Chapter XX

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

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

giving or marked by complete attention to

From this reading But there was only one now in the room, a woman copying from a roll of manuscript, and absorbed in her task.

in the past

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

more than enough in size or scope or capacity

From this reading On the table in the centre of the room were ample traces that two persons had recently supped, and supped sumptuously.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

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

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

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

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

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

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

past form of “blaze” — shine brightly and intensively

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

past form of “bolt” — move or jump suddenly

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

of surpassing excellence

From this reading Save for the monotonous tick of the clock, and a curious muffled murmur which trickled through a door that faced the main entry, the silence in the strangely brilliant glare of the numerous candelabra was oppressively eery.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But there was only one now in the room, a woman copying from a roll of manuscript, and absorbed in her task.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

branched candlestick; ornamental; has several lights

From this reading Save for the monotonous tick of the clock, and a curious muffled murmur which trickled through a door that faced the main entry, the silence in the strangely brilliant glare of the numerous candelabra was oppressively eery.

a junction where one street or road crosses another

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

a low-lying region in central France

From this reading On the table in the centre of the room were ample traces that two persons had recently supped, and supped sumptuously.

A secret or disguised way of writing; a code used to conceal ancient secrets.

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

a timepiece that shows the time of day

From this reading Save for the monotonous tick of the clock, and a curious muffled murmur which trickled through a door that faced the main entry, the silence in the strangely brilliant glare of the numerous candelabra was oppressively eery.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

an act of copying

From this reading But there was only one now in the room, a woman copying from a roll of manuscript, and absorbed in her task.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading Save for the monotonous tick of the clock, and a curious muffled murmur which trickled through a door that faced the main entry, the silence in the strangely brilliant glare of the numerous candelabra was oppressively eery.

plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

forsaken by owner or inhabitants

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

past form of “discern” — detect with the senses

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Save for the monotonous tick of the clock, and a curious muffled murmur which trickled through a door that faced the main entry, the silence in the strangely brilliant glare of the numerous candelabra was oppressively eery.

increase twofold

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Presently the woman threw down her pen and walked with a quick but graceful step in front of one of the many long mirrors that lined the walls.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

inspiring a feeling of fear; strange and frightening

From this reading Save for the monotonous tick of the clock, and a curious muffled murmur which trickled through a door that faced the main entry, the silence in the strangely brilliant glare of the numerous candelabra was oppressively eery.

an item inserted in a written record

From this reading Save for the monotonous tick of the clock, and a curious muffled murmur which trickled through a door that faced the main entry, the silence in the strangely brilliant glare of the numerous candelabra was oppressively eery.

having a face or facing especially of a specified kind or number; often used in combination

From this reading Save for the monotonous tick of the clock, and a curious muffled murmur which trickled through a door that faced the main entry, the silence in the strangely brilliant glare of the numerous candelabra was oppressively eery.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

surrounded as with a border or fringe; sometimes used in combination

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading But there was only one now in the room, a woman copying from a roll of manuscript, and absorbed in her task.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading Presently the woman threw down her pen and walked with a quick but graceful step in front of one of the many long mirrors that lined the walls.

a light within the field of vision that is brighter than the brightness to which the eyes are adapted

From this reading Save for the monotonous tick of the clock, and a curious muffled murmur which trickled through a door that faced the main entry, the silence in the strangely brilliant glare of the numerous candelabra was oppressively eery.

characterized by beauty of movement, style, form, or execution

From this reading Presently the woman threw down her pen and walked with a quick but graceful step in front of one of the many long mirrors that lined the walls.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading But there was only one now in the room, a woman copying from a roll of manuscript, and absorbed in her task.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

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

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

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

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

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

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

bordered by a line of things

From this reading Presently the woman threw down her pen and walked with a quick but graceful step in front of one of the many long mirrors that lined the walls.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Presently the woman threw down her pen and walked with a quick but graceful step in front of one of the many long mirrors that lined the walls.

most important element

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

A book, document, or piece of music written by hand rather than typed or printed.

From this reading But there was only one now in the room, a woman copying from a roll of manuscript, and absorbed in her task.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Presently the woman threw down her pen and walked with a quick but graceful step in front of one of the many long mirrors that lined the walls.

12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

plural of “mirror” — polished surface that forms images by reflecting light

From this reading Presently the woman threw down her pen and walked with a quick but graceful step in front of one of the many long mirrors that lined the walls.

tediously repetitious or lacking in variety

From this reading Save for the monotonous tick of the clock, and a curious muffled murmur which trickled through a door that faced the main entry, the silence in the strangely brilliant glare of the numerous candelabra was oppressively eery.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

being or made softer or less loud or clear

From this reading Save for the monotonous tick of the clock, and a curious muffled murmur which trickled through a door that faced the main entry, the silence in the strangely brilliant glare of the numerous candelabra was oppressively eery.

a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech

From this reading Save for the monotonous tick of the clock, and a curious muffled murmur which trickled through a door that faced the main entry, the silence in the strangely brilliant glare of the numerous candelabra was oppressively eery.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading But there was only one now in the room, a woman copying from a roll of manuscript, and absorbed in her task.

