Chapter X

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

From this reading A breeze was scattering the petals from the trees, which were "as white with bloom as the snow of one night," and Mary Ellen turned her face to the sky so that she, too, might feel the soft shower.

later than; following

From this reading She and Mary Ellen had been to the old rath after flowers for the May-baskets, and were returning to the cottage, where Cousin Bee was waiting to take them to Lough Gara for the May-day picnic.

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

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

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

From this reading She and Mary Ellen had been to the old rath after flowers for the May-baskets, and were returning to the cottage, where Cousin Bee was waiting to take them to Lough Gara for the May-day picnic.

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

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading A breeze was scattering the petals from the trees, which were "as white with bloom as the snow of one night," and Mary Ellen turned her face to the sky so that she, too, might feel the soft shower.

any of numerous hairy-bodied insects including social and solitary species

From this reading She and Mary Ellen had been to the old rath after flowers for the May-baskets, and were returning to the cottage, where Cousin Bee was waiting to take them to Lough Gara for the May-day picnic.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading She and Mary Ellen had been to the old rath after flowers for the May-baskets, and were returning to the cottage, where Cousin Bee was waiting to take them to Lough Gara for the May-day picnic.

plural of “blackbird” — any bird of the family Icteridae whose male is black or predominantly black

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

the organic process of bearing flowers

From this reading A breeze was scattering the petals from the trees, which were "as white with bloom as the snow of one night," and Mary Ellen turned her face to the sky so that she, too, might feel the soft shower.

exhale hard

From this reading MAY-DAY ON LOUGH GARA "It's the cute way nature has with her!" exclaimed Kathleen, holding up her face for the white-thorn petals to blow down upon it.

a slight wind (usually refreshing)

From this reading A breeze was scattering the petals from the trees, which were "as white with bloom as the snow of one night," and Mary Ellen turned her face to the sky so that she, too, might feel the soft shower.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

make overcast or cloudy

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

a small house with a single story

From this reading She and Mary Ellen had been to the old rath after flowers for the May-baskets, and were returning to the cottage, where Cousin Bee was waiting to take them to Lough Gara for the May-day picnic.

the child of your aunt or uncle

From this reading She and Mary Ellen had been to the old rath after flowers for the May-baskets, and were returning to the cottage, where Cousin Bee was waiting to take them to Lough Gara for the May-day picnic.

attractive especially by means of smallness or prettiness or quaintness

From this reading MAY-DAY ON LOUGH GARA "It's the cute way nature has with her!" exclaimed Kathleen, holding up her face for the white-thorn petals to blow down upon it.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading MAY-DAY ON LOUGH GARA "It's the cute way nature has with her!" exclaimed Kathleen, holding up her face for the white-thorn petals to blow down upon it.

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

From this reading She and Mary Ellen had been to the old rath after flowers for the May-baskets, and were returning to the cottage, where Cousin Bee was waiting to take them to Lough Gara for the May-day picnic.

past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy

From this reading MAY-DAY ON LOUGH GARA "It's the cute way nature has with her!" exclaimed Kathleen, holding up her face for the white-thorn petals to blow down upon it.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading MAY-DAY ON LOUGH GARA "It's the cute way nature has with her!" exclaimed Kathleen, holding up her face for the white-thorn petals to blow down upon it.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading A breeze was scattering the petals from the trees, which were "as white with bloom as the snow of one night," and Mary Ellen turned her face to the sky so that she, too, might feel the soft shower.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading She and Mary Ellen had been to the old rath after flowers for the May-baskets, and were returning to the cottage, where Cousin Bee was waiting to take them to Lough Gara for the May-day picnic.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading MAY-DAY ON LOUGH GARA "It's the cute way nature has with her!" exclaimed Kathleen, holding up her face for the white-thorn petals to blow down upon it.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading A breeze was scattering the petals from the trees, which were "as white with bloom as the snow of one night," and Mary Ellen turned her face to the sky so that she, too, might feel the soft shower.

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

From this reading MAY-DAY ON LOUGH GARA "It's the cute way nature has with her!" exclaimed Kathleen, holding up her face for the white-thorn petals to blow down upon it.

plural of “give” — the elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

the act of departing

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

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

From this reading She and Mary Ellen had been to the old rath after flowers for the May-baskets, and were returning to the cottage, where Cousin Bee was waiting to take them to Lough Gara for the May-day picnic.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading MAY-DAY ON LOUGH GARA "It's the cute way nature has with her!" exclaimed Kathleen, holding up her face for the white-thorn petals to blow down upon it.

