used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The poor had reached a point where they were indeed glad to get what nourishment they might from the grass that grew in the streets, and even the leaves from the trees that shaded the canals.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The poor had reached a point where they were indeed glad to get what nourishment they might from the grass that grew in the streets, and even the leaves from the trees that shaded the canals.
the month following July and preceding September
From this reading THE COMING OF THE FIRST PIGEON The middle of August found the conditions in Leyden in no way improved but rather the worse, being just so many weeks nearer starvation.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading THE COMING OF THE FIRST PIGEON The middle of August found the conditions in Leyden in no way improved but rather the worse, being just so many weeks nearer starvation.
beltsnounUS /belts/
plural of “belt” — endless loop of flexible material between two rotating shafts or pulleys
From this reading Even the rich now suffered from the scantiness of provisions, and were fain to draw in their belts tightly to lessen the gnawing of constant hunger.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading Yet they still fared better than some.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading THE COMING OF THE FIRST PIGEON The middle of August found the conditions in Leyden in no way improved but rather the worse, being just so many weeks nearer starvation.
canalsnounUS /kəˈnælz/
plural of “canal” — (astronomy) an indistinct surface feature of Mars once thought to be a system of channels; they are now believed to be an optical illusion
From this reading The poor had reached a point where they were indeed glad to get what nourishment they might from the grass that grew in the streets, and even the leaves from the trees that shaded the canals.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading THE COMING OF THE FIRST PIGEON The middle of August found the conditions in Leyden in no way improved but rather the worse, being just so many weeks nearer starvation.
complexionsnounUS /kəmˈplekʃənz/
plural of “complexion” — the coloring of a person's face
From this reading Jacqueline and Gysbert had lost their fresh, rosy complexions and the roundness of their youthful curves, and looked white and thin.
the prevailing context that influences the performance or the outcome of a process
From this reading THE COMING OF THE FIRST PIGEON The middle of August found the conditions in Leyden in no way improved but rather the worse, being just so many weeks nearer starvation.
unvarying in nature
From this reading Even the rich now suffered from the scantiness of provisions, and were fain to draw in their belts tightly to lessen the gnawing of constant hunger.
curvesnounUS /kɜːrvz/
plural of “curve” — the trace of a point whose direction of motion changes
From this reading Jacqueline and Gysbert had lost their fresh, rosy complexions and the roundness of their youthful curves, and looked white and thin.
cause to move by pulling
From this reading Even the rich now suffered from the scantiness of provisions, and were fain to draw in their belts tightly to lessen the gnawing of constant hunger.
divisible by two
From this reading The poor had reached a point where they were indeed glad to get what nourishment they might from the grass that grew in the streets, and even the leaves from the trees that shaded the canals.
fainadjectiveUS /feɪn/
having made preparations
From this reading Even the rich now suffered from the scantiness of provisions, and were fain to draw in their belts tightly to lessen the gnawing of constant hunger.
faredverbUS /ferd/
past form of “fare” — proceed or get along
From this reading Yet they still fared better than some.
FIRSTadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading THE COMING OF THE FIRST PIGEON The middle of August found the conditions in Leyden in no way improved but rather the worse, being just so many weeks nearer starvation.
set up or found
From this reading THE COMING OF THE FIRST PIGEON The middle of August found the conditions in Leyden in no way improved but rather the worse, being just so many weeks nearer starvation.
recently made, produced, or harvested
From this reading Jacqueline and Gysbert had lost their fresh, rosy complexions and the roundness of their youthful curves, and looked white and thin.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The poor had reached a point where they were indeed glad to get what nourishment they might from the grass that grew in the streets, and even the leaves from the trees that shaded the canals.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading The poor had reached a point where they were indeed glad to get what nourishment they might from the grass that grew in the streets, and even the leaves from the trees that shaded the canals.
showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy
From this reading The poor had reached a point where they were indeed glad to get what nourishment they might from the grass that grew in the streets, and even the leaves from the trees that shaded the canals.
gnawingverbUS /ˈnɔːɪŋ/
-ing form of “gnaw” — bite or chew on with the teeth
From this reading Even the rich now suffered from the scantiness of provisions, and were fain to draw in their belts tightly to lessen the gnawing of constant hunger.
shoot down, of birds
From this reading The poor had reached a point where they were indeed glad to get what nourishment they might from the grass that grew in the streets, and even the leaves from the trees that shaded the canals.
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading The poor had reached a point where they were indeed glad to get what nourishment they might from the grass that grew in the streets, and even the leaves from the trees that shaded the canals.