amounting to a large indefinite number

From this reading Save for the monotonous tick of the clock, and a curious muffled murmur which trickled through a door that faced the main entry, the silence in the strangely brilliant glare of the numerous candelabra was oppressively eery.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the table in the centre of the room were ample traces that two persons had recently supped, and supped sumptuously.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

and nothing more

From this reading But there was only one now in the room, a woman copying from a roll of manuscript, and absorbed in her task.

in a heavy and oppressive way

From this reading Save for the monotonous tick of the clock, and a curious muffled murmur which trickled through a door that faced the main entry, the silence in the strangely brilliant glare of the numerous candelabra was oppressively eery.

a person who passes by casually or by chance

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

a writing implement with a point from which ink flows

From this reading Presently the woman threw down her pen and walked with a quick but graceful step in front of one of the many long mirrors that lined the walls.

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading On the table in the centre of the room were ample traces that two persons had recently supped, and supped sumptuously.

in the near future

From this reading Presently the woman threw down her pen and walked with a quick but graceful step in front of one of the many long mirrors that lined the walls.

accomplished rapidly and without delay

From this reading Presently the woman threw down her pen and walked with a quick but graceful step in front of one of the many long mirrors that lined the walls.

in the recent past

From this reading On the table in the centre of the room were ample traces that two persons had recently supped, and supped sumptuously.

move by turning over or rotating

From this reading But there was only one now in the room, a woman copying from a roll of manuscript, and absorbed in her task.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading On the table in the centre of the room were ample traces that two persons had recently supped, and supped sumptuously.

gallery where works of art can be displayed

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

Identical; not different.

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

except for; apart from

From this reading Save for the monotonous tick of the clock, and a curious muffled murmur which trickled through a door that faced the main entry, the silence in the strangely brilliant glare of the numerous candelabra was oppressively eery.

plural of “shutter” — a mechanical device on a camera that opens and closes to control the time of a photographic exposure

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading Save for the monotonous tick of the clock, and a curious muffled murmur which trickled through a door that faced the main entry, the silence in the strangely brilliant glare of the numerous candelabra was oppressively eery.

morally degraded

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

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

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading Presently the woman threw down her pen and walked with a quick but graceful step in front of one of the many long mirrors that lined the walls.

not in physical motion

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

in a strange manner

From this reading Save for the monotonous tick of the clock, and a curious muffled murmur which trickled through a door that faced the main entry, the silence in the strangely brilliant glare of the numerous candelabra was oppressively eery.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

in a sumptuous and opulent manner

From this reading On the table in the centre of the room were ample traces that two persons had recently supped, and supped sumptuously.

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

From this reading On the table in the centre of the room were ample traces that two persons had recently supped, and supped sumptuously.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading On the table in the centre of the room were ample traces that two persons had recently supped, and supped sumptuously.

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading But there was only one now in the room, a woman copying from a roll of manuscript, and absorbed in her task.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

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

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

in or at that place or location

From this reading But there was only one now in the room, a woman copying from a roll of manuscript, and absorbed in her task.

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

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading Presently the woman threw down her pen and walked with a quick but graceful step in front of one of the many long mirrors that lined the walls.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Save for the monotonous tick of the clock, and a curious muffled murmur which trickled through a door that faced the main entry, the silence in the strangely brilliant glare of the numerous candelabra was oppressively eery.

a metallic tapping sound

From this reading Save for the monotonous tick of the clock, and a curious muffled murmur which trickled through a door that faced the main entry, the silence in the strangely brilliant glare of the numerous candelabra was oppressively eery.

closely constrained or constricted or constricting

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

plural of “trace” — a just detectable amount

From this reading On the table in the centre of the room were ample traces that two persons had recently supped, and supped sumptuously.

past form of “trickle” — run or flow slowly, as in drops or in an unsteady stream

From this reading Save for the monotonous tick of the clock, and a curious muffled murmur which trickled through a door that faced the main entry, the silence in the strangely brilliant glare of the numerous candelabra was oppressively eery.

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

From this reading On the table in the centre of the room were ample traces that two persons had recently supped, and supped sumptuously.

past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps

From this reading Presently the woman threw down her pen and walked with a quick but graceful step in front of one of the many long mirrors that lined the walls.

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 Presently the woman threw down her pen and walked with a quick but graceful step in front of one of the many long mirrors that lined the walls.

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

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

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

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Save for the monotonous tick of the clock, and a curious muffled murmur which trickled through a door that faced the main entry, the silence in the strangely brilliant glare of the numerous candelabra was oppressively eery.

in the company of; together with

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading But there was only one now in the room, a woman copying from a roll of manuscript, and absorbed in her task.

but in spite of that

From this reading AT HOME WITH A CIPHER MIDNIGHT had struck, the same night, more than an hour ago; the black and squalid Carrefour of St. Antoine was deserted; the houses that fringed it lay in darkness, yet in the main salon of one of them, though they could not be discerned by a passer-by, the lights still blazed, for the shutters were closed and bolted, the thick double curtains were drawn tight.