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

From this reading MAY-DAY ON LOUGH GARA "It's the cute way nature has with her!" exclaimed Kathleen, holding up her face for the white-thorn petals to blow down upon it.

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

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

plural of “hide” — the dressed skin of an animal (especially a large animal)

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

the act of retaining something

From this reading MAY-DAY ON LOUGH GARA "It's the cute way nature has with her!" exclaimed Kathleen, holding up her face for the white-thorn petals to blow down upon it.

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

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

people of Ireland or of Irish extraction

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading MAY-DAY ON LOUGH GARA "It's the cute way nature has with her!" exclaimed Kathleen, holding up her face for the white-thorn petals to blow down upon it.

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

From this reading MAY-DAY ON LOUGH GARA "It's the cute way nature has with her!" exclaimed Kathleen, holding up her face for the white-thorn petals to blow down upon it.

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

From this reading MAY-DAY ON LOUGH GARA "It's the cute way nature has with her!" exclaimed Kathleen, holding up her face for the white-thorn petals to blow down upon it.

the sound of laughing

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

a long narrow (nearly landlocked) cove in Ireland

From this reading MAY-DAY ON LOUGH GARA "It's the cute way nature has with her!" exclaimed Kathleen, holding up her face for the white-thorn petals to blow down upon it.

the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics

From this reading She and Mary Ellen had been to the old rath after flowers for the May-baskets, and were returning to the cottage, where Cousin Bee was waiting to take them to Lough Gara for the May-day picnic.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

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

From this reading She and Mary Ellen had been to the old rath after flowers for the May-baskets, and were returning to the cottage, where Cousin Bee was waiting to take them to Lough Gara for the May-day picnic.

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

From this reading MAY-DAY ON LOUGH GARA "It's the cute way nature has with her!" exclaimed Kathleen, holding up her face for the white-thorn petals to blow down upon it.

a field where grass or alfalfa are grown to be made into hay

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading A breeze was scattering the petals from the trees, which were "as white with bloom as the snow of one night," and Mary Ellen turned her face to the sky so that she, too, might feel the soft shower.

a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading MAY-DAY ON LOUGH GARA "It's the cute way nature has with her!" exclaimed Kathleen, holding up her face for the white-thorn petals to blow down upon it.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading A breeze was scattering the petals from the trees, which were "as white with bloom as the snow of one night," and Mary Ellen turned her face to the sky so that she, too, might feel the soft shower.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A breeze was scattering the petals from the trees, which were "as white with bloom as the snow of one night," and Mary Ellen turned her face to the sky so that she, too, might feel the soft shower.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading She and Mary Ellen had been to the old rath after flowers for the May-baskets, and were returning to the cottage, where Cousin Bee was waiting to take them to Lough Gara for the May-day picnic.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading MAY-DAY ON LOUGH GARA "It's the cute way nature has with her!" exclaimed Kathleen, holding up her face for the white-thorn petals to blow down upon it.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading A breeze was scattering the petals from the trees, which were "as white with bloom as the snow of one night," and Mary Ellen turned her face to the sky so that she, too, might feel the soft shower.

plural of “petal” — part of the perianth that is usually brightly colored

From this reading MAY-DAY ON LOUGH GARA "It's the cute way nature has with her!" exclaimed Kathleen, holding up her face for the white-thorn petals to blow down upon it.

a day devoted to an outdoor social gathering

From this reading She and Mary Ellen had been to the old rath after flowers for the May-baskets, and were returning to the cottage, where Cousin Bee was waiting to take them to Lough Gara for the May-day picnic.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

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

From this reading She and Mary Ellen had been to the old rath after flowers for the May-baskets, and were returning to the cottage, where Cousin Bee was waiting to take them to Lough Gara for the May-day picnic.

recurring again and again

From this reading "Sure, nature has a cute way," Kathleen repeated.

tending to return to an earlier state

From this reading She and Mary Ellen had been to the old rath after flowers for the May-baskets, and were returning to the cottage, where Cousin Bee was waiting to take them to Lough Gara for the May-day picnic.

a small number (of something) dispersed haphazardly

From this reading A breeze was scattering the petals from the trees, which were "as white with bloom as the snow of one night," and Mary Ellen turned her face to the sky so that she, too, might feel the soft shower.

third-person singular of “send” — cause to go somewhere

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading She and Mary Ellen had been to the old rath after flowers for the May-baskets, and were returning to the cottage, where Cousin Bee was waiting to take them to Lough Gara for the May-day picnic.

a plumbing fixture that sprays water over you

From this reading A breeze was scattering the petals from the trees, which were "as white with bloom as the snow of one night," and Mary Ellen turned her face to the sky so that she, too, might feel the soft shower.

the act of singing vocal music

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading A breeze was scattering the petals from the trees, which were "as white with bloom as the snow of one night," and Mary Ellen turned her face to the sky so that she, too, might feel the soft shower.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading A breeze was scattering the petals from the trees, which were "as white with bloom as the snow of one night," and Mary Ellen turned her face to the sky so that she, too, might feel the soft shower.

a storm with widespread snowfall accompanied by strong winds

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading A breeze was scattering the petals from the trees, which were "as white with bloom as the snow of one night," and Mary Ellen turned her face to the sky so that she, too, might feel the soft shower.

