Chapter XII · Chapter 12

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

From this reading As the door swung back I became conscious first of a flood of light that completely dazzled my eyes, next of the buzz of many voices that confused my hearing.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading By slow degrees, however, the noise and glare grew familiar and my senses were able to take in the strange scene.

later than; following

From this reading I stood in a large room furnished after the fashion of a drawing-room, and resplendent with candles and gilding.

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

From this reading By slow degrees, however, the noise and glare grew familiar and my senses were able to take in the strange scene.

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

From this reading As the door swung back I became conscious first of a flood of light that completely dazzled my eyes, next of the buzz of many voices that confused my hearing.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading As the door swung back I became conscious first of a flood of light that completely dazzled my eyes, next of the buzz of many voices that confused my hearing.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading As the door swung back I became conscious first of a flood of light that completely dazzled my eyes, next of the buzz of many voices that confused my hearing.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading The carpet was rich, the walls were hung with pictures, which if garish in colour were not tasteless in design, and between these glittered a quantity of gilded mirrors that caught and reflected the rays of a huge candelabrum depending from the centre of the ceiling.

make a buzzing sound

From this reading As the door swung back I became conscious first of a flood of light that completely dazzled my eyes, next of the buzz of many voices that confused my hearing.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading By slow degrees, however, the noise and glare grew familiar and my senses were able to take in the strange scene.

branched candlestick; ornamental; has several lights

From this reading The carpet was rich, the walls were hung with pictures, which if garish in colour were not tasteless in design, and between these glittered a quantity of gilded mirrors that caught and reflected the rays of a huge candelabrum depending from the centre of the ceiling.

plural of “candle” — stick of wax with a wick in the middle

From this reading I stood in a large room furnished after the fashion of a drawing-room, and resplendent with candles and gilding.

floor covering consisting of a piece of thick heavy fabric (usually with nap or pile)

From this reading The carpet was rich, the walls were hung with pictures, which if garish in colour were not tasteless in design, and between these glittered a quantity of gilded mirrors that caught and reflected the rays of a huge candelabrum depending from the centre of the ceiling.

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading The carpet was rich, the walls were hung with pictures, which if garish in colour were not tasteless in design, and between these glittered a quantity of gilded mirrors that caught and reflected the rays of a huge candelabrum depending from the centre of the ceiling.

the overhead upper surface of a covered space

From this reading The carpet was rich, the walls were hung with pictures, which if garish in colour were not tasteless in design, and between these glittered a quantity of gilded mirrors that caught and reflected the rays of a huge candelabrum depending from the centre of the ceiling.

a low-lying region in central France

From this reading The carpet was rich, the walls were hung with pictures, which if garish in colour were not tasteless in design, and between these glittered a quantity of gilded mirrors that caught and reflected the rays of a huge candelabrum depending from the centre of the ceiling.

hold firmly and tightly

From this reading TELLS OF THE LUCK OF THE GOLDEN CLASP.

having or capable of producing colors

From this reading The carpet was rich, the walls were hung with pictures, which if garish in colour were not tasteless in design, and between these glittered a quantity of gilded mirrors that caught and reflected the rays of a huge candelabrum depending from the centre of the ceiling.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading As the door swung back I became conscious first of a flood of light that completely dazzled my eyes, next of the buzz of many voices that confused my hearing.

perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements; filled with bewilderment

From this reading As the door swung back I became conscious first of a flood of light that completely dazzled my eyes, next of the buzz of many voices that confused my hearing.

intentionally conceived

From this reading As the door swung back I became conscious first of a flood of light that completely dazzled my eyes, next of the buzz of many voices that confused my hearing.

having vision overcome temporarily by or as if by intense light

From this reading As the door swung back I became conscious first of a flood of light that completely dazzled my eyes, next of the buzz of many voices that confused my hearing.

plural of “degree” — a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading By slow degrees, however, the noise and glare grew familiar and my senses were able to take in the strange scene.

-ing form of “depend” — be contingent upon (something that is elided)

From this reading The carpet was rich, the walls were hung with pictures, which if garish in colour were not tasteless in design, and between these glittered a quantity of gilded mirrors that caught and reflected the rays of a huge candelabrum depending from the centre of the ceiling.

the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)

From this reading The carpet was rich, the walls were hung with pictures, which if garish in colour were not tasteless in design, and between these glittered a quantity of gilded mirrors that caught and reflected the rays of a huge candelabrum depending from the centre of the ceiling.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading As the door swung back I became conscious first of a flood of light that completely dazzled my eyes, next of the buzz of many voices that confused my hearing.

