adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading WHEN the blind are operated on for the restoration of sight, the same succouring hand which has opened to them the visible world, immediately shuts out the bright prospect again, for a time.
affectedadjectiveUS /əˈfektɪd/
acted upon; influenced
From this reading A bandage is passed over the eyes, lest in the first tenderness of the recovered sense, it should be fatally affected by the sudden transition from darkness to light.
againadverbUS /əˈɡen/
anew
From this reading WHEN the blind are operated on for the restoration of sight, the same succouring hand which has opened to them the visible world, immediately shuts out the bright prospect again, for a time.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading In the moment of their restoration, the blind have had one glimpse of light, flashing on them in an overpowering gleam of brightness, which the thickest, closest veiling cannot extinguish.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading But between the awful blank of total privation of vision, and the temporary blank of vision merely veiled, there lies the widest difference.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading WHEN the blind are operated on for the restoration of sight, the same succouring hand which has opened to them the visible world, immediately shuts out the bright prospect again, for a time.
awfuladjectiveUS /ˈɑːfəl/
exceptionally bad or displeasing
From this reading But between the awful blank of total privation of vision, and the temporary blank of vision merely veiled, there lies the widest difference.
bandagenounUS /ˈbændɪdʒ/
a piece of soft material that covers and protects an injured part of the body
From this reading A bandage is passed over the eyes, lest in the first tenderness of the recovered sense, it should be fatally affected by the sudden transition from darkness to light.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A bandage is passed over the eyes, lest in the first tenderness of the recovered sense, it should be fatally affected by the sudden transition from darkness to light.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading But between the awful blank of total privation of vision, and the temporary blank of vision merely veiled, there lies the widest difference.
blankadjectiveUS /blæŋk/
(of a surface) not written or printed on
From this reading But between the awful blank of total privation of vision, and the temporary blank of vision merely veiled, there lies the widest difference.
blindnounUS /blaɪnd/
people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group
From this reading WHEN the blind are operated on for the restoration of sight, the same succouring hand which has opened to them the visible world, immediately shuts out the bright prospect again, for a time.
brightadjectiveUS /braɪt/
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading WHEN the blind are operated on for the restoration of sight, the same succouring hand which has opened to them the visible world, immediately shuts out the bright prospect again, for a time.
brightnessnounUS /ˈbraɪtnəs/
the location of a visual perception along a continuum from black to white
From this reading In the moment of their restoration, the blind have had one glimpse of light, flashing on them in an overpowering gleam of brightness, which the thickest, closest veiling cannot extinguish.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But between the awful blank of total privation of vision, and the temporary blank of vision merely veiled, there lies the widest difference.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A bandage is passed over the eyes, lest in the first tenderness of the recovered sense, it should be fatally affected by the sudden transition from darkness to light.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the moment of their restoration, the blind have had one glimpse of light, flashing on them in an overpowering gleam of brightness, which the thickest, closest veiling cannot extinguish.
closestadverbUS /ˈkloʊsəst/
(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance
From this reading In the moment of their restoration, the blind have had one glimpse of light, flashing on them in an overpowering gleam of brightness, which the thickest, closest veiling cannot extinguish.
darknessnounUS /ˈdɑːrknəs/
absence of light or illumination
From this reading A bandage is passed over the eyes, lest in the first tenderness of the recovered sense, it should be fatally affected by the sudden transition from darkness to light.
differencenounUS /ˈdɪfərəns/
the quality of being unlike or dissimilar
From this reading But between the awful blank of total privation of vision, and the temporary blank of vision merely veiled, there lies the widest difference.
extinguishverbUS /ɪkˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/
put an end to; kill
From this reading In the moment of their restoration, the blind have had one glimpse of light, flashing on them in an overpowering gleam of brightness, which the thickest, closest veiling cannot extinguish.
eyesnounUS /aɪz/
opinion or judgment
From this reading A bandage is passed over the eyes, lest in the first tenderness of the recovered sense, it should be fatally affected by the sudden transition from darkness to light.
fatallyadverbUS /ˈfeɪtəli/
with fatal consequences or implications
From this reading A bandage is passed over the eyes, lest in the first tenderness of the recovered sense, it should be fatally affected by the sudden transition from darkness to light.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading A bandage is passed over the eyes, lest in the first tenderness of the recovered sense, it should be fatally affected by the sudden transition from darkness to light.
flashingnounUS /ˈflæʃɪŋ/
a short vivid experience
From this reading In the moment of their restoration, the blind have had one glimpse of light, flashing on them in an overpowering gleam of brightness, which the thickest, closest veiling cannot extinguish.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading WHEN the blind are operated on for the restoration of sight, the same succouring hand which has opened to them the visible world, immediately shuts out the bright prospect again, for a time.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A bandage is passed over the eyes, lest in the first tenderness of the recovered sense, it should be fatally affected by the sudden transition from darkness to light.
gleamverbUS /ɡliːm/
be shiny, as if wet
From this reading In the moment of their restoration, the blind have had one glimpse of light, flashing on them in an overpowering gleam of brightness, which the thickest, closest veiling cannot extinguish.
