounUS /ˈkɑːrpət/
floor covering consisting of a piece of thick heavy fabric (usually with nap or pile)
From this reading The ceiling was painted with sunset clouds, the carpet was moss-green sprinkled with bunches of daisies, and the furniture was of cream-coloured wood.
ceilingnounUS /ˈsiːlɪŋ/
the overhead upper surface of a covered space
From this reading The ceiling was painted with sunset clouds, the carpet was moss-green sprinkled with bunches of daisies, and the furniture was of cream-coloured wood.
a low-lying region in central France
From this reading In the centre stood a round table of no great size, at which the hostess and her guests took their seats.
plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible
From this reading The ceiling was painted with sunset clouds, the carpet was moss-green sprinkled with bunches of daisies, and the furniture was of cream-coloured wood.
coalsnounUS /koʊlz/
plural of “coal” — fossil fuel consisting of carbonized vegetable matter deposited in the Carboniferous period
From this reading There was a blue-tiled fire-place in which stood a brass cradle for the flaming coals, though at present, the weather being warm, this was filled with ferns and bulrushes.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading A CONVERSATION Dinner was served, not in the large dining-room, used on high days and festivals, but in a small octagonal apartment, reserved for such minor occasions.
cradlenounUS /ˈkreɪdəl/
a baby bed with sides and rockers
From this reading There was a blue-tiled fire-place in which stood a brass cradle for the flaming coals, though at present, the weather being warm, this was filled with ferns and bulrushes.
cream-coloured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The ceiling was painted with sunset clouds, the carpet was moss-green sprinkled with bunches of daisies, and the furniture was of cream-coloured wood.
cupidsnounUS /ˈkjuːpɪdz/
plural of “cupid” — (Roman mythology) god of love; counterpart of Greek Eros
From this reading Its walls were of polished white wood, gaily painted with wreaths of flowers bound with knots of blue ribbon and held by naked cupids, dimpled and rosy.
daisiesnounUS /ˈdeɪziz/
plural of “daisy” — any of numerous composite plants having flower heads with well-developed ray flowers usually arranged in a single whorl
From this reading The ceiling was painted with sunset clouds, the carpet was moss-green sprinkled with bunches of daisies, and the furniture was of cream-coloured wood.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading A CONVERSATION Dinner was served, not in the large dining-room, used on high days and festivals, but in a small octagonal apartment, reserved for such minor occasions.
dimpledverbUS /ˈdɪmpəld/
past form of “dimple” — mark with, or as if with, dimples
From this reading Its walls were of polished white wood, gaily painted with wreaths of flowers bound with knots of blue ribbon and held by naked cupids, dimpled and rosy.
dining-roomnoun
a room used for dining
From this reading A CONVERSATION Dinner was served, not in the large dining-room, used on high days and festivals, but in a small octagonal apartment, reserved for such minor occasions.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading A CONVERSATION Dinner was served, not in the large dining-room, used on high days and festivals, but in a small octagonal apartment, reserved for such minor occasions.
fernsnounUS /fɜːrnz/
plural of “fern” — any of numerous flowerless and seedless vascular plants having true roots from a rhizome and fronds that uncurl upward; reproduce by spores
From this reading There was a blue-tiled fire-place in which stood a brass cradle for the flaming coals, though at present, the weather being warm, this was filled with ferns and bulrushes.
festivalsnounUS /ˈfestəvəlz/
plural of “festival” — a day or period of time set aside for feasting and celebration
From this reading A CONVERSATION Dinner was served, not in the large dining-room, used on high days and festivals, but in a small octagonal apartment, reserved for such minor occasions.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading There was a blue-tiled fire-place in which stood a brass cradle for the flaming coals, though at present, the weather being warm, this was filled with ferns and bulrushes.
fire-place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was a blue-tiled fire-place in which stood a brass cradle for the flaming coals, though at present, the weather being warm, this was filled with ferns and bulrushes.
flamingadjectiveUS /ˈfleɪmɪŋ/
informal intensifiers
From this reading There was a blue-tiled fire-place in which stood a brass cradle for the flaming coals, though at present, the weather being warm, this was filled with ferns and bulrushes.
plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading Its walls were of polished white wood, gaily painted with wreaths of flowers bound with knots of blue ribbon and held by naked cupids, dimpled and rosy.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A CONVERSATION Dinner was served, not in the large dining-room, used on high days and festivals, but in a small octagonal apartment, reserved for such minor occasions.
furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy
From this reading The ceiling was painted with sunset clouds, the carpet was moss-green sprinkled with bunches of daisies, and the furniture was of cream-coloured wood.
gailyadverbUS /ˈɡeɪli/
in a gay manner
From this reading Its walls were of polished white wood, gaily painted with wreaths of flowers bound with knots of blue ribbon and held by naked cupids, dimpled and rosy.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading In the centre stood a round table of no great size, at which the hostess and her guests took their seats.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading In the centre stood a round table of no great size, at which the hostess and her guests took their seats.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading Its walls were of polished white wood, gaily painted with wreaths of flowers bound with knots of blue ribbon and held by naked cupids, dimpled and rosy.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading In the centre stood a round table of no great size, at which the hostess and her guests took their seats.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading A CONVERSATION Dinner was served, not in the large dining-room, used on high days and festivals, but in a small octagonal apartment, reserved for such minor occasions.
hostessnounUS /ˈhoʊstəs/
a woman host
From this reading In the centre stood a round table of no great size, at which the hostess and her guests took their seats.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A CONVERSATION Dinner was served, not in the large dining-room, used on high days and festivals, but in a small octagonal apartment, reserved for such minor occasions.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Its walls were of polished white wood, gaily painted with wreaths of flowers bound with knots of blue ribbon and held by naked cupids, dimpled and rosy.
knotsnounUS /nɑːts/
plural of “knot” — a tight cluster of people or things
From this reading Its walls were of polished white wood, gaily painted with wreaths of flowers bound with knots of blue ribbon and held by naked cupids, dimpled and rosy.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A CONVERSATION Dinner was served, not in the large dining-room, used on high days and festivals, but in a small octagonal apartment, reserved for such minor occasions.
minoradjectiveUS /ˈmaɪnər/
of lesser importance or stature or rank
From this reading A CONVERSATION Dinner was served, not in the large dining-room, used on high days and festivals, but in a small octagonal apartment, reserved for such minor occasions.
moss-green
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The ceiling was painted with sunset clouds, the carpet was moss-green sprinkled with bunches of daisies, and the furniture was of cream-coloured wood.
nakedadjectiveUS /ˈneɪkəd/
completely unclothed
From this reading Its walls were of polished white wood, gaily painted with wreaths of flowers bound with knots of blue ribbon and held by naked cupids, dimpled and rosy.
not any; not one
From this reading In the centre stood a round table of no great size, at which the hostess and her guests took their seats.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading A CONVERSATION Dinner was served, not in the large dining-room, used on high days and festivals, but in a small octagonal apartment, reserved for such minor occasions.
something you have to do
From this reading A CONVERSATION Dinner was served, not in the large dining-room, used on high days and festivals, but in a small octagonal apartment, reserved for such minor occasions.
octagonaladjectiveUS /ɑːkˈtæɡənəl/
of or relating to or shaped like an octagon
From this reading A CONVERSATION Dinner was served, not in the large dining-room, used on high days and festivals, but in a small octagonal apartment, reserved for such minor occasions.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Its walls were of polished white wood, gaily painted with wreaths of flowers bound with knots of blue ribbon and held by naked cupids, dimpled and rosy.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A CONVERSATION Dinner was served, not in the large dining-room, used on high days and festivals, but in a small octagonal apartment, reserved for such minor occasions.
coated with paint
From this reading Its walls were of polished white wood, gaily painted with wreaths of flowers bound with knots of blue ribbon and held by naked cupids, dimpled and rosy.
polishedadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːlɪʃt/
perfected or made shiny and smooth
From this reading Its walls were of polished white wood, gaily painted with wreaths of flowers bound with knots of blue ribbon and held by naked cupids, dimpled and rosy.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading There was a blue-tiled fire-place in which stood a brass cradle for the flaming coals, though at present, the weather being warm, this was filled with ferns and bulrushes.
reservedadjectiveUS /rɪˈzɜːrvd/
set aside for the use of a particular person or party
From this reading A CONVERSATION Dinner was served, not in the large dining-room, used on high days and festivals, but in a small octagonal apartment, reserved for such minor occasions.
