used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Now he glanced familiarly at its white paneling, its sconces like silver candlesticks, the inevitable davenport inevitably backed by an amethyst-shaded piano lamp and a table crowded with silver boxes and picture-frames.
amethyst-shaded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now he glanced familiarly at its white paneling, its sconces like silver candlesticks, the inevitable davenport inevitably backed by an amethyst-shaded piano lamp and a table crowded with silver boxes and picture-frames.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Now he glanced familiarly at its white paneling, its sconces like silver candlesticks, the inevitable davenport inevitably backed by an amethyst-shaded piano lamp and a table crowded with silver boxes and picture-frames.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Now he glanced familiarly at its white paneling, its sconces like silver candlesticks, the inevitable davenport inevitably backed by an amethyst-shaded piano lamp and a table crowded with silver boxes and picture-frames.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
backedadjectiveUS /bækt/
having a back or backing, usually of a specified type
From this reading Now he glanced familiarly at its white paneling, its sconces like silver candlesticks, the inevitable davenport inevitably backed by an amethyst-shaded piano lamp and a table crowded with silver boxes and picture-frames.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading THE KITCHEN INTIMATE Milt had become used to the Gilson drawing-room.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
boxesnounUS /ˈbɑːksəz/
plural of “box” — a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid
From this reading Now he glanced familiarly at its white paneling, its sconces like silver candlesticks, the inevitable davenport inevitably backed by an amethyst-shaded piano lamp and a table crowded with silver boxes and picture-frames.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It was not the drawing-room but the kitchen that dismayed him.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Now he glanced familiarly at its white paneling, its sconces like silver candlesticks, the inevitable davenport inevitably backed by an amethyst-shaded piano lamp and a table crowded with silver boxes and picture-frames.
candlesticksnounUS /ˈkændəlstɪks/
plural of “candlestick” — a holder with sockets for candles
From this reading Now he glanced familiarly at its white paneling, its sconces like silver candlesticks, the inevitable davenport inevitably backed by an amethyst-shaded piano lamp and a table crowded with silver boxes and picture-frames.
persuaded of; very sure
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
createdverbUS /kriˈeɪtəd/
past form of “create” — make or cause to be or to become
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
overfilled or compacted or concentrated
From this reading Now he glanced familiarly at its white paneling, its sconces like silver candlesticks, the inevitable davenport inevitably backed by an amethyst-shaded piano lamp and a table crowded with silver boxes and picture-frames.
davenportnounUS /ˈdævənpɔːrt/
a city in eastern Iowa on the Mississippi River across from Moline and Rock Island
From this reading Now he glanced familiarly at its white paneling, its sconces like silver candlesticks, the inevitable davenport inevitably backed by an amethyst-shaded piano lamp and a table crowded with silver boxes and picture-frames.
decoratorsnounUS /ˈdekəreɪtərz/
plural of “decorator” — a person who specializes in interior decoration
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
dismayedadjectiveUS /dɪˈsmeɪd/
struck with fear, dread, or consternation
From this reading It was not the drawing-room but the kitchen that dismayed him.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE KITCHEN INTIMATE Milt had become used to the Gilson drawing-room.
all things; all of a situation
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
familiarlyadverb
in an intimately familiar manner
From this reading Now he glanced familiarly at its white paneling, its sconces like silver candlesticks, the inevitable davenport inevitably backed by an amethyst-shaded piano lamp and a table crowded with silver boxes and picture-frames.
fatnessnoun
excess bodily weight
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
Gilson
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE KITCHEN INTIMATE Milt had become used to the Gilson drawing-room.
Gilsons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
past form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading Now he glanced familiarly at its white paneling, its sconces like silver candlesticks, the inevitable davenport inevitably backed by an amethyst-shaded piano lamp and a table crowded with silver boxes and picture-frames.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE KITCHEN INTIMATE Milt had become used to the Gilson drawing-room.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It was not the drawing-room but the kitchen that dismayed him.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
inevitableadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈnevətəbəl/
incapable of being avoided or prevented
From this reading Now he glanced familiarly at its white paneling, its sconces like silver candlesticks, the inevitable davenport inevitably backed by an amethyst-shaded piano lamp and a table crowded with silver boxes and picture-frames.
inevitablyadverbUS /ˌɪˈnevətəbli/
in such a manner as could not be otherwise
From this reading Now he glanced familiarly at its white paneling, its sconces like silver candlesticks, the inevitable davenport inevitably backed by an amethyst-shaded piano lamp and a table crowded with silver boxes and picture-frames.
interioradjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtɪriər/
situated within or suitable for inside a building
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
INTIMATEadjectiveUS /ˈɪntəmət/
marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity
From this reading THE KITCHEN INTIMATE Milt had become used to the Gilson drawing-room.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was not the drawing-room but the kitchen that dismayed him.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
a room equipped for preparing meals
From this reading THE KITCHEN INTIMATE Milt had become used to the Gilson drawing-room.
evidencing the possession of inside information
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
an artificial source of visible illumination
From this reading Now he glanced familiarly at its white paneling, its sconces like silver candlesticks, the inevitable davenport inevitably backed by an amethyst-shaded piano lamp and a table crowded with silver boxes and picture-frames.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading He liked the winsomeness of light upon velvet and polished wood.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Now he glanced familiarly at its white paneling, its sconces like silver candlesticks, the inevitable davenport inevitably backed by an amethyst-shaded piano lamp and a table crowded with silver boxes and picture-frames.
found pleasant or attractive; often used as a combining form
From this reading He liked the winsomeness of light upon velvet and polished wood.
for more time
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
MiltnounUS /mɪlt/
fish sperm or sperm-filled reproductive gland; having a creamy texture
From this reading THE KITCHEN INTIMATE Milt had become used to the Gilson drawing-room.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
not any; not one
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Now he glanced familiarly at its white paneling, its sconces like silver candlesticks, the inevitable davenport inevitably backed by an amethyst-shaded piano lamp and a table crowded with silver boxes and picture-frames.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
panelingnounUS /ˈpænəlɪŋ/
a panel or section of panels in a wall or door
From this reading Now he glanced familiarly at its white paneling, its sconces like silver candlesticks, the inevitable davenport inevitably backed by an amethyst-shaded piano lamp and a table crowded with silver boxes and picture-frames.
pianonounUS /piˈænoʊ/
a keyboard instrument that is played by depressing keys that cause hammers to strike tuned strings and produce sounds
From this reading Now he glanced familiarly at its white paneling, its sconces like silver candlesticks, the inevitable davenport inevitably backed by an amethyst-shaded piano lamp and a table crowded with silver boxes and picture-frames.
picture-frames
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now he glanced familiarly at its white paneling, its sconces like silver candlesticks, the inevitable davenport inevitably backed by an amethyst-shaded piano lamp and a table crowded with silver boxes and picture-frames.
polishedadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːlɪʃt/
perfected or made shiny and smooth
From this reading He liked the winsomeness of light upon velvet and polished wood.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
resourcesnounUS /ˈriːsɔːrsɪz/
plural of “resource” — available source of wealth; a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
sconcesnounUS /ˈskɑːnsɪz/
plural of “sconce” — a shelter or screen providing protection from enemy fire or from the weather
From this reading Now he glanced familiarly at its white paneling, its sconces like silver candlesticks, the inevitable davenport inevitably backed by an amethyst-shaded piano lamp and a table crowded with silver boxes and picture-frames.
a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography
From this reading Now he glanced familiarly at its white paneling, its sconces like silver candlesticks, the inevitable davenport inevitably backed by an amethyst-shaded piano lamp and a table crowded with silver boxes and picture-frames.
sleekadjectiveUS /sliːk/
well-groomed and neatly tailored; especially too well-groomed
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading Now he glanced familiarly at its white paneling, its sconces like silver candlesticks, the inevitable davenport inevitably backed by an amethyst-shaded piano lamp and a table crowded with silver boxes and picture-frames.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE KITCHEN INTIMATE Milt had become used to the Gilson drawing-room.
in or at that place or location
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE KITCHEN INTIMATE Milt had become used to the Gilson drawing-room.
uncomfortableadjectiveUS /ənˈkʌmfərtəbəl/
conducive to or feeling mental discomfort
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading He liked the winsomeness of light upon velvet and polished wood.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading THE KITCHEN INTIMATE Milt had become used to the Gilson drawing-room.
velvetnounUS /ˈvelvət/
a silky densely piled fabric with a plain back
From this reading He liked the winsomeness of light upon velvet and polished wood.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
a Caucasian
From this reading Now he glanced familiarly at its white paneling, its sconces like silver candlesticks, the inevitable davenport inevitably backed by an amethyst-shaded piano lamp and a table crowded with silver boxes and picture-frames.
winsomenessnoun
childlike charm or appeal
From this reading He liked the winsomeness of light upon velvet and polished wood.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Now he glanced familiarly at its white paneling, its sconces like silver candlesticks, the inevitable davenport inevitably backed by an amethyst-shaded piano lamp and a table crowded with silver boxes and picture-frames.
the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees
From this reading He liked the winsomeness of light upon velvet and polished wood.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading He was no longer uncomfortable in the presence of its sleek fatness, though at first (not knowing that there were such resources as interior decorators), he had been convinced that, to have created the room, the Gilsons must have known everything in the world.
