used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading WINTER has thrown a veil of lace over the islands, a wet, clinging snow that covers every tree-trunk, rock, and stump, and turns the cedars to mounds of fluffy whiteness.
activitiesnounUS /ækˈtɪvətiz/
plural of “activity” — any specific behavior
From this reading There have been snows since the first week in November, but this is the first that has remained, and how it shows the midnight activities of all the wild folk!
(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 The paths lie under archways of bending, snow-laden branches, and all the underbrush is hidden.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading WINTER has thrown a veil of lace over the islands, a wet, clinging snow that covers every tree-trunk, rock, and stump, and turns the cedars to mounds of fluffy whiteness.
archways
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The paths lie under archways of bending, snow-laden branches, and all the underbrush is hidden.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading There have been snows since the first week in November, but this is the first that has remained, and how it shows the midnight activities of all the wild folk!
bendingnounUS /ˈbendɪŋ/
movement that causes the formation of a curve
From this reading The paths lie under archways of bending, snow-laden branches, and all the underbrush is hidden.
berriesnounUS /ˈberiz/
plural of “berry” — any of numerous small and pulpy edible fruits; used as desserts or in making jams and jellies and preserves
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
bittersweetadjectiveUS /ˈbɪtərswiːt/
tinged with sadness
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization
From this reading The paths lie under archways of bending, snow-laden branches, and all the underbrush is hidden.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading There have been snows since the first week in November, but this is the first that has remained, and how it shows the midnight activities of all the wild folk!
cedarsnounUS /ˈsiːdərz/
plural of “cedar” — any of numerous trees of the family Cupressaceae that resemble cedars
From this reading WINTER has thrown a veil of lace over the islands, a wet, clinging snow that covers every tree-trunk, rock, and stump, and turns the cedars to mounds of fluffy whiteness.
rid of obstructions
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
clingingverbUS /ˈklɪŋɪŋ/
-ing form of “cling” — come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation
From this reading WINTER has thrown a veil of lace over the islands, a wet, clinging snow that covers every tree-trunk, rock, and stump, and turns the cedars to mounds of fluffy whiteness.
clusterverbUS /ˈklʌstər/
come together as in a cluster or flock
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
coversnounUS /ˈkʌvərz/
plural of “cover” — a covering that serves to conceal or shelter something
From this reading WINTER has thrown a veil of lace over the islands, a wet, clinging snow that covers every tree-trunk, rock, and stump, and turns the cedars to mounds of fluffy whiteness.
diamondsnounUS /ˈdaɪməndz/
plural of “diamond” — a transparent piece of diamond that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
encasedadjectiveUS /enˈkeɪst/
covered or protected with or as if with a case
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading WINTER has thrown a veil of lace over the islands, a wet, clinging snow that covers every tree-trunk, rock, and stump, and turns the cedars to mounds of fluffy whiteness.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading There have been snows since the first week in November, but this is the first that has remained, and how it shows the midnight activities of all the wild folk!
flashesnounUS /ˈflæʃɪz/
plural of “flash” — a sudden intense burst of radiant energy
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading The porch floor is a white page on which they have left their signatures.
fluffyadjectiveUS /ˈflʌfi/
like down or as soft as down
From this reading WINTER has thrown a veil of lace over the islands, a wet, clinging snow that covers every tree-trunk, rock, and stump, and turns the cedars to mounds of fluffy whiteness.
people in general (often used in the plural)
From this reading There have been snows since the first week in November, but this is the first that has remained, and how it shows the midnight activities of all the wild folk!
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
frozenadjectiveUS /ˈfroʊzən/
turned into ice; affected by freezing or by long and severe cold
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading WINTER has thrown a veil of lace over the islands, a wet, clinging snow that covers every tree-trunk, rock, and stump, and turns the cedars to mounds of fluffy whiteness.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading There have been snows since the first week in November, but this is the first that has remained, and how it shows the midnight activities of all the wild folk!
not accessible to view
From this reading The paths lie under archways of bending, snow-laden branches, and all the underbrush is hidden.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There have been snows since the first week in November, but this is the first that has remained, and how it shows the midnight activities of all the wild folk!
water frozen in the solid state
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
ice-incrusted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The paths lie under archways of bending, snow-laden branches, and all the underbrush is hidden.