ribbonnounUS /ˈrɪbən/
any long object resembling a thin line
From this reading Its walls were of polished white wood, gaily painted with wreaths of flowers bound with knots of blue ribbon and held by naked cupids, dimpled and rosy.
rosyadjectiveUS /ˈroʊzi/
reflecting optimism
From this reading Its walls were of polished white wood, gaily painted with wreaths of flowers bound with knots of blue ribbon and held by naked cupids, dimpled and rosy.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading In the centre stood a round table of no great size, at which the hostess and her guests took their seats.
seatsnounUS /siːts/
an area that includes places where several people can sit
From this reading In the centre stood a round table of no great size, at which the hostess and her guests took their seats.
past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading A CONVERSATION Dinner was served, not in the large dining-room, used on high days and festivals, but in a small octagonal apartment, reserved for such minor occasions.
the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)
From this reading In the centre stood a round table of no great size, at which the hostess and her guests took their seats.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A CONVERSATION Dinner was served, not in the large dining-room, used on high days and festivals, but in a small octagonal apartment, reserved for such minor occasions.
sprinkledverbUS /ˈsprɪŋkəld/
past form of “sprinkle” — distribute loosely
From this reading The ceiling was painted with sunset clouds, the carpet was moss-green sprinkled with bunches of daisies, and the furniture was of cream-coloured wood.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading There was a blue-tiled fire-place in which stood a brass cradle for the flaming coals, though at present, the weather being warm, this was filled with ferns and bulrushes.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading A CONVERSATION Dinner was served, not in the large dining-room, used on high days and festivals, but in a small octagonal apartment, reserved for such minor occasions.
the time in the evening at which the sun begins to fall below the horizon
From this reading The ceiling was painted with sunset clouds, the carpet was moss-green sprinkled with bunches of daisies, and the furniture was of cream-coloured wood.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading In the centre stood a round table of no great size, at which the hostess and her guests took their seats.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A CONVERSATION Dinner was served, not in the large dining-room, used on high days and festivals, but in a small octagonal apartment, reserved for such minor occasions.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading In the centre stood a round table of no great size, at which the hostess and her guests took their seats.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was a blue-tiled fire-place in which stood a brass cradle for the flaming coals, though at present, the weather being warm, this was filled with ferns and bulrushes.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading There was a blue-tiled fire-place in which stood a brass cradle for the flaming coals, though at present, the weather being warm, this was filled with ferns and bulrushes.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading There was a blue-tiled fire-place in which stood a brass cradle for the flaming coals, though at present, the weather being warm, this was filled with ferns and bulrushes.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading In the centre stood a round table of no great size, at which the hostess and her guests took their seats.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading A CONVERSATION Dinner was served, not in the large dining-room, used on high days and festivals, but in a small octagonal apartment, reserved for such minor occasions.
plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading Its walls were of polished white wood, gaily painted with wreaths of flowers bound with knots of blue ribbon and held by naked cupids, dimpled and rosy.
having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat
From this reading There was a blue-tiled fire-place in which stood a brass cradle for the flaming coals, though at present, the weather being warm, this was filled with ferns and bulrushes.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A CONVERSATION Dinner was served, not in the large dining-room, used on high days and festivals, but in a small octagonal apartment, reserved for such minor occasions.
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading There was a blue-tiled fire-place in which stood a brass cradle for the flaming coals, though at present, the weather being warm, this was filled with ferns and bulrushes.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Its walls were of polished white wood, gaily painted with wreaths of flowers bound with knots of blue ribbon and held by naked cupids, dimpled and rosy.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading There was a blue-tiled fire-place in which stood a brass cradle for the flaming coals, though at present, the weather being warm, this was filled with ferns and bulrushes.
a Caucasian
From this reading Its walls were of polished white wood, gaily painted with wreaths of flowers bound with knots of blue ribbon and held by naked cupids, dimpled and rosy.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Its walls were of polished white wood, gaily painted with wreaths of flowers bound with knots of blue ribbon and held by naked cupids, dimpled and rosy.
the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees
From this reading Its walls were of polished white wood, gaily painted with wreaths of flowers bound with knots of blue ribbon and held by naked cupids, dimpled and rosy.
wreathsnounUS /riːθs/
plural of “wreath” — flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
From this reading Its walls were of polished white wood, gaily painted with wreaths of flowers bound with knots of blue ribbon and held by naked cupids, dimpled and rosy.
