used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading IN A MANGER The rising sun pushed through a bank of purple cloud and touched with long rosy beams the roof of Samuel the weaver's house.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading It was Naomi, who lay with hands clenched and face pressed against the cold stone, too heartsick for tears, wishing only in her wretchedness to creep away where she might be alone.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading It was Naomi, who lay with hands clenched and face pressed against the cold stone, too heartsick for tears, wishing only in her wretchedness to creep away where she might be alone.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading In one corner of the roof lay a dark heap, heedless of sunlight, morning breeze, or bird, conscious only of the blackest misery, the deepest hopelessness that an eight-year-old heart can know.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading IN A MANGER The rising sun pushed through a bank of purple cloud and touched with long rosy beams the roof of Samuel the weaver's house.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading On the narrow parapet that bordered the roof walked a number of snowy pigeons, stepping delicately with heads raised and thrown back as if to enjoy the splendor and freshness of the early morning.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading It was Naomi, who lay with hands clenched and face pressed against the cold stone, too heartsick for tears, wishing only in her wretchedness to creep away where she might be alone.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading On the narrow parapet that bordered the roof walked a number of snowy pigeons, stepping delicately with heads raised and thrown back as if to enjoy the splendor and freshness of the early morning.
sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)
From this reading IN A MANGER The rising sun pushed through a bank of purple cloud and touched with long rosy beams the roof of Samuel the weaver's house.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It was Naomi, who lay with hands clenched and face pressed against the cold stone, too heartsick for tears, wishing only in her wretchedness to creep away where she might be alone.
beamsnounUS /biːmz/
plural of “beam” — a signal transmitted along a narrow path; guides airplane pilots in darkness or bad weather
From this reading IN A MANGER The rising sun pushed through a bank of purple cloud and touched with long rosy beams the roof of Samuel the weaver's house.
warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading In one corner of the roof lay a dark heap, heedless of sunlight, morning breeze, or bird, conscious only of the blackest misery, the deepest hopelessness that an eight-year-old heart can know.
blackestadjectiveUS /ˈblækəst/
superlative of “black” — being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading In one corner of the roof lay a dark heap, heedless of sunlight, morning breeze, or bird, conscious only of the blackest misery, the deepest hopelessness that an eight-year-old heart can know.
borderedadjectiveUS /ˈbɔːrdərd/
having a border especially of a specified kind; sometimes used as a combining term
From this reading On the narrow parapet that bordered the roof walked a number of snowy pigeons, stepping delicately with heads raised and thrown back as if to enjoy the splendor and freshness of the early morning.
a slight wind (usually refreshing)
From this reading In one corner of the roof lay a dark heap, heedless of sunlight, morning breeze, or bird, conscious only of the blackest misery, the deepest hopelessness that an eight-year-old heart can know.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading In one corner of the roof lay a dark heap, heedless of sunlight, morning breeze, or bird, conscious only of the blackest misery, the deepest hopelessness that an eight-year-old heart can know.
clenchedadjectiveUS /klentʃt/
closed or squeezed together tightly
From this reading It was Naomi, who lay with hands clenched and face pressed against the cold stone, too heartsick for tears, wishing only in her wretchedness to creep away where she might be alone.
make overcast or cloudy
From this reading IN A MANGER The rising sun pushed through a bank of purple cloud and touched with long rosy beams the roof of Samuel the weaver's house.
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading It was Naomi, who lay with hands clenched and face pressed against the cold stone, too heartsick for tears, wishing only in her wretchedness to creep away where she might be alone.
intentionally conceived
From this reading In one corner of the roof lay a dark heap, heedless of sunlight, morning breeze, or bird, conscious only of the blackest misery, the deepest hopelessness that an eight-year-old heart can know.