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
plural of “island” — a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading WINTER has thrown a veil of lace over the islands, a wet, clinging snow that covers every tree-trunk, rock, and stump, and turns the cedars to mounds of fluffy whiteness.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading There have been snows since the first week in November, but this is the first that has remained, and how it shows the midnight activities of all the wild folk!
jewelsnounUS /ˈdʒuːəlz/
plural of “jewel” — a precious or semiprecious stone incorporated into a piece of jewelry
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
laceverbUS /leɪs/
spin, wind, or twist together
From this reading WINTER has thrown a veil of lace over the islands, a wet, clinging snow that covers every tree-trunk, rock, and stump, and turns the cedars to mounds of fluffy whiteness.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading The porch floor is a white page on which they have left their signatures.
be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position
From this reading The paths lie under archways of bending, snow-laden branches, and all the underbrush is hidden.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
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 The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night
From this reading There have been snows since the first week in November, but this is the first that has remained, and how it shows the midnight activities of all the wild folk!
moundsnounUS /maʊndz/
plural of “mound” — (baseball) the slight elevation on which the pitcher stands
From this reading WINTER has thrown a veil of lace over the islands, a wet, clinging snow that covers every tree-trunk, rock, and stump, and turns the cedars to mounds of fluffy whiteness.
NovembernounUS /noʊˈvembər/
the month following October and preceding December
From this reading There have been snows since the first week in November, but this is the first that has remained, and how it shows the midnight activities of all the wild folk!
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading WINTER has thrown a veil of lace over the islands, a wet, clinging snow that covers every tree-trunk, rock, and stump, and turns the cedars to mounds of fluffy whiteness.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The porch floor is a white page on which they have left their signatures.
orangenounUS /ˈɔːrəndʒ/
round yellow to orange fruit of any of several citrus trees
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading WINTER has thrown a veil of lace over the islands, a wet, clinging snow that covers every tree-trunk, rock, and stump, and turns the cedars to mounds of fluffy whiteness.
one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains
From this reading The porch floor is a white page on which they have left their signatures.
pathsnounUS /pæðz/
plural of “path” — a course of conduct
From this reading The paths lie under archways of bending, snow-laden branches, and all the underbrush is hidden.
poolsnounUS /puːlz/
plural of “pool” — an excavation that is (usually) filled with water
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
a structure attached to the exterior of a building often forming a covered entrance
From this reading The porch floor is a white page on which they have left their signatures.
reflectverbUS /rɪˈflekt/
manifest or bring back
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading There have been snows since the first week in November, but this is the first that has remained, and how it shows the midnight activities of all the wild folk!
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading WINTER has thrown a veil of lace over the islands, a wet, clinging snow that covers every tree-trunk, rock, and stump, and turns the cedars to mounds of fluffy whiteness.
sapphiresnounUS /ˈsæfaɪərz/
plural of “sapphire” — a precious transparent stone of rich blue corundum valued as a gemstone
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
shineverbUS /ʃaɪn/
be bright by reflecting or casting light
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
plural of “show” — the act of publicly exhibiting or entertaining
From this reading There have been snows since the first week in November, but this is the first that has remained, and how it shows the midnight activities of all the wild folk!
signaturesnounUS /ˈsɪɡnətʃərz/
plural of “signature” — your name written in your own handwriting
From this reading The porch floor is a white page on which they have left their signatures.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading There have been snows since the first week in November, but this is the first that has remained, and how it shows the midnight activities of all the wild folk!
