used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Bridget was awakened by the sound of the rain beating heavily against the windows of her room.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Streams of water poured continuously over the roofs, and ran in dirty streaks down the whitewashed wall.
areanounUS /ˈeriə/
a particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography)
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
a line of approach
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
awakenedadjectiveUS /əˈweɪkənd/
aroused or activated
From this reading Bridget was awakened by the sound of the rain beating heavily against the windows of her room.
back-garden
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
the act of overcoming or outdoing
From this reading Bridget was awakened by the sound of the rain beating heavily against the windows of her room.
a room used primarily for sleeping
From this reading The quick falling drops made a dreary splashing on the tiles of the yard below the bedroom window.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading The quick falling drops made a dreary splashing on the tiles of the yard below the bedroom window.
BridgetnounUS /ˈbrɪdʒət/
Irish abbess; a patron saint of Ireland (453-523)
From this reading Bridget was awakened by the sound of the rain beating heavily against the windows of her room.
plural of “building” — a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Bridget was awakened by the sound of the rain beating heavily against the windows of her room.
clothes-props
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
continuouslyadverbUS /kənˈtɪnjuːəsli/
at every point
From this reading Streams of water poured continuously over the roofs, and ran in dirty streaks down the whitewashed wall.
convenientadjectiveUS /kənˈviːnjənt/
suited to your comfort or purpose or needs
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
dirtyadjectiveUS /ˈdɜːrti/
soiled or likely to soil with dirt or grime
From this reading Streams of water poured continuously over the roofs, and ran in dirty streaks down the whitewashed wall.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Streams of water poured continuously over the roofs, and ran in dirty streaks down the whitewashed wall.
drearyadjectiveUS /ˈdrɪri/
lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise
From this reading The quick falling drops made a dreary splashing on the tiles of the yard below the bedroom window.
dropsnounUS /drɑːps/
plural of “drop” — a shape that is spherical and small
From this reading The quick falling drops made a dreary splashing on the tiles of the yard below the bedroom window.
existverbUS /ɪɡˈzɪst/
have an existence, be extant
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
decreasing in amount or degree
From this reading The quick falling drops made a dreary splashing on the tiles of the yard below the bedroom window.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
to a considerable degree
From this reading Bridget was awakened by the sound of the rain beating heavily against the windows of her room.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Bridget was awakened by the sound of the rain beating heavily against the windows of her room.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Streams of water poured continuously over the roofs, and ran in dirty streaks down the whitewashed wall.
ineffectivelyadverb
in an ineffective manner
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was Saturday morning.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading The quick falling drops made a dreary splashing on the tiles of the yard below the bedroom window.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading It was Saturday morning.
neglectedadjectiveUS /nəˈɡlektəd/
disregarded
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Bridget was awakened by the sound of the rain beating heavily against the windows of her room.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The quick falling drops made a dreary splashing on the tiles of the yard below the bedroom window.
being directly across from each other; facing
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Streams of water poured continuously over the roofs, and ran in dirty streaks down the whitewashed wall.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
past form of “pour” — cause to run
From this reading Streams of water poured continuously over the roofs, and ran in dirty streaks down the whitewashed wall.
providingverbUS /prəˈvaɪdɪŋ/
-ing form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
accomplished rapidly and without delay
From this reading The quick falling drops made a dreary splashing on the tiles of the yard below the bedroom window.
water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
From this reading Bridget was awakened by the sound of the rain beating heavily against the windows of her room.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading Streams of water poured continuously over the roofs, and ran in dirty streaks down the whitewashed wall.
roofsnounUS /ruːfs/
plural of “roof” — a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Bridget was awakened by the sound of the rain beating heavily against the windows of her room.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading It was Saturday morning.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
move stealthily
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
solelyadverbUS /ˈsoʊəli/
without any others being included or involved
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading Bridget was awakened by the sound of the rain beating heavily against the windows of her room.
splashingnounUS /ˈsplæʃɪŋ/
the act of splashing a (liquid) substance on a surface
From this reading The quick falling drops made a dreary splashing on the tiles of the yard below the bedroom window.
steeply-sloping
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
streaksnounUS /striːks/
plural of “streak” — an unbroken series of events
From this reading Streams of water poured continuously over the roofs, and ran in dirty streaks down the whitewashed wall.
StreamsnounUS /striːmz/
plural of “stream” — a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
From this reading Streams of water poured continuously over the roofs, and ran in dirty streaks down the whitewashed wall.
terminatingverbUS /ˈtɜːrməneɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “terminate” — bring to an end or halt
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Bridget was awakened by the sound of the rain beating heavily against the windows of her room.
tilesnounUS /taɪlz/
plural of “tile” — a flat thin rectangular slab (as of fired clay or rubber or linoleum) used to cover surfaces
From this reading The quick falling drops made a dreary splashing on the tiles of the yard below the bedroom window.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
the upper part of anything
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
having come into contact
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden 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 From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was Saturday morning.
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading Streams of water poured continuously over the roofs, and ran in dirty streaks down the whitewashed wall.
in or at the place that
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading From where she lay she could see a neglected slip of back-garden, which seemed to exist solely for the purpose of providing a convenient area for an avenue of clothes-props, terminating ineffectively at the point where the steeply-sloping roofs of the opposite buildings touched the top of the garden wall.
whitewashedadjectiveUS /ˈwaɪtwɑːʃt/
coated with whitewash
From this reading Streams of water poured continuously over the roofs, and ran in dirty streaks down the whitewashed wall.
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 The quick falling drops made a dreary splashing on the tiles of the yard below the bedroom window.
(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface
From this reading Bridget was awakened by the sound of the rain beating heavily against the windows of her room.
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 The quick falling drops made a dreary splashing on the tiles of the yard below the bedroom window.
