used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Owing to the fine climate, it was difficult to die there; but owing to many things not fine, it was almost equally difficult to live.
a native or inhabitant of the United States
From this reading Even the fact that Santa Fé had been for a period under the fostering wings of the American eagle did not make it grow much.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was two hundred and seventy years old; and it had less than five thousand inhabitants.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Even the fact that Santa Fé had been for a period under the fostering wings of the American eagle did not make it grow much.
bricksnounUS /brɪks/
plural of “brick” — rectangular block of clay baked by the sun or in a kiln; used as a building or paving material
From this reading It was the metropolis of a vast extent of country, not destitute of natural wealth; and it consisted of a few narrow, irregular streets, lined by one-story houses built of sun-baked bricks.
(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness
From this reading It was the metropolis of a vast extent of country, not destitute of natural wealth; and it consisted of a few narrow, irregular streets, lined by one-story houses built of sun-baked bricks.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Owing to the fine climate, it was difficult to die there; but owing to many things not fine, it was almost equally difficult to live.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It was the metropolis of a vast extent of country, not destitute of natural wealth; and it consisted of a few narrow, irregular streets, lined by one-story houses built of sun-baked bricks.
assets available for use in the production of further assets
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
climatenounUS /ˈklaɪmət/
the weather in some location averaged over some long period of time
From this reading Owing to the fine climate, it was difficult to die there; but owing to many things not fine, it was almost equally difficult to live.
consistedverbUS /kənˈsɪstəd/
past form of “consist” — originate
From this reading It was the metropolis of a vast extent of country, not destitute of natural wealth; and it consisted of a few narrow, irregular streets, lined by one-story houses built of sun-baked bricks.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading It was the metropolis of a vast extent of country, not destitute of natural wealth; and it consisted of a few narrow, irregular streets, lined by one-story houses built of sun-baked bricks.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
decrepitadjectiveUS /dəˈkrepɪt/
worn and broken down by hard use
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
destituteadjectiveUS /ˈdestətuːt/
poor enough to need help from others
From this reading It was the metropolis of a vast extent of country, not destitute of natural wealth; and it consisted of a few narrow, irregular streets, lined by one-story houses built of sun-baked bricks.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Even the fact that Santa Fé had been for a period under the fostering wings of the American eagle did not make it grow much.
pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life
From this reading Owing to the fine climate, it was difficult to die there; but owing to many things not fine, it was almost equally difficult to live.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading Owing to the fine climate, it was difficult to die there; but owing to many things not fine, it was almost equally difficult to live.
eaglenounUS /ˈiːɡəl/
any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight
From this reading Even the fact that Santa Fé had been for a period under the fostering wings of the American eagle did not make it grow much.
to the same degree (often followed by “as”)
From this reading Owing to the fine climate, it was difficult to die there; but owing to many things not fine, it was almost equally difficult to live.
divisible by two
From this reading Even the fact that Santa Fé had been for a period under the fostering wings of the American eagle did not make it grow much.
apart from; not including
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
the point or degree to which something extends
From this reading It was the metropolis of a vast extent of country, not destitute of natural wealth; and it consisted of a few narrow, irregular streets, lined by one-story houses built of sun-baked bricks.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading Even the fact that Santa Fé had been for a period under the fostering wings of the American eagle did not make it grow much.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading It was the metropolis of a vast extent of country, not destitute of natural wealth; and it consisted of a few narrow, irregular streets, lined by one-story houses built of sun-baked bricks.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading Owing to the fine climate, it was difficult to die there; but owing to many things not fine, it was almost equally difficult to live.
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading It was two hundred and seventy years old; and it had less than five thousand inhabitants.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Even the fact that Santa Fé had been for a period under the fostering wings of the American eagle did not make it grow much.
fosteringnounUS /ˈfɑːstərɪŋ/
encouragement; aiding the development of something
From this reading Even the fact that Santa Fé had been for a period under the fostering wings of the American eagle did not make it grow much.