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading In one corner of the roof lay a dark heap, heedless of sunlight, morning breeze, or bird, conscious only of the blackest misery, the deepest hopelessness that an eight-year-old heart can know.
creepverbUS /kriːp/
move slowly; in the case of people or animals with the body near the ground
From this reading It was Naomi, who lay with hands clenched and face pressed against the cold stone, too heartsick for tears, wishing only in her wretchedness to creep away where she might be alone.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading In one corner of the roof lay a dark heap, heedless of sunlight, morning breeze, or bird, conscious only of the blackest misery, the deepest hopelessness that an eight-year-old heart can know.
deepestadjectiveUS /ˈdiːpəst/
superlative of “deep” — relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading In one corner of the roof lay a dark heap, heedless of sunlight, morning breeze, or bird, conscious only of the blackest misery, the deepest hopelessness that an eight-year-old heart can know.
delicatelyadverbUS /ˈdeləkətli/
in a delicate manner
From this reading On the narrow parapet that bordered the roof walked a number of snowy pigeons, stepping delicately with heads raised and thrown back as if to enjoy the splendor and freshness of the early morning.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading On the narrow parapet that bordered the roof walked a number of snowy pigeons, stepping delicately with heads raised and thrown back as if to enjoy the splendor and freshness of the early morning.
eight-year-old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In one corner of the roof lay a dark heap, heedless of sunlight, morning breeze, or bird, conscious only of the blackest misery, the deepest hopelessness that an eight-year-old heart can know.
derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading On the narrow parapet that bordered the roof walked a number of snowy pigeons, stepping delicately with heads raised and thrown back as if to enjoy the splendor and freshness of the early morning.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading It was Naomi, who lay with hands clenched and face pressed against the cold stone, too heartsick for tears, wishing only in her wretchedness to creep away where she might be alone.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was Naomi, who lay with hands clenched and face pressed against the cold stone, too heartsick for tears, wishing only in her wretchedness to creep away where she might be alone.
freshnessnounUS /ˈfreʃnəs/
the property of being pure and fresh (as if newly made); not stale or deteriorated
From this reading On the narrow parapet that bordered the roof walked a number of snowy pigeons, stepping delicately with heads raised and thrown back as if to enjoy the splendor and freshness of the early morning.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading It was Naomi, who lay with hands clenched and face pressed against the cold stone, too heartsick for tears, wishing only in her wretchedness to creep away where she might be alone.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading Presently she stirred and lifted her head.
plural of “head” — the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading On the narrow parapet that bordered the roof walked a number of snowy pigeons, stepping delicately with heads raised and thrown back as if to enjoy the splendor and freshness of the early morning.
a collection of objects laid on top of each other
From this reading In one corner of the roof lay a dark heap, heedless of sunlight, morning breeze, or bird, conscious only of the blackest misery, the deepest hopelessness that an eight-year-old heart can know.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading In one corner of the roof lay a dark heap, heedless of sunlight, morning breeze, or bird, conscious only of the blackest misery, the deepest hopelessness that an eight-year-old heart can know.
heartsickadjective
full of sorrow
From this reading It was Naomi, who lay with hands clenched and face pressed against the cold stone, too heartsick for tears, wishing only in her wretchedness to creep away where she might be alone.
heedlessadjective
marked by or paying little heed or attention
From this reading In one corner of the roof lay a dark heap, heedless of sunlight, morning breeze, or bird, conscious only of the blackest misery, the deepest hopelessness that an eight-year-old heart can know.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading It was Naomi, who lay with hands clenched and face pressed against the cold stone, too heartsick for tears, wishing only in her wretchedness to creep away where she might be alone.
hopelessnessnounUS /ˈhoʊpləsnəs/
the despair you feel when you have abandoned hope of comfort or success
From this reading In one corner of the roof lay a dark heap, heedless of sunlight, morning breeze, or bird, conscious only of the blackest misery, the deepest hopelessness that an eight-year-old heart can know.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading IN A MANGER The rising sun pushed through a bank of purple cloud and touched with long rosy beams the roof of Samuel the weaver's house.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading On the narrow parapet that bordered the roof walked a number of snowy pigeons, stepping delicately with heads raised and thrown back as if to enjoy the splendor and freshness of the early morning.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN A MANGER The rising sun pushed through a bank of purple cloud and touched with long rosy beams the roof of Samuel the weaver's house.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was Naomi, who lay with hands clenched and face pressed against the cold stone, too heartsick for tears, wishing only in her wretchedness to creep away where she might be alone.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading In one corner of the roof lay a dark heap, heedless of sunlight, morning breeze, or bird, conscious only of the blackest misery, the deepest hopelessness that an eight-year-old heart can know.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading In one corner of the roof lay a dark heap, heedless of sunlight, morning breeze, or bird, conscious only of the blackest misery, the deepest hopelessness that an eight-year-old heart can know.
held up in the air
From this reading Presently she stirred and lifted her head.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading IN A MANGER The rising sun pushed through a bank of purple cloud and touched with long rosy beams the roof of Samuel the weaver's house.
