used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading But the men, whose secret intercourse we are about to watch, feared no danger.
having fair knowledge of
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
aimsnounUS /eɪmz/
plural of “aim” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading It took place on the Appian Way, near the C[oe]meterium of St. Calixtus, in a half-ruined passage of the Catacombs; those mysterious underground ways, which almost make a second city under the streets and squares of Rome.
in addition
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It took place on the Appian Way, near the C[oe]meterium of St. Calixtus, in a half-ruined passage of the Catacombs; those mysterious underground ways, which almost make a second city under the streets and squares of Rome.
Appian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It took place on the Appian Way, near the C[oe]meterium of St. Calixtus, in a half-ruined passage of the Catacombs; those mysterious underground ways, which almost make a second city under the streets and squares of Rome.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
assemblynounUS /əˈsembli/
a group of machine parts that fit together to form a self-contained unit
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
burial-places
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
a degree on the centigrade scale of temperature
From this reading It took place on the Appian Way, near the C[oe]meterium of St. Calixtus, in a half-ruined passage of the Catacombs; those mysterious underground ways, which almost make a second city under the streets and squares of Rome.
Calixtus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It took place on the Appian Way, near the C[oe]meterium of St. Calixtus, in a half-ruined passage of the Catacombs; those mysterious underground ways, which almost make a second city under the streets and squares of Rome.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
CatacombsnounUS /ˈkætəkoʊmz/
plural of “catacomb” — an underground tunnel with recesses where bodies were buried (as in ancient Rome)
From this reading It took place on the Appian Way, near the C[oe]meterium of St. Calixtus, in a half-ruined passage of the Catacombs; those mysterious underground ways, which almost make a second city under the streets and squares of Rome.
relating to or characteristic of Christianity
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading It took place on the Appian Way, near the C[oe]meterium of St. Calixtus, in a half-ruined passage of the Catacombs; those mysterious underground ways, which almost make a second city under the streets and squares of Rome.
communitiesnounUS /kəˈmjuːnətiz/
plural of “community” — a group of people living in a particular local area
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
crossingsnounUS /ˈkrɔːsɪŋz/
plural of “crossing” — traveling across
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading But the men, whose secret intercourse we are about to watch, feared no danger.
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
entrancesnounUS /ˈentrənsəz/
plural of “entrance” — something that provides access (to get in or get out)
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
exitsnounUS /ˈeɡzɪts/
plural of “exit” — an opening that permits escape or release
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading But the men, whose secret intercourse we are about to watch, feared no danger.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
guidancenounUS /ˈɡaɪdəns/
something that provides direction or advice as to a decision or course of action
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
half-ruined
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It took place on the Appian Way, near the C[oe]meterium of St. Calixtus, in a half-ruined passage of the Catacombs; those mysterious underground ways, which almost make a second city under the streets and squares of Rome.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
located inward
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
intercoursenounUS /ˈɪntərkɔːrs/
communication between individuals
From this reading But the men, whose secret intercourse we are about to watch, feared no danger.
intimatelyadverbUS /ˈɪntəmətli/
in a close manner
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
intricateadjectiveUS /ˈɪntrəkət/
having many complexly arranged elements; elaborate
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It took place on the Appian Way, near the C[oe]meterium of St. Calixtus, in a half-ruined passage of the Catacombs; those mysterious underground ways, which almost make a second city under the streets and squares of Rome.
and nothing more
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
From this reading They were well led.
engage in
From this reading It took place on the Appian Way, near the C[oe]meterium of St. Calixtus, in a half-ruined passage of the Catacombs; those mysterious underground ways, which almost make a second city under the streets and squares of Rome.
a formally arranged gathering
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
the force of workers available
From this reading But the men, whose secret intercourse we are about to watch, feared no danger.
meterium
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It took place on the Appian Way, near the C[oe]meterium of St. Calixtus, in a half-ruined passage of the Catacombs; those mysterious underground ways, which almost make a second city under the streets and squares of Rome.