Gysbert
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jacqueline and Gysbert had lost their fresh, rosy complexions and the roundness of their youthful curves, and looked white and thin.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The poor had reached a point where they were indeed glad to get what nourishment they might from the grass that grew in the streets, and even the leaves from the trees that shaded the canals.
hungernounUS /ˈhʌŋɡər/
a physiological need for food; the consequence of food deprivation
From this reading Even the rich now suffered from the scantiness of provisions, and were fain to draw in their belts tightly to lessen the gnawing of constant hunger.
improvedadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpruːvd/
made more desirable or valuable or profitable; especially made ready for use or marketing
From this reading THE COMING OF THE FIRST PIGEON The middle of August found the conditions in Leyden in no way improved but rather the worse, being just so many weeks nearer starvation.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE COMING OF THE FIRST PIGEON The middle of August found the conditions in Leyden in no way improved but rather the worse, being just so many weeks nearer starvation.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading The poor had reached a point where they were indeed glad to get what nourishment they might from the grass that grew in the streets, and even the leaves from the trees that shaded the canals.
Jacqueline
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jacqueline and Gysbert had lost their fresh, rosy complexions and the roundness of their youthful curves, and looked white and thin.
and nothing more
From this reading THE COMING OF THE FIRST PIGEON The middle of August found the conditions in Leyden in no way improved but rather the worse, being just so many weeks nearer starvation.
plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants
From this reading The poor had reached a point where they were indeed glad to get what nourishment they might from the grass that grew in the streets, and even the leaves from the trees that shaded the canals.
lessenverbUS /ˈlesən/
decrease in size, extent, or range
From this reading Even the rich now suffered from the scantiness of provisions, and were fain to draw in their belts tightly to lessen the gnawing of constant hunger.
LeydennounUS /ˈlaɪdən/
a city in the western Netherlands; residence of the Pilgrim Fathers for 11 years before they sailed for America in 1620
From this reading THE COMING OF THE FIRST PIGEON The middle of August found the conditions in Leyden in no way improved but rather the worse, being just so many weeks nearer starvation.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Jacqueline and Gysbert had lost their fresh, rosy complexions and the roundness of their youthful curves, and looked white and thin.
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading Jacqueline and Gysbert had lost their fresh, rosy complexions and the roundness of their youthful curves, and looked white and thin.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading THE COMING OF THE FIRST PIGEON The middle of August found the conditions in Leyden in no way improved but rather the worse, being just so many weeks nearer starvation.
an area that is approximately central within some larger region
From this reading THE COMING OF THE FIRST PIGEON The middle of August found the conditions in Leyden in no way improved but rather the worse, being just so many weeks nearer starvation.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading The poor had reached a point where they were indeed glad to get what nourishment they might from the grass that grew in the streets, and even the leaves from the trees that shaded the canals.
(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance
From this reading THE COMING OF THE FIRST PIGEON The middle of August found the conditions in Leyden in no way improved but rather the worse, being just so many weeks nearer starvation.
not any; not one
From this reading THE COMING OF THE FIRST PIGEON The middle of August found the conditions in Leyden in no way improved but rather the worse, being just so many weeks nearer starvation.
nourishmentnounUS /ˈnɜːrɪʃmənt/
a source of materials to nourish the body
From this reading The poor had reached a point where they were indeed glad to get what nourishment they might from the grass that grew in the streets, and even the leaves from the trees that shaded the canals.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Even the rich now suffered from the scantiness of provisions, and were fain to draw in their belts tightly to lessen the gnawing of constant hunger.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE COMING OF THE FIRST PIGEON The middle of August found the conditions in Leyden in no way improved but rather the worse, being just so many weeks nearer starvation.
PIGEONnounUS /ˈpɪdʒən/
wild and domesticated birds having a heavy body and short legs
From this reading THE COMING OF THE FIRST PIGEON The middle of August found the conditions in Leyden in no way improved but rather the worse, being just so many weeks nearer starvation.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading The poor had reached a point where they were indeed glad to get what nourishment they might from the grass that grew in the streets, and even the leaves from the trees that shaded the canals.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading The poor had reached a point where they were indeed glad to get what nourishment they might from the grass that grew in the streets, and even the leaves from the trees that shaded the canals.
provisionsnounUS /prəˈvɪʒənz/
a stock or supply of foods
From this reading Even the rich now suffered from the scantiness of provisions, and were fain to draw in their belts tightly to lessen the gnawing of constant hunger.
on the contrary
From this reading THE COMING OF THE FIRST PIGEON The middle of August found the conditions in Leyden in no way improved but rather the worse, being just so many weeks nearer starvation.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading The poor had reached a point where they were indeed glad to get what nourishment they might from the grass that grew in the streets, and even the leaves from the trees that shaded the canals.
