Chapter IX · Chapter 9

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

From this reading A January Picnic Winter in the Craigwen Valley, instead of proving a dreary season of frost or fog, was apt to be as variable as April.

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

From this reading Sheltered by the tall mountains, the climate was mild, and though snow would lie on the peaks of Penllwyd and Cwm Dinas it rarely rested on the lower levels.

the month following March and preceding May

From this reading A January Picnic Winter in the Craigwen Valley, instead of proving a dreary season of frost or fog, was apt to be as variable as April.

(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward

From this reading A January Picnic Winter in the Craigwen Valley, instead of proving a dreary season of frost or fog, was apt to be as variable as April.

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

From this reading A January Picnic Winter in the Craigwen Valley, instead of proving a dreary season of frost or fog, was apt to be as variable as April.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Very early in January the garden at The Woodlands could boast brave clumps of snowdrops and polyanthus, a venturous wallflower or two, and quite a show of yellow jessamine over the south porch.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading A January Picnic Winter in the Craigwen Valley, instead of proving a dreary season of frost or fog, was apt to be as variable as April.

show off

From this reading Very early in January the garden at The Woodlands could boast brave clumps of snowdrops and polyanthus, a venturous wallflower or two, and quite a show of yellow jessamine over the south porch.

plural of “bramble” — any of various rough thorny shrubs or vines

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching

From this reading Very early in January the garden at The Woodlands could boast brave clumps of snowdrops and polyanthus, a venturous wallflower or two, and quite a show of yellow jessamine over the south porch.

a region marking a boundary

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Sheltered by the tall mountains, the climate was mild, and though snow would lie on the peaks of Penllwyd and Cwm Dinas it rarely rested on the lower levels.

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

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

the weather in some location averaged over some long period of time

From this reading Sheltered by the tall mountains, the climate was mild, and though snow would lie on the peaks of Penllwyd and Cwm Dinas it rarely rested on the lower levels.

plural of “clump” — a grouping of a number of similar things

From this reading Very early in January the garden at The Woodlands could boast brave clumps of snowdrops and polyanthus, a venturous wallflower or two, and quite a show of yellow jessamine over the south porch.

seemingly without interruption

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Very early in January the garden at The Woodlands could boast brave clumps of snowdrops and polyanthus, a venturous wallflower or two, and quite a show of yellow jessamine over the south porch.

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

From this reading A January Picnic Winter in the Craigwen Valley, instead of proving a dreary season of frost or fog, was apt to be as variable as April.

a steep-walled semicircular basin in a mountain; may contain a lake

From this reading Sheltered by the tall mountains, the climate was mild, and though snow would lie on the peaks of Penllwyd and Cwm Dinas it rarely rested on the lower levels.

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

From this reading Sheltered by the tall mountains, the climate was mild, and though snow would lie on the peaks of Penllwyd and Cwm Dinas it rarely rested on the lower levels.

lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise

From this reading A January Picnic Winter in the Craigwen Valley, instead of proving a dreary season of frost or fog, was apt to be as variable as April.

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

From this reading Very early in January the garden at The Woodlands could boast brave clumps of snowdrops and polyanthus, a venturous wallflower or two, and quite a show of yellow jessamine over the south porch.

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading The glade by the stream never seemed to feel the touch of winter.

plural of “fern” — any of numerous flowerless and seedless vascular plants having true roots from a rhizome and fronds that uncurl upward; reproduce by spores

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

droplets of water vapor suspended in the air near the ground

From this reading A January Picnic Winter in the Craigwen Valley, instead of proving a dreary season of frost or fog, was apt to be as variable as April.

plural of “frond” — compound leaf of a fern or palm or cycad

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

ice crystals forming a white deposit (especially on objects outside)

From this reading A January Picnic Winter in the Craigwen Valley, instead of proving a dreary season of frost or fog, was apt to be as variable as April.

a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading Very early in January the garden at The Woodlands could boast brave clumps of snowdrops and polyanthus, a venturous wallflower or two, and quite a show of yellow jessamine over the south porch.

a tract of land with few or no trees in the middle of a wooded area

From this reading The glade by the stream never seemed to feel the touch of winter.

