used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
matters of personal concern
From this reading On cushions of velvet lay an alluring display of rings, broaches, necklaces, and costly frivolities of every description while on other cushions ticked watches varying from toy affairs on ribbons to more serious-intentioned and dignified repeaters.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
ain't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Say, Jim, ain't that red stone with the diamonds round it a peach?
(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 All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
alluringadjectiveUS /əˈlʊrɪŋ/
highly attractive and able to arouse hope or desire
From this reading On cushions of velvet lay an alluring display of rings, broaches, necklaces, and costly frivolities of every description while on other cushions ticked watches varying from toy affairs on ribbons to more serious-intentioned and dignified repeaters.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
come out better in a competition, race, or conflict
From this reading All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
broachesnounUS /ˈbroʊtʃɪz/
plural of “broach” — a decorative pin worn by women
From this reading On cushions of velvet lay an alluring display of rings, broaches, necklaces, and costly frivolities of every description while on other cushions ticked watches varying from toy affairs on ribbons to more serious-intentioned and dignified repeaters.
BurtonnounUS /ˈbɜːrtən/
English explorer who with John Speke was the first European to explore Lake Tanganyika (1821-1890)
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Gee, but I'd like a thing like that on my finger!
CHRISTOPHERnounUS /ˈkrɪstəfər/
Christian martyr and patron saint of travellers (3rd century)
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
continuallyadverbUS /kənˈtɪnjuːəli/
seemingly without interruption
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
costlyadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːstli/
entailing great loss or sacrifice
From this reading On cushions of velvet lay an alluring display of rings, broaches, necklaces, and costly frivolities of every description while on other cushions ticked watches varying from toy affairs on ribbons to more serious-intentioned and dignified repeaters.
cushionsnounUS /ˈkʊʃənz/
plural of “cushion” — a mechanical damper; absorbs energy of sudden impulses
From this reading On cushions of velvet lay an alluring display of rings, broaches, necklaces, and costly frivolities of every description while on other cushions ticked watches varying from toy affairs on ribbons to more serious-intentioned and dignified repeaters.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
a statement that represents something in words
From this reading On cushions of velvet lay an alluring display of rings, broaches, necklaces, and costly frivolities of every description while on other cushions ticked watches varying from toy affairs on ribbons to more serious-intentioned and dignified repeaters.
diamondsnounUS /ˈdaɪməndz/
plural of “diamond” — a transparent piece of diamond that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
From this reading "Say, Jim, ain't that red stone with the diamonds round it a peach?
dignifiedadjectiveUS /ˈdɪɡnəfaɪd/
having or expressing dignity; especially formality or stateliness in bearing or appearance
From this reading On cushions of velvet lay an alluring display of rings, broaches, necklaces, and costly frivolities of every description while on other cushions ticked watches varying from toy affairs on ribbons to more serious-intentioned and dignified repeaters.
displaynounUS /dɪˈspleɪ/
something intended to communicate a particular impression
From this reading On cushions of velvet lay an alluring display of rings, broaches, necklaces, and costly frivolities of every description while on other cushions ticked watches varying from toy affairs on ribbons to more serious-intentioned and dignified repeaters.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
conceived of or imagined or hoped for
From this reading All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
plural of “dream” — a series of mental images and emotions occurring during sleep
From this reading All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
enviousadjectiveUS /ˈenviəs/
showing extreme cupidity; painfully desirous of another's advantages
From this reading All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading On cushions of velvet lay an alluring display of rings, broaches, necklaces, and costly frivolities of every description while on other cushions ticked watches varying from toy affairs on ribbons to more serious-intentioned and dignified repeaters.
feel or handle with the fingers
From this reading Gee, but I'd like a thing like that on my finger!
flashingnounUS /ˈflæʃɪŋ/
a short vivid experience
From this reading All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
flattenedadjectiveUS /ˈflætənd/
having been flattened
From this reading All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
frivolities
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On cushions of velvet lay an alluring display of rings, broaches, necklaces, and costly frivolities of every description while on other cushions ticked watches varying from toy affairs on ribbons to more serious-intentioned and dignified repeaters.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading On cushions of velvet lay an alluring display of rings, broaches, necklaces, and costly frivolities of every description while on other cushions ticked watches varying from toy affairs on ribbons to more serious-intentioned and dignified repeaters.
frontingverbUS /ˈfrʌntɪŋ/
-ing form of “front” — be oriented in a certain direction, often with respect to another reference point; be opposite to
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
GeenounUS /dʒiː/
a unit of force equal to the force exerted by gravity; used to indicate the force to which a body is subjected when it is accelerated
From this reading Gee, but I'd like a thing like that on my finger!
gem-filled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure
From this reading All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
any number of entities (members) considered as a unit
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
I'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gee, but I'd like a thing like that on my finger!
not in action or at work
From this reading All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
jewelrynounUS /ˈdʒuːəlri/
an adornment (as a bracelet or ring or necklace) made of precious metals and set with gems (or imitation gems)
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
Jim
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Say, Jim, ain't that red stone with the diamonds round it a peach?
