used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Complacent Babylonian envoys might sneer under breath at the barbarism of the decorations, but under the failing light the palace wore a glory all its own, the like of which was nowhere else save at its prototype in Ecbatana, city of the Medes.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading High above dwelling and street loomed the ramparts of the palace fortress of the king.
(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 Complacent Babylonian envoys might sneer under breath at the barbarism of the decorations, but under the failing light the palace wore a glory all its own, the like of which was nowhere else save at its prototype in Ecbatana, city of the Medes.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading Another king, another council, another palace.
artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/
an old form of “are”, used with “thou”
From this reading The citadel was natural, but strengthened by human art.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Complacent Babylonian envoys might sneer under breath at the barbarism of the decorations, but under the failing light the palace wore a glory all its own, the like of which was nowhere else save at its prototype in Ecbatana, city of the Medes.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
BabyloniannounUS /ˌbæbəˈloʊniən/
an inhabitant of ancient Babylon
From this reading Complacent Babylonian envoys might sneer under breath at the barbarism of the decorations, but under the failing light the palace wore a glory all its own, the like of which was nowhere else save at its prototype in Ecbatana, city of the Medes.
barbarismnounUS /ˈbɑːrbərɪzəm/
a brutal barbarous savage act
From this reading Complacent Babylonian envoys might sneer under breath at the barbarism of the decorations, but under the failing light the palace wore a glory all its own, the like of which was nowhere else save at its prototype in Ecbatana, city of the Medes.
bazaarsnounUS /bəˈzɑːrz/
plural of “bazaar” — a shop where a variety of goods are sold
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
betwixtprepositionUS /biˈtwɪkst/
an old word for “between”
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading Complacent Babylonian envoys might sneer under breath at the barbarism of the decorations, but under the failing light the palace wore a glory all its own, the like of which was nowhere else save at its prototype in Ecbatana, city of the Medes.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Complacent Babylonian envoys might sneer under breath at the barbarism of the decorations, but under the failing light the palace wore a glory all its own, the like of which was nowhere else save at its prototype in Ecbatana, city of the Medes.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The citadel was natural, but strengthened by human art.
Choaspes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
citadelnounUS /ˈsɪt.ə.del/
A fortress protecting a city, metaphorically representing the invincible inner sanctuary of the rational mind.
From this reading The citadel was natural, but strengthened by human art.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
ComplacentadjectiveUS /kəmˈpleɪsənt/
contented to a fault with oneself or one's actions
From this reading Complacent Babylonian envoys might sneer under breath at the barbarism of the decorations, but under the failing light the palace wore a glory all its own, the like of which was nowhere else save at its prototype in Ecbatana, city of the Medes.
a body serving in an administrative capacity
From this reading Another king, another council, another palace.
creepingnounUS /ˈkriːpɪŋ/
a slow mode of locomotion on hands and knees or dragging the body
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
CyrusnounUS /ˈsaɪrəs/
Persian prince who was defeated in battle by his brother Artaxerxes II (424-401 BC)
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
decorationsnounUS /ˌdekərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “decoration” — something used to beautify
From this reading Complacent Babylonian envoys might sneer under breath at the barbarism of the decorations, but under the failing light the palace wore a glory all its own, the like of which was nowhere else save at its prototype in Ecbatana, city of the Medes.
dwellingnounUS /ˈdwelɪŋ/
housing that someone is living in
From this reading High above dwelling and street loomed the ramparts of the palace fortress of the king.
eastwardadjectiveUS /ˈiːstwərd/
moving toward the east
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
Ecbatana
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Complacent Babylonian envoys might sneer under breath at the barbarism of the decorations, but under the failing light the palace wore a glory all its own, the like of which was nowhere else save at its prototype in Ecbatana, city of the Medes.
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Complacent Babylonian envoys might sneer under breath at the barbarism of the decorations, but under the failing light the palace wore a glory all its own, the like of which was nowhere else save at its prototype in Ecbatana, city of the Medes.
envoysnounUS /ˈenvɔɪz/
plural of “envoy” — a diplomat having less authority than an ambassador
From this reading Complacent Babylonian envoys might sneer under breath at the barbarism of the decorations, but under the failing light the palace wore a glory all its own, the like of which was nowhere else save at its prototype in Ecbatana, city of the Medes.
failingnounUS /ˈfeɪlɪŋ/
a flaw or weak point
From this reading Complacent Babylonian envoys might sneer under breath at the barbarism of the decorations, but under the failing light the palace wore a glory all its own, the like of which was nowhere else save at its prototype in Ecbatana, city of the Medes.
fortressnounUS /ˈfɔːrtrəs/
a fortified defensive structure
From this reading High above dwelling and street loomed the ramparts of the palace fortress of the king.