MANGERnounUS /ˈmeɪndʒər/
a container (usually in a barn or stable) from which cattle or horses feed
From this reading IN A MANGER The rising sun pushed through a bank of purple cloud and touched with long rosy beams the roof of Samuel the weaver's house.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading It was Naomi, who lay with hands clenched and face pressed against the cold stone, too heartsick for tears, wishing only in her wretchedness to creep away where she might be alone.
a state of ill-being due to affliction or misfortune
From this reading In one corner of the roof lay a dark heap, heedless of sunlight, morning breeze, or bird, conscious only of the blackest misery, the deepest hopelessness that an eight-year-old heart can know.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading On the narrow parapet that bordered the roof walked a number of snowy pigeons, stepping delicately with heads raised and thrown back as if to enjoy the splendor and freshness of the early morning.
NaominounUS /neɪˈoʊmi/
the mother-in-law of Ruth whose story is told in the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament
From this reading It was Naomi, who lay with hands clenched and face pressed against the cold stone, too heartsick for tears, wishing only in her wretchedness to creep away where she might be alone.
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading On the narrow parapet that bordered the roof walked a number of snowy pigeons, stepping delicately with heads raised and thrown back as if to enjoy the splendor and freshness of the early morning.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading On the narrow parapet that bordered the roof walked a number of snowy pigeons, stepping delicately with heads raised and thrown back as if to enjoy the splendor and freshness of the early morning.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading IN A MANGER The rising sun pushed through a bank of purple cloud and touched with long rosy beams the roof of Samuel the weaver's house.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On the narrow parapet that bordered the roof walked a number of snowy pigeons, stepping delicately with heads raised and thrown back as if to enjoy the splendor and freshness of the early morning.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading In one corner of the roof lay a dark heap, heedless of sunlight, morning breeze, or bird, conscious only of the blackest misery, the deepest hopelessness that an eight-year-old heart can know.
and nothing more
From this reading In one corner of the roof lay a dark heap, heedless of sunlight, morning breeze, or bird, conscious only of the blackest misery, the deepest hopelessness that an eight-year-old heart can know.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading In one corner of the roof lay a dark heap, heedless of sunlight, morning breeze, or bird, conscious only of the blackest misery, the deepest hopelessness that an eight-year-old heart can know.
parapetnounUS /ˈperəpet/
a low wall along the edge of a roof or balcony
From this reading On the narrow parapet that bordered the roof walked a number of snowy pigeons, stepping delicately with heads raised and thrown back as if to enjoy the splendor and freshness of the early morning.
pigeonsnounUS /ˈpɪdʒənz/
plural of “pigeon” — wild and domesticated birds having a heavy body and short legs
From this reading On the narrow parapet that bordered the roof walked a number of snowy pigeons, stepping delicately with heads raised and thrown back as if to enjoy the splendor and freshness of the early morning.
in the near future
From this reading Presently she stirred and lifted her head.
compacted by ironing
From this reading It was Naomi, who lay with hands clenched and face pressed against the cold stone, too heartsick for tears, wishing only in her wretchedness to creep away where she might be alone.
a purple color or pigment
From this reading IN A MANGER The rising sun pushed through a bank of purple cloud and touched with long rosy beams the roof of Samuel the weaver's house.
past form of “push” — move with force
From this reading IN A MANGER The rising sun pushed through a bank of purple cloud and touched with long rosy beams the roof of Samuel the weaver's house.
located or moved above the surround or above the normal position
From this reading On the narrow parapet that bordered the roof walked a number of snowy pigeons, stepping delicately with heads raised and thrown back as if to enjoy the splendor and freshness of the early morning.
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading IN A MANGER The rising sun pushed through a bank of purple cloud and touched with long rosy beams the roof of Samuel the weaver's house.
a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
From this reading IN A MANGER The rising sun pushed through a bank of purple cloud and touched with long rosy beams the roof of Samuel the weaver's house.
rosyadjectiveUS /ˈroʊzi/
reflecting optimism
From this reading IN A MANGER The rising sun pushed through a bank of purple cloud and touched with long rosy beams the roof of Samuel the weaver's house.