12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
of an obscure nature
From this reading It took place on the Appian Way, near the C[oe]meterium of St. Calixtus, in a half-ruined passage of the Catacombs; those mysterious underground ways, which almost make a second city under the streets and squares of Rome.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
not any; not one
From this reading But the men, whose secret intercourse we are about to watch, feared no danger.
oe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It took place on the Appian Way, near the C[oe]meterium of St. Calixtus, in a half-ruined passage of the Catacombs; those mysterious underground ways, which almost make a second city under the streets and squares of Rome.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
many times at short intervals
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It took place on the Appian Way, near the C[oe]meterium of St. Calixtus, in a half-ruined passage of the Catacombs; those mysterious underground ways, which almost make a second city under the streets and squares of Rome.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
and nothing more
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
originallyadverbUS /ərˈɪdʒənəli/
in an original manner
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading It took place on the Appian Way, near the C[oe]meterium of St. Calixtus, in a half-ruined passage of the Catacombs; those mysterious underground ways, which almost make a second city under the streets and squares of Rome.
plural of “person” — a human being
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
the activity of protecting someone or something
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
RavennanounUS /rəˈvenə/
a battle between the French and an alliance of Spaniards and Swiss and Venetians in 1512
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
recessesnounUS /ˈriːsesəz/
plural of “recess” — a state of abeyance or suspended business
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
refugenounUS /ˈrefjuːdʒ/
a safe place
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
capital and largest city of Italy; on the Tiber; seat of the Roman Catholic Church; formerly the capital of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading It took place on the Appian Way, near the C[oe]meterium of St. Calixtus, in a half-ruined passage of the Catacombs; those mysterious underground ways, which almost make a second city under the streets and squares of Rome.
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
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 It took place on the Appian Way, near the C[oe]meterium of St. Calixtus, in a half-ruined passage of the Catacombs; those mysterious underground ways, which almost make a second city under the streets and squares of Rome.
St
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It took place on the Appian Way, near the C[oe]meterium of St. Calixtus, in a half-ruined passage of the Catacombs; those mysterious underground ways, which almost make a second city under the streets and squares of Rome.
plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading It took place on the Appian Way, near the C[oe]meterium of St. Calixtus, in a half-ruined passage of the Catacombs; those mysterious underground ways, which almost make a second city under the streets and squares of Rome.
terminationsnounUS /ˌtɜːrməˈneɪʃənz/
plural of “termination” — a coming to an end of a contract period
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It took place on the Appian Way, near the C[oe]meterium of St. Calixtus, in a half-ruined passage of the Catacombs; those mysterious underground ways, which almost make a second city under the streets and squares of Rome.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading It took place on the Appian Way, near the C[oe]meterium of St. Calixtus, in a half-ruined passage of the Catacombs; those mysterious underground ways, which almost make a second city under the streets and squares of Rome.
threadverbUS /θred/
to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
undergroundadjectiveUS /ˈʌndərɡraʊnd/
under the level of the ground
From this reading It took place on the Appian Way, near the C[oe]meterium of St. Calixtus, in a half-ruined passage of the Catacombs; those mysterious underground ways, which almost make a second city under the streets and squares of Rome.
vaultsnounUS /vɔːlts/
plural of “vault” — a burial chamber (usually underground)
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
precisely as stated
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
look attentively
From this reading But the men, whose secret intercourse we are about to watch, feared no danger.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading It took place on the Appian Way, near the C[oe]meterium of St. Calixtus, in a half-ruined passage of the Catacombs; those mysterious underground ways, which almost make a second city under the streets and squares of Rome.
structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired
From this reading It took place on the Appian Way, near the C[oe]meterium of St. Calixtus, in a half-ruined passage of the Catacombs; those mysterious underground ways, which almost make a second city under the streets and squares of Rome.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading But the men, whose secret intercourse we are about to watch, feared no danger.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading A few weeks after this midnight meeting near Ravenna an assembly took place in Rome; just as secret, also under protection of night, but held by very different persons for very different aims.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading They were well led.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They were well led.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It took place on the Appian Way, near the C[oe]meterium of St. Calixtus, in a half-ruined passage of the Catacombs; those mysterious underground ways, which almost make a second city under the streets and squares of Rome.
belonging to which person
From this reading But the men, whose secret intercourse we are about to watch, feared no danger.
in the company of; together with
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading These secret vaults--originally old burial-places, often the refuge of young Christian communities--are so intricate, and their crossings, terminations, exits, and entrances so difficult to thread, that they can only be entered under the guidance of some one intimately acquainted with their inner recesses.
