adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms of the throne down to its marble steps.
altarnounUS /ˈɔːltər/
the table in Christian churches where communion is given
From this reading Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms of the throne down to its marble steps.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms of the throne down to its marble steps.
appearedverbUS /əˈpɪrd/
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms of the throne down to its marble steps.
armnounUS /ɑːrm/
a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
From this reading At length we heard a tinkling as of little bells, and, looking up, saw that the sistrum-shaped sceptre was stretched towards us by the draped arm which held it.
armsnounUS /ɑːrmz/
weapons considered collectively
From this reading Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms of the throne down to its marble steps.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Moved by some impulse, we did as Oros had done, prostrating ourselves, and there remained upon our knees.
AtprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At length we heard a tinkling as of little bells, and, looking up, saw that the sistrum-shaped sceptre was stretched towards us by the draped arm which held it.
BeforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms of the throne down to its marble steps.
bellsnounUS /belz/
plural of “bell” — a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck
From this reading At length we heard a tinkling as of little bells, and, looking up, saw that the sistrum-shaped sceptre was stretched towards us by the draped arm which held it.
beneathprepositionUS /bɪˈniːθ/
Directly under; in or to a lower position than.
From this reading We could see no more in the comparative darkness of that place, save that beneath the folds of the drapery the Oracle held in its hand a loop-shaped, jewelled sceptre.
billowyadjective
characterized by great swelling waves or surges
From this reading Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms of the throne down to its marble steps.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Moved by some impulse, we did as Oros had done, prostrating ourselves, and there remained upon our knees.
centrenounUS /ˈsentər/
a low-lying region in central France
From this reading Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms of the throne down to its marble steps.
chambernounUS /ˈtʃeɪmbər/
a natural or artificial enclosed space
From this reading Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms of the throne down to its marble steps.
cladadjectiveUS /klæd/
wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination
From this reading Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms of the throne down to its marble steps.
comparativeadjectiveUS /kəmˈperətɪv/
relating to or based on or involving comparison
From this reading We could see no more in the comparative darkness of that place, save that beneath the folds of the drapery the Oracle held in its hand a loop-shaped, jewelled sceptre.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading We could see no more in the comparative darkness of that place, save that beneath the folds of the drapery the Oracle held in its hand a loop-shaped, jewelled sceptre.
COURTnounUS /kɔːrt/
an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
From this reading THE COURT OF DEATH Now the curtains were open.
curtainsnounUS /ˈkɜːrtənz/
plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
From this reading THE COURT OF DEATH Now the curtains were open.
darknessnounUS /ˈdɑːrknəs/
absence of light or illumination
From this reading We could see no more in the comparative darkness of that place, save that beneath the folds of the drapery the Oracle held in its hand a loop-shaped, jewelled sceptre.
DEATHnounUS /deθ/
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading THE COURT OF DEATH Now the curtains were open.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Moved by some impulse, we did as Oros had done, prostrating ourselves, and there remained upon our knees.
doneadjectiveUS /dʌn/
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading Moved by some impulse, we did as Oros had done, prostrating ourselves, and there remained upon our knees.
downadjectiveUS /daʊn/
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms of the throne down to its marble steps.
drapedadjectiveUS /dreɪpt/
covered with or as if with clothes or a wrap or cloak
From this reading At length we heard a tinkling as of little bells, and, looking up, saw that the sistrum-shaped sceptre was stretched towards us by the draped arm which held it.
draperynounUS /ˈdreɪpəri/
hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
From this reading We could see no more in the comparative darkness of that place, save that beneath the folds of the drapery the Oracle held in its hand a loop-shaped, jewelled sceptre.
figurenounUS /ˈfɪɡjər/
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms of the throne down to its marble steps.
flowingnounUS /ˈfloʊɪŋ/
the motion characteristic of fluids (liquids or gases)
From this reading Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms of the throne down to its marble steps.
