used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
anew
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
amidprepositionUS /əˈmɪd/
in the middle of; surrounded by
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Occasionally his thoughts seemed to wander from the folio opened before him, and he fell into fits of reverie which impressed upon his visage an expression rather of anxiety than study.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic
From this reading Occasionally his thoughts seemed to wander from the folio opened before him, and he fell into fits of reverie which impressed upon his visage an expression rather of anxiety than study.
Armine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old man looked up to the portrait of the unhappy Lady Armine, and heaved a deep sigh.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The countenance of the good old man was not so serene as usual.
filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock
From this reading _In Which Glastonbury Is Very Much Astonished_.
autumnaladjectiveUS /ɔːˈtʌmnəl/
of or characteristic of or occurring in autumn
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Occasionally his thoughts seemed to wander from the folio opened before him, and he fell into fits of reverie which impressed upon his visage an expression rather of anxiety than study.
plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
chorusnounUS /ˈkɔːrəs/
any utterance produced simultaneously by a group
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
the appearance conveyed by a person's face
From this reading The countenance of the good old man was not so serene as usual.
having gaps or spaces
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading The old man looked up to the portrait of the unhappy Lady Armine, and heaved a deep sigh.
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading Occasionally his thoughts seemed to wander from the folio opened before him, and he fell into fits of reverie which impressed upon his visage an expression rather of anxiety than study.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading Occasionally his thoughts seemed to wander from the folio opened before him, and he fell into fits of reverie which impressed upon his visage an expression rather of anxiety than study.
fitsnounUS /fɪts/
plural of “fit” — a display of bad temper
From this reading Occasionally his thoughts seemed to wander from the folio opened before him, and he fell into fits of reverie which impressed upon his visage an expression rather of anxiety than study.
folionounUS /ˈfoʊliːoʊ/
the system of numbering pages
From this reading Occasionally his thoughts seemed to wander from the folio opened before him, and he fell into fits of reverie which impressed upon his visage an expression rather of anxiety than study.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Occasionally his thoughts seemed to wander from the folio opened before him, and he fell into fits of reverie which impressed upon his visage an expression rather of anxiety than study.
Glastonbury
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _In Which Glastonbury Is Very Much Astonished_.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading The countenance of the good old man was not so serene as usual.
in a gradual manner
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
groaningverbUS /ˈɡroʊnɪŋ/
-ing form of “groan” — indicate pain, discomfort, or displeasure
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
gustyadjectiveUS /ˈɡʌsti/
blowing in puffs or short intermittent blasts
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Occasionally his thoughts seemed to wander from the folio opened before him, and he fell into fits of reverie which impressed upon his visage an expression rather of anxiety than study.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
heavedverbUS /hiːvd/
past form of “heave” — utter a sound, as with obvious effort
From this reading The old man looked up to the portrait of the unhappy Lady Armine, and heaved a deep sigh.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Occasionally his thoughts seemed to wander from the folio opened before him, and he fell into fits of reverie which impressed upon his visage an expression rather of anxiety than study.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
hissingnounUS /ˈhɪsɪŋ/
a fricative sound (especially as an expression of disapproval)
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
deeply or markedly affected or influenced
From this reading Occasionally his thoughts seemed to wander from the folio opened before him, and he fell into fits of reverie which impressed upon his visage an expression rather of anxiety than study.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading _In Which Glastonbury Is Very Much Astonished_.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _In Which Glastonbury Is Very Much Astonished_.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading The old man looked up to the portrait of the unhappy Lady Armine, and heaved a deep sigh.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading The old man looked up to the portrait of the unhappy Lady Armine, and heaved a deep sigh.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
lulledverbUS /lʌld/
past form of “lull” — calm by deception
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading The countenance of the good old man was not so serene as usual.
moannounUS /moʊn/
an utterance expressing pain or disapproval
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading _In Which Glastonbury Is Very Much Astonished_.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The countenance of the good old man was not so serene as usual.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
sporadically and infrequently
From this reading Occasionally his thoughts seemed to wander from the folio opened before him, and he fell into fits of reverie which impressed upon his visage an expression rather of anxiety than study.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading The countenance of the good old man was not so serene as usual.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading Occasionally his thoughts seemed to wander from the folio opened before him, and he fell into fits of reverie which impressed upon his visage an expression rather of anxiety than study.
being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
a word picture of a person's appearance and character
From this reading The old man looked up to the portrait of the unhappy Lady Armine, and heaved a deep sigh.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
on the contrary
From this reading Occasionally his thoughts seemed to wander from the folio opened before him, and he fell into fits of reverie which impressed upon his visage an expression rather of anxiety than study.
reverienounUS /ˈrevəri/
absentminded dreaming while awake
From this reading Occasionally his thoughts seemed to wander from the folio opened before him, and he fell into fits of reverie which impressed upon his visage an expression rather of anxiety than study.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
sereneadjectiveUS /sərˈiːn/
not agitated; without losing self-possession
From this reading The countenance of the good old man was not so serene as usual.
heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily
From this reading The old man looked up to the portrait of the unhappy Lady Armine, and heaved a deep sigh.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The countenance of the good old man was not so serene as usual.
stillnessnounUS /ˈstɪlnəs/
(poetic) tranquil silence
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
behave violently, as if in state of a great anger
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading Occasionally his thoughts seemed to wander from the folio opened before him, and he fell into fits of reverie which impressed upon his visage an expression rather of anxiety than study.
past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
swelledadjectiveUS /sweld/
feeling self-importance
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Occasionally his thoughts seemed to wander from the folio opened before him, and he fell into fits of reverie which impressed upon his visage an expression rather of anxiety than study.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Occasionally his thoughts seemed to wander from the folio opened before him, and he fell into fits of reverie which impressed upon his visage an expression rather of anxiety than study.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Occasionally his thoughts seemed to wander from the folio opened before him, and he fell into fits of reverie which impressed upon his visage an expression rather of anxiety than study.
a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
experiencing or marked by or causing sadness or sorrow or discontent
From this reading The old man looked up to the portrait of the unhappy Lady Armine, and heaved a deep sigh.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The old man looked up to the portrait of the unhappy Lady Armine, and heaved a deep sigh.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Occasionally his thoughts seemed to wander from the folio opened before him, and he fell into fits of reverie which impressed upon his visage an expression rather of anxiety than study.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading The countenance of the good old man was not so serene as usual.
precisely as stated
From this reading _In Which Glastonbury Is Very Much Astonished_.
visagenounUS /ˈvɪzədʒ/
the human face (“kisser” and “smiler” and “mug” are informal terms for “face” and “phiz” is British)
From this reading Occasionally his thoughts seemed to wander from the folio opened before him, and he fell into fits of reverie which impressed upon his visage an expression rather of anxiety than study.
wanderverbUS /ˈwɑːndər/
move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading Occasionally his thoughts seemed to wander from the folio opened before him, and he fell into fits of reverie which impressed upon his visage an expression rather of anxiety than study.
WASauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading _In Which Glastonbury Is Very Much Astonished_.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
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 IT WAS a gusty autumnal night; Glastonbury sat alone in his tower; every now and then the wind, amid a chorus of groaning branches and hissing rain, dashed against his window; then its power seemed gradually lulled, and perfect stillness succeeded, until a low moan was heard again in the distance, which gradually swelled into storm.