Fé
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
grandeurnounUS /ɡrænˈduːr/
the quality of being magnificent or splendid or grand
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading Even the fact that Santa Fé had been for a period under the fostering wings of the American eagle did not make it grow much.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was two hundred and seventy years old; and it had less than five thousand inhabitants.
hidalgo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading It was the metropolis of a vast extent of country, not destitute of natural wealth; and it consisted of a few narrow, irregular streets, lined by one-story houses built of sun-baked bricks.
ten 10s
From this reading It was two hundred and seventy years old; and it had less than five thousand inhabitants.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place
From this reading It was two hundred and seventy years old; and it had less than five thousand inhabitants.
irregularadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈreɡjələr/
contrary to rule or accepted order or general practice
From this reading It was the metropolis of a vast extent of country, not destitute of natural wealth; and it consisted of a few narrow, irregular streets, lined by one-story houses built of sun-baked bricks.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading It was two hundred and seventy years old; and it had less than five thousand inhabitants.
linedadjectiveUS /laɪnd/
bordered by a line of things
From this reading It was the metropolis of a vast extent of country, not destitute of natural wealth; and it consisted of a few narrow, irregular streets, lined by one-story houses built of sun-baked bricks.
be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading Owing to the fine climate, it was difficult to die there; but owing to many things not fine, it was almost equally difficult to live.
engage in
From this reading Even the fact that Santa Fé had been for a period under the fostering wings of the American eagle did not make it grow much.
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 Owing to the fine climate, it was difficult to die there; but owing to many things not fine, it was almost equally difficult to live.
metropolisnounUS /məˈtrɑːpələs/
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading It was the metropolis of a vast extent of country, not destitute of natural wealth; and it consisted of a few narrow, irregular streets, lined by one-story houses built of sun-baked bricks.
MexiconounUS /ˈmeksəkoʊ/
a republic in southern North America; became independent from Spain in 1810
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Even the fact that Santa Fé had been for a period under the fostering wings of the American eagle did not make it grow much.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading It was the metropolis of a vast extent of country, not destitute of natural wealth; and it consisted of a few narrow, irregular streets, lined by one-story houses built of sun-baked bricks.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading It was the metropolis of a vast extent of country, not destitute of natural wealth; and it consisted of a few narrow, irregular streets, lined by one-story houses built of sun-baked bricks.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading It was two hundred and seventy years old; and it had less than five thousand inhabitants.
one-story
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the metropolis of a vast extent of country, not destitute of natural wealth; and it consisted of a few narrow, irregular streets, lined by one-story houses built of sun-baked bricks.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
out-at-elbows
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
OwingadjectiveUS /ˈoʊɪŋ/
owed as a debt
From this reading Owing to the fine climate, it was difficult to die there; but owing to many things not fine, it was almost equally difficult to live.
an amount of time
From this reading Even the fact that Santa Fé had been for a period under the fostering wings of the American eagle did not make it grow much.
prosperitynounUS /prɑːˈsperəti/
an economic state of growth with rising profits and full employment
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
SantanounUS /ˈsæntə/
the legendary patron saint of children; an imaginary being who is thought to bring presents to children at Christmas
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
scintillationnoun
(physics) a flash of light that is produced in a phosphor when it absorbs a photon or ionizing particle
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
seventyadjectiveUS /ˈsevənti/
being ten more than sixty
From this reading It was two hundred and seventy years old; and it had less than five thousand inhabitants.
plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading It was the metropolis of a vast extent of country, not destitute of natural wealth; and it consisted of a few narrow, irregular streets, lined by one-story houses built of sun-baked bricks.
sun-baked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the metropolis of a vast extent of country, not destitute of natural wealth; and it consisted of a few narrow, irregular streets, lined by one-story houses built of sun-baked bricks.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading It was two hundred and seventy years old; and it had less than five thousand inhabitants.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Even the fact that Santa Fé had been for a period under the fostering wings of the American eagle did not make it grow much.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Owing to the fine climate, it was difficult to die there; but owing to many things not fine, it was almost equally difficult to live.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Owing to the fine climate, it was difficult to die there; but owing to many things not fine, it was almost equally difficult to live.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
From this reading It was two hundred and seventy years old; and it had less than five thousand inhabitants.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Owing to the fine climate, it was difficult to die there; but owing to many things not fine, it was almost equally difficult to live.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading It was two hundred and seventy years old; and it had less than five thousand inhabitants.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Even the fact that Santa Fé had been for a period under the fostering wings of the American eagle did not make it grow much.
undergrown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading It was the metropolis of a vast extent of country, not destitute of natural wealth; and it consisted of a few narrow, irregular streets, lined by one-story houses built of sun-baked bricks.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money
From this reading It was the metropolis of a vast extent of country, not destitute of natural wealth; and it consisted of a few narrow, irregular streets, lined by one-story houses built of sun-baked bricks.
a means of flight or ascent
From this reading Even the fact that Santa Fé had been for a period under the fostering wings of the American eagle did not make it grow much.
in the company of; together with
From this reading In those days, Santa Fé, New Mexico, was an undergrown, decrepit, out-at-elbows ancient hidalgo of a town, with not a scintillation of prosperity or grandeur about it, except the name of capital.
a late time of life
From this reading It was two hundred and seventy years old; and it had less than five thousand inhabitants.
