used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was addressed in a large firm handwriting in which only very keen observation could have discovered any sign of weakening.
(of mail) marked with a destination
From this reading It was addressed in a large firm handwriting in which only very keen observation could have discovered any sign of weakening.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading FROM THE PAST The morning after these happenings Lady O'Gara, turning over the pile of letters on the breakfast table, changed colour at the sight of one which bore an Italian postmark.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading FROM THE PAST The morning after these happenings Lady O'Gara, turning over the pile of letters on the breakfast table, changed colour at the sight of one which bore an Italian postmark.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The windows had not been opened--they were French windows and they served as a door out on to the gravel sweep which ran around the house--and she thought she detected a faint disagreeable smell, as of drugs.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading It was addressed in a large firm handwriting in which only very keen observation could have discovered any sign of weakening.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading The windows had not been opened--they were French windows and they served as a door out on to the gravel sweep which ran around the house--and she thought she detected a faint disagreeable smell, as of drugs.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading When she had finished breakfast she followed her husband into his office, as that special room was called.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading FROM THE PAST The morning after these happenings Lady O'Gara, turning over the pile of letters on the breakfast table, changed colour at the sight of one which bore an Italian postmark.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading After that momentary glance she laid away the letter with the superscription turned downwards while she read the rest of her correspondence.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The windows had not been opened--they were French windows and they served as a door out on to the gravel sweep which ran around the house--and she thought she detected a faint disagreeable smell, as of drugs.
cause to be bored
From this reading FROM THE PAST The morning after these happenings Lady O'Gara, turning over the pile of letters on the breakfast table, changed colour at the sight of one which bore an Italian postmark.
eat an early morning meal
From this reading FROM THE PAST The morning after these happenings Lady O'Gara, turning over the pile of letters on the breakfast table, changed colour at the sight of one which bore an Italian postmark.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading When she had finished breakfast she followed her husband into his office, as that special room was called.
made or become different in nature or form
From this reading FROM THE PAST The morning after these happenings Lady O'Gara, turning over the pile of letters on the breakfast table, changed colour at the sight of one which bore an Italian postmark.
having or capable of producing colors
From this reading FROM THE PAST The morning after these happenings Lady O'Gara, turning over the pile of letters on the breakfast table, changed colour at the sight of one which bore an Italian postmark.
correspondencenounUS /ˌkɔːrəˈspɑːndəns/
communication by the exchange of letters
From this reading After that momentary glance she laid away the letter with the superscription turned downwards while she read the rest of her correspondence.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading It was addressed in a large firm handwriting in which only very keen observation could have discovered any sign of weakening.
detectedadjectiveUS /dɪˈtektəd/
perceived or discerned
From this reading The windows had not been opened--they were French windows and they served as a door out on to the gravel sweep which ran around the house--and she thought she detected a faint disagreeable smell, as of drugs.
disagreeableadjectiveUS /ˌdɪsəˈɡriːəbəl/
not to your liking
From this reading The windows had not been opened--they were French windows and they served as a door out on to the gravel sweep which ran around the house--and she thought she detected a faint disagreeable smell, as of drugs.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading It was addressed in a large firm handwriting in which only very keen observation could have discovered any sign of weakening.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading The windows had not been opened--they were French windows and they served as a door out on to the gravel sweep which ran around the house--and she thought she detected a faint disagreeable smell, as of drugs.
downwardsadverbUS /ˈdaʊnwərdz/
spatially or metaphorically from a higher to a lower level or position
From this reading After that momentary glance she laid away the letter with the superscription turned downwards while she read the rest of her correspondence.
drugsnounUS /drʌɡz/
plural of “drug” — a substance that is used as a medicine or narcotic
From this reading The windows had not been opened--they were French windows and they served as a door out on to the gravel sweep which ran around the house--and she thought she detected a faint disagreeable smell, as of drugs.
deficient in magnitude; barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness or loudness etc
From this reading The windows had not been opened--they were French windows and they served as a door out on to the gravel sweep which ran around the house--and she thought she detected a faint disagreeable smell, as of drugs.
(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state
From this reading When she had finished breakfast she followed her husband into his office, as that special room was called.
marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
From this reading It was addressed in a large firm handwriting in which only very keen observation could have discovered any sign of weakening.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading When she had finished breakfast she followed her husband into his office, as that special room was called.
the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France
From this reading The windows had not been opened--they were French windows and they served as a door out on to the gravel sweep which ran around the house--and she thought she detected a faint disagreeable smell, as of drugs.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading FROM THE PAST The morning after these happenings Lady O'Gara, turning over the pile of letters on the breakfast table, changed colour at the sight of one which bore an Italian postmark.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading After that momentary glance she laid away the letter with the superscription turned downwards while she read the rest of her correspondence.
gravelnounUS /ˈɡrævəl/
rock fragments and pebbles
From this reading The windows had not been opened--they were French windows and they served as a door out on to the gravel sweep which ran around the house--and she thought she detected a faint disagreeable smell, as of drugs.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading When she had finished breakfast she followed her husband into his office, as that special room was called.
handwritingnounUS /ˈhændraɪtɪŋ/
something written by hand
From this reading It was addressed in a large firm handwriting in which only very keen observation could have discovered any sign of weakening.
happeningsnounUS /ˈhæpənɪŋz/
plural of “happening” — an event that happens
From this reading FROM THE PAST The morning after these happenings Lady O'Gara, turning over the pile of letters on the breakfast table, changed colour at the sight of one which bore an Italian postmark.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading It was addressed in a large firm handwriting in which only very keen observation could have discovered any sign of weakening.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading After that momentary glance she laid away the letter with the superscription turned downwards while she read the rest of her correspondence.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading When she had finished breakfast she followed her husband into his office, as that special room was called.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading The windows had not been opened--they were French windows and they served as a door out on to the gravel sweep which ran around the house--and she thought she detected a faint disagreeable smell, as of drugs.
a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading When she had finished breakfast she followed her husband into his office, as that special room was called.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was addressed in a large firm handwriting in which only very keen observation could have discovered any sign of weakening.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading When she had finished breakfast she followed her husband into his office, as that special room was called.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was addressed in a large firm handwriting in which only very keen observation could have discovered any sign of weakening.
a native or inhabitant of Italy
From this reading FROM THE PAST The morning after these happenings Lady O'Gara, turning over the pile of letters on the breakfast table, changed colour at the sight of one which bore an Italian postmark.
having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading It was addressed in a large firm handwriting in which only very keen observation could have discovered any sign of weakening.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading FROM THE PAST The morning after these happenings Lady O'Gara, turning over the pile of letters on the breakfast table, changed colour at the sight of one which bore an Italian postmark.
set down according to a plan
From this reading After that momentary glance she laid away the letter with the superscription turned downwards while she read the rest of her correspondence.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It was addressed in a large firm handwriting in which only very keen observation could have discovered any sign of weakening.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading After that momentary glance she laid away the letter with the superscription turned downwards while she read the rest of her correspondence.
the literary culture
From this reading FROM THE PAST The morning after these happenings Lady O'Gara, turning over the pile of letters on the breakfast table, changed colour at the sight of one which bore an Italian postmark.
momentaryadjectiveUS /ˈmoʊmənteri/
lasting for a markedly brief time
From this reading After that momentary glance she laid away the letter with the superscription turned downwards while she read the rest of her correspondence.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading FROM THE PAST The morning after these happenings Lady O'Gara, turning over the pile of letters on the breakfast table, changed colour at the sight of one which bore an Italian postmark.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The windows had not been opened--they were French windows and they served as a door out on to the gravel sweep which ran around the house--and she thought she detected a faint disagreeable smell, as of drugs.
O'Gara
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FROM THE PAST The morning after these happenings Lady O'Gara, turning over the pile of letters on the breakfast table, changed colour at the sight of one which bore an Italian postmark.
the act of making and recording a measurement
From this reading It was addressed in a large firm handwriting in which only very keen observation could have discovered any sign of weakening.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading FROM THE PAST The morning after these happenings Lady O'Gara, turning over the pile of letters on the breakfast table, changed colour at the sight of one which bore an Italian postmark.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading When she had finished breakfast she followed her husband into his office, as that special room was called.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading FROM THE PAST The morning after these happenings Lady O'Gara, turning over the pile of letters on the breakfast table, changed colour at the sight of one which bore an Italian postmark.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading FROM THE PAST The morning after these happenings Lady O'Gara, turning over the pile of letters on the breakfast table, changed colour at the sight of one which bore an Italian postmark.
and nothing more
From this reading It was addressed in a large firm handwriting in which only very keen observation could have discovered any sign of weakening.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading The windows had not been opened--they were French windows and they served as a door out on to the gravel sweep which ran around the house--and she thought she detected a faint disagreeable smell, as of drugs.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The windows had not been opened--they were French windows and they served as a door out on to the gravel sweep which ran around the house--and she thought she detected a faint disagreeable smell, as of drugs.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading FROM THE PAST The morning after these happenings Lady O'Gara, turning over the pile of letters on the breakfast table, changed colour at the sight of one which bore an Italian postmark.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading FROM THE PAST The morning after these happenings Lady O'Gara, turning over the pile of letters on the breakfast table, changed colour at the sight of one which bore an Italian postmark.
pilenounUS /paɪl/
a collection of objects laid on top of each other
From this reading FROM THE PAST The morning after these happenings Lady O'Gara, turning over the pile of letters on the breakfast table, changed colour at the sight of one which bore an Italian postmark.
postmarknounUS /ˈpoʊstmɑːrk/
a cancellation mark stamped on mail by postal officials; indicates the post office and date of mailing
From this reading FROM THE PAST The morning after these happenings Lady O'Gara, turning over the pile of letters on the breakfast table, changed colour at the sight of one which bore an Italian postmark.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading The windows had not been opened--they were French windows and they served as a door out on to the gravel sweep which ran around the house--and she thought she detected a faint disagreeable smell, as of drugs.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading After that momentary glance she laid away the letter with the superscription turned downwards while she read the rest of her correspondence.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading After that momentary glance she laid away the letter with the superscription turned downwards while she read the rest of her correspondence.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading When she had finished breakfast she followed her husband into his office, as that special room was called.
past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading The windows had not been opened--they were French windows and they served as a door out on to the gravel sweep which ran around the house--and she thought she detected a faint disagreeable smell, as of drugs.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading After that momentary glance she laid away the letter with the superscription turned downwards while she read the rest of her correspondence.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading FROM THE PAST The morning after these happenings Lady O'Gara, turning over the pile of letters on the breakfast table, changed colour at the sight of one which bore an Italian postmark.
a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading It was addressed in a large firm handwriting in which only very keen observation could have discovered any sign of weakening.
the sensation that results when olfactory receptors in the nose are stimulated by particular chemicals in gaseous form
From this reading The windows had not been opened--they were French windows and they served as a door out on to the gravel sweep which ran around the house--and she thought she detected a faint disagreeable smell, as of drugs.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading When she had finished breakfast she followed her husband into his office, as that special room was called.
superscriptionnoun
an inscription written above something else
From this reading After that momentary glance she laid away the letter with the superscription turned downwards while she read the rest of her correspondence.
sweepverbUS /swiːp/
sweep across or over
From this reading The windows had not been opened--they were French windows and they served as a door out on to the gravel sweep which ran around the house--and she thought she detected a faint disagreeable smell, as of drugs.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading FROM THE PAST The morning after these happenings Lady O'Gara, turning over the pile of letters on the breakfast table, changed colour at the sight of one which bore an Italian postmark.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading After that momentary glance she laid away the letter with the superscription turned downwards while she read the rest of her correspondence.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading FROM THE PAST The morning after these happenings Lady O'Gara, turning over the pile of letters on the breakfast table, changed colour at the sight of one which bore an Italian postmark.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading FROM THE PAST The morning after these happenings Lady O'Gara, turning over the pile of letters on the breakfast table, changed colour at the sight of one which bore an Italian postmark.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The windows had not been opened--they were French windows and they served as a door out on to the gravel sweep which ran around the house--and she thought she detected a faint disagreeable smell, as of drugs.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading The windows had not been opened--they were French windows and they served as a door out on to the gravel sweep which ran around the house--and she thought she detected a faint disagreeable smell, as of drugs.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The windows had not been opened--they were French windows and they served as a door out on to the gravel sweep which ran around the house--and she thought she detected a faint disagreeable smell, as of drugs.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading After that momentary glance she laid away the letter with the superscription turned downwards while she read the rest of her correspondence.
the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
From this reading FROM THE PAST The morning after these happenings Lady O'Gara, turning over the pile of letters on the breakfast table, changed colour at the sight of one which bore an Italian postmark.
precisely as stated
From this reading It was addressed in a large firm handwriting in which only very keen observation could have discovered any sign of weakening.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was addressed in a large firm handwriting in which only very keen observation could have discovered any sign of weakening.
weakeningnounUS /ˈwiːkənɪŋ/
becoming weaker
From this reading It was addressed in a large firm handwriting in which only very keen observation could have discovered any sign of weakening.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The windows had not been opened--they were French windows and they served as a door out on to the gravel sweep which ran around the house--and she thought she detected a faint disagreeable smell, as of drugs.
at the time that
From this reading When she had finished breakfast she followed her husband into his office, as that special room was called.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading FROM THE PAST The morning after these happenings Lady O'Gara, turning over the pile of letters on the breakfast table, changed colour at the sight of one which bore an Italian postmark.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading After that momentary glance she laid away the letter with the superscription turned downwards while she read the rest of her correspondence.
(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface
From this reading The windows had not been opened--they were French windows and they served as a door out on to the gravel sweep which ran around the house--and she thought she detected a faint disagreeable smell, as of drugs.
in the company of; together with
From this reading After that momentary glance she laid away the letter with the superscription turned downwards while she read the rest of her correspondence.
