Chapter XIX · Chapter 19

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading A DESPERATE CHANCE For fully a minute Grenville was motionless, there in the gap, surveying the treasure crypt.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The symbols and trinkets of solid metal and glistening stones were arranged not only on rudely-hewn shelves about the cavern's walls, but likewise in several stone receptacles, like sarcophagi in miniature, cut from the tufa of the island.

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading The more his eyes became accustomed to the yellowish light and inky shadows, the more extensive became his estimate of the wealth the cave contained.

of or relating to the nations of Africa or their peoples

From this reading It was partially because of this feature of the hidden niche that Grenville concluded the property here had once belonged to either Indian or African native chiefs and that this was a mortuary house of guarded treasure.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading The more his eyes became accustomed to the yellowish light and inky shadows, the more extensive became his estimate of the wealth the cave contained.

disposed or placed in a particular kind of order

From this reading The symbols and trinkets of solid metal and glistening stones were arranged not only on rudely-hewn shelves about the cavern's walls, but likewise in several stone receptacles, like sarcophagi in miniature, cut from the tufa of the island.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading The more his eyes became accustomed to the yellowish light and inky shadows, the more extensive became his estimate of the wealth the cave contained.

for the reason that

From this reading It was partially because of this feature of the hidden niche that Grenville concluded the property here had once belonged to either Indian or African native chiefs and that this was a mortuary house of guarded treasure.

past form of “belong” — be owned by; be in the possession of

From this reading It was partially because of this feature of the hidden niche that Grenville concluded the property here had once belonged to either Indian or African native chiefs and that this was a mortuary house of guarded treasure.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The symbols and trinkets of solid metal and glistening stones were arranged not only on rudely-hewn shelves about the cavern's walls, but likewise in several stone receptacles, like sarcophagi in miniature, cut from the tufa of the island.

a geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea

From this reading The more his eyes became accustomed to the yellowish light and inky shadows, the more extensive became his estimate of the wealth the cave contained.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The symbols and trinkets of solid metal and glistening stones were arranged not only on rudely-hewn shelves about the cavern's walls, but likewise in several stone receptacles, like sarcophagi in miniature, cut from the tufa of the island.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading A DESPERATE CHANCE For fully a minute Grenville was motionless, there in the gap, surveying the treasure crypt.

plural of “chief” — a person who is in charge

From this reading It was partially because of this feature of the hidden niche that Grenville concluded the property here had once belonged to either Indian or African native chiefs and that this was a mortuary house of guarded treasure.

having come or been brought to a conclusion

From this reading It was partially because of this feature of the hidden niche that Grenville concluded the property here had once belonged to either Indian or African native chiefs and that this was a mortuary house of guarded treasure.

additional proof that something that was believed (some fact or hypothesis or theory) is correct

From this reading There was, however, further confirmation of his theory.

gotten under control

From this reading The more his eyes became accustomed to the yellowish light and inky shadows, the more extensive became his estimate of the wealth the cave contained.

An underground room or vault beneath an ancient building, often used for storage or burials.

From this reading A DESPERATE CHANCE For fully a minute Grenville was motionless, there in the gap, surveying the treasure crypt.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading The symbols and trinkets of solid metal and glistening stones were arranged not only on rudely-hewn shelves about the cavern's walls, but likewise in several stone receptacles, like sarcophagi in miniature, cut from the tufa of the island.

arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope

From this reading A DESPERATE CHANCE For fully a minute Grenville was motionless, there in the gap, surveying the treasure crypt.

one or the other of two

From this reading It was partially because of this feature of the hidden niche that Grenville concluded the property here had once belonged to either Indian or African native chiefs and that this was a mortuary house of guarded treasure.

an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth

From this reading The more his eyes became accustomed to the yellowish light and inky shadows, the more extensive became his estimate of the wealth the cave contained.

