used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading In a rude log hut of Western Kentucky was seated an animated and intelligent-looking young man.
abodenounUS /əˈboʊd/
any address at which you dwell more than temporarily
From this reading His lone walls, his creviced roof, and ragged floor, were transformed beneath that silvery veil; and truly did it look as though it might well be the abode of peaceful happiness.
abscondverbUS /æbˈskɑːnd/
run away; usually includes taking something or somebody along
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
AbsentadjectiveUS /ˈæbsənt/
not being in a specified place
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
AlfrednounUS /ˈælfrəd/
king of Wessex; defeated the Vikings and encouraged writing in English (849-899)
From this reading "I feel as though I could write poetry now," said Alfred to himself.
(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 "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading In a rude log hut of Western Kentucky was seated an animated and intelligent-looking young man.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In a rude log hut of Western Kentucky was seated an animated and intelligent-looking young man.
animatedadjectiveUS /ˈænəmeɪtɪd/
having life or vigor or spirit
From this reading In a rude log hut of Western Kentucky was seated an animated and intelligent-looking young man.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading His lone walls, his creviced roof, and ragged floor, were transformed beneath that silvery veil; and truly did it look as though it might well be the abode of peaceful happiness.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading His lone walls, his creviced roof, and ragged floor, were transformed beneath that silvery veil; and truly did it look as though it might well be the abode of peaceful happiness.
beauteousadjective
(poetic) beautiful, especially to the sight
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
Directly under; in or to a lower position than.
From this reading His lone walls, his creviced roof, and ragged floor, were transformed beneath that silvery veil; and truly did it look as though it might well be the abode of peaceful happiness.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
made or become different in nature or form
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
clearingnounUS /ˈklɪrɪŋ/
a tract of land with few or no trees in the middle of a wooded area
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading "I feel as though I could write poetry now," said Alfred to himself.
creviced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His lone walls, his creviced roof, and ragged floor, were transformed beneath that silvery veil; and truly did it look as though it might well be the abode of peaceful happiness.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading His lone walls, his creviced roof, and ragged floor, were transformed beneath that silvery veil; and truly did it look as though it might well be the abode of peaceful happiness.
domicilenoun
(law) the residence where you have your permanent home or principal establishment and to where, whenever you are absent, you intend to return; every person is compelled to have one and only one domicile at a time
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
evaporateverbUS /ɪˈvæpəreɪt/
lose or cause to lose liquid by vaporization leaving a more concentrated residue
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
divisible by two
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading "I feel as though I could write poetry now," said Alfred to himself.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading His lone walls, his creviced roof, and ragged floor, were transformed beneath that silvery veil; and truly did it look as though it might well be the abode of peaceful happiness.
forest-tops
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
a nonmetallic univalent element that is normally a colorless and odorless highly flammable diatomic gas; the simplest and lightest and most abundant element in the universe
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy
From this reading His lone walls, his creviced roof, and ragged floor, were transformed beneath that silvery veil; and truly did it look as though it might well be the abode of peaceful happiness.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading "I feel as though I could write poetry now," said Alfred to himself.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
temporary military shelter
From this reading In a rude log hut of Western Kentucky was seated an animated and intelligent-looking young man.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I feel as though I could write poetry now," said Alfred to himself.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In a rude log hut of Western Kentucky was seated an animated and intelligent-looking young man.
inknounUS /ɪŋk/
a liquid used for printing or writing or drawing
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
intelligent-looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a rude log hut of Western Kentucky was seated an animated and intelligent-looking young man.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading His lone walls, his creviced roof, and ragged floor, were transformed beneath that silvery veil; and truly did it look as though it might well be the abode of peaceful happiness.
KentuckynounUS /kənˈtʌki/
a state in east central United States; a border state during the American Civil War; famous for breeding race horses
From this reading In a rude log hut of Western Kentucky was seated an animated and intelligent-looking young man.
