used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading ‘At last I can get a word with yourself, Joyce!’
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Mrs. Bellendean led her out under the verandah to the garden path beyond with an anxiety and eagerness which startled Joyce.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Mrs. Bellendean led her out under the verandah to the garden path beyond with an anxiety and eagerness which startled Joyce.
(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 Mrs. Bellendean led her out under the verandah to the garden path beyond with an anxiety and eagerness which startled Joyce.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading It was a caressing hold, but very firm, not leaving any possibility of escape.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
From this reading She half enveloped the girl in the warmth of her cloak and of the caressing arm which held hers.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading ‘At last I can get a word with yourself, Joyce!’
Bellendean
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Bellendean led her out under the verandah to the garden path beyond with an anxiety and eagerness which startled Joyce.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading Mrs. Bellendean led her out under the verandah to the garden path beyond with an anxiety and eagerness which startled Joyce.
confined by bonds
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It was a caressing hold, but very firm, not leaving any possibility of escape.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading ‘At last I can get a word with yourself, Joyce!’
caressingnounUS /kərˈesɪŋ/
affectionate play (or foreplay without contact with the genital organs)
From this reading She half enveloped the girl in the warmth of her cloak and of the caressing arm which held hers.
anything that covers or conceals
From this reading She half enveloped the girl in the warmth of her cloak and of the caressing arm which held hers.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
eagernessnounUS /ˈiːɡərnəs/
a positive feeling of wanting to push ahead with something
From this reading Mrs. Bellendean led her out under the verandah to the garden path beyond with an anxiety and eagerness which startled Joyce.
one or the other of two
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
envelopedverbUS /enˈveləpt/
past form of “envelop” — enclose or enfold completely with or as if with a covering
From this reading She half enveloped the girl in the warmth of her cloak and of the caressing arm which held hers.
the act of escaping physically
From this reading It was a caressing hold, but very firm, not leaving any possibility of escape.
divisible by two
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
From this reading It was a caressing hold, but very firm, not leaving any possibility of escape.
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading Mrs. Bellendean led her out under the verandah to the garden path beyond with an anxiety and eagerness which startled Joyce.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading ‘At last I can get a word with yourself, Joyce!’
a young female
From this reading She half enveloped the girl in the warmth of her cloak and of the caressing arm which held hers.
the act of departing
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading She half enveloped the girl in the warmth of her cloak and of the caressing arm which held hers.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading She half enveloped the girl in the warmth of her cloak and of the caressing arm which held hers.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Mrs. Bellendean led her out under the verandah to the garden path beyond with an anxiety and eagerness which startled Joyce.
the one or ones belonging to her
From this reading She half enveloped the girl in the warmth of her cloak and of the caressing arm which held hers.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading It was a caressing hold, but very firm, not leaving any possibility of escape.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading ‘At last I can get a word with yourself, Joyce!’
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading She half enveloped the girl in the warmth of her cloak and of the caressing arm which held hers.
resulting from one's intentions
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
interchangesnounUS /ˈɪntərtʃeɪndʒɪz/
plural of “interchange” — a junction of highways on different levels that permits traffic to move from one to another without crossing traffic streams
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a caressing hold, but very firm, not leaving any possibility of escape.
JoycenounUS /dʒɔɪs/
influential Irish writer noted for his many innovations (such as stream of consciousness writing) (1882-1941)
From this reading ‘At last I can get a word with yourself, Joyce!’
immediately past
From this reading ‘At last I can get a word with yourself, Joyce!’
go away from a place
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
the act of departing
From this reading It was a caressing hold, but very firm, not leaving any possibility of escape.
diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
From this reading Mrs. Bellendean led her out under the verandah to the garden path beyond with an anxiety and eagerness which startled Joyce.
past form of “mention” — make reference to
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Mrs. Bellendean led her out under the verandah to the garden path beyond with an anxiety and eagerness which startled Joyce.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It was a caressing hold, but very firm, not leaving any possibility of escape.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading She half enveloped the girl in the warmth of her cloak and of the caressing arm which held hers.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Mrs. Bellendean led her out under the verandah to the garden path beyond with an anxiety and eagerness which startled Joyce.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
a course of conduct
From this reading Mrs. Bellendean led her out under the verandah to the garden path beyond with an anxiety and eagerness which startled Joyce.
a future prospect or potential
From this reading It was a caressing hold, but very firm, not leaving any possibility of escape.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She half enveloped the girl in the warmth of her cloak and of the caressing arm which held hers.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement
From this reading Mrs. Bellendean led her out under the verandah to the garden path beyond with an anxiety and eagerness which startled Joyce.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Mrs. Bellendean led her out under the verandah to the garden path beyond with an anxiety and eagerness which startled Joyce.
in or at that place or location
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Mrs. Bellendean led her out under the verandah to the garden path beyond with an anxiety and eagerness which startled Joyce.
create by training and teaching
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Mrs. Bellendean led her out under the verandah to the garden path beyond with an anxiety and eagerness which startled Joyce.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
not clearly expressed or understood
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
verandahnoun
a porch along the outside of a building (sometimes partly enclosed)
From this reading Mrs. Bellendean led her out under the verandah to the garden path beyond with an anxiety and eagerness which startled Joyce.
precisely as stated
From this reading It was a caressing hold, but very firm, not leaving any possibility of escape.
someone who visits
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
plural of “visitor” — someone who visits
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
warmthnounUS /wɔːrmθ/
the sensation caused by heat energy
From this reading She half enveloped the girl in the warmth of her cloak and of the caressing arm which held hers.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was a caressing hold, but very firm, not leaving any possibility of escape.
at the time that
From this reading More than an hour had passed slowly in the usual vague interchanges of drawing-room conversation, when there is nothing particular to talk about on either side; but the visitor had said nothing about going--had not even mentioned, as such visitors are bound to do, the train by which she intended to leave.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Mrs. Bellendean led her out under the verandah to the garden path beyond with an anxiety and eagerness which startled Joyce.
in the company of; together with
From this reading ‘At last I can get a word with yourself, Joyce!’
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading ‘At last I can get a word with yourself, Joyce!’
used when the person spoken to is also the object of the action
From this reading ‘At last I can get a word with yourself, Joyce!’
