adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Gethryn, curled up in a corner of his sofa, listlessly watched the showers of pink and white blossoms which whirled and eddied down from the rocking chestnuts, falling into the windy court in little heaps.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading The wind was rising, blowing in quick, sharp gusts and sweeping the forest of rain spears, rank upon rank, in mad dashes against the glass-roofed studio.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading The sparrows huddled under the eaves, or hopped disconsolately along the windowsills, uttering short, ill-tempered chirps.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The wind was rising, blowing in quick, sharp gusts and sweeping the forest of rain spears, rank upon rank, in mad dashes against the glass-roofed studio.
backsnounUS /bæks/
plural of “back” — the posterior part of a human (or animal) body from the neck to the end of the spine
From this reading One or two stiff-legged flies crawled rheumatically along the window glass, only to fall on their backs and lie there buzzing.
blossomsnounUS /ˈblɑːsəmz/
plural of “blossom” — reproductive organ of angiosperm plants especially one having showy or colorful parts
From this reading Gethryn, curled up in a corner of his sofa, listlessly watched the showers of pink and white blossoms which whirled and eddied down from the rocking chestnuts, falling into the windy court in little heaps.
blowingnounUS /ˈbloʊɪŋ/
processing that involves blowing a gas
From this reading The wind was rising, blowing in quick, sharp gusts and sweeping the forest of rain spears, rank upon rank, in mad dashes against the glass-roofed studio.
buzzingadjectiveUS /ˈbʌzɪŋ/
noisy like the sound of a bee
From this reading One or two stiff-legged flies crawled rheumatically along the window glass, only to fall on their backs and lie there buzzing.
chestnutsnounUS /ˈtʃesnəts/
plural of “chestnut” — wood of any of various chestnut trees of the genus Castanea
From this reading Gethryn, curled up in a corner of his sofa, listlessly watched the showers of pink and white blossoms which whirled and eddied down from the rocking chestnuts, falling into the windy court in little heaps.
chirpsnounUS /tʃɜːrps/
plural of “chirp” — a sharp sound made by small birds or insects
From this reading The sparrows huddled under the eaves, or hopped disconsolately along the windowsills, uttering short, ill-tempered chirps.
cornernounUS /ˈkɔːrnər/
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading Gethryn, curled up in a corner of his sofa, listlessly watched the showers of pink and white blossoms which whirled and eddied down from the rocking chestnuts, falling into the windy court in little heaps.
courtnounUS /kɔːrt/
an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
From this reading Gethryn, curled up in a corner of his sofa, listlessly watched the showers of pink and white blossoms which whirled and eddied down from the rocking chestnuts, falling into the windy court in little heaps.
crawledverbUS /krɔːld/
past form of “crawl” — move slowly; in the case of people or animals with the body near the ground
From this reading One or two stiff-legged flies crawled rheumatically along the window glass, only to fall on their backs and lie there buzzing.
curledadjectiveUS /kɜːrld/
(of hair) making curls or having been made to curl
From this reading Gethryn, curled up in a corner of his sofa, listlessly watched the showers of pink and white blossoms which whirled and eddied down from the rocking chestnuts, falling into the windy court in little heaps.
dashesnounUS /ˈdæʃɪz/
plural of “dash” — distinctive and stylish elegance
From this reading The wind was rising, blowing in quick, sharp gusts and sweeping the forest of rain spears, rank upon rank, in mad dashes against the glass-roofed studio.
disconsolatelyadverb
in grief-stricken loneliness; without comforting circumstances or prospects
From this reading The sparrows huddled under the eaves, or hopped disconsolately along the windowsills, uttering short, ill-tempered chirps.
downadjectiveUS /daʊn/
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Gethryn, curled up in a corner of his sofa, listlessly watched the showers of pink and white blossoms which whirled and eddied down from the rocking chestnuts, falling into the windy court in little heaps.
eavesnounUS /iːvz/
the overhang at the lower edge of a roof
From this reading The sparrows huddled under the eaves, or hopped disconsolately along the windowsills, uttering short, ill-tempered chirps.
eddied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gethryn, curled up in a corner of his sofa, listlessly watched the showers of pink and white blossoms which whirled and eddied down from the rocking chestnuts, falling into the windy court in little heaps.
fallverbUS /fɔːl/
descend in free fall under the influence of gravity
From this reading One or two stiff-legged flies crawled rheumatically along the window glass, only to fall on their backs and lie there buzzing.
fallingadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːlɪŋ/
decreasing in amount or degree
From this reading Rain was falling steadily.
fliesnounUS /flaɪz/
(theater) the space over the stage (out of view of the audience) used to store scenery (drop curtains)
From this reading One or two stiff-legged flies crawled rheumatically along the window glass, only to fall on their backs and lie there buzzing.
forestnounUS /ˈfɔːrəst/
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading The wind was rising, blowing in quick, sharp gusts and sweeping the forest of rain spears, rank upon rank, in mad dashes against the glass-roofed studio.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Gethryn, curled up in a corner of his sofa, listlessly watched the showers of pink and white blossoms which whirled and eddied down from the rocking chestnuts, falling into the windy court in little heaps.