foldsnounUS /foʊldz/
plural of “fold” — an angular or rounded shape made by folding
From this reading We could see no more in the comparative darkness of that place, save that beneath the folds of the drapery the Oracle held in its hand a loop-shaped, jewelled sceptre.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms of the throne down to its marble steps.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Moved by some impulse, we did as Oros had done, prostrating ourselves, and there remained upon our knees.
handnounUS /hænd/
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading We could see no more in the comparative darkness of that place, save that beneath the folds of the drapery the Oracle held in its hand a loop-shaped, jewelled sceptre.
headnounUS /hed/
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms of the throne down to its marble steps.
heardadjectiveUS /hɜːrd/
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading At length we heard a tinkling as of little bells, and, looking up, saw that the sistrum-shaped sceptre was stretched towards us by the draped arm which held it.
heldadjectiveUS /held/
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading We could see no more in the comparative darkness of that place, save that beneath the folds of the drapery the Oracle held in its hand a loop-shaped, jewelled sceptre.
hollowedverbUS /ˈhɑːloʊd/
past form of “hollow” — remove the inner part or the core of
From this reading Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms of the throne down to its marble steps.
impulsenounUS /ˈɪmpəls/
an instinctive motive
From this reading Moved by some impulse, we did as Oros had done, prostrating ourselves, and there remained upon our knees.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms of the throne down to its marble steps.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading At length we heard a tinkling as of little bells, and, looking up, saw that the sistrum-shaped sceptre was stretched towards us by the draped arm which held it.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms of the throne down to its marble steps.
jewelledadjective
covered with beads or jewels or sequins
From this reading We could see no more in the comparative darkness of that place, save that beneath the folds of the drapery the Oracle held in its hand a loop-shaped, jewelled sceptre.
kneesnounUS /niːz/
plural of “knee” — hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella
From this reading Moved by some impulse, we did as Oros had done, prostrating ourselves, and there remained upon our knees.
lengthnounUS /leŋkθ/
the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading At length we heard a tinkling as of little bells, and, looking up, saw that the sistrum-shaped sceptre was stretched towards us by the draped arm which held it.
littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading At length we heard a tinkling as of little bells, and, looking up, saw that the sistrum-shaped sceptre was stretched towards us by the draped arm which held it.
lookingnounUS /ˈlʊkɪŋ/
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading At length we heard a tinkling as of little bells, and, looking up, saw that the sistrum-shaped sceptre was stretched towards us by the draped arm which held it.
loop-shaped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We could see no more in the comparative darkness of that place, save that beneath the folds of the drapery the Oracle held in its hand a loop-shaped, jewelled sceptre.
marblenounUS /ˈmɑːrbəl/
a hard crystalline metamorphic rock that takes a high polish; used for sculpture and as building material
From this reading Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms of the throne down to its marble steps.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading We could see no more in the comparative darkness of that place, save that beneath the folds of the drapery the Oracle held in its hand a loop-shaped, jewelled sceptre.
MovedadjectiveUS /muːvd/
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading Moved by some impulse, we did as Oros had done, prostrating ourselves, and there remained upon our knees.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading We could see no more in the comparative darkness of that place, save that beneath the folds of the drapery the Oracle held in its hand a loop-shaped, jewelled sceptre.
NowadverbUS /naʊ/
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading THE COURT OF DEATH Now the curtains were open.
OFprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE COURT OF DEATH Now the curtains were open.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms of the throne down to its marble steps.
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
To move from a closed position.
From this reading THE COURT OF DEATH Now the curtains were open.
OraclenounUS /ˈɔːrəkəl/
an authoritative person who divines the future
From this reading We could see no more in the comparative darkness of that place, save that beneath the folds of the drapery the Oracle held in its hand a loop-shaped, jewelled sceptre.
