used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading No sound arose to the secluded spot on high, save the mysterious murmur of nature, so favourable to an utter absorption of mind, until the grate of a human foot behind aroused her with a start.
absorptionnounUS /əbˈzɔːrpʃən/
(chemistry) a process in which one substance permeates another; a fluid permeates or is dissolved by a liquid or solid
From this reading No sound arose to the secluded spot on high, save the mysterious murmur of nature, so favourable to an utter absorption of mind, until the grate of a human foot behind aroused her with a start.
abstractionnounUS /æbˈstrækʃən/
a concept or idea not associated with any specific instance
From this reading Her mood was one of profound abstraction, and the fixed gaze of her eyes seemed to be unconscious of the endless beauties of the scene which lay within the scan of that giddy height.
Afer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Turning round she beheld Afer standing within a few yards, gazing at her intently.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading No sound arose to the secluded spot on high, save the mysterious murmur of nature, so favourable to an utter absorption of mind, until the grate of a human foot behind aroused her with a start.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Her mood was one of profound abstraction, and the fixed gaze of her eyes seemed to be unconscious of the endless beauties of the scene which lay within the scan of that giddy height.
weapons considered collectively
From this reading Some days subsequently, Plautia stood with her arms resting on the parapet of the garden wall which edged the cliffs.
inflected form of “arise” — come into existence; take on form or shape
From this reading No sound arose to the secluded spot on high, save the mysterious murmur of nature, so favourable to an utter absorption of mind, until the grate of a human foot behind aroused her with a start.
arousedadjectiveUS /ərˈaʊzd/
aroused to action
From this reading No sound arose to the secluded spot on high, save the mysterious murmur of nature, so favourable to an utter absorption of mind, until the grate of a human foot behind aroused her with a start.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Turning round she beheld Afer standing within a few yards, gazing at her intently.
the season when the leaves fall from the trees
From this reading The rays of the autumn sunlight, mingling with the opal‐coloured light, the deepening shades of the whispering sea, the changing tints of the mountains, and the white gleam of the cities fringing the sweep of the distant shores, were far from her mind.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Her mood was one of profound abstraction, and the fixed gaze of her eyes seemed to be unconscious of the endless beauties of the scene which lay within the scan of that giddy height.
beautiesnounUS /ˈbjuːtiz/
plural of “beauty” — the qualities that give pleasure to the senses
From this reading Her mood was one of profound abstraction, and the fixed gaze of her eyes seemed to be unconscious of the endless beauties of the scene which lay within the scan of that giddy height.
inflected form of “behold” — see with attention
From this reading Turning round she beheld Afer standing within a few yards, gazing at her intently.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading No sound arose to the secluded spot on high, save the mysterious murmur of nature, so favourable to an utter absorption of mind, until the grate of a human foot behind aroused her with a start.
changingadjectiveUS /ˈtʃeɪndʒɪŋ/
marked by continuous change or effective action
From this reading The rays of the autumn sunlight, mingling with the opal‐coloured light, the deepening shades of the whispering sea, the changing tints of the mountains, and the white gleam of the cities fringing the sweep of the distant shores, were far from her mind.
citiesnounUS /ˈsɪtiz/
plural of “city” — a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading The rays of the autumn sunlight, mingling with the opal‐coloured light, the deepening shades of the whispering sea, the changing tints of the mountains, and the white gleam of the cities fringing the sweep of the distant shores, were far from her mind.
cliffsnounUS /klɪfs/
plural of “cliff” — a steep high face of rock
From this reading Some days subsequently, Plautia stood with her arms resting on the parapet of the garden wall which edged the cliffs.
colouredadjectiveUS /ˈkʌlərd/
having color or a certain color; sometimes used in combination
From this reading The rays of the autumn sunlight, mingling with the opal‐coloured light, the deepening shades of the whispering sea, the changing tints of the mountains, and the white gleam of the cities fringing the sweep of the distant shores, were far from her mind.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading Some days subsequently, Plautia stood with her arms resting on the parapet of the garden wall which edged the cliffs.
deepeningnounUS /ˈdiːpənɪŋ/
a process of becoming deeper and more profound
From this reading The rays of the autumn sunlight, mingling with the opal‐coloured light, the deepening shades of the whispering sea, the changing tints of the mountains, and the white gleam of the cities fringing the sweep of the distant shores, were far from her mind.
separated in space or coming from or going to a distance
From this reading The rays of the autumn sunlight, mingling with the opal‐coloured light, the deepening shades of the whispering sea, the changing tints of the mountains, and the white gleam of the cities fringing the sweep of the distant shores, were far from her mind.