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading On cushions of velvet lay an alluring display of rings, broaches, necklaces, and costly frivolities of every description while on other cushions ticked watches varying from toy affairs on ribbons to more serious-intentioned and dignified repeaters.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Gee, but I'd like a thing like that on my finger!
plural of “make” — a recognizable kind
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
massiveadjectiveUS /ˈmæsɪv/
imposing in size or bulk or solidity
From this reading All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading On cushions of velvet lay an alluring display of rings, broaches, necklaces, and costly frivolities of every description while on other cushions ticked watches varying from toy affairs on ribbons to more serious-intentioned and dignified repeaters.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Gee, but I'd like a thing like that on my finger!
necklacesnounUS /ˈnekləsɪz/
plural of “necklace” — jewelry consisting of a cord or chain (often bearing gems) worn about the neck as an ornament (especially by women)
From this reading On cushions of velvet lay an alluring display of rings, broaches, necklaces, and costly frivolities of every description while on other cushions ticked watches varying from toy affairs on ribbons to more serious-intentioned and dignified repeaters.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
Norcross
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
nosesnounUS /ˈnoʊzɪz/
plural of “nose” — the organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals
From this reading All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
held or filled or in use
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On cushions of velvet lay an alluring display of rings, broaches, necklaces, and costly frivolities of every description while on other cushions ticked watches varying from toy affairs on ribbons to more serious-intentioned and dignified repeaters.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading On cushions of velvet lay an alluring display of rings, broaches, necklaces, and costly frivolities of every description while on other cushions ticked watches varying from toy affairs on ribbons to more serious-intentioned and dignified repeaters.
outlaynounUS /ˈaʊtleɪ/
the act of spending or disbursing money
From this reading All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
passers-bynounUS /ˈpæsərzbaɪ/
plural of “passer-by” — a person who passes by casually or by chance
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
peachnounUS /piːtʃ/
cultivated in temperate regions
From this reading "Say, Jim, ain't that red stone with the diamonds round it a peach?
(baseball) base consisting of a rubber slab where the batter stands; it must be touched by a base runner in order to score
From this reading All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
the act of having and controlling property
From this reading All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading "Say, Jim, ain't that red stone with the diamonds round it a peach?
repeatersnounUS /rɪˈpiːtərz/
plural of “repeater” — a person who repeats
From this reading On cushions of velvet lay an alluring display of rings, broaches, necklaces, and costly frivolities of every description while on other cushions ticked watches varying from toy affairs on ribbons to more serious-intentioned and dignified repeaters.
ribbonsnounUS /ˈrɪbənz/
plural of “ribbon” — any long object resembling a thin line
From this reading On cushions of velvet lay an alluring display of rings, broaches, necklaces, and costly frivolities of every description while on other cushions ticked watches varying from toy affairs on ribbons to more serious-intentioned and dignified repeaters.
ringsnounUS /rɪŋz/
gymnastic apparatus consisting of a pair of heavy metal circles (usually covered with leather) suspended by ropes; used for gymnastic exercises
From this reading On cushions of velvet lay an alluring display of rings, broaches, necklaces, and costly frivolities of every description while on other cushions ticked watches varying from toy affairs on ribbons to more serious-intentioned and dignified repeaters.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading "Say, Jim, ain't that red stone with the diamonds round it a peach?
express in words
From this reading "Say, Jim, ain't that red stone with the diamonds round it a peach?
serious-intentioned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On cushions of velvet lay an alluring display of rings, broaches, necklaces, and costly frivolities of every description while on other cushions ticked watches varying from toy affairs on ribbons to more serious-intentioned and dignified repeaters.
spectatorsnounUS /ˈspekteɪtərz/
plural of “spectator” — a close observer; someone who looks at something (such as an exhibition of some kind)
From this reading All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
having a supporting base
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading "Say, Jim, ain't that red stone with the diamonds round it a peach?
plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
a special situation
From this reading Gee, but I'd like a thing like that on my finger!
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
tickedverbUS /tɪkt/
past form of “tick” — make a clicking or ticking sound
From this reading On cushions of velvet lay an alluring display of rings, broaches, necklaces, and costly frivolities of every description while on other cushions ticked watches varying from toy affairs on ribbons to more serious-intentioned and dignified repeaters.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading On cushions of velvet lay an alluring display of rings, broaches, necklaces, and costly frivolities of every description while on other cushions ticked watches varying from toy affairs on ribbons to more serious-intentioned and dignified repeaters.
toynounUS /tɔɪ/
an artifact designed to be played with
From this reading On cushions of velvet lay an alluring display of rings, broaches, necklaces, and costly frivolities of every description while on other cushions ticked watches varying from toy affairs on ribbons to more serious-intentioned and dignified repeaters.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
varyingadjectiveUS /ˈveriɪŋ/
marked by diversity or difference
From this reading On cushions of velvet lay an alluring display of rings, broaches, necklaces, and costly frivolities of every description while on other cushions ticked watches varying from toy affairs on ribbons to more serious-intentioned and dignified repeaters.
velvetnounUS /ˈvelvət/
a silky densely piled fabric with a plain back
From this reading On cushions of velvet lay an alluring display of rings, broaches, necklaces, and costly frivolities of every description while on other cushions ticked watches varying from toy affairs on ribbons to more serious-intentioned and dignified repeaters.
watchesnounUS /ˈwɑːtʃəz/
plural of “watch” — a small portable timepiece
From this reading On cushions of velvet lay an alluring display of rings, broaches, necklaces, and costly frivolities of every description while on other cushions ticked watches varying from toy affairs on ribbons to more serious-intentioned and dignified repeaters.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading On cushions of velvet lay an alluring display of rings, broaches, necklaces, and costly frivolities of every description while on other cushions ticked watches varying from toy affairs on ribbons to more serious-intentioned and dignified repeaters.
a Caucasian
From this reading All day and indeed all night, for that matter, a white light beat down upon this flashing outlay, and before it envious spectators flattened their noses against the massive plate glass and dreamed idle dreams of possession.
(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface
From this reading CHRISTOPHER MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE The jewelry house of Burton and Norcross occupied four stories of a corner fronting two busy city streets and before its gem-filled windows a group of passers-by were continually standing.
in the company of; together with
From this reading "Say, Jim, ain't that red stone with the diamonds round it a peach?
