Chapter XXIX

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

From this reading Girardi immediately attempted to supply the loss by a dissertation on the fructification of plants, and the evidence thereby afforded of the intervention of an all-wise Providence.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading What human eye, for instance,” said he, “is able to follow, in their aërial flight, the membranous seeds of the elm, the maple, the pine, the ash—circling in the atmosphere amid volumes of other seeds, rising by their own buoyancy, and apparently flying in search of the birds, of which they are to form the nourishment?”

past form of “afford” — be able to spare or give up

From this reading Girardi immediately attempted to supply the loss by a dissertation on the fructification of plants, and the evidence thereby afforded of the intervention of an all-wise Providence.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

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

From this reading Girardi immediately attempted to supply the loss by a dissertation on the fructification of plants, and the evidence thereby afforded of the intervention of an all-wise Providence.

past form of “allude” — make a more or less disguised reference to

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading “These wings, these springs,” observed the old man, “are hands and feet bestowed upon them by the Almighty, that they may reach their destined place, and germinate in the sunshine.

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading What human eye, for instance,” said he, “is able to follow, in their aërial flight, the membranous seeds of the elm, the maple, the pine, the ash—circling in the atmosphere amid volumes of other seeds, rising by their own buoyancy, and apparently flying in search of the birds, of which they are to form the nourishment?”

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

From this reading Girardi immediately attempted to supply the loss by a dissertation on the fructification of plants, and the evidence thereby afforded of the intervention of an all-wise Providence.

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

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

from appearances alone

From this reading What human eye, for instance,” said he, “is able to follow, in their aërial flight, the membranous seeds of the elm, the maple, the pine, the ash—circling in the atmosphere amid volumes of other seeds, rising by their own buoyancy, and apparently flying in search of the birds, of which they are to form the nourishment?”

past form of “approach” — move towards

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

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

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

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

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

the residue that remains when something is burned

From this reading What human eye, for instance,” said he, “is able to follow, in their aërial flight, the membranous seeds of the elm, the maple, the pine, the ash—circling in the atmosphere amid volumes of other seeds, rising by their own buoyancy, and apparently flying in search of the birds, of which they are to form the nourishment?”

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

a particular environment or surrounding influence

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

being joined in close association

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

tried unsuccessfully

From this reading Girardi immediately attempted to supply the loss by a dissertation on the fructification of plants, and the evidence thereby afforded of the intervention of an all-wise Providence.

the season when the leaves fall from the trees

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

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

From this reading What human eye, for instance,” said he, “is able to follow, in their aërial flight, the membranous seeds of the elm, the maple, the pine, the ash—circling in the atmosphere amid volumes of other seeds, rising by their own buoyancy, and apparently flying in search of the birds, of which they are to form the nourishment?”

a long seat for more than one person

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

past form of “bestow” — present

From this reading “These wings, these springs,” observed the old man, “are hands and feet bestowed upon them by the Almighty, that they may reach their destined place, and germinate in the sunshine.

plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading What human eye, for instance,” said he, “is able to follow, in their aërial flight, the membranous seeds of the elm, the maple, the pine, the ash—circling in the atmosphere amid volumes of other seeds, rising by their own buoyancy, and apparently flying in search of the birds, of which they are to form the nourishment?”

produce or yield flowers

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

cheerfulness that bubbles to the surface

From this reading What human eye, for instance,” said he, “is able to follow, in their aërial flight, the membranous seeds of the elm, the maple, the pine, the ash—circling in the atmosphere amid volumes of other seeds, rising by their own buoyancy, and apparently flying in search of the birds, of which they are to form the nourishment?”

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Girardi immediately attempted to supply the loss by a dissertation on the fructification of plants, and the evidence thereby afforded of the intervention of an all-wise Providence.

plural of “cause” — events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

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

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

-ing form of “circle” — travel around something

From this reading What human eye, for instance,” said he, “is able to follow, in their aërial flight, the membranous seeds of the elm, the maple, the pine, the ash—circling in the atmosphere amid volumes of other seeds, rising by their own buoyancy, and apparently flying in search of the birds, of which they are to form the nourishment?”

difficult to analyze or understand

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

a prearranged meeting for consultation or exchange of information or discussion (especially one with a formal agenda)

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

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

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

represented in words especially with sharpness and detail

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

headed or intending to head in a certain direction; often used as a combining form as in “college-bound students”

From this reading “These wings, these springs,” observed the old man, “are hands and feet bestowed upon them by the Almighty, that they may reach their destined place, and germinate in the sunshine.

