Chapter XX · Chapter 20

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

From this reading WILD OATS The tenth annual carnival ball, under the auspices of a too-well-known political organization, was at its midnight worst.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Above the noisy laughter and popping of corks, rose the blaring strains of a brass band.

(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 It was all cheap and incredibly tawdry, from the festoons of paper roses on the walls to the flash of paste jewels in make-believe crowns.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

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

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

completing its life cycle within a year

From this reading WILD OATS The tenth annual carnival ball, under the auspices of a too-well-known political organization, was at its midnight worst.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading WILD OATS The tenth annual carnival ball, under the auspices of a too-well-known political organization, was at its midnight worst.

kindly endorsement and guidance

From this reading WILD OATS The tenth annual carnival ball, under the auspices of a too-well-known political organization, was at its midnight worst.

round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games

From this reading WILD OATS The tenth annual carnival ball, under the auspices of a too-well-known political organization, was at its midnight worst.

an unofficial association of people or groups

From this reading Above the noisy laughter and popping of corks, rose the blaring strains of a brass band.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The big hall, with its stage flanked by gilded boxes, was crowded with a shifting throng of maskers in costumes of flaunting discord.

a loud harsh or strident noise

From this reading Above the noisy laughter and popping of corks, rose the blaring strains of a brass band.

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

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

plural of “box” — a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid

From this reading The big hall, with its stage flanked by gilded boxes, was crowded with a shifting throng of maskers in costumes of flaunting discord.

an alloy of copper and zinc

From this reading Above the noisy laughter and popping of corks, rose the blaring strains of a brass band.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The big hall, with its stage flanked by gilded boxes, was crowded with a shifting throng of maskers in costumes of flaunting discord.

a festival marked by merrymaking and processions

From this reading WILD OATS The tenth annual carnival ball, under the auspices of a too-well-known political organization, was at its midnight worst.

relatively low in price or charging low prices

From this reading It was all cheap and incredibly tawdry, from the festoons of paper roses on the walls to the flash of paste jewels in make-believe crowns.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

a composite rock made up of particles of varying size

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

a reproduction of a written record (e.g. of a legal or school record)

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

plural of “cork” — outer bark of the cork oak; used for stoppers for bottles etc.

From this reading Above the noisy laughter and popping of corks, rose the blaring strains of a brass band.

plural of “costume” — the attire worn in a play or at a fancy dress ball

From this reading The big hall, with its stage flanked by gilded boxes, was crowded with a shifting throng of maskers in costumes of flaunting discord.

overfilled or compacted or concentrated

From this reading The big hall, with its stage flanked by gilded boxes, was crowded with a shifting throng of maskers in costumes of flaunting discord.

plural of “crown” — the Crown (or the reigning monarch) as the symbol of the power and authority of a monarchy

From this reading It was all cheap and incredibly tawdry, from the festoons of paper roses on the walls to the flash of paste jewels in make-believe crowns.

a specialized division of a large organization

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

lack of agreement or harmony

From this reading The big hall, with its stage flanked by gilded boxes, was crowded with a shifting throng of maskers in costumes of flaunting discord.

an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

plural of “end” — either extremity of something that has length

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

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

From this reading It was all cheap and incredibly tawdry, from the festoons of paper roses on the walls to the flash of paste jewels in make-believe crowns.

past form of “flank” — be located at the sides of something or somebody

From this reading The big hall, with its stage flanked by gilded boxes, was crowded with a shifting throng of maskers in costumes of flaunting discord.

gleam or glow intermittently

From this reading It was all cheap and incredibly tawdry, from the festoons of paper roses on the walls to the flash of paste jewels in make-believe crowns.

-ing form of “flaunt” — display proudly; act ostentatiously or pretentiously

From this reading The big hall, with its stage flanked by gilded boxes, was crowded with a shifting throng of maskers in costumes of flaunting discord.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

plural of “gathering” — a group of persons together in one place

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

having the deep slightly brownish color of gold

From this reading The big hall, with its stage flanked by gilded boxes, was crowded with a shifting throng of maskers in costumes of flaunting discord.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

having the deep slightly brownish color of gold

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading The big hall, with its stage flanked by gilded boxes, was crowded with a shifting throng of maskers in costumes of flaunting discord.

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

From this reading It was all cheap and incredibly tawdry, from the festoons of paper roses on the walls to the flash of paste jewels in make-believe crowns.

not easy to believe

From this reading It was all cheap and incredibly tawdry, from the festoons of paper roses on the walls to the flash of paste jewels in make-believe crowns.

incapable of being avoided or prevented

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading WILD OATS The tenth annual carnival ball, under the auspices of a too-well-known political organization, was at its midnight worst.

plural of “jewel” — a precious or semiprecious stone incorporated into a piece of jewelry

From this reading It was all cheap and incredibly tawdry, from the festoons of paper roses on the walls to the flash of paste jewels in make-believe crowns.

and nothing more

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

the sound of laughing

From this reading Above the noisy laughter and popping of corks, rose the blaring strains of a brass band.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

not compact or dense in structure or arrangement

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

imaginative intellectual play

From this reading It was all cheap and incredibly tawdry, from the festoons of paper roses on the walls to the flash of paste jewels in make-believe crowns.