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading A breeze was scattering the petals from the trees, which were "as white with bloom as the snow of one night," and Mary Ellen turned her face to the sky so that she, too, might feel the soft shower.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading "Sure, nature has a cute way," Kathleen repeated.

carry out

From this reading She and Mary Ellen had been to the old rath after flowers for the May-baskets, and were returning to the cottage, where Cousin Bee was waiting to take them to Lough Gara for the May-day picnic.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A breeze was scattering the petals from the trees, which were "as white with bloom as the snow of one night," and Mary Ellen turned her face to the sky so that she, too, might feel the soft shower.

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

From this reading MAY-DAY ON LOUGH GARA "It's the cute way nature has with her!" exclaimed Kathleen, holding up her face for the white-thorn petals to blow down upon it.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading She and Mary Ellen had been to the old rath after flowers for the May-baskets, and were returning to the cottage, where Cousin Bee was waiting to take them to Lough Gara for the May-day picnic.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

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

From this reading MAY-DAY ON LOUGH GARA "It's the cute way nature has with her!" exclaimed Kathleen, holding up her face for the white-thorn petals to blow down upon it.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading A breeze was scattering the petals from the trees, which were "as white with bloom as the snow of one night," and Mary Ellen turned her face to the sky so that she, too, might feel the soft shower.

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 A breeze was scattering the petals from the trees, which were "as white with bloom as the snow of one night," and Mary Ellen turned her face to the sky so that she, too, might feel the soft shower.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading A breeze was scattering the petals from the trees, which were "as white with bloom as the snow of one night," and Mary Ellen turned her face to the sky so that she, too, might feel the soft shower.

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

From this reading MAY-DAY ON LOUGH GARA "It's the cute way nature has with her!" exclaimed Kathleen, holding up her face for the white-thorn petals to blow down upon it.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading MAY-DAY ON LOUGH GARA "It's the cute way nature has with her!" exclaimed Kathleen, holding up her face for the white-thorn petals to blow down upon it.

the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)

From this reading She and Mary Ellen had been to the old rath after flowers for the May-baskets, and were returning to the cottage, where Cousin Bee was waiting to take them to Lough Gara for the May-day picnic.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading She and Mary Ellen had been to the old rath after flowers for the May-baskets, and were returning to the cottage, where Cousin Bee was waiting to take them to Lough Gara for the May-day picnic.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading MAY-DAY ON LOUGH GARA "It's the cute way nature has with her!" exclaimed Kathleen, holding up her face for the white-thorn petals to blow down upon it.

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

From this reading She and Mary Ellen had been to the old rath after flowers for the May-baskets, and were returning to the cottage, where Cousin Bee was waiting to take them to Lough Gara for the May-day picnic.

at the time that

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

in or at the place that

From this reading She and Mary Ellen had been to the old rath after flowers for the May-baskets, and were returning to the cottage, where Cousin Bee was waiting to take them to Lough Gara for the May-day picnic.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading A breeze was scattering the petals from the trees, which were "as white with bloom as the snow of one night," and Mary Ellen turned her face to the sky so that she, too, might feel the soft shower.

a Caucasian

From this reading A breeze was scattering the petals from the trees, which were "as white with bloom as the snow of one night," and Mary Ellen turned her face to the sky so that she, too, might feel the soft shower.

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

From this reading MAY-DAY ON LOUGH GARA "It's the cute way nature has with her!" exclaimed Kathleen, holding up her face for the white-thorn petals to blow down upon it.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."

in the company of; together with

From this reading MAY-DAY ON LOUGH GARA "It's the cute way nature has with her!" exclaimed Kathleen, holding up her face for the white-thorn petals to blow down upon it.

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

From this reading "When a cloud hides the bright sun and you'd think an Irish rain was going to fall the next minute, the wind gives a laugh and sends a snowstorm instead; and here it is the first day of May, and the blackbirds are singing in the meadow."