complete or carry out

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

spreading widely or driving off

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

a treatise advancing a new point of view resulting from research; usually a requirement for an advanced academic degree

From this reading Girardi immediately attempted to supply the loss by a dissertation on the fructification of plants, and the evidence thereby afforded of the intervention of an all-wise Providence.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

capable of resuming original shape after stretching or compression; springy

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

any of various trees of the genus Ulmus: important timber or shade trees

From this reading What human eye, for instance,” said he, “is able to follow, in their aërial flight, the membranous seeds of the elm, the maple, the pine, the ash—circling in the atmosphere amid volumes of other seeds, rising by their own buoyancy, and apparently flying in search of the birds, of which they are to form the nourishment?”

closed in or surrounded or included within

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading Girardi immediately attempted to supply the loss by a dissertation on the fructification of plants, and the evidence thereby afforded of the intervention of an all-wise Providence.

-ing form of “express” — give expression to

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

the organ of sight

From this reading What human eye, for instance,” said he, “is able to follow, in their aërial flight, the membranous seeds of the elm, the maple, the pine, the ash—circling in the atmosphere amid volumes of other seeds, rising by their own buoyancy, and apparently flying in search of the birds, of which they are to form the nourishment?”

resembling or suggesting a feather or feathers

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

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

From this reading “These wings, these springs,” observed the old man, “are hands and feet bestowed upon them by the Almighty, that they may reach their destined place, and germinate in the sunshine.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

a formation of aircraft in flight

From this reading What human eye, for instance,” said he, “is able to follow, in their aërial flight, the membranous seeds of the elm, the maple, the pine, the ash—circling in the atmosphere amid volumes of other seeds, rising by their own buoyancy, and apparently flying in search of the birds, of which they are to form the nourishment?”

be in motion due to some air or water current

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

the time and process of budding and unfolding of blossoms

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

moving swiftly

From this reading What human eye, for instance,” said he, “is able to follow, in their aërial flight, the membranous seeds of the elm, the maple, the pine, the ash—circling in the atmosphere amid volumes of other seeds, rising by their own buoyancy, and apparently flying in search of the birds, of which they are to form the nourishment?”

the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading What human eye, for instance,” said he, “is able to follow, in their aërial flight, the membranous seeds of the elm, the maple, the pine, the ash—circling in the atmosphere amid volumes of other seeds, rising by their own buoyancy, and apparently flying in search of the birds, of which they are to form the nourishment?”

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

refrain from doing

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

the bearing of fruit

From this reading Girardi immediately attempted to supply the loss by a dissertation on the fructification of plants, and the evidence thereby afforded of the intervention of an all-wise Providence.

produce buds, branches, or germinate

From this reading “These wings, these springs,” observed the old man, “are hands and feet bestowed upon them by the Almighty, that they may reach their destined place, and germinate in the sunshine.

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

From this reading Girardi immediately attempted to supply the loss by a dissertation on the fructification of plants, and the evidence thereby afforded of the intervention of an all-wise Providence.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading “These wings, these springs,” observed the old man, “are hands and feet bestowed upon them by the Almighty, that they may reach their destined place, and germinate in the sunshine.

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

From this reading What human eye, for instance,” said he, “is able to follow, in their aërial flight, the membranous seeds of the elm, the maple, the pine, the ash—circling in the atmosphere amid volumes of other seeds, rising by their own buoyancy, and apparently flying in search of the birds, of which they are to form the nourishment?”

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

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

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

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

plural of “hope” — a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading What human eye, for instance,” said he, “is able to follow, in their aërial flight, the membranous seeds of the elm, the maple, the pine, the ash—circling in the atmosphere amid volumes of other seeds, rising by their own buoyancy, and apparently flying in search of the birds, of which they are to form the nourishment?”

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading Girardi immediately attempted to supply the loss by a dissertation on the fructification of plants, and the evidence thereby afforded of the intervention of an all-wise Providence.

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

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

an occurrence of something

From this reading What human eye, for instance,” said he, “is able to follow, in their aërial flight, the membranous seeds of the elm, the maple, the pine, the ash—circling in the atmosphere amid volumes of other seeds, rising by their own buoyancy, and apparently flying in search of the birds, of which they are to form the nourishment?”

the act of intervening (as to mediate a dispute, etc.)

From this reading Girardi immediately attempted to supply the loss by a dissertation on the fructification of plants, and the evidence thereby afforded of the intervention of an all-wise Providence.

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

From this reading What human eye, for instance,” said he, “is able to follow, in their aërial flight, the membranous seeds of the elm, the maple, the pