used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading To Elizabeth, the little room presented a scene of dazzling splendor.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading THE FAIRY GOD-MOTHER ARRIVES They found the schoolhouse already rapidly filling.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was decorated with festoons of evergreens and wreaths of paper flowers; and lamps twinkled from every window-sill.
ARRIVESverbUS /ərˈaɪvz/
third-person singular of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading THE FAIRY GOD-MOTHER ARRIVES They found the schoolhouse already rapidly filling.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
Clegg's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
constructedverbUS /kənˈstrʌktəd/
past form of “construct” — make by combining materials and parts
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
dazzlingadjectiveUS /ˈdæzəlɪŋ/
amazingly impressive; suggestive of the flashing of lightning
From this reading To Elizabeth, the little room presented a scene of dazzling splendor.
decoratedadjectiveUS /ˈdekəreɪtɪd/
provided with something intended to increase its beauty or distinction
From this reading It was decorated with festoons of evergreens and wreaths of paper flowers; and lamps twinkled from every window-sill.
daughter of George VI who became the Queen of England and Northern Ireland in 1952 on the death of her father (1926-)
From this reading To Elizabeth, the little room presented a scene of dazzling splendor.
evergreensnounUS /ˈevərɡriːnz/
plural of “evergreen” — a plant having foliage that persists and remains green throughout the year
From this reading It was decorated with festoons of evergreens and wreaths of paper flowers; and lamps twinkled from every window-sill.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading It was decorated with festoons of evergreens and wreaths of paper flowers; and lamps twinkled from every window-sill.
a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers
From this reading THE FAIRY GOD-MOTHER ARRIVES They found the schoolhouse already rapidly filling.
festoons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was decorated with festoons of evergreens and wreaths of paper flowers; and lamps twinkled from every window-sill.
fillingnounUS /ˈfɪlɪŋ/
any material that fills a space or container
From this reading THE FAIRY GOD-MOTHER ARRIVES They found the schoolhouse already rapidly filling.
flitted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading It was decorated with festoons of evergreens and wreaths of paper flowers; and lamps twinkled from every window-sill.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
set up or found
From this reading THE FAIRY GOD-MOTHER ARRIVES They found the schoolhouse already rapidly filling.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It was decorated with festoons of evergreens and wreaths of paper flowers; and lamps twinkled from every window-sill.
giganticadjectiveUS /dʒaɪˈɡæntɪk/
so exceedingly large or extensive as to suggest a giant or mammoth
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
GlennounUS /ɡlen/
a narrow secluded valley (in the mountains)
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
glowingadjectiveUS /ˈɡloʊɪŋ/
highly enthusiastic
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
GOD-MOTHER
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE FAIRY GOD-MOTHER ARRIVES They found the schoolhouse already rapidly filling.
expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
hidingnounUS /ˈhaɪdɪŋ/
the activity of keeping something secret
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading The place was indeed transformed.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was decorated with festoons of evergreens and wreaths of paper flowers; and lamps twinkled from every window-sill.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
lampsnounUS /læmps/
plural of “lamp” — an artificial source of visible illumination
From this reading It was decorated with festoons of evergreens and wreaths of paper flowers; and lamps twinkled from every window-sill.
lanternsnounUS /ˈlæntərnz/
plural of “lantern” — light in a transparent protective case
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading To Elizabeth, the little room presented a scene of dazzling splendor.
any art that invokes supernatural powers
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading To Elizabeth, the little room presented a scene of dazzling splendor.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
ownedadjectiveUS /oʊnd/
having an owner; often used in combination
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses
From this reading It was decorated with festoons of evergreens and wreaths of paper flowers; and lamps twinkled from every window-sill.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading The place was indeed transformed.
a raised horizontal surface
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
populationnounUS /ˌpɑːpjəˈleɪʃən/
the people who inhabit a territory or state
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading To Elizabeth, the little room presented a scene of dazzling splendor.
with speed
From this reading THE FAIRY GOD-MOTHER ARRIVES They found the schoolhouse already rapidly filling.
Robertson'snounUS /ˈrɑːbərtsənz/
possessive form of “robertson” — United States basketball guard (born in 1938)
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading To Elizabeth, the little room presented a scene of dazzling splendor.
the place where some action occurs
From this reading To Elizabeth, the little room presented a scene of dazzling splendor.
schoolhousenounUS /ˈskuːlhaʊs/
a building where young people receive education
From this reading THE FAIRY GOD-MOTHER ARRIVES They found the schoolhouse already rapidly filling.
screennounUS /skriːn/
a white or silvered surface where pictures can be projected for viewing
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
sheetsnounUS /ʃiːts/
plural of “sheet” — any broad thin expanse or surface
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
splendornounUS /ˈsplen.dər/
Magnificent and splendid appearance; grandeur and brilliance.
From this reading To Elizabeth, the little room presented a scene of dazzling splendor.
(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE FAIRY GOD-MOTHER ARRIVES They found the schoolhouse already rapidly filling.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE FAIRY GOD-MOTHER ARRIVES They found the schoolhouse already rapidly filling.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading To Elizabeth, the little room presented a scene of dazzling splendor.
transformedadjectiveUS /trænˈsfɔːrmd/
given a completely different form or appearance
From this reading The place was indeed transformed.
twinkledverbUS /ˈtwɪŋkəld/
past form of “twinkle” — gleam or glow intermittently
From this reading It was decorated with festoons of evergreens and wreaths of paper flowers; and lamps twinkled from every window-sill.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The place was indeed transformed.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
a Caucasian
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
window-sill
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was decorated with festoons of evergreens and wreaths of paper flowers; and lamps twinkled from every window-sill.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was decorated with festoons of evergreens and wreaths of paper flowers; and lamps twinkled from every window-sill.
wondersnounUS /ˈwʌndərz/
plural of “wonder” — the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
From this reading Across the platform was stretched a white curtain, constructed from Mrs. Robertson's and Mrs. Clegg's sheets, while from behind this magic screen--hiding one could not guess what wonders--shone all the lanterns owned by the population of Forest Glen, and across its glowing surface flitted gigantic shadows.
wreathsnounUS /riːθs/
plural of “wreath” — flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
From this reading It was decorated with festoons of evergreens and wreaths of paper flowers; and lamps twinkled from every window-sill.