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
Letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
logverbUS /lɔːɡ/
enter into a log, as on ships and planes
From this reading In a rude log hut of Western Kentucky was seated an animated and intelligent-looking young man.
loneadjectiveUS /loʊn/
lacking companions or companionship
From this reading His lone walls, his creviced roof, and ragged floor, were transformed beneath that silvery veil; and truly did it look as though it might well be the abode of peaceful happiness.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading His lone walls, his creviced roof, and ragged floor, were transformed beneath that silvery veil; and truly did it look as though it might well be the abode of peaceful happiness.
engage in
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading In a rude log hut of Western Kentucky was seated an animated and intelligent-looking young man.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading His lone walls, his creviced roof, and ragged floor, were transformed beneath that silvery veil; and truly did it look as though it might well be the abode of peaceful happiness.
the natural satellite of the Earth
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading "I feel as though I could write poetry now," said Alfred to himself.
a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In a rude log hut of Western Kentucky was seated an animated and intelligent-looking young man.
and nothing more
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
a multivalent nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family that occurs commonly in inorganic phosphate rocks and as organic phosphates in all living cells; is highly reactive and occurs in several allotropic forms
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
partook
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
peacefuladjectiveUS /ˈpiːsfəl/
not disturbed by strife or turmoil or war
From this reading His lone walls, his creviced roof, and ragged floor, were transformed beneath that silvery veil; and truly did it look as though it might well be the abode of peaceful happiness.
pensnounUS /penz/
plural of “pen” — a writing implement with a point from which ink flows
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
literature in metrical form
From this reading "I feel as though I could write poetry now," said Alfred to himself.
the possibility of future success
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
raggedadjectiveUS /ˈræɡəd/
being or dressed in clothes that are worn or torn
From this reading His lone walls, his creviced roof, and ragged floor, were transformed beneath that silvery veil; and truly did it look as though it might well be the abode of peaceful happiness.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
renovationnounUS /ˌrenəˈveɪʃən/
the act of improving by renewing and restoring
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
From this reading His lone walls, his creviced roof, and ragged floor, were transformed beneath that silvery veil; and truly did it look as though it might well be the abode of peaceful happiness.
having or caused by an irregular surface
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
socially incorrect in behavior
From this reading In a rude log hut of Western Kentucky was seated an animated and intelligent-looking young man.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "I feel as though I could write poetry now," said Alfred to himself.
only a very short time before
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading In a rude log hut of Western Kentucky was seated an animated and intelligent-looking young man.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
silvering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
silveryadjectiveUS /ˈsɪlvəri/
resembling or reminiscent of silver
From this reading His lone walls, his creviced roof, and ragged floor, were transformed beneath that silvery veil; and truly did it look as though it might well be the abode of peaceful happiness.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
Spirit'snounUS /ˈspɪrɪts/
possessive form of “spirit” — the vital principle or animating force within living things
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
deliver a sharp blow, as with the hand, fist, or weapon
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading His lone walls, his creviced roof, and ragged floor, were transformed beneath that silvery veil; and truly did it look as though it might well be the abode of peaceful happiness.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
tracksnounUS /træks/
plural of “track” — a line or route along which something travels or moves
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
transformedadjectiveUS /trænˈsfɔːrmd/
given a completely different form or appearance
From this reading His lone walls, his creviced roof, and ragged floor, were transformed beneath that silvery veil; and truly did it look as though it might well be the abode of peaceful happiness.
transientnounUS /ˈtrænʒənt/
one who stays for only a short time
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading His lone walls, his creviced roof, and ragged floor, were transformed beneath that silvery veil; and truly did it look as though it might well be the abode of peaceful happiness.
vanishverbUS /ˈvænɪʃ/
get lost, as without warning or explanation
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
a garment that covers the head and face
From this reading His lone walls, his creviced roof, and ragged floor, were transformed beneath that silvery veil; and truly did it look as though it might well be the abode of peaceful happiness.
plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading His lone walls, his creviced roof, and ragged floor, were transformed beneath that silvery veil; and truly did it look as though it might well be the abode of peaceful happiness.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In a rude log hut of Western Kentucky was seated an animated and intelligent-looking young man.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading His lone walls, his creviced roof, and ragged floor, were transformed beneath that silvery veil; and truly did it look as though it might well be the abode of peaceful happiness.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
relating to or characteristic of the western parts of the world or the West as opposed to the eastern or oriental parts
From this reading In a rude log hut of Western Kentucky was seated an animated and intelligent-looking young man.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading A bright moon was silvering the forest-tops, which were almost the only prospect from his window; but in that beauteous light the rough clearing around seemed changed to fairy land; and even his rude domicile partook of the transient renovation.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading "Let me see--'The Spirit's Call to the Absent,' or something like that; but if I should strike my light, and really get pens, ink, and paper, it would all evaporate, vanish, abscond, make tracks, become scarce, be o. p. h.
produce a literary work
From this reading "I feel as though I could write poetry now," said Alfred to himself.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading In a rude log hut of Western Kentucky was seated an animated and intelligent-looking young man.