possessing material wealth
From this reading Even the rich now suffered from the scantiness of provisions, and were fain to draw in their belts tightly to lessen the gnawing of constant hunger.
rosyadjectiveUS /ˈroʊzi/
reflecting optimism
From this reading Jacqueline and Gysbert had lost their fresh, rosy complexions and the roundness of their youthful curves, and looked white and thin.
roundnessnoun
the fullness of a tone of voice
From this reading Jacqueline and Gysbert had lost their fresh, rosy complexions and the roundness of their youthful curves, and looked white and thin.
scantinessnounUS /ˈskæntinəs/
the quality of being meager
From this reading Even the rich now suffered from the scantiness of provisions, and were fain to draw in their belts tightly to lessen the gnawing of constant hunger.
shadedadjectiveUS /ˈʃeɪdɪd/
protected from heat and light with shade or shadow
From this reading The poor had reached a point where they were indeed glad to get what nourishment they might from the grass that grew in the streets, and even the leaves from the trees that shaded the canals.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading THE COMING OF THE FIRST PIGEON The middle of August found the conditions in Leyden in no way improved but rather the worse, being just so many weeks nearer starvation.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Yet they still fared better than some.
starvationnounUS /stɑːrˈveɪʃən/
a state of extreme hunger resulting from lack of essential nutrients over a prolonged period
From this reading THE COMING OF THE FIRST PIGEON The middle of August found the conditions in Leyden in no way improved but rather the worse, being just so many weeks nearer starvation.
not in physical motion
From this reading Yet they still fared better than some.
plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading The poor had reached a point where they were indeed glad to get what nourishment they might from the grass that grew in the streets, and even the leaves from the trees that shaded the canals.
past form of “suffer” — undergo or be subjected to
From this reading Even the rich now suffered from the scantiness of provisions, and were fain to draw in their belts tightly to lessen the gnawing of constant hunger.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Yet they still fared better than some.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The poor had reached a point where they were indeed glad to get what nourishment they might from the grass that grew in the streets, and even the leaves from the trees that shaded the canals.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE COMING OF THE FIRST PIGEON The middle of August found the conditions in Leyden in no way improved but rather the worse, being just so many weeks nearer starvation.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Even the rich now suffered from the scantiness of provisions, and were fain to draw in their belts tightly to lessen the gnawing of constant hunger.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The poor had reached a point where they were indeed glad to get what nourishment they might from the grass that grew in the streets, and even the leaves from the trees that shaded the canals.
Having little thickness or extent.
From this reading Jacqueline and Gysbert had lost their fresh, rosy complexions and the roundness of their youthful curves, and looked white and thin.
tightlyadverbUS /ˈtaɪtli/
in a tight or constricted manner
From this reading Even the rich now suffered from the scantiness of provisions, and were fain to draw in their belts tightly to lessen the gnawing of constant hunger.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The poor had reached a point where they were indeed glad to get what nourishment they might from the grass that grew in the streets, and even the leaves from the trees that shaded the canals.
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading The poor had reached a point where they were indeed glad to get what nourishment they might from the grass that grew in the streets, and even the leaves from the trees that shaded the canals.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading THE COMING OF THE FIRST PIGEON The middle of August found the conditions in Leyden in no way improved but rather the worse, being just so many weeks nearer starvation.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading THE COMING OF THE FIRST PIGEON The middle of August found the conditions in Leyden in no way improved but rather the worse, being just so many weeks nearer starvation.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The poor had reached a point where they were indeed glad to get what nourishment they might from the grass that grew in the streets, and even the leaves from the trees that shaded the canals.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading The poor had reached a point where they were indeed glad to get what nourishment they might from the grass that grew in the streets, and even the leaves from the trees that shaded the canals.
in or at the place that
From this reading The poor had reached a point where they were indeed glad to get what nourishment they might from the grass that grew in the streets, and even the leaves from the trees that shaded the canals.
a Caucasian
From this reading Jacqueline and Gysbert had lost their fresh, rosy complexions and the roundness of their youthful curves, and looked white and thin.
(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability
From this reading THE COMING OF THE FIRST PIGEON The middle of August found the conditions in Leyden in no way improved but rather the worse, being just so many weeks nearer starvation.
but in spite of that
From this reading Yet they still fared better than some.
youthfuladjectiveUS /ˈjuːθfəl/
suggestive of youth; vigorous and fresh
From this reading Jacqueline and Gysbert had lost their fresh, rosy complexions and the roundness of their youthful curves, and looked white and thin.