glimpsenounUS /ɡlɪmps/
a quick look
From this reading In the moment of their restoration, the blind have had one glimpse of light, flashing on them in an overpowering gleam of brightness, which the thickest, closest veiling cannot extinguish.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In the moment of their restoration, the blind have had one glimpse of light, flashing on them in an overpowering gleam of brightness, which the thickest, closest veiling cannot extinguish.
handnounUS /hænd/
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading WHEN the blind are operated on for the restoration of sight, the same succouring hand which has opened to them the visible world, immediately shuts out the bright prospect again, for a time.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading WHEN the blind are operated on for the restoration of sight, the same succouring hand which has opened to them the visible world, immediately shuts out the bright prospect again, for a time.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading In the moment of their restoration, the blind have had one glimpse of light, flashing on them in an overpowering gleam of brightness, which the thickest, closest veiling cannot extinguish.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I.
immediatelyadverbUS /ˌɪˈmiːdiːətli/
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading WHEN the blind are operated on for the restoration of sight, the same succouring hand which has opened to them the visible world, immediately shuts out the bright prospect again, for a time.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A bandage is passed over the eyes, lest in the first tenderness of the recovered sense, it should be fatally affected by the sudden transition from darkness to light.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A bandage is passed over the eyes, lest in the first tenderness of the recovered sense, it should be fatally affected by the sudden transition from darkness to light.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A bandage is passed over the eyes, lest in the first tenderness of the recovered sense, it should be fatally affected by the sudden transition from darkness to light.
lestconjunctionUS /lest/
in order that something should not happen
From this reading A bandage is passed over the eyes, lest in the first tenderness of the recovered sense, it should be fatally affected by the sudden transition from darkness to light.
liesnounUS /laɪz/
plural of “lie” — a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth
From this reading But between the awful blank of total privation of vision, and the temporary blank of vision merely veiled, there lies the widest difference.
lightadjectiveUS /laɪt/
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading A bandage is passed over the eyes, lest in the first tenderness of the recovered sense, it should be fatally affected by the sudden transition from darkness to light.
merelyadverbUS /ˈmɪrli/
and nothing more
From this reading But between the awful blank of total privation of vision, and the temporary blank of vision merely veiled, there lies the widest difference.
momentnounUS /ˈmoʊmənt/
a particular point in time
From this reading In the moment of their restoration, the blind have had one glimpse of light, flashing on them in an overpowering gleam of brightness, which the thickest, closest veiling cannot extinguish.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading WHEN the blind are operated on for the restoration of sight, the same succouring hand which has opened to them the visible world, immediately shuts out the bright prospect again, for a time.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading WHEN the blind are operated on for the restoration of sight, the same succouring hand which has opened to them the visible world, immediately shuts out the bright prospect again, for a time.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading In the moment of their restoration, the blind have had one glimpse of light, flashing on them in an overpowering gleam of brightness, which the thickest, closest veiling cannot extinguish.
openedadjectiveUS /ˈoʊpənd/
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading WHEN the blind are operated on for the restoration of sight, the same succouring hand which has opened to them the visible world, immediately shuts out the bright prospect again, for a time.
operatedverbUS /ˈɑːpəreɪtəd/
past form of “operate” — direct or control; projects, businesses, etc.
From this reading WHEN the blind are operated on for the restoration of sight, the same succouring hand which has opened to them the visible world, immediately shuts out the bright prospect again, for a time.
outadjectiveUS /aʊt/
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading WHEN the blind are operated on for the restoration of sight, the same succouring hand which has opened to them the visible world, immediately shuts out the bright prospect again, for a time.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading A bandage is passed over the eyes, lest in the first tenderness of the recovered sense, it should be fatally affected by the sudden transition from darkness to light.
overpoweringadjectiveUS /ˈoʊvərˈpaʊrɪŋ/
so strong as to be irresistible
From this reading In the moment of their restoration, the blind have had one glimpse of light, flashing on them in an overpowering gleam of brightness, which the thickest, closest veiling cannot extinguish.
passedverbUS /pæst/
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading A bandage is passed over the eyes, lest in the first tenderness of the recovered sense, it should be fatally affected by the sudden transition from darkness to light.
privationnounUS /praɪˈveɪʃən/
a state of extreme poverty
From this reading But between the awful blank of total privation of vision, and the temporary blank of vision merely veiled, there lies the widest difference.
prospectnounUS /ˈprɑːspekt/
the possibility of future success
From this reading WHEN the blind are operated on for the restoration of sight, the same succouring hand which has opened to them the visible world, immediately shuts out the bright prospect again, for a time.
recoveredadjectiveUS /rəˈkʌvərd/
freed from illness or injury
From this reading A bandage is passed over the eyes, lest in the first tenderness of the recovered sense, it should be fatally affected by the sudden transition from darkness to light.
restorationnounUS /ˌrestərˈeɪʃən/
the reign of Charles II in England; 1660-1685
From this reading WHEN the blind are operated on for the restoration of sight, the same succouring hand which has opened to them the visible world, immediately shuts out the bright prospect again, for a time.
sameadjectiveUS /seɪm/
Identical; not different.