a state of high honor
From this reading Complacent Babylonian envoys might sneer under breath at the barbarism of the decorations, but under the failing light the palace wore a glory all its own, the like of which was nowhere else save at its prototype in Ecbatana, city of the Medes.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading High above dwelling and street loomed the ramparts of the palace fortress of the king.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading The citadel was natural, but strengthened by human art.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Complacent Babylonian envoys might sneer under breath at the barbarism of the decorations, but under the failing light the palace wore a glory all its own, the like of which was nowhere else save at its prototype in Ecbatana, city of the Medes.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom
From this reading Another king, another council, another palace.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading Complacent Babylonian envoys might sneer under breath at the barbarism of the decorations, but under the failing light the palace wore a glory all its own, the like of which was nowhere else save at its prototype in Ecbatana, city of the Medes.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Complacent Babylonian envoys might sneer under breath at the barbarism of the decorations, but under the failing light the palace wore a glory all its own, the like of which was nowhere else save at its prototype in Ecbatana, city of the Medes.
loomedverbUS /luːmd/
past form of “loom” — come into view indistinctly, often threateningly
From this reading High above dwelling and street loomed the ramparts of the palace fortress of the king.
Medes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Complacent Babylonian envoys might sneer under breath at the barbarism of the decorations, but under the failing light the palace wore a glory all its own, the like of which was nowhere else save at its prototype in Ecbatana, city of the Medes.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Complacent Babylonian envoys might sneer under breath at the barbarism of the decorations, but under the failing light the palace wore a glory all its own, the like of which was nowhere else save at its prototype in Ecbatana, city of the Medes.
moundnounUS /maʊnd/
(baseball) the slight elevation on which the pitcher stands
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading The citadel was natural, but strengthened by human art.
nowherenounUS /ˈnoʊwer/
an insignificant place
From this reading Complacent Babylonian envoys might sneer under breath at the barbarism of the decorations, but under the failing light the palace wore a glory all its own, the like of which was nowhere else save at its prototype in Ecbatana, city of the Medes.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Complacent Babylonian envoys might sneer under breath at the barbarism of the decorations, but under the failing light the palace wore a glory all its own, the like of which was nowhere else save at its prototype in Ecbatana, city of the Medes.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading Another king, another council, another palace.
prototypenounUS /ˈproʊtətaɪp/
a standard or typical example
From this reading Complacent Babylonian envoys might sneer under breath at the barbarism of the decorations, but under the failing light the palace wore a glory all its own, the like of which was nowhere else save at its prototype in Ecbatana, city of the Medes.
ramblingadjectiveUS /ˈræmblɪŋ/
spreading out in different directions or distributed irregularly
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
rampartsnounUS /ˈræmpɑːrts/
plural of “rampart” — an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes
From this reading High above dwelling and street loomed the ramparts of the palace fortress of the king.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
except for; apart from
From this reading Complacent Babylonian envoys might sneer under breath at the barbarism of the decorations, but under the failing light the palace wore a glory all its own, the like of which was nowhere else save at its prototype in Ecbatana, city of the Medes.
shopsnounUS /ʃɑːps/
plural of “shop” — a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
sneerverbUS /snɪr/
express through a scornful smile
From this reading Complacent Babylonian envoys might sneer under breath at the barbarism of the decorations, but under the failing light the palace wore a glory all its own, the like of which was nowhere else save at its prototype in Ecbatana, city of the Medes.
southwardadverbUS /ˈsaʊθwərd/
toward the south
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading High above dwelling and street loomed the ramparts of the palace fortress of the king.
strengthenedadjectiveUS /ˈstreŋθənd/
given added strength or support
From this reading The citadel was natural, but strengthened by human art.
(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
SusanounUS /ˈsuːsə/
a port city in eastern Tunisia on the Mediterranean
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
twilightnounUS /ˈtwaɪlaɪt/
the time of day immediately following sunset
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Complacent Babylonian envoys might sneer under breath at the barbarism of the decorations, but under the failing light the palace wore a glory all its own, the like of which was nowhere else save at its prototype in Ecbatana, city of the Medes.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
windingadjectiveUS /ˈwaɪndɪŋ/
marked by repeated turns and bends
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The twilight was creeping over Susa, the city of Cyrus, over the blue Choaspes winding southward, over the rambling town, with its shops and bazaars, which stretched away to eastward, and over the great mound betwixt river and city.
inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in
From this reading Complacent Babylonian envoys might sneer under breath at the barbarism of the decorations, but under the failing light the palace wore a glory all its own, the like of which was nowhere else save at its prototype in Ecbatana, city of the Medes.