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

From this reading I stood in a large room furnished after the fashion of a drawing-room, and resplendent with candles and gilding.

opinion or judgment

From this reading As the door swung back I became conscious first of a flood of light that completely dazzled my eyes, next of the buzz of many voices that confused my hearing.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading By slow degrees, however, the noise and glare grew familiar and my senses were able to take in the strange scene.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading I stood in a large room furnished after the fashion of a drawing-room, and resplendent with candles and gilding.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading As the door swung back I became conscious first of a flood of light that completely dazzled my eyes, next of the buzz of many voices that confused my hearing.

the rising of a body of water and its overflowing onto normally dry land

From this reading As the door swung back I became conscious first of a flood of light that completely dazzled my eyes, next of the buzz of many voices that confused my hearing.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The carpet was rich, the walls were hung with pictures, which if garish in colour were not tasteless in design, and between these glittered a quantity of gilded mirrors that caught and reflected the rays of a huge candelabrum depending from the centre of the ceiling.

provided with whatever is necessary for a purpose (as furniture or equipment or authority)

From this reading I stood in a large room furnished after the fashion of a drawing-room, and resplendent with candles and gilding.

tastelessly showy

From this reading The carpet was rich, the walls were hung with pictures, which if garish in colour were not tasteless in design, and between these glittered a quantity of gilded mirrors that caught and reflected the rays of a huge candelabrum depending from the centre of the ceiling.

having the deep slightly brownish color of gold

From this reading The carpet was rich, the walls were hung with pictures, which if garish in colour were not tasteless in design, and between these glittered a quantity of gilded mirrors that caught and reflected the rays of a huge candelabrum depending from the centre of the ceiling.

a coating of gold or of something that looks like gold

From this reading I stood in a large room furnished after the fashion of a drawing-room, and resplendent with candles and gilding.

a light within the field of vision that is brighter than the brightness to which the eyes are adapted

From this reading By slow degrees, however, the noise and glare grew familiar and my senses were able to take in the strange scene.

past form of “glitter” — be shiny, as if wet

From this reading The carpet was rich, the walls were hung with pictures, which if garish in colour were not tasteless in design, and between these glittered a quantity of gilded mirrors that caught and reflected the rays of a huge candelabrum depending from the centre of the ceiling.

having the deep slightly brownish color of gold

From this reading TELLS OF THE LUCK OF THE GOLDEN CLASP.

inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading By slow degrees, however, the noise and glare grew familiar and my senses were able to take in the strange scene.

(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence

From this reading As the door swung back I became conscious first of a flood of light that completely dazzled my eyes, next of the buzz of many voices that confused my hearing.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading By slow degrees, however, the noise and glare grew familiar and my senses were able to take in the strange scene.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading The carpet was rich, the walls were hung with pictures, which if garish in colour were not tasteless in design, and between these glittered a quantity of gilded mirrors that caught and reflected the rays of a huge candelabrum depending from the centre of the ceiling.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading The carpet was rich, the walls were hung with pictures, which if garish in colour were not tasteless in design, and between these glittered a quantity of gilded mirrors that caught and reflected the rays of a huge candelabrum depending from the centre of the ceiling.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading As the door swung back I became conscious first of a flood of light that completely dazzled my eyes, next of the buzz of many voices that confused my hearing.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The carpet was rich, the walls were hung with pictures, which if garish in colour were not tasteless in design, and between these glittered a quantity of gilded mirrors that caught and reflected the rays of a huge candelabrum depending from the centre of the ceiling.

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

From this reading By slow degrees, however, the noise and glare grew familiar and my senses were able to take in the strange scene.

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

From this reading I stood in a large room furnished after the fashion of a drawing-room, and resplendent with candles and gilding.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading As the door swung back I became conscious first of a flood of light that completely dazzled my eyes, next of the buzz of many voices that confused my hearing.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading TELLS OF THE LUCK OF THE GOLDEN CLASP.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading As the door swung back I became conscious first of a flood of light that completely dazzled my eyes, next of the buzz of many voices that confused my hearing.

plural of “mirror” — polished surface that forms images by reflecting light

From this reading The carpet was rich, the walls were hung with pictures, which if garish in colour were not tasteless in design, and between these glittered a quantity of gilded mirrors that caught and reflected the rays of a huge candelabrum depending from the centre of the ceiling.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading As the door swung back I became conscious first of a flood of light that completely dazzled my eyes, next of the buzz of many voices that confused my hearing.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading As the door swung back I became conscious first of a flood of light that completely dazzled my eyes, next of the buzz of many voices that confused my hearing.

sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)