From this reading WHEN the blind are operated on for the restoration of sight, the same succouring hand which has opened to them the visible world, immediately shuts out the bright prospect again, for a time.
sensenounUS /sens/
a general conscious awareness
From this reading A bandage is passed over the eyes, lest in the first tenderness of the recovered sense, it should be fatally affected by the sudden transition from darkness to light.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading A bandage is passed over the eyes, lest in the first tenderness of the recovered sense, it should be fatally affected by the sudden transition from darkness to light.
shutsverbUS /ʃʌts/
third-person singular of “shut” — move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut
From this reading WHEN the blind are operated on for the restoration of sight, the same succouring hand which has opened to them the visible world, immediately shuts out the bright prospect again, for a time.
sightnounUS /saɪt/
an instance of visual perception
From this reading WHEN the blind are operated on for the restoration of sight, the same succouring hand which has opened to them the visible world, immediately shuts out the bright prospect again, for a time.
succouring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading WHEN the blind are operated on for the restoration of sight, the same succouring hand which has opened to them the visible world, immediately shuts out the bright prospect again, for a time.
suddenadjectiveUS /ˈsʌdən/
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading A bandage is passed over the eyes, lest in the first tenderness of the recovered sense, it should be fatally affected by the sudden transition from darkness to light.
temporaryadjectiveUS /ˈtempəreri/
not permanent; not lasting
From this reading But between the awful blank of total privation of vision, and the temporary blank of vision merely veiled, there lies the widest difference.
tendernessnounUS /ˈtendərnəs/
a tendency to express warm and affectionate feeling
From this reading A bandage is passed over the eyes, lest in the first tenderness of the recovered sense, it should be fatally affected by the sudden transition from darkness to light.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading WHEN the blind are operated on for the restoration of sight, the same succouring hand which has opened to them the visible world, immediately shuts out the bright prospect again, for a time.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading In the moment of their restoration, the blind have had one glimpse of light, flashing on them in an overpowering gleam of brightness, which the thickest, closest veiling cannot extinguish.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading WHEN the blind are operated on for the restoration of sight, the same succouring hand which has opened to them the visible world, immediately shuts out the bright prospect again, for a time.
thereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading But between the awful blank of total privation of vision, and the temporary blank of vision merely veiled, there lies the widest difference.
thickestadjectiveUS /ˈθɪkɪst/
superlative of “thick” — not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions
From this reading In the moment of their restoration, the blind have had one glimpse of light, flashing on them in an overpowering gleam of brightness, which the thickest, closest veiling cannot extinguish.
timenounUS /taɪm/
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading WHEN the blind are operated on for the restoration of sight, the same succouring hand which has opened to them the visible world, immediately shuts out the bright prospect again, for a time.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading WHEN the blind are operated on for the restoration of sight, the same succouring hand which has opened to them the visible world, immediately shuts out the bright prospect again, for a time.
totalverbUS /ˈtoʊtəl/
add up in number or quantity
From this reading But between the awful blank of total privation of vision, and the temporary blank of vision merely veiled, there lies the widest difference.
transitionnounUS /trænˈzɪʃən/
the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading A bandage is passed over the eyes, lest in the first tenderness of the recovered sense, it should be fatally affected by the sudden transition from darkness to light.
veiledadjectiveUS /veɪld/
having or as if having a veil or concealing cover
From this reading But between the awful blank of total privation of vision, and the temporary blank of vision merely veiled, there lies the widest difference.
veilingnounUS /ˈveɪlɪŋ/
a net of transparent fabric with a loose open weave
From this reading In the moment of their restoration, the blind have had one glimpse of light, flashing on them in an overpowering gleam of brightness, which the thickest, closest veiling cannot extinguish.
visibleadjectiveUS /ˈvɪzəbəl/
capable of being seen; or open to easy view
From this reading WHEN the blind are operated on for the restoration of sight, the same succouring hand which has opened to them the visible world, immediately shuts out the bright prospect again, for a time.
visionnounUS /ˈvɪʒən/
a vivid mental image
From this reading But between the awful blank of total privation of vision, and the temporary blank of vision merely veiled, there lies the widest difference.
WHENconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading WHEN the blind are operated on for the restoration of sight, the same succouring hand which has opened to them the visible world, immediately shuts out the bright prospect again, for a time.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading WHEN the blind are operated on for the restoration of sight, the same succouring hand which has opened to them the visible world, immediately shuts out the bright prospect again, for a time.
widestadjectiveUS /ˈwaɪdəst/
superlative of “wide” — having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading But between the awful blank of total privation of vision, and the temporary blank of vision merely veiled, there lies the widest difference.
worldnounUS /wɜːrld/
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading WHEN the blind are operated on for the restoration of sight, the same succouring hand which has opened to them the visible world, immediately shuts out the bright prospect again, for a time.
