Chapter XXI

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

From this reading POOR ISOBEL The rawness of March gave way to a half-hearted April, days of pelting rain with a few hours now and then of warm sunshine.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

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

From this reading POOR ISOBEL The rawness of March gave way to a half-hearted April, days of pelting rain with a few hours now and then of warm sunshine.

the month following March and preceding May

From this reading POOR ISOBEL The rawness of March gave way to a half-hearted April, days of pelting rain with a few hours now and then of warm sunshine.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

completely unclothed

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

a game played on a court by two opposing teams of 5 players; points are scored by throwing the ball through an elevated horizontal hoop

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Isobel Westley had been chosen to play the part of Hermia in "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

plural of “bough” — any of the larger branches of a tree

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

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

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

marked by continuous change or effective action

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

sung or uttered rhythmically in a monotone

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

one who is the object of choice; who is given preference

From this reading Isobel Westley had been chosen to play the part of Hermia in "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Her family shared her pleasure--they felt that a great distinction had come to them.

plural of “corner” — a place off to the side of an area

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

any of numerous low-growing plants of the genus Crocus having slender grasslike leaves and white or yellow or purple flowers; native chiefly to the Mediterranean region but widely cultivated

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

past form of “dart” — move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading POOR ISOBEL The rawness of March gave way to a half-hearted April, days of pelting rain with a few hours now and then of warm sunshine.

soiled or likely to soil with dirt or grime

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

a discrimination between things as different and distinct on the basis of their characteristics or attributes

From this reading Her family shared her pleasure--they felt that a great distinction had come to them.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

participation in theatrical productions as an extracurricular activity

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.

From this reading Isobel Westley had been chosen to play the part of Hermia in "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

a social unit living together

From this reading Her family shared her pleasure--they felt that a great distinction had come to them.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading Her family shared her pleasure--they felt that a great distinction had come to them.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading POOR ISOBEL The rawness of March gave way to a half-hearted April, days of pelting rain with a few hours now and then of warm sunshine.

plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading POOR ISOBEL The rawness of March gave way to a half-hearted April, days of pelting rain with a few hours now and then of warm sunshine.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

shoot down, of birds

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Her family shared her pleasure--they felt that a great distinction had come to them.

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Isobel Westley had been chosen to play the part of Hermia in "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

feeling or showing little interest or enthusiasm

From this reading POOR ISOBEL The rawness of March gave way to a half-hearted April, days of pelting rain with a few hours now and then of warm sunshine.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Her family shared her pleasure--they felt that a great distinction had come to them.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

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

From this reading Isobel Westley had been chosen to play the part of Hermia in "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

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

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

a game resembling ice hockey that is played on an open field; two opposing teams use curved hockey sticks try to drive a ball into the opponents' net

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading POOR ISOBEL The rawness of March gave way to a half-hearted April, days of pelting rain with a few hours now and then of warm sunshine.

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

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

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

From this reading POOR ISOBEL The rawness of March gave way to a half-hearted April, days of pelting rain with a few hours now and then of warm sunshine.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

16th President of the United States; saved the Union during the American Civil War and emancipated the slaves; was assassinated by Booth (1809-1865)

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

the act of tarrying

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

a children's game played with little balls made of a hard substance (as glass)

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

march in a procession

From this reading POOR ISOBEL The rawness of March gave way to a half-hearted April, days of pelting rain with a few hours now and then of warm sunshine.

attach a tag or label to

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

June 21, when the sun is at its northernmost point

From this reading Isobel Westley had been chosen to play the part of Hermia in "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

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

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

possessive form of “night” — the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading Isobel Westley had been chosen to play the part of Hermia in "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading POOR ISOBEL The rawness of March gave way to a half-hearted April, days of pelting rain with a few hours now and then of warm sunshine.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading POOR ISOBEL The rawness of March gave way to a half-hearted April, days of pelting rain with a few hours now and then of warm sunshine.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

a street musician who plays a hand organ or hurdy-gurdy

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Isobel Westley had been chosen to play the part of Hermia in "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

plural of “patch” — a small contrasting part of something

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

anything happening rapidly or in quick successive

From this reading POOR ISOBEL The rawness of March gave way to a half-hearted April, days of pelting rain with a few hours now and then of warm sunshine.

past form of “perch” — sit, as on a branch

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

participate in games or sport

From this reading Isobel Westley had been chosen to play the part of Hermia in "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading Her family shared her pleasure--they felt that a great distinction had come to them.

plural of “pocket” — a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading POOR ISOBEL The rawness of March gave way to a half-hearted April, days of pelting rain with a few hours now and then of warm sunshine.

make a promise or commitment

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

a purple color or pigment

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

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

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

being or dressed in clothes that are worn or torn

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading POOR ISOBEL The rawness of March gave way to a half-hearted April, days of pelting rain with a few hours now and then of warm sunshine.

thrown into a state of agitated confusion; (“rattled” is an informal term)

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

a chilly dampness

From this reading POOR ISOBEL The rawness of March gave way to a half-hearted April, days of pelting rain with a few hours now and then of warm sunshine.

plural of “robin” — small Old World songbird with a reddish breast

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

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

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

an educational institution

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

moving with great haste

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

plural of “season” — a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

have in common; held or experienced in common

From this reading Her family shared her pleasure--they felt that a great distinction had come to them.

protected from danger or bad weather

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

a sensation of cold that often marks the start of an infection and the development of a fever

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

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

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

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

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

the season of growth

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

in a stubborn unregenerate manner

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

the imperial dynasty of China from 960 to 1279; noted for art and literature and philosophy

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

the rays of the sun

From this reading POOR ISOBEL The rawness of March gave way to a half-hearted April, days of pelting rain with a few hours now and then of warm sunshine.

the act of swimming

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Her family shared her pleasure--they felt that a great distinction had come to them.

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

From this reading POOR ISOBEL The rawness of March gave way to a half-hearted April, days of pelting rain with a few hours now and then of warm sunshine.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Her family shared her pleasure--they felt that a great distinction had come to them.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading POOR ISOBEL The rawness of March gave way to a half-hearted April, days of pelting rain with a few hours now and then of warm sunshine.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Her family shared her pleasure--they felt that a great distinction had come to them.

very small

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

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

From this reading POOR ISOBEL The rawness of March gave way to a half-hearted April, days of pelting rain with a few hours now and then of warm sunshine.

past form of “trundle” — move heavily

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

with valor; in a valiant manner

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.

any of various kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by an animal or a tractor

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat

From this reading POOR ISOBEL The rawness of March gave way to a half-hearted April, days of pelting rain with a few hours now and then of warm sunshine.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading POOR ISOBEL The rawness of March gave way to a half-hearted April, days of pelting rain with a few hours now and then of warm sunshine.

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

From this reading There were other signs to mark the changing of the seasons--an organ-grinder trundled his wagon down the street, rag-pickers chanted, small, scurrying figures darted in and out on roller-skates, marbles rattled in ragged pockets, and the Lincoln boys and girls at Highacres turned their attention from basketball and hockey to swimming and the school dramatics.

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

From this reading Isobel Westley had been chosen to play the part of Hermia in "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

in the company of; together with

From this reading POOR ISOBEL The rawness of March gave way to a half-hearted April, days of pelting rain with a few hours now and then of warm sunshine.

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

From this reading Patches of grass showed green against the dirty snowbanks lingering stubbornly in sheltered corners; here and there a tiny purple or yellow crocus put up its bright head; a few brave robins started their nest-keeping and, perched shivering on bare boughs, valiantly sung the promise of spring.