From this reading By slow degrees, however, the noise and glare grew familiar and my senses were able to take in the strange scene.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The carpet was rich, the walls were hung with pictures, which if garish in colour were not tasteless in design, and between these glittered a quantity of gilded mirrors that caught and reflected the rays of a huge candelabrum depending from the centre of the ceiling.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading TELLS OF THE LUCK OF THE GOLDEN CLASP.

plural of “picture” — a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface

From this reading The carpet was rich, the walls were hung with pictures, which if garish in colour were not tasteless in design, and between these glittered a quantity of gilded mirrors that caught and reflected the rays of a huge candelabrum depending from the centre of the ceiling.

how much there is or how many there are of something that you can quantify

From this reading The carpet was rich, the walls were hung with pictures, which if garish in colour were not tasteless in design, and between these glittered a quantity of gilded mirrors that caught and reflected the rays of a huge candelabrum depending from the centre of the ceiling.

plural of “ray” — a column of light (as from a beacon)

From this reading The carpet was rich, the walls were hung with pictures, which if garish in colour were not tasteless in design, and between these glittered a quantity of gilded mirrors that caught and reflected the rays of a huge candelabrum depending from the centre of the ceiling.

(especially of incident sound or light) bent or sent back

From this reading The carpet was rich, the walls were hung with pictures, which if garish in colour were not tasteless in design, and between these glittered a quantity of gilded mirrors that caught and reflected the rays of a huge candelabrum depending from the centre of the ceiling.

having great beauty and splendor

From this reading I stood in a large room furnished after the fashion of a drawing-room, and resplendent with candles and gilding.

possessing material wealth

From this reading The carpet was rich, the walls were hung with pictures, which if garish in colour were not tasteless in design, and between these glittered a quantity of gilded mirrors that caught and reflected the rays of a huge candelabrum depending from the centre of the ceiling.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading I stood in a large room furnished after the fashion of a drawing-room, and resplendent with candles and gilding.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading By slow degrees, however, the noise and glare grew familiar and my senses were able to take in the strange scene.

plural of “sens” — street names for marijuana

From this reading By slow degrees, however, the noise and glare grew familiar and my senses were able to take in the strange scene.

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading By slow degrees, however, the noise and glare grew familiar and my senses were able to take in the strange scene.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading I stood in a large room furnished after the fashion of a drawing-room, and resplendent with candles and gilding.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading By slow degrees, however, the noise and glare grew familiar and my senses were able to take in the strange scene.

inflected form of “swing” — move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting

From this reading As the door swung back I became conscious first of a flood of light that completely dazzled my eyes, next of the buzz of many voices that confused my hearing.

carry out

From this reading By slow degrees, however, the noise and glare grew familiar and my senses were able to take in the strange scene.

lacking flavor

From this reading The carpet was rich, the walls were hung with pictures, which if garish in colour were not tasteless in design, and between these glittered a quantity of gilded mirrors that caught and reflected the rays of a huge candelabrum depending from the centre of the ceiling.

plural of “tell” — a Swiss patriot who lived in the early 14th century and who was renowned for his skill as an archer

From this reading TELLS OF THE LUCK OF THE GOLDEN CLASP.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading As the door swung back I became conscious first of a flood of light that completely dazzled my eyes, next of the buzz of many voices that confused my hearing.

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

From this reading TELLS OF THE LUCK OF THE GOLDEN CLASP.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading The carpet was rich, the walls were hung with pictures, which if garish in colour were not tasteless in design, and between these glittered a quantity of gilded mirrors that caught and reflected the rays of a huge candelabrum depending from the centre of the ceiling.

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

From this reading By slow degrees, however, the noise and glare grew familiar and my senses were able to take in the strange scene.

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading As the door swung back I became conscious first of a flood of light that completely dazzled my eyes, next of the buzz of many voices that confused my hearing.

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 The carpet was rich, the walls were hung with pictures, which if garish in colour were not tasteless in design, and between these glittered a quantity of gilded mirrors that caught and reflected the rays of a huge candelabrum depending from the centre of the ceiling.

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

From this reading The carpet was rich, the walls were hung with pictures, which if garish in colour were not tasteless in design, and between these glittered a quantity of gilded mirrors that caught and reflected the rays of a huge candelabrum depending from the centre of the ceiling.

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

From this reading By slow degrees, however, the noise and glare grew familiar and my senses were able to take in the strange scene.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading The carpet was rich, the walls were hung with pictures, which if garish in colour were not tasteless in design, and between these glittered a quantity of gilded mirrors that caught and reflected the rays of a huge candelabrum depending from the centre of the ceiling.

in the company of; together with

From this reading I stood in a large room furnished after the fashion of a drawing-room, and resplendent with candles and gilding.