Oros
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Moved by some impulse, we did as Oros had done, prostrating ourselves, and there remained upon our knees.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Moved by some impulse, we did as Oros had done, prostrating ourselves, and there remained upon our knees.
ourselvespronounUS /aʊərˈselvz/
used when we are both doing the action and receiving it
From this reading Moved by some impulse, we did as Oros had done, prostrating ourselves, and there remained upon our knees.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms of the throne down to its marble steps.
placenounUS /pleɪs/
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading We could see no more in the comparative darkness of that place, save that beneath the folds of the drapery the Oracle held in its hand a loop-shaped, jewelled sceptre.
prostrating
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Moved by some impulse, we did as Oros had done, prostrating ourselves, and there remained upon our knees.
remainedverbUS /rɪˈmeɪnd/
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading Moved by some impulse, we did as Oros had done, prostrating ourselves, and there remained upon our knees.
saveprepositionUS /seɪv/
except for; apart from
From this reading We could see no more in the comparative darkness of that place, save that beneath the folds of the drapery the Oracle held in its hand a loop-shaped, jewelled sceptre.
sawverbUS /sɔː/
cut with a saw
From this reading At length we heard a tinkling as of little bells, and, looking up, saw that the sistrum-shaped sceptre was stretched towards us by the draped arm which held it.
sceptrenounUS /ˈseptər/
the imperial authority symbolized by a scepter
From this reading We could see no more in the comparative darkness of that place, save that beneath the folds of the drapery the Oracle held in its hand a loop-shaped, jewelled sceptre.
seeverbUS /siː/
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading We could see no more in the comparative darkness of that place, save that beneath the folds of the drapery the Oracle held in its hand a loop-shaped, jewelled sceptre.
sistrum-shaped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At length we heard a tinkling as of little bells, and, looking up, saw that the sistrum-shaped sceptre was stretched towards us by the draped arm which held it.
someadjectiveUS /sʌm/
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Moved by some impulse, we did as Oros had done, prostrating ourselves, and there remained upon our knees.
stepsnounUS /steps/
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms of the throne down to its marble steps.
stretchedadjectiveUS /stretʃt/
(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching
From this reading At length we heard a tinkling as of little bells, and, looking up, saw that the sistrum-shaped sceptre was stretched towards us by the draped arm which held it.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading We could see no more in the comparative darkness of that place, save that beneath the folds of the drapery the Oracle held in its hand a loop-shaped, jewelled sceptre.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE COURT OF DEATH Now the curtains were open.
thereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading Moved by some impulse, we did as Oros had done, prostrating ourselves, and there remained upon our knees.
thicknessnounUS /ˈθɪknəs/
the dimension through an object as opposed to its length or width
From this reading Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms of the throne down to its marble steps.
thronenounUS /θroʊn/
the chair of state for a monarch, bishop, etc.
From this reading Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms of the throne down to its marble steps.
tinklingadjectiveUS /ˈtɪŋkəlɪŋ/
like the short high ringing sound of a small bell
From this reading At length we heard a tinkling as of little bells, and, looking up, saw that the sistrum-shaped sceptre was stretched towards us by the draped arm which held it.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms of the throne down to its marble steps.
towardsprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrdz/
in the direction of
From this reading At length we heard a tinkling as of little bells, and, looking up, saw that the sistrum-shaped sceptre was stretched towards us by the draped arm which held it.
upadjectiveUS /ʌp/
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading At length we heard a tinkling as of little bells, and, looking up, saw that the sistrum-shaped sceptre was stretched towards us by the draped arm which held it.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Moved by some impulse, we did as Oros had done, prostrating ourselves, and there remained upon our knees.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms of the throne down to its marble steps.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading At length we heard a tinkling as of little bells, and, looking up, saw that the sistrum-shaped sceptre was stretched towards us by the draped arm which held it.
wavesnounUS /weɪvz/
plural of “wave” — one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
From this reading Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms of the throne down to its marble steps.
WepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We could see no more in the comparative darkness of that place, save that beneath the folds of the drapery the Oracle held in its hand a loop-shaped, jewelled sceptre.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE COURT OF DEATH Now the curtains were open.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading At length we heard a tinkling as of little bells, and, looking up, saw that the sistrum-shaped sceptre was stretched towards us by the draped arm which held it.
whitenounUS /waɪt/
a Caucasian
From this reading Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms of the throne down to its marble steps.