large in spatial extent or range or scope or quantity

From this reading The more his eyes became accustomed to the yellowish light and inky shadows, the more extensive became his estimate of the wealth the cave contained.

opinion or judgment

From this reading The more his eyes became accustomed to the yellowish light and inky shadows, the more extensive became his estimate of the wealth the cave contained.

a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading It was partially because of this feature of the hidden niche that Grenville concluded the property here had once belonged to either Indian or African native chiefs and that this was a mortuary house of guarded treasure.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A DESPERATE CHANCE For fully a minute Grenville was motionless, there in the gap, surveying the treasure crypt.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The symbols and trinkets of solid metal and glistening stones were arranged not only on rudely-hewn shelves about the cavern's walls, but likewise in several stone receptacles, like sarcophagi in miniature, cut from the tufa of the island.

to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)

From this reading A DESPERATE CHANCE For fully a minute Grenville was motionless, there in the gap, surveying the treasure crypt.

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 There was, however, further confirmation of his theory.

a conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures

From this reading A DESPERATE CHANCE For fully a minute Grenville was motionless, there in the gap, surveying the treasure crypt.

reflecting light

From this reading The symbols and trinkets of solid metal and glistening stones were arranged not only on rudely-hewn shelves about the cavern's walls, but likewise in several stone receptacles, like sarcophagi in miniature, cut from the tufa of the island.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A DESPERATE CHANCE For fully a minute Grenville was motionless, there in the gap, surveying the treasure crypt.

prudent

From this reading It was partially because of this feature of the hidden niche that Grenville concluded the property here had once belonged to either Indian or African native chiefs and that this was a mortuary house of guarded treasure.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading It was partially because of this feature of the hidden niche that Grenville concluded the property here had once belonged to either Indian or African native chiefs and that this was a mortuary house of guarded treasure.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading It was partially because of this feature of the hidden niche that Grenville concluded the property here had once belonged to either Indian or African native chiefs and that this was a mortuary house of guarded treasure.

not accessible to view

From this reading It was partially because of this feature of the hidden niche that Grenville concluded the property here had once belonged to either Indian or African native chiefs and that this was a mortuary house of guarded treasure.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading The more his eyes became accustomed to the yellowish light and inky shadows, the more extensive became his estimate of the wealth the cave contained.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading It was partially because of this feature of the hidden niche that Grenville concluded the property here had once belonged to either Indian or African native chiefs and that this was a mortuary house of guarded treasure.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading There was, however, further confirmation of his theory.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading A DESPERATE CHANCE For fully a minute Grenville was motionless, there in the gap, surveying the treasure crypt.

of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures

From this reading It was partially because of this feature of the hidden niche that Grenville concluded the property here had once belonged to either Indian or African native chiefs and that this was a mortuary house of guarded treasure.

of the color of black ink

From this reading The more his eyes became accustomed to the yellowish light and inky shadows, the more extensive became his estimate of the wealth the cave contained.

a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading The symbols and trinkets of solid metal and glistening stones were arranged not only on rudely-hewn shelves about the cavern's walls, but likewise in several stone receptacles, like sarcophagi in miniature, cut from the tufa of the island.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was partially because of this feature of the hidden niche that Grenville concluded the property here had once belonged to either Indian or African native chiefs and that this was a mortuary house of guarded treasure.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The more his eyes became accustomed to the yellowish light and inky shadows, the more extensive became his estimate of the wealth the cave contained.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The symbols and trinkets of solid metal and glistening stones were arranged not only on rudely-hewn shelves about the cavern's walls, but likewise in several stone receptacles, like sarcophagi in miniature, cut from the tufa of the island.

in like or similar manner

From this reading The symbols and trinkets of solid metal and glistening stones were arranged not only on rudely-hewn shelves about the cavern's walls, but likewise in several stone receptacles, like sarcophagi in miniature, cut from the tufa of the island.

any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc.

