Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

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

From this reading Uncle Andy sat smoking, his eyes withdrawn in a dream.

filled with fear or apprehension

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

later than; following

From this reading From the other side of the point, quite out of sight, where Bill was washing the dishes after the early camp supper, came a soft clatter of tins.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

wood of any of various alder trees; resistant to underwater rot; used for bridges etc

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

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

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

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

From this reading Uncle Andy sat smoking, his eyes withdrawn in a dream.

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

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

a statute in draft before it becomes law

From this reading From the other side of the point, quite out of sight, where Bill was washing the dishes after the early camp supper, came a soft clatter of tins.

terminate

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

superlative of “brief” — of short duration or distance

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

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

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

plural of “bush” — a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But the homely sound had no power to jar the quiet.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading From the other side of the point, quite out of sight, where Bill was washing the dishes after the early camp supper, came a soft clatter of tins.

temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers

From this reading From the other side of the point, quite out of sight, where Bill was washing the dishes after the early camp supper, came a soft clatter of tins.

a young person of either sex

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

a rattling noise (often produced by rapid movement)

From this reading From the other side of the point, quite out of sight, where Bill was washing the dishes after the early camp supper, came a soft clatter of tins.

the quality of being beautiful and delicate in appearance

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

plural of “dish” — a piece of dishware normally used as a container for holding or serving food

From this reading From the other side of the point, quite out of sight, where Bill was washing the dishes after the early camp supper, came a soft clatter of tins.

A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.

From this reading Uncle Andy sat smoking, his eyes withdrawn in a dream.

the time of day immediately following sunset

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading From the other side of the point, quite out of sight, where Bill was washing the dishes after the early camp supper, came a soft clatter of tins.

a feeling of great liking for something wonderful and unusual

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

characterized by lightness and insubstantiality; as impalpable or intangible as air

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

divisible by two

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Uncle Andy sat smoking, his eyes withdrawn in a dream.

weakening in force or intensity

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading LITTLE SILK WING The first of the twilight over Silverwater.

the outside boundary or surface of something

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading From the other side of the point, quite out of sight, where Bill was washing the dishes after the early camp supper, came a soft clatter of tins.

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

From this reading But the homely sound had no power to jar the quiet.

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

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

lacking in physical beauty or proportion

From this reading But the homely sound had no power to jar the quiet.

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

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

such that comparison is impossible; unsuitable for comparison or lacking features that can be compared

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

be incompatible; be or come into conflict

From this reading But the homely sound had no power to jar the quiet.

and nothing more

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

in order that something should not happen

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading LITTLE SILK WING The first of the twilight over Silverwater.

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

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

not any; not one

From this reading But the homely sound had no power to jar the quiet.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading LITTLE SILK WING The first of the twilight over Silverwater.

round yellow to orange fruit of any of several citrus trees

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading From the other side of the point, quite out of sight, where Bill was washing the dishes after the early camp supper, came a soft clatter of tins.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

above and across; more than

From this reading LITTLE SILK WING The first of the twilight over Silverwater.

superlative of “pale” — very light colored; highly diluted with white

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading From the other side of the point, quite out of sight, where Bill was washing the dishes after the early camp supper, came a soft clatter of tins.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading But the homely sound had no power to jar the quiet.

plural of “question” — an instance of questioning

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading But the homely sound had no power to jar the quiet.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading From the other side of the point, quite out of sight, where Bill was washing the dishes after the early camp supper, came a soft clatter of tins.

a calm, lengthy, intent consideration

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading Uncle Andy sat smoking, his eyes withdrawn in a dream.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

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

From this reading From the other side of the point, quite out of sight, where Bill was washing the dishes after the early camp supper, came a soft clatter of tins.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading From the other side of the point, quite out of sight, where Bill was washing the dishes after the early camp supper, came a soft clatter of tins.

a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae

From this reading LITTLE SILK WING The first of the twilight over Silverwater.

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

From this reading LITTLE SILK WING The first of the twilight over Silverwater.

the act of smoking tobacco or other substances

From this reading Uncle Andy sat smoking, his eyes withdrawn in a dream.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading From the other side of the point, quite out of sight, where Bill was washing the dishes after the early camp supper, came a soft clatter of tins.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading But the homely sound had no power to jar the quiet.

process or result of distributing or extending over a wide expanse of space

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime

From this reading From the other side of the point, quite out of sight, where Bill was washing the dishes after the early camp supper, came a soft clatter of tins.

the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

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

From this reading LITTLE SILK WING The first of the twilight over Silverwater.

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

plural of “tin” — a silvery malleable metallic element that resists corrosion; used in many alloys and to coat other metals to prevent corrosion; obtained chiefly from cassiterite where it occurs as tin oxide

From this reading From the other side of the point, quite out of sight, where Bill was washing the dishes after the early camp supper, came a soft clatter of tins.

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

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

plural of “tone” — the quality of a person's voice

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

the time of day immediately following sunset

From this reading LITTLE SILK WING The first of the twilight over Silverwater.

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading Uncle Andy sat smoking, his eyes withdrawn in a dream.

any of numerous low-growing violas with small flowers

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

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

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

plural of “wash” — a thin coat of water-base paint

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

the work of cleansing (usually with soap and water)

From this reading From the other side of the point, quite out of sight, where Bill was washing the dishes after the early camp supper, came a soft clatter of tins.

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

From this reading So ethereal were the thin washes of palest orange and apple-green reflection spreading over the surface of the lake, out beyond the fringe of alder bushes, so bubble-like in delicacy the violet tones of the air among the trees, just fading away into the moth-wing brown of dusk, that the Child was afraid to ask even the briefest questions, lest his voice should break the incomparable enchantment.

in or at the place that

From this reading From the other side of the point, quite out of sight, where Bill was washing the dishes after the early camp supper, came a soft clatter of tins.

a movable organ for flying (one of a pair)

From this reading LITTLE SILK WING The first of the twilight over Silverwater.

withdrawn from society; seeking solitude

From this reading Uncle Andy sat smoking, his eyes withdrawn in a dream.