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

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

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

shrub or vine of the genus Lonicera

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

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

From this reading A January Picnic Winter in the Craigwen Valley, instead of proving a dreary season of frost or fog, was apt to be as variable as April.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading A January Picnic Winter in the Craigwen Valley, instead of proving a dreary season of frost or fog, was apt to be as variable as April.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Sheltered by the tall mountains, the climate was mild, and though snow would lie on the peaks of Penllwyd and Cwm Dinas it rarely rested on the lower levels.

the first month of the year; begins 10 days after the winter solstice

From this reading A January Picnic Winter in the Craigwen Valley, instead of proving a dreary season of frost or fog, was apt to be as variable as April.

a climbing deciduous shrub with fragrant white or yellow or red flowers used in perfume and to flavor tea

From this reading Very early in January the garden at The Woodlands could boast brave clumps of snowdrops and polyanthus, a venturous wallflower or two, and quite a show of yellow jessamine over the south porch.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

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

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

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

From this reading Sheltered by the tall mountains, the climate was mild, and though snow would lie on the peaks of Penllwyd and Cwm Dinas it rarely rested on the lower levels.

be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position

From this reading Sheltered by the tall mountains, the climate was mild, and though snow would lie on the peaks of Penllwyd and Cwm Dinas it rarely rested on the lower levels.

move something or somebody to a lower position

From this reading Sheltered by the tall mountains, the climate was mild, and though snow would lie on the peaks of Penllwyd and Cwm Dinas it rarely rested on the lower levels.

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 Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

moderate in type or degree or effect or force; far from extreme

From this reading Sheltered by the tall mountains, the climate was mild, and though snow would lie on the peaks of Penllwyd and Cwm Dinas it rarely rested on the lower levels.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

tiny leafy-stemmed flowerless plants

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading Sheltered by the tall mountains, the climate was mild, and though snow would lie on the peaks of Penllwyd and Cwm Dinas it rarely rested on the lower levels.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading The glade by the stream never seemed to feel the touch of winter.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

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

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A January Picnic Winter in the Craigwen Valley, instead of proving a dreary season of frost or fog, was apt to be as variable as April.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Sheltered by the tall mountains, the climate was mild, and though snow would lie on the peaks of Penllwyd and Cwm Dinas it rarely rested on the lower levels.

plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading A January Picnic Winter in the Craigwen Valley, instead of proving a dreary season of frost or fog, was apt to be as variable as April.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

above and across; more than

From this reading Very early in January the garden at The Woodlands could boast brave clumps of snowdrops and polyanthus, a venturous wallflower or two, and quite a show of yellow jessamine over the south porch.

plural of “peak” — the most extreme possible amount or value

From this reading Sheltered by the tall mountains, the climate was mild, and though snow would lie on the peaks of Penllwyd and Cwm Dinas it rarely rested on the lower levels.

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

From this reading Sheltered by the tall mountains, the climate was mild, and though snow would lie on the peaks of Penllwyd and Cwm Dinas it rarely rested on the lower levels.

a day devoted to an outdoor social gathering

From this reading A January Picnic Winter in the Craigwen Valley, instead of proving a dreary season of frost or fog, was apt to be as variable as April.

florists' primroses; considered a complex hybrid derived from oxlip, cowslip, and common primrose

From this reading Very early in January the garden at The Woodlands could boast brave clumps of snowdrops and polyanthus, a venturous wallflower or two, and quite a show of yellow jessamine over the south porch.

a structure attached to the exterior of a building often forming a covered entrance

From this reading Very early in January the garden at The Woodlands could boast brave clumps of snowdrops and polyanthus, a venturous wallflower or two, and quite a show of yellow jessamine over the south porch.

-ing form of “prove” — be shown or be found to be

From this reading A January Picnic Winter in the Craigwen Valley, instead of proving a dreary season of frost or fog, was apt to be as variable as April.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Very early in January the garden at The Woodlands could boast brave clumps of snowdrops and polyanthus, a venturous wallflower or two, and quite a show of yellow jessamine over the south porch.

not often

From this reading Sheltered by the tall mountains, the climate was mild, and though snow would lie on the peaks of Penllwyd and Cwm Dinas it rarely rested on the lower levels.

substitute a person or thing for (another that is broken or inefficient or lost or no longer working or yielding what is expected)

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

not tired; refreshed as by sleeping or relaxing

From this reading Sheltered by the tall mountains, the climate was mild, and though snow would lie on the peaks of Penllwyd and Cwm Dinas it rarely rested on the lower levels.

a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading A January Picnic Winter in the Craigwen Valley, instead of proving a dreary season of frost or fog, was apt to be as variable as April.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The glade by the stream never seemed to feel the touch of winter.

protected from danger or bad weather

From this reading Sheltered by the tall mountains, the climate was mild, and though snow would lie on the peaks of Penllwyd and Cwm Dinas it rarely rested on the lower levels.

plural of “shoot” — a new branch

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Very early in January the garden at The Woodlands could boast brave clumps of snowdrops and polyanthus, a venturous wallflower or two, and quite a show of yellow jessamine over the south porch.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading Sheltered by the tall mountains, the climate was mild, and though snow would lie on the peaks of Penllwyd and Cwm Dinas it rarely rested on the lower levels.

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

From this reading Very early in January the garden at The Woodlands could boast brave clumps of snowdrops and polyanthus, a venturous wallflower or two, and quite a show of yellow jessamine over the south porch.

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading Very early in January the garden at The Woodlands could boast brave clumps of snowdrops and polyanthus, a venturous wallflower or two, and quite a show of yellow jessamine over the south porch.

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading The glade by the stream never seemed to feel the touch of winter.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading Sheltered by the tall mountains, the climate was mild, and though snow would lie on the peaks of Penllwyd and Cwm Dinas it rarely rested on the lower levels.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

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

From this reading A January Picnic Winter in the Craigwen Valley, instead of proving a dreary season of frost or fog, was apt to be as variable as April.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Sheltered by the tall mountains, the climate was mild, and though snow would lie on the peaks of Penllwyd and Cwm Dinas it rarely rested on the lower levels.

up to a particular time

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

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

From this reading A January Picnic Winter in the Craigwen Valley, instead of proving a dreary season of frost or fog, was apt to be as variable as April.

make physical contact with, come in contact with

From this reading The glade by the stream never seemed to feel the touch of winter.

plural of “trail” — a track or mark left by something that has passed

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Very early in January the garden at The Woodlands could boast brave clumps of snowdrops and polyanthus, a venturous wallflower or two, and quite a show of yellow jessamine over the south porch.

still full

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

From this reading A January Picnic Winter in the Craigwen Valley, instead of proving a dreary season of frost or fog, was apt to be as variable as April.

liable to or capable of change

From this reading A January Picnic Winter in the Craigwen Valley, instead of proving a dreary season of frost or fog, was apt to be as variable as April.

disposed to venture or take risks

From this reading Very early in January the garden at The Woodlands could boast brave clumps of snowdrops and polyanthus, a venturous wallflower or two, and quite a show of yellow jessamine over the south porch.

characterized by abundance of verdure

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

precisely as stated

From this reading Very early in January the garden at The Woodlands could boast brave clumps of snowdrops and polyanthus, a venturous wallflower or two, and quite a show of yellow jessamine over the south porch.

evoking lifelike images within the mind

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

any of numerous plants of the genus Erysimum having fragrant yellow or orange or brownish flowers

From this reading Very early in January the garden at The Woodlands could boast brave clumps of snowdrops and polyanthus, a venturous wallflower or two, and quite a show of yellow jessamine over the south porch.

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

From this reading A January Picnic Winter in the Craigwen Valley, instead of proving a dreary season of frost or fog, was apt to be as variable as April.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading Many of the oak-trees kept their brown leaves till the new ones came to replace them, honeysuckle trails and brambles continually put out verdant shoots, the lastrea ferns that grew near the brink of the water showed tall green fronds untouched by frost, and the moss was never more vivid.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading A January Picnic Winter in the Craigwen Valley, instead of proving a dreary season of frost or fog, was apt to be as variable as April.

plural of “woodland” — land that is covered with trees and shrubs

From this reading Very early in January the garden at The Woodlands could boast brave clumps of snowdrops and polyanthus, a venturous wallflower or two, and quite a show of yellow jessamine over the south porch.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Sheltered by the tall mountains, the climate was mild, and though snow would lie on the peaks of Penllwyd and Cwm Dinas it rarely rested on the lower levels.

of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk

From this reading Very early in January the garden at The Woodlands could boast brave clumps of snowdrops and polyanthus, a venturous wallflower or two, and quite a show of yellow jessamine over the south porch.