Chapter XXIX · Chapter 29

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

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

later than; following

From this reading "It is possible," Hunterleys whispered, after some time, "that we may have to wait for another hour yet."

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

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading "It is possible," Hunterleys whispered, after some time, "that we may have to wait for another hour yet."

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

From this reading FOR HIS COUNTRY The minutes glided by as the two men sat together in the perfumed, shadowy darkness.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

the two together, not just one

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading FOR HIS COUNTRY The minutes glided by as the two men sat together in the perfumed, shadowy darkness.

An overhead roof or structure, such as the high vaulted ceiling of an ancient library.

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

a series of things depending on each other as if linked together

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading FOR HIS COUNTRY The minutes glided by as the two men sat together in the perfumed, shadowy darkness.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading FOR HIS COUNTRY The minutes glided by as the two men sat together in the perfumed, shadowy darkness.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

aimless wandering from place to place

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

divisible by two

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

opinion or judgment

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading He sat up, and his foot reached for the self-starter.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading FOR HIS COUNTRY The minutes glided by as the two men sat together in the perfumed, shadowy darkness.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

past form of “glide” — move smoothly and effortlessly

From this reading FOR HIS COUNTRY The minutes glided by as the two men sat together in the perfumed, shadowy darkness.

having brief brilliant points or flashes of light

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "It is possible," Hunterleys whispered, after some time, "that we may have to wait for another hour yet."

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He sat up, and his foot reached for the self-starter.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading FOR HIS COUNTRY The minutes glided by as the two men sat together in the perfumed, shadowy darkness.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading "It is possible," Hunterleys whispered, after some time, "that we may have to wait for another hour yet."

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

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

From this reading "It is possible," Hunterleys whispered, after some time, "that we may have to wait for another hour yet."

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

From this reading FOR HIS COUNTRY The minutes glided by as the two men sat together in the perfumed, shadowy darkness.

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

From this reading "It is possible," Hunterleys whispered, after some time, "that we may have to wait for another hour yet."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading "It is possible," Hunterleys whispered, after some time, "that we may have to wait for another hour yet."

the force of workers available

From this reading FOR HIS COUNTRY The minutes glided by as the two men sat together in the perfumed, shadowy darkness.

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading FOR HIS COUNTRY The minutes glided by as the two men sat together in the perfumed, shadowy darkness.

the natural satellite of the Earth

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

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

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

filled or impregnated with perfume

From this reading FOR HIS COUNTRY The minutes glided by as the two men sat together in the perfumed, shadowy darkness.

A large hole in the ground, or an abyss of darkness and peril.

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading "It is possible," Hunterleys whispered, after some time, "that we may have to wait for another hour yet."

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading He sat up, and his foot reached for the self-starter.

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

From this reading Richard was suddenly tense.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading FOR HIS COUNTRY The minutes glided by as the two men sat together in the perfumed, shadowy darkness.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

an energetic person with unusual initiative

From this reading He sat up, and his foot reached for the self-starter.

filled with shade

From this reading FOR HIS COUNTRY The minutes glided by as the two men sat together in the perfumed, shadowy darkness.

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading "It is possible," Hunterleys whispered, after some time, "that we may have to wait for another hour yet."

plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading Richard was suddenly tense.

the environmental condition

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

possessing sweep

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

a grammatical category of verbs used to express distinctions of time

From this reading Richard was suddenly tense.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "It is possible," Hunterleys whispered, after some time, "that we may have to wait for another hour yet."

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

From this reading FOR HIS COUNTRY The minutes glided by as the two men sat together in the perfumed, shadowy darkness.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading "It is possible," Hunterleys whispered, after some time, "that we may have to wait for another hour yet."

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

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading FOR HIS COUNTRY The minutes glided by as the two men sat together in the perfumed, shadowy darkness.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading FOR HIS COUNTRY The minutes glided by as the two men sat together in the perfumed, shadowy darkness.

up to a particular time

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

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

From this reading He sat up, and his foot reached for the self-starter.

spatially or metaphorically from a lower to a higher position

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

precisely as stated

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading "It is possible," Hunterleys whispered, after some time, "that we may have to wait for another hour yet."

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

From this reading Richard was suddenly tense.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading "It is possible," Hunterleys whispered, after some time, "that we may have to wait for another hour yet."

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

From this reading From their feet the glittering canopy of lights swept upwards to the mountain-sides, even to the stars, but a chain of slowly drifting black clouds hung down in front of the moon, and until their eyes became accustomed to their surroundings it seemed to both of them as though they were sitting in a very pit of darkness.

spoken in soft hushed tones without vibrations of the vocal cords

From this reading "It is possible," Hunterleys whispered, after some time, "that we may have to wait for another hour yet."

but in spite of that

From this reading "It is possible," Hunterleys whispered, after some time, "that we may have to wait for another hour yet."