edgedadjectiveUS /edʒd/
having a specified kind of border or edge
From this reading Some days subsequently, Plautia stood with her arms resting on the parapet of the garden wall which edged the cliffs.
endlessadjectiveUS /ˈendləs/
tiresomely long; seemingly without end
From this reading Her mood was one of profound abstraction, and the fixed gaze of her eyes seemed to be unconscious of the endless beauties of the scene which lay within the scan of that giddy height.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Her mood was one of profound abstraction, and the fixed gaze of her eyes seemed to be unconscious of the endless beauties of the scene which lay within the scan of that giddy height.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading The rays of the autumn sunlight, mingling with the opal‐coloured light, the deepening shades of the whispering sea, the changing tints of the mountains, and the white gleam of the cities fringing the sweep of the distant shores, were far from her mind.
favourableadjective
encouraging or approving or pleasing
From this reading No sound arose to the secluded spot on high, save the mysterious murmur of nature, so favourable to an utter absorption of mind, until the grate of a human foot behind aroused her with a start.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading Turning round she beheld Afer standing within a few yards, gazing at her intently.
(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value
From this reading Her mood was one of profound abstraction, and the fixed gaze of her eyes seemed to be unconscious of the endless beauties of the scene which lay within the scan of that giddy height.
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading No sound arose to the secluded spot on high, save the mysterious murmur of nature, so favourable to an utter absorption of mind, until the grate of a human foot behind aroused her with a start.
fringing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The rays of the autumn sunlight, mingling with the opal‐coloured light, the deepening shades of the whispering sea, the changing tints of the mountains, and the white gleam of the cities fringing the sweep of the distant shores, were far from her mind.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The rays of the autumn sunlight, mingling with the opal‐coloured light, the deepening shades of the whispering sea, the changing tints of the mountains, and the white gleam of the cities fringing the sweep of the distant shores, were far from her mind.
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading Some days subsequently, Plautia stood with her arms resting on the parapet of the garden wall which edged the cliffs.
a long fixed look
From this reading Her mood was one of profound abstraction, and the fixed gaze of her eyes seemed to be unconscious of the endless beauties of the scene which lay within the scan of that giddy height.
-ing form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes
From this reading Turning round she beheld Afer standing within a few yards, gazing at her intently.
giddyadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪdi/
having or causing a whirling sensation; liable to falling
From this reading Her mood was one of profound abstraction, and the fixed gaze of her eyes seemed to be unconscious of the endless beauties of the scene which lay within the scan of that giddy height.
gleamverbUS /ɡliːm/
be shiny, as if wet
From this reading The rays of the autumn sunlight, mingling with the opal‐coloured light, the deepening shades of the whispering sea, the changing tints of the mountains, and the white gleam of the cities fringing the sweep of the distant shores, were far from her mind.
gratenounUS /ɡreɪt/
a frame of iron bars to hold a fire
From this reading No sound arose to the secluded spot on high, save the mysterious murmur of nature, so favourable to an utter absorption of mind, until the grate of a human foot behind aroused her with a start.
the vertical dimension of extension; distance from the base of something to the top
From this reading Her mood was one of profound abstraction, and the fixed gaze of her eyes seemed to be unconscious of the endless beauties of the scene which lay within the scan of that giddy height.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Some days subsequently, Plautia stood with her arms resting on the parapet of the garden wall which edged the cliffs.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading No sound arose to the secluded spot on high, save the mysterious murmur of nature, so favourable to an utter absorption of mind, until the grate of a human foot behind aroused her with a start.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading No sound arose to the secluded spot on high, save the mysterious murmur of nature, so favourable to an utter absorption of mind, until the grate of a human foot behind aroused her with a start.
intentlyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈtentli/
with strained or eager attention
From this reading Turning round she beheld Afer standing within a few yards, gazing at her intently.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Her mood was one of profound abstraction, and the fixed gaze of her eyes seemed to be unconscious of the endless beauties of the scene which lay within the scan of that giddy height.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading The rays of the autumn sunlight, mingling with the opal‐coloured light, the deepening shades of the whispering sea, the changing tints of the mountains, and the white gleam of the cities fringing the sweep of the distant shores, were far from her mind.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading The rays of the autumn sunlight, mingling with the opal‐coloured light, the deepening shades of the whispering sea, the changing tints of the mountains, and the white gleam of the cities fringing the sweep of the distant shores, were far from her mind.
minglingnounUS /ˈmɪŋɡəlɪŋ/
the action of people mingling and coming into contact
From this reading The rays of the autumn sunlight, mingling with the opal‐coloured light, the deepening shades of the whispering sea, the changing tints of the mountains, and the white gleam of the cities fringing the sweep of the distant shores, were far from her mind.
a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
From this reading Her mood was one of profound abstraction, and the fixed gaze of her eyes seemed to be unconscious of the endless beauties of the scene which lay within the scan of that giddy height.
plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading The rays of the autumn sunlight, mingling with the opal‐coloured light, the deepening shades of the whispering sea, the changing tints of the mountains, and the white gleam of the cities fringing the sweep of the distant shores, were far from her mind.
murmurnounUS /ˈmɜːrmər/
a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech
From this reading No sound arose to the secluded spot on high, save the mysterious murmur of nature, so favourable to an utter absorption of mind, until the grate of a human foot behind aroused her with a start.
of an obscure nature
From this reading No sound arose to the secluded spot on high, save the mysterious murmur of nature, so favourable to an utter absorption of mind, until the grate of a human foot behind aroused her with a start.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading No sound arose to the secluded spot on high, save the mysterious murmur of nature, so favourable to an utter absorption of mind, until the grate of a human foot behind aroused her with a start.
not any; not one
From this reading No sound arose to the secluded spot on high, save the mysterious murmur of nature, so favourable to an utter absorption of mind, until the grate of a human foot behind aroused her with a start.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Some days subsequently, Plautia stood with her arms resting on the parapet of the garden wall which edged the cliffs.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Some days subsequently, Plautia stood with her arms resting on the parapet of the garden wall which edged the cliffs.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Her mood was one of profound abstraction, and the fixed gaze of her eyes seemed to be unconscious of the endless beauties of the scene which lay within the scan of that giddy height.
opalnounUS /ˈoʊpəl/
a translucent mineral consisting of hydrated silica of variable color; some varieties are used as gemstones
From this reading The rays of the autumn sunlight, mingling with the opal‐coloured light, the deepening shades of the whispering sea, the changing tints of the mountains, and the white gleam of the cities fringing the sweep of the distant shores, were far from her mind.
parapetnounUS /ˈperəpet/
a low wall along the edge of a roof or balcony
From this reading Some days subsequently, Plautia stood with her arms resting on the parapet of the garden wall which edged the cliffs.
Plautia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some days subsequently, Plautia stood with her arms resting on the parapet of the garden wall which edged the cliffs.
showing intellectual penetration or emotional depth
From this reading Her mood was one of profound abstraction, and the fixed gaze of her eyes seemed to be unconscious of the endless beauties of the scene which lay within the scan of that giddy height.
raysnounUS /reɪz/
plural of “ray” — a column of light (as from a beacon)
From this reading The rays of the autumn sunlight, mingling with the opal‐coloured light, the deepening shades of the whispering sea, the changing tints of the mountains, and the white gleam of the cities fringing the sweep of the distant shores, were far from her mind.
-ing form of “rest” — not move; be in a resting position
From this reading Some days subsequently, Plautia stood with her arms resting on the parapet of the garden wall which edged the cliffs.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading Turning round she beheld Afer standing within a few yards, gazing at her intently.
except for; apart from
From this reading No sound arose to the secluded spot on high, save the mysterious murmur of nature, so favourable to an utter absorption of mind, until the grate of a human foot behind aroused her with a start.
scanverbUS /skæn/
examine minutely or intensely
From this reading Her mood was one of profound abstraction, and the fixed gaze of her eyes seemed to be unconscious of the endless beauties of the scene which lay within the scan of that giddy height.
the place where some action occurs
From this reading Her mood was one of profound abstraction, and the fixed gaze of her eyes seemed to be unconscious of the endless beauties of the scene which lay within the scan of that giddy height.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading The rays of the autumn sunlight, mingling with the opal‐coloured light, the deepening shades of the whispering sea, the changing tints of the mountains, and the white gleam of the cities fringing the sweep of the distant shores, were far from her mind.
secludedadjectiveUS /sɪˈkluːdɪd/
hidden from general view or use
From this reading No sound arose to the secluded spot on high, save the mysterious murmur of nature, so favourable to an utter absorption of mind, until the grate of a human foot behind aroused her with a start.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Her mood was one of profound abstraction, and the fixed gaze of her eyes seemed to be unconscious of the endless beauties of the scene which lay within the scan of that giddy height.
shadesnounUS /ʃeɪdz/
(plural) something that reminds you of someone or something
From this reading The rays of the autumn sunlight, mingling with the opal‐coloured light, the deepening shades of the whispering sea, the changing tints of the mountains, and the white gleam of the cities fringing the sweep of the distant shores, were far from her mind.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Turning round she beheld Afer standing within a few yards, gazing at her intently.
