used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading It was the dining-room of the house wherein the four men sat in earnest consultation; and now that they were alone, their faces were grave to solemnity.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was the dining-room of the house wherein the four men sat in earnest consultation; and now that they were alone, their faces were grave to solemnity.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading His son sat opposite, his face mostly in shadow, as he lay back in his chair and thrummed the table with his slender brown fingers.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading His son sat opposite, his face mostly in shadow, as he lay back in his chair and thrummed the table with his slender brown fingers.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading Joseph Devereux sat by the mahogany table, whose black polish reflected the lights, mirror-like, and--but more dully--the yellow brass of the candlesticks.
boltedverbUS /ˈboʊltəd/
past form of “bolt” — move or jump suddenly
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
brassnounUS /bræs/
an alloy of copper and zinc
From this reading Joseph Devereux sat by the mahogany table, whose black polish reflected the lights, mirror-like, and--but more dully--the yellow brass of the candlesticks.
an orange of low brightness and saturation
From this reading His son sat opposite, his face mostly in shadow, as he lay back in his chair and thrummed the table with his slender brown fingers.
the act of burning something
From this reading His elbow was resting upon the smooth wood, his hand supporting his head; and in the light of the candle burning near, his face looked unusually stern.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Joseph Devereux sat by the mahogany table, whose black polish reflected the lights, mirror-like, and--but more dully--the yellow brass of the candlesticks.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Joseph Devereux sat by the mahogany table, whose black polish reflected the lights, mirror-like, and--but more dully--the yellow brass of the candlesticks.
stick of wax with a wick in the middle
From this reading His elbow was resting upon the smooth wood, his hand supporting his head; and in the light of the candle burning near, his face looked unusually stern.
candlesnounUS /ˈkændəlz/
plural of “candle” — stick of wax with a wick in the middle
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
candlesticksnounUS /ˈkændəlstɪks/
plural of “candlestick” — a holder with sockets for candles
From this reading Joseph Devereux sat by the mahogany table, whose black polish reflected the lights, mirror-like, and--but more dully--the yellow brass of the candlesticks.
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading His son sat opposite, his face mostly in shadow, as he lay back in his chair and thrummed the table with his slender brown fingers.
not open or affording passage or access
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
consultationnounUS /ˌkɑːnsəlˈteɪʃən/
a conference (usually with someone important)
From this reading It was the dining-room of the house wherein the four men sat in earnest consultation; and now that they were alone, their faces were grave to solemnity.
cornersnounUS /ˈkɔːrnərz/
plural of “corner” — a place off to the side of an area
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
cushionedadjectiveUS /ˈkʊʃənd/
softened by the addition of cushions or padding
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
Devereux
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Joseph Devereux sat by the mahogany table, whose black polish reflected the lights, mirror-like, and--but more dully--the yellow brass of the candlesticks.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
dining-roomnoun
a room used for dining
From this reading It was the dining-room of the house wherein the four men sat in earnest consultation; and now that they were alone, their faces were grave to solemnity.
dullyadverb
without liveliness
From this reading Joseph Devereux sat by the mahogany table, whose black polish reflected the lights, mirror-like, and--but more dully--the yellow brass of the candlesticks.
characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions
From this reading It was the dining-room of the house wherein the four men sat in earnest consultation; and now that they were alone, their faces were grave to solemnity.
elbownounUS /ˈelboʊ/
hinge joint between the forearm and upper arm and the corresponding joint in the forelimb of a quadruped
From this reading His elbow was resting upon the smooth wood, his hand supporting his head; and in the light of the candle burning near, his face looked unusually stern.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading His elbow was resting upon the smooth wood, his hand supporting his head; and in the light of the candle burning near, his face looked unusually stern.
plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading It was the dining-room of the house wherein the four men sat in earnest consultation; and now that they were alone, their faces were grave to solemnity.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
From this reading His son sat opposite, his face mostly in shadow, as he lay back in his chair and thrummed the table with his slender brown fingers.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading It was the dining-room of the house wherein the four men sat in earnest consultation; and now that they were alone, their faces were grave to solemnity.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
death of a person
From this reading It was the dining-room of the house wherein the four men sat in earnest consultation; and now that they were alone, their faces were grave to solemnity.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading His elbow was resting upon the smooth wood, his hand supporting his head; and in the light of the candle burning near, his face looked unusually stern.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading His son sat opposite, his face mostly in shadow, as he lay back in his chair and thrummed the table with his slender brown fingers.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading His elbow was resting upon the smooth wood, his hand supporting his head; and in the light of the candle burning near, his face looked unusually stern.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His elbow was resting upon the smooth wood, his hand supporting his head; and in the light of the candle burning near, his face looked unusually stern.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading It was the dining-room of the house wherein the four men sat in earnest consultation; and now that they were alone, their faces were grave to solemnity.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was the dining-room of the house wherein the four men sat in earnest consultation; and now that they were alone, their faces were grave to solemnity.
relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was the dining-room of the house wherein the four men sat in earnest consultation; and now that they were alone, their faces were grave to solemnity.
leader of the Nez Perce in their retreat from United States troops (1840-1904)
From this reading Joseph Devereux sat by the mahogany table, whose black polish reflected the lights, mirror-like, and--but more dully--the yellow brass of the candlesticks.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading His son sat opposite, his face mostly in shadow, as he lay back in his chair and thrummed the table with his slender brown fingers.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation
From this reading Joseph Devereux sat by the mahogany table, whose black polish reflected the lights, mirror-like, and--but more dully--the yellow brass of the candlesticks.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading His elbow was resting upon the smooth wood, his hand supporting his head; and in the light of the candle burning near, his face looked unusually stern.
lurkingverbUS /ˈlɜːrkɪŋ/
-ing form of “lurk” — lie in wait, lie in ambush, behave in a sneaky and secretive manner
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
mahoganynounUS /məˈhɑːɡəni/
wood of any of various mahogany trees; much used for cabinetwork and furniture
From this reading Joseph Devereux sat by the mahogany table, whose black polish reflected the lights, mirror-like, and--but more dully--the yellow brass of the candlesticks.
the force of workers available
From this reading It was the dining-room of the house wherein the four men sat in earnest consultation; and now that they were alone, their faces were grave to solemnity.
mirror-like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Joseph Devereux sat by the mahogany table, whose black polish reflected the lights, mirror-like, and--but more dully--the yellow brass of the candlesticks.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Joseph Devereux sat by the mahogany table, whose black polish reflected the lights, mirror-like, and--but more dully--the yellow brass of the candlesticks.
mostlyadverbUS /ˈmoʊstli/
in large part; mainly or chiefly
From this reading His son sat opposite, his face mostly in shadow, as he lay back in his chair and thrummed the table with his slender brown fingers.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading His elbow was resting upon the smooth wood, his hand supporting his head; and in the light of the candle burning near, his face looked unusually stern.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading It was the dining-room of the house wherein the four men sat in earnest consultation; and now that they were alone, their faces were grave to solemnity.
the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
oak-ceiled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was the dining-room of the house wherein the four men sat in earnest consultation; and now that they were alone, their faces were grave to solemnity.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
being directly across from each other; facing
From this reading His son sat opposite, his face mostly in shadow, as he lay back in his chair and thrummed the table with his slender brown fingers.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
penetrateverbUS /ˈpenətreɪt/
pass into or through, often by overcoming resistance
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
polishnounUS /ˈpɑːlɪʃ/
the property of being smooth and shiny
From this reading Joseph Devereux sat by the mahogany table, whose black polish reflected the lights, mirror-like, and--but more dully--the yellow brass of the candlesticks.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
(especially of incident sound or light) bent or sent back
From this reading Joseph Devereux sat by the mahogany table, whose black polish reflected the lights, mirror-like, and--but more dully--the yellow brass of the candlesticks.
-ing form of “rest” — not move; be in a resting position
From this reading His elbow was resting upon the smooth wood, his hand supporting his head; and in the light of the candle burning near, his face looked unusually stern.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading It was the dining-room of the house wherein the four men sat in earnest consultation; and now that they were alone, their faces were grave to solemnity.
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading His son sat opposite, his face mostly in shadow, as he lay back in his chair and thrummed the table with his slender brown fingers.
plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
shuttersnounUS /ˈʃʌtərz/
plural of “shutter” — a mechanical device on a camera that opens and closes to control the time of a photographic exposure
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
being of delicate or slender build
From this reading His son sat opposite, his face mostly in shadow, as he lay back in his chair and thrummed the table with his slender brown fingers.
having a surface free from roughness or bumps or ridges or irregularities
From this reading His elbow was resting upon the smooth wood, his hand supporting his head; and in the light of the candle burning near, his face looked unusually stern.
solemnitynounUS /səˈlemnəti/
a trait of dignified seriousness
From this reading It was the dining-room of the house wherein the four men sat in earnest consultation; and now that they were alone, their faces were grave to solemnity.
a male human offspring
From this reading His son sat opposite, his face mostly in shadow, as he lay back in his chair and thrummed the table with his slender brown fingers.
sternadjectiveUS /stɜːrn/
of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
From this reading His elbow was resting upon the smooth wood, his hand supporting his head; and in the light of the candle burning near, his face looked unusually stern.
dependable
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
supportingadjectiveUS /səˈpɔːrtɪŋ/
furnishing support and encouragement
From this reading His elbow was resting upon the smooth wood, his hand supporting his head; and in the light of the candle burning near, his face looked unusually stern.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading Joseph Devereux sat by the mahogany table, whose black polish reflected the lights, mirror-like, and--but more dully--the yellow brass of the candlesticks.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was the dining-room of the house wherein the four men sat in earnest consultation; and now that they were alone, their faces were grave to solemnity.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was the dining-room of the house wherein the four men sat in earnest consultation; and now that they were alone, their faces were grave to solemnity.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It was the dining-room of the house wherein the four men sat in earnest consultation; and now that they were alone, their faces were grave to solemnity.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was the dining-room of the house wherein the four men sat in earnest consultation; and now that they were alone, their faces were grave to solemnity.
thrummed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His son sat opposite, his face mostly in shadow, as he lay back in his chair and thrummed the table with his slender brown fingers.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was the dining-room of the house wherein the four men sat in earnest consultation; and now that they were alone, their faces were grave to solemnity.
unusuallyadverbUS /əˈnjuːʒuːəli/
to a remarkable degree or extent
From this reading His elbow was resting upon the smooth wood, his hand supporting his head; and in the light of the candle burning near, his face looked unusually stern.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading His elbow was resting upon the smooth wood, his hand supporting his head; and in the light of the candle burning near, his face looked unusually stern.
wainscotedadjective
fitted or decorated with panels or wainscoting
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was the dining-room of the house wherein the four men sat in earnest consultation; and now that they were alone, their faces were grave to solemnity.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was the dining-room of the house wherein the four men sat in earnest consultation; and now that they were alone, their faces were grave to solemnity.
in or at the place that
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
wherein
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the dining-room of the house wherein the four men sat in earnest consultation; and now that they were alone, their faces were grave to solemnity.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
belonging to which person
From this reading Joseph Devereux sat by the mahogany table, whose black polish reflected the lights, mirror-like, and--but more dully--the yellow brass of the candlesticks.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The oak-ceiled and wainscoted room was filled with lurking shadows in the far corners, where the light from the candles did not penetrate; and the inside shutters of stout oak were closed and bolted over the one great window, along which ran a deep cushioned seat.
the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees
From this reading His elbow was resting upon the smooth wood, his hand supporting his head; and in the light of the candle burning near, his face looked unusually stern.
of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk
From this reading Joseph Devereux sat by the mahogany table, whose black polish reflected the lights, mirror-like, and--but more dully--the yellow brass of the candlesticks.