From this reading The symbols and trinkets of solid metal and glistening stones were arranged not only on rudely-hewn shelves about the cavern's walls, but likewise in several stone receptacles, like sarcophagi in miniature, cut from the tufa of the island.

painting or drawing included in a book (especially in illuminated medieval manuscripts)

From this reading The symbols and trinkets of solid metal and glistening stones were arranged not only on rudely-hewn shelves about the cavern's walls, but likewise in several stone receptacles, like sarcophagi in miniature, cut from the tufa of the island.

a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour

From this reading A DESPERATE CHANCE For fully a minute Grenville was motionless, there in the gap, surveying the treasure crypt.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading The more his eyes became accustomed to the yellowish light and inky shadows, the more extensive became his estimate of the wealth the cave contained.

of or relating to or characteristic of death

From this reading It was partially because of this feature of the hidden niche that Grenville concluded the property here had once belonged to either Indian or African native chiefs and that this was a mortuary house of guarded treasure.

not in physical motion

From this reading A DESPERATE CHANCE For fully a minute Grenville was motionless, there in the gap, surveying the treasure crypt.

characteristic of or existing by virtue of geographic origin

From this reading It was partially because of this feature of the hidden niche that Grenville concluded the property here had once belonged to either Indian or African native chiefs and that this was a mortuary house of guarded treasure.

a position particularly well suited to the person who occupies it

From this reading It was partially because of this feature of the hidden niche that Grenville concluded the property here had once belonged to either Indian or African native chiefs and that this was a mortuary house of guarded treasure.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The symbols and trinkets of solid metal and glistening stones were arranged not only on rudely-hewn shelves about the cavern's walls, but likewise in several stone receptacles, like sarcophagi in miniature, cut from the tufa of the island.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The more his eyes became accustomed to the yellowish light and inky shadows, the more extensive became his estimate of the wealth the cave contained.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The symbols and trinkets of solid metal and glistening stones were arranged not only on rudely-hewn shelves about the cavern's walls, but likewise in several stone receptacles, like sarcophagi in miniature, cut from the tufa of the island.

on one occasion

From this reading It was partially because of this feature of the hidden niche that Grenville concluded the property here had once belonged to either Indian or African native chiefs and that this was a mortuary house of guarded treasure.

and nothing more

From this reading The symbols and trinkets of solid metal and glistening stones were arranged not only on rudely-hewn shelves about the cavern's walls, but likewise in several stone receptacles, like sarcophagi in miniature, cut from the tufa of the island.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It was partially because of this feature of the hidden niche that Grenville concluded the property here had once belonged to either Indian or African native chiefs and that this was a mortuary house of guarded treasure.

to some extent; in some degree; not wholly

From this reading It was partially because of this feature of the hidden niche that Grenville concluded the property here had once belonged to either Indian or African native chiefs and that this was a mortuary house of guarded treasure.

something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone

From this reading It was partially because of this feature of the hidden niche that Grenville concluded the property here had once belonged to either Indian or African native chiefs and that this was a mortuary house of guarded treasure.

plural of “receptacle” — a container that is used to put or keep things in

From this reading The symbols and trinkets of solid metal and glistening stones were arranged not only on rudely-hewn shelves about the cavern's walls, but likewise in several stone receptacles, like sarcophagi in miniature, cut from the tufa of the island.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The symbols and trinkets of solid metal and glistening stones were arranged not only on rudely-hewn shelves about the cavern's walls, but likewise in several stone receptacles, like sarcophagi in miniature, cut from the tufa of the island.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The symbols and trinkets of solid metal and glistening stones were arranged not only on rudely-hewn shelves about the cavern's walls, but likewise in several stone receptacles, like sarcophagi in miniature, cut from the tufa of the island.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading The symbols and trinkets of solid metal and glistening stones were arranged not only on rudely-hewn shelves about the cavern's walls, but likewise in several stone receptacles, like sarcophagi in miniature, cut from the tufa of the island.

plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries

From this reading The more his eyes became accustomed to the yellowish light and inky shadows, the more extensive became his estimate of the wealth the cave contained.