Gethryn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gethryn, curled up in a corner of his sofa, listlessly watched the showers of pink and white blossoms which whirled and eddied down from the rocking chestnuts, falling into the windy court in little heaps.
glassnounUS /ɡlæs/
a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure
From this reading One or two stiff-legged flies crawled rheumatically along the window glass, only to fall on their backs and lie there buzzing.
glass-roofed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The wind was rising, blowing in quick, sharp gusts and sweeping the forest of rain spears, rank upon rank, in mad dashes against the glass-roofed studio.
gustsnounUS /ɡʌsts/
plural of “gust” — a strong current of air
From this reading The wind was rising, blowing in quick, sharp gusts and sweeping the forest of rain spears, rank upon rank, in mad dashes against the glass-roofed studio.
heapsnounUS /hiːps/
a large number or amount
From this reading Gethryn, curled up in a corner of his sofa, listlessly watched the showers of pink and white blossoms which whirled and eddied down from the rocking chestnuts, falling into the windy court in little heaps.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Gethryn, curled up in a corner of his sofa, listlessly watched the showers of pink and white blossoms which whirled and eddied down from the rocking chestnuts, falling into the windy court in little heaps.
hoppedverbUS /hɑːpt/
inflected form of “hop” — jump lightly
From this reading The sparrows huddled under the eaves, or hopped disconsolately along the windowsills, uttering short, ill-tempered chirps.
huddledadjectiveUS /ˈhʌdəld/
crowded or massed together
From this reading The sparrows huddled under the eaves, or hopped disconsolately along the windowsills, uttering short, ill-tempered chirps.
ill-temperedadjective
annoyed and irritable
From this reading The sparrows huddled under the eaves, or hopped disconsolately along the windowsills, uttering short, ill-tempered chirps.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The wind was rising, blowing in quick, sharp gusts and sweeping the forest of rain spears, rank upon rank, in mad dashes against the glass-roofed studio.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Gethryn, curled up in a corner of his sofa, listlessly watched the showers of pink and white blossoms which whirled and eddied down from the rocking chestnuts, falling into the windy court in little heaps.
lieverbUS /laɪ/
be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position
From this reading One or two stiff-legged flies crawled rheumatically along the window glass, only to fall on their backs and lie there buzzing.
listlesslyadverbUS /ˈlɪstləsli/
in a listless manner
From this reading Gethryn, curled up in a corner of his sofa, listlessly watched the showers of pink and white blossoms which whirled and eddied down from the rocking chestnuts, falling into the windy court in little heaps.
littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Gethryn, curled up in a corner of his sofa, listlessly watched the showers of pink and white blossoms which whirled and eddied down from the rocking chestnuts, falling into the windy court in little heaps.
madadjectiveUS /mæd/
roused to anger
From this reading The wind was rising, blowing in quick, sharp gusts and sweeping the forest of rain spears, rank upon rank, in mad dashes against the glass-roofed studio.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The wind was rising, blowing in quick, sharp gusts and sweeping the forest of rain spears, rank upon rank, in mad dashes against the glass-roofed studio.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading One or two stiff-legged flies crawled rheumatically along the window glass, only to fall on their backs and lie there buzzing.
OnepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One or two stiff-legged flies crawled rheumatically along the window glass, only to fall on their backs and lie there buzzing.
onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/
and nothing more
From this reading One or two stiff-legged flies crawled rheumatically along the window glass, only to fall on their backs and lie there buzzing.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The sparrows huddled under the eaves, or hopped disconsolately along the windowsills, uttering short, ill-tempered chirps.
pinknounUS /pɪŋk/
a light shade of red
From this reading Gethryn, curled up in a corner of his sofa, listlessly watched the showers of pink and white blossoms which whirled and eddied down from the rocking chestnuts, falling into the windy court in little heaps.
quickadjectiveUS /kwɪk/
accomplished rapidly and without delay
From this reading The wind was rising, blowing in quick, sharp gusts and sweeping the forest of rain spears, rank upon rank, in mad dashes against the glass-roofed studio.
RainnounUS /reɪn/
water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
From this reading Rain was falling steadily.
ranknounUS /ræŋk/
a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another
From this reading The wind was rising, blowing in quick, sharp gusts and sweeping the forest of rain spears, rank upon rank, in mad dashes against the glass-roofed studio.
rheumatically
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One or two stiff-legged flies crawled rheumatically along the window glass, only to fall on their backs and lie there buzzing.
risingadjectiveUS /ˈraɪzɪŋ/
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading The wind was rising, blowing in quick, sharp gusts and sweeping the forest of rain spears, rank upon rank, in mad dashes against the glass-roofed studio.
rockingverbUS /ˈrɑːkɪŋ/
-ing form of “rock” — move back and forth or sideways
From this reading Gethryn, curled up in a corner of his sofa, listlessly watched the showers of pink and white blossoms which whirled and eddied down from the rocking chestnuts, falling into the windy court in little heaps.
sharpadjectiveUS /ʃɑːrp/
(of something seen or heard) clearly defined
From this reading The wind was rising, blowing in quick, sharp gusts and sweeping the forest of rain spears, rank upon rank, in mad dashes against the glass-roofed studio.
shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔːrt/
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading The sparrows huddled under the eaves, or hopped disconsolately along the windowsills, uttering short, ill-tempered chirps.
showersnounUS /ˈʃaʊərz/
plural of “shower” — a plumbing fixture that sprays water over you
From this reading Gethryn, curled up in a corner of his sofa, listlessly watched the showers of pink and white blossoms which whirled and eddied down from the rocking chestnuts, falling into the windy court in little heaps.
sofanounUS /ˈsoʊfə/
an upholstered seat for more than one person
From this reading Gethryn, curled up in a corner of his sofa, listlessly watched the showers of pink and white blossoms which whirled and eddied down from the rocking chestnuts, falling into the windy court in little heaps.
sparrowsnounUS /ˈsperoʊz/
plural of “sparrow” — any of several small dull-colored singing birds feeding on seeds or insects
From this reading The sparrows huddled under the eaves, or hopped disconsolately along the windowsills, uttering short, ill-tempered chirps.
spearsnounUS /spɪrz/
plural of “spear” — a long pointed rod used as a tool or weapon
From this reading The wind was rising, blowing in quick, sharp gusts and sweeping the forest of rain spears, rank upon rank, in mad dashes against the glass-roofed studio.
steadilyadverbUS /ˈstedəli/
at a steady rate or pace
From this reading Rain was falling steadily.
stiff-legged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One or two stiff-legged flies crawled rheumatically along the window glass, only to fall on their backs and lie there buzzing.
studionounUS /ˈstuːdioʊ/
workplace for the teaching or practice of an art
From this reading The wind was rising, blowing in quick, sharp gusts and sweeping the forest of rain spears, rank upon rank, in mad dashes against the glass-roofed studio.
sweepingadjectiveUS /ˈswiːpɪŋ/
taking in or moving over (or as if over) a wide area; often used in combination
From this reading The wind was rising, blowing in quick, sharp gusts and sweeping the forest of rain spears, rank upon rank, in mad dashes against the glass-roofed studio.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The sparrows huddled under the eaves, or hopped disconsolately along the windowsills, uttering short, ill-tempered chirps.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading One or two stiff-legged flies crawled rheumatically along the window glass, only to fall on their backs and lie there buzzing.
thereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading One or two stiff-legged flies crawled rheumatically along the window glass, only to fall on their backs and lie there buzzing.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading One or two stiff-legged flies crawled rheumatically along the window glass, only to fall on their backs and lie there buzzing.
twonounUS /tuː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading One or two stiff-legged flies crawled rheumatically along the window glass, only to fall on their backs and lie there buzzing.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading The sparrows huddled under the eaves, or hopped disconsolately along the windowsills, uttering short, ill-tempered chirps.
upadjectiveUS /ʌp/
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Gethryn, curled up in a corner of his sofa, listlessly watched the showers of pink and white blossoms which whirled and eddied down from the rocking chestnuts, falling into the windy court in little heaps.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The wind was rising, blowing in quick, sharp gusts and sweeping the forest of rain spears, rank upon rank, in mad dashes against the glass-roofed studio.
utteringverbUS /ˈʌtərɪŋ/
-ing form of “utter” — articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise
From this reading The sparrows huddled under the eaves, or hopped disconsolately along the windowsills, uttering short, ill-tempered chirps.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Rain was falling steadily.
watchedverbUS /wɑːtʃt/
past form of “watch” — look attentively
From this reading Gethryn, curled up in a corner of his sofa, listlessly watched the showers of pink and white blossoms which whirled and eddied down from the rocking chestnuts, falling into the windy court in little heaps.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Gethryn, curled up in a corner of his sofa, listlessly watched the showers of pink and white blossoms which whirled and eddied down from the rocking chestnuts, falling into the windy court in little heaps.
whirledverbUS /wɜːrld/
past form of “whirl” — turn in a twisting or spinning motion
From this reading Gethryn, curled up in a corner of his sofa, listlessly watched the showers of pink and white blossoms which whirled and eddied down from the rocking chestnuts, falling into the windy court in little heaps.
whitenounUS /waɪt/
a Caucasian
From this reading Gethryn, curled up in a corner of his sofa, listlessly watched the showers of pink and white blossoms which whirled and eddied down from the rocking chestnuts, falling into the windy court in little heaps.
windnounUS /waɪnd/
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading The wind was rising, blowing in quick, sharp gusts and sweeping the forest of rain spears, rank upon rank, in mad dashes against the glass-roofed studio.
windownounUS /ˈwɪndoʊ/
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 One or two stiff-legged flies crawled rheumatically along the window glass, only to fall on their backs and lie there buzzing.
windowsills
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sparrows huddled under the eaves, or hopped disconsolately along the windowsills, uttering short, ill-tempered chirps.
windyadjectiveUS /ˈwɪndi/
abounding in or exposed to the wind or breezes
From this reading Gethryn, curled up in a corner of his sofa, listlessly watched the showers of pink and white blossoms which whirled and eddied down from the rocking chestnuts, falling into the windy court in little heaps.