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

From this reading The big hall, with its stage flanked by gilded boxes, was crowded with a shifting throng of maskers in costumes of flaunting discord.

12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night

From this reading WILD OATS The tenth annual carnival ball, under the auspices of a too-well-known political organization, was at its midnight worst.

of an obscure nature

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

full of or characterized by loud and nonmusical sounds

From this reading Above the noisy laughter and popping of corks, rose the blaring strains of a brass band.

plural of “oat” — annual grass of Europe and North Africa; grains used as food and fodder (referred to primarily in the plural: “oats”)

From this reading WILD OATS The tenth annual carnival ball, under the auspices of a too-well-known political organization, was at its midnight worst.

something you have to do

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading WILD OATS The tenth annual carnival ball, under the auspices of a too-well-known political organization, was at its midnight worst.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

plural of “opportunity” — a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

a group of people who work together

From this reading WILD OATS The tenth annual carnival ball, under the auspices of a too-well-known political organization, was at its midnight worst.

from appearances alone

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

above and across; more than

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading It was all cheap and incredibly tawdry, from the festoons of paper roses on the walls to the flash of paste jewels in make-believe crowns.

any mixture of a soft and malleable consistency

From this reading It was all cheap and incredibly tawdry, from the festoons of paper roses on the walls to the flash of paste jewels in make-believe crowns.

A ghost or apparition; a figment of the imagination or a hidden dweller.

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

involving or characteristic of politics or parties or politicians

From this reading WILD OATS The tenth annual carnival ball, under the auspices of a too-well-known political organization, was at its midnight worst.

plural of “politician” — a leader engaged in civil administration

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

a sharp explosive sound as from a gunshot or drawing a cork

From this reading Above the noisy laughter and popping of corks, rose the blaring strains of a brass band.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

plural of “reporter” — a person who investigates and reports or edits news stories

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

honorableness by virtue of being respectable and having a good reputation

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading Above the noisy laughter and popping of corks, rose the blaring strains of a brass band.

plural of “rose” — any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading It was all cheap and incredibly tawdry, from the festoons of paper roses on the walls to the flash of paste jewels in make-believe crowns.

perception by means of the eyes

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

continuously varying

From this reading The big hall, with its stage flanked by gilded boxes, was crowded with a shifting throng of maskers in costumes of flaunting discord.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

a small number (of something) dispersed haphazardly

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

any distinct time period in a sequence of events

From this reading The big hall, with its stage flanked by gilded boxes, was crowded with a shifting throng of maskers in costumes of flaunting discord.

plural of “store” — a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

plural of “strain” — (physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces

From this reading Above the noisy laughter and popping of corks, rose the blaring strains of a brass band.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

tastelessly showy

From this reading It was all cheap and incredibly tawdry, from the festoons of paper roses on the walls to the flash of paste jewels in make-believe crowns.

a tenth part; one part in ten equal parts

From this reading WILD OATS The tenth annual carnival ball, under the auspices of a too-well-known political organization, was at its midnight worst.

past form of “term” — name formally or designate with a term

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

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

From this reading WILD OATS The tenth annual carnival ball, under the auspices of a too-well-known political organization, was at its midnight worst.

a physiological need to drink

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

a large gathering of people

From this reading The big hall, with its stage flanked by gilded boxes, was crowded with a shifting throng of maskers in costumes of flaunting discord.

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

From this reading It was all cheap and incredibly tawdry, from the festoons of paper roses on the walls to the flash of paste jewels in make-believe crowns.

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

From this reading WILD OATS The tenth annual carnival ball, under the auspices of a too-well-known political organization, was at its midnight worst.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading WILD OATS The tenth annual carnival ball, under the auspices of a too-well-known political organization, was at its midnight worst.

not having been satisfied

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

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 It was all cheap and incredibly tawdry, from the festoons of paper roses on the walls to the flash of paste jewels in make-believe crowns.

a person who is under the protection or in the custody of another

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

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

From this reading WILD OATS The tenth annual carnival ball, under the auspices of a too-well-known political organization, was at its midnight worst.

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

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

which person or people

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading WILD OATS The tenth annual carnival ball, under the auspices of a too-well-known political organization, was at its midnight worst.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."

the least favorable outcome

From this reading WILD OATS The tenth annual carnival ball, under the auspices of a too-well-known political organization, was at its midnight worst.

plural of “youth” — a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading It was one of those conglomerate gatherings, made up of the loose ends of the city--ward politicians, girls from the department stores, Bohemians with an unsated thirst for diversion, reporters, ostensibly looking for copy, women just over the line of respectability, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and the inevitable sprinkling of well-born youths who regard such occasions as golden opportunities for seeing that mysterious phantom termed "life."