shoresnounUS /ʃɔːrz/
plural of “shore” — the land along the edge of a body of water
From this reading The rays of the autumn sunlight, mingling with the opal‐coloured light, the deepening shades of the whispering sea, the changing tints of the mountains, and the white gleam of the cities fringing the sweep of the distant shores, were far from her mind.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading No sound arose to the secluded spot on high, save the mysterious murmur of nature, so favourable to an utter absorption of mind, until the grate of a human foot behind aroused her with a start.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Some days subsequently, Plautia stood with her arms resting on the parapet of the garden wall which edged the cliffs.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading No sound arose to the secluded spot on high, save the mysterious murmur of nature, so favourable to an utter absorption of mind, until the grate of a human foot behind aroused her with a start.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading No sound arose to the secluded spot on high, save the mysterious murmur of nature, so favourable to an utter absorption of mind, until the grate of a human foot behind aroused her with a start.
having a supporting base
From this reading Turning round she beheld Afer standing within a few yards, gazing at her intently.
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading No sound arose to the secluded spot on high, save the mysterious murmur of nature, so favourable to an utter absorption of mind, until the grate of a human foot behind aroused her with a start.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Some days subsequently, Plautia stood with her arms resting on the parapet of the garden wall which edged the cliffs.
subsequentlyadverbUS /ˈsʌbsəkwəntli/
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading Some days subsequently, Plautia stood with her arms resting on the parapet of the garden wall which edged the cliffs.
the rays of the sun
From this reading The rays of the autumn sunlight, mingling with the opal‐coloured light, the deepening shades of the whispering sea, the changing tints of the mountains, and the white gleam of the cities fringing the sweep of the distant shores, were far from her mind.
sweepverbUS /swiːp/
sweep across or over
From this reading The rays of the autumn sunlight, mingling with the opal‐coloured light, the deepening shades of the whispering sea, the changing tints of the mountains, and the white gleam of the cities fringing the sweep of the distant shores, were far from her mind.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Her mood was one of profound abstraction, and the fixed gaze of her eyes seemed to be unconscious of the endless beauties of the scene which lay within the scan of that giddy height.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Some days subsequently, Plautia stood with her arms resting on the parapet of the garden wall which edged the cliffs.
tintsnounUS /tɪnts/
plural of “tint” — a quality of a given color that differs slightly from another color
From this reading The rays of the autumn sunlight, mingling with the opal‐coloured light, the deepening shades of the whispering sea, the changing tints of the mountains, and the white gleam of the cities fringing the sweep of the distant shores, were far from her mind.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Her mood was one of profound abstraction, and the fixed gaze of her eyes seemed to be unconscious of the endless beauties of the scene which lay within the scan of that giddy height.
the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
From this reading Turning round she beheld Afer standing within a few yards, gazing at her intently.
not conscious; lacking awareness and the capacity for sensory perception as if asleep or dead
From this reading Her mood was one of profound abstraction, and the fixed gaze of her eyes seemed to be unconscious of the endless beauties of the scene which lay within the scan of that giddy height.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading No sound arose to the secluded spot on high, save the mysterious murmur of nature, so favourable to an utter absorption of mind, until the grate of a human foot behind aroused her with a start.
articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise
From this reading No sound arose to the secluded spot on high, save the mysterious murmur of nature, so favourable to an utter absorption of mind, until the grate of a human foot behind aroused her with a start.
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 Some days subsequently, Plautia stood with her arms resting on the parapet of the garden wall which edged the cliffs.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Her mood was one of profound abstraction, and the fixed gaze of her eyes seemed to be unconscious of the endless beauties of the scene which lay within the scan of that giddy height.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The rays of the autumn sunlight, mingling with the opal‐coloured light, the deepening shades of the whispering sea, the changing tints of the mountains, and the white gleam of the cities fringing the sweep of the distant shores, were far from her mind.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Some days subsequently, Plautia stood with her arms resting on the parapet of the garden wall which edged the cliffs.
whisperingnounUS /ˈwɪspərɪŋ/
a light noise, like the noise of silk clothing or leaves blowing in the wind
From this reading The rays of the autumn sunlight, mingling with the opal‐coloured light, the deepening shades of the whispering sea, the changing tints of the mountains, and the white gleam of the cities fringing the sweep of the distant shores, were far from her mind.
a Caucasian
From this reading The rays of the autumn sunlight, mingling with the opal‐coloured light, the deepening shades of the whispering sea, the changing tints of the mountains, and the white gleam of the cities fringing the sweep of the distant shores, were far from her mind.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Some days subsequently, Plautia stood with her arms resting on the parapet of the garden wall which edged the cliffs.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Her mood was one of profound abstraction, and the fixed gaze of her eyes seemed to be unconscious of the endless beauties of the scene which lay within the scan of that giddy height.
plural of “yard” — a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride
From this reading Turning round she beheld Afer standing within a few yards, gazing at her intently.