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
From this reading WINTER has thrown a veil of lace over the islands, a wet, clinging snow that covers every tree-trunk, rock, and stump, and turns the cedars to mounds of fluffy whiteness.
snow-laden
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The paths lie under archways of bending, snow-laden branches, and all the underbrush is hidden.
snowsnounUS /snoʊz/
plural of “snow” — precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
From this reading There have been snows since the first week in November, but this is the first that has remained, and how it shows the midnight activities of all the wild folk!
plural of “stone” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
stumpnounUS /stʌmp/
the base part of a tree that remains standing after the tree has been felled
From this reading WINTER has thrown a veil of lace over the islands, a wet, clinging snow that covers every tree-trunk, rock, and stump, and turns the cedars to mounds of fluffy whiteness.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading WINTER has thrown a veil of lace over the islands, a wet, clinging snow that covers every tree-trunk, rock, and stump, and turns the cedars to mounds of fluffy whiteness.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading WINTER has thrown a veil of lace over the islands, a wet, clinging snow that covers every tree-trunk, rock, and stump, and turns the cedars to mounds of fluffy whiteness.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The porch floor is a white page on which they have left their signatures.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There have been snows since the first week in November, but this is the first that has remained, and how it shows the midnight activities of all the wild folk!
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The porch floor is a white page on which they have left their signatures.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading There have been snows since the first week in November, but this is the first that has remained, and how it shows the midnight activities of all the wild folk!
caused to fall to the ground
From this reading WINTER has thrown a veil of lace over the islands, a wet, clinging snow that covers every tree-trunk, rock, and stump, and turns the cedars to mounds of fluffy whiteness.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading WINTER has thrown a veil of lace over the islands, a wet, clinging snow that covers every tree-trunk, rock, and stump, and turns the cedars to mounds of fluffy whiteness.
topaznounUS /ˈtoʊpæz/
a yellow quartz
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
tree-trunk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading WINTER has thrown a veil of lace over the islands, a wet, clinging snow that covers every tree-trunk, rock, and stump, and turns the cedars to mounds of fluffy whiteness.
plural of “turn” — a circular segment of a curve
From this reading WINTER has thrown a veil of lace over the islands, a wet, clinging snow that covers every tree-trunk, rock, and stump, and turns the cedars to mounds of fluffy whiteness.
twigverbUS /twɪɡ/
branch out in a twiglike manner
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading The paths lie under archways of bending, snow-laden branches, and all the underbrush is hidden.
underbrushnounUS /ˈʌndərbrʌʃ/
the brush (small trees and bushes and ferns etc.) growing beneath taller trees in a wood or forest
From this reading The paths lie under archways of bending, snow-laden branches, and all the underbrush is hidden.
a garment that covers the head and face
From this reading WINTER has thrown a veil of lace over the islands, a wet, clinging snow that covers every tree-trunk, rock, and stump, and turns the cedars to mounds of fluffy whiteness.
wearsnounUS /werz/
plural of “wear” — impairment resulting from long use
From this reading The island wears many jewels, for every ice-incrusted twig flashes a cluster of diamonds, the orange berries of the bittersweet, each encased in clear ice, are like topaz, and the small frozen pools between the stones reflect the sky and shine like sapphires.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading There have been snows since the first week in November, but this is the first that has remained, and how it shows the midnight activities of all the wild folk!
covered or soaked with a liquid such as water
From this reading WINTER has thrown a veil of lace over the islands, a wet, clinging snow that covers every tree-trunk, rock, and stump, and turns the cedars to mounds of fluffy whiteness.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The porch floor is a white page on which they have left their signatures.
a Caucasian
From this reading The porch floor is a white page on which they have left their signatures.
whitenessnounUS /ˈwaɪtnəs/
the quality or state of the achromatic color of greatest lightness (bearing the least resemblance to black)
From this reading WINTER has thrown a veil of lace over the islands, a wet, clinging snow that covers every tree-trunk, rock, and stump, and turns the cedars to mounds of fluffy whiteness.
marked by extreme lack of restraint or control
From this reading There have been snows since the first week in November, but this is the first that has remained, and how it shows the midnight activities of all the wild folk!
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading WINTER has thrown a veil of lace over the islands, a wet, clinging snow that covers every tree-trunk, rock, and stump, and turns the cedars to mounds of fluffy whiteness.