Plural of shelf; the vast wooden or stone structures holding archives.

From this reading The symbols and trinkets of solid metal and glistening stones were arranged not only on rudely-hewn shelves about the cavern's walls, but likewise in several stone receptacles, like sarcophagi in miniature, cut from the tufa of the island.

characterized by good substantial quality

From this reading The symbols and trinkets of solid metal and glistening stones were arranged not only on rudely-hewn shelves about the cavern's walls, but likewise in several stone receptacles, like sarcophagi in miniature, cut from the tufa of the island.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading The symbols and trinkets of solid metal and glistening stones were arranged not only on rudely-hewn shelves about the cavern's walls, but likewise in several stone receptacles, like sarcophagi in miniature, cut from the tufa of the island.

plural of “stone” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading The symbols and trinkets of solid metal and glistening stones were arranged not only on rudely-hewn shelves about the cavern's walls, but likewise in several stone receptacles, like sarcophagi in miniature, cut from the tufa of the island.

the practice of measuring angles and distances on the ground so that they can be accurately plotted on a map

From this reading A DESPERATE CHANCE For fully a minute Grenville was motionless, there in the gap, surveying the treasure crypt.

plural of “symbol” — an arbitrary sign (written or printed) that has acquired a conventional significance

From this reading The symbols and trinkets of solid metal and glistening stones were arranged not only on rudely-hewn shelves about the cavern's walls, but likewise in several stone receptacles, like sarcophagi in miniature, cut from the tufa of the island.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was partially because of this feature of the hidden niche that Grenville concluded the property here had once belonged to either Indian or African native chiefs and that this was a mortuary house of guarded treasure.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading A DESPERATE CHANCE For fully a minute Grenville was motionless, there in the gap, surveying the treasure crypt.

a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena

From this reading There was, however, further confirmation of his theory.

in or at that place or location

From this reading A DESPERATE CHANCE For fully a minute Grenville was motionless, there in the gap, surveying the treasure crypt.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading It was partially because of this feature of the hidden niche that Grenville concluded the property here had once belonged to either Indian or African native chiefs and that this was a mortuary house of guarded treasure.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading The more his eyes became accustomed to the yellowish light and inky shadows, the more extensive became his estimate of the wealth the cave contained.

accumulated wealth in the form of money or jewels etc.

From this reading A DESPERATE CHANCE For fully a minute Grenville was motionless, there in the gap, surveying the treasure crypt.

plural of “trinket” — cheap showy jewelry or ornament on clothing

From this reading The symbols and trinkets of solid metal and glistening stones were arranged not only on rudely-hewn shelves about the cavern's walls, but likewise in several stone receptacles, like sarcophagi in miniature, cut from the tufa of the island.

a soft porous rock consisting of calcium carbonate deposited from springs rich in lime

From this reading The symbols and trinkets of solid metal and glistening stones were arranged not only on rudely-hewn shelves about the cavern's walls, but likewise in several stone receptacles, like sarcophagi in miniature, cut from the tufa of the island.

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 The symbols and trinkets of solid metal and glistening stones were arranged not only on rudely-hewn shelves about the cavern's walls, but likewise in several stone receptacles, like sarcophagi in miniature, cut from the tufa of the island.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading A DESPERATE CHANCE For fully a minute Grenville was motionless, there in the gap, surveying the treasure crypt.

the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money

From this reading The more his eyes became accustomed to the yellowish light and inky shadows, the more extensive became his estimate of the wealth the cave contained.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The symbols and trinkets of solid metal and glistening stones were arranged not only on rudely-hewn shelves about the cavern's walls, but likewise in several stone receptacles, like sarcophagi in miniature, cut from the tufa of the island.

of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk

From this reading The more his eyes became accustomed to the yellowish light and inky shadows, the more extensive became his estimate of the wealth the cave contained.