SamuelnounUS /ˈsæmjuːl/
(Old Testament) Hebrew prophet and judge who anointed Saul as king
From this reading IN A MANGER The rising sun pushed through a bank of purple cloud and touched with long rosy beams the roof of Samuel the weaver's house.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was Naomi, who lay with hands clenched and face pressed against the cold stone, too heartsick for tears, wishing only in her wretchedness to creep away where she might be alone.
snowyadjectiveUS /ˈsnoʊi/
marked by the presence of snow
From this reading On the narrow parapet that bordered the roof walked a number of snowy pigeons, stepping delicately with heads raised and thrown back as if to enjoy the splendor and freshness of the early morning.
splendornounUS /ˈsplen.dər/
Magnificent and splendid appearance; grandeur and brilliance.
From this reading On the narrow parapet that bordered the roof walked a number of snowy pigeons, stepping delicately with heads raised and thrown back as if to enjoy the splendor and freshness of the early morning.
steppingverbUS /ˈstepɪŋ/
inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step
From this reading On the narrow parapet that bordered the roof walked a number of snowy pigeons, stepping delicately with heads raised and thrown back as if to enjoy the splendor and freshness of the early morning.
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading Presently she stirred and lifted her head.
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading It was Naomi, who lay with hands clenched and face pressed against the cold stone, too heartsick for tears, wishing only in her wretchedness to creep away where she might be alone.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading IN A MANGER The rising sun pushed through a bank of purple cloud and touched with long rosy beams the roof of Samuel the weaver's house.
the rays of the sun
From this reading In one corner of the roof lay a dark heap, heedless of sunlight, morning breeze, or bird, conscious only of the blackest misery, the deepest hopelessness that an eight-year-old heart can know.
the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)
From this reading It was Naomi, who lay with hands clenched and face pressed against the cold stone, too heartsick for tears, wishing only in her wretchedness to creep away where she might be alone.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading On the narrow parapet that bordered the roof walked a number of snowy pigeons, stepping delicately with heads raised and thrown back as if to enjoy the splendor and freshness of the early morning.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IN A MANGER The rising sun pushed through a bank of purple cloud and touched with long rosy beams the roof of Samuel the weaver's house.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading IN A MANGER The rising sun pushed through a bank of purple cloud and touched with long rosy beams the roof of Samuel the weaver's house.
caused to fall to the ground
From this reading On the narrow parapet that bordered the roof walked a number of snowy pigeons, stepping delicately with heads raised and thrown back as if to enjoy the splendor and freshness of the early morning.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading On the narrow parapet that bordered the roof walked a number of snowy pigeons, stepping delicately with heads raised and thrown back as if to enjoy the splendor and freshness of the early morning.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading It was Naomi, who lay with hands clenched and face pressed against the cold stone, too heartsick for tears, wishing only in her wretchedness to creep away where she might be alone.
having come into contact
From this reading IN A MANGER The rising sun pushed through a bank of purple cloud and touched with long rosy beams the roof of Samuel the weaver's house.
past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps
From this reading On the narrow parapet that bordered the roof walked a number of snowy pigeons, stepping delicately with heads raised and thrown back as if to enjoy the splendor and freshness of the early morning.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was Naomi, who lay with hands clenched and face pressed against the cold stone, too heartsick for tears, wishing only in her wretchedness to creep away where she might be alone.
weaver'snounUS /ˈwiːvərz/
possessive form of “weaver” — a craftsman who weaves cloth
From this reading IN A MANGER The rising sun pushed through a bank of purple cloud and touched with long rosy beams the roof of Samuel the weaver's house.
in or at the place that
From this reading It was Naomi, who lay with hands clenched and face pressed against the cold stone, too heartsick for tears, wishing only in her wretchedness to creep away where she might be alone.
which person or people
From this reading It was Naomi, who lay with hands clenched and face pressed against the cold stone, too heartsick for tears, wishing only in her wretchedness to creep away where she might be alone.
wishingnounUS /ˈwɪʃɪŋ/
a specific feeling of desire
From this reading It was Naomi, who lay with hands clenched and face pressed against the cold stone, too heartsick for tears, wishing only in her wretchedness to creep away where she might be alone.
in the company of; together with
From this reading IN A MANGER The rising sun pushed through a bank of purple cloud and touched with long rosy beams the roof of Samuel the weaver's house.
wretchednessnoun
a state of ill-being due to affliction or misfortune
From this reading It was Naomi, who lay with hands clenched and face pressed against the cold stone, too heartsick for tears, wishing only in her wretchedness to creep away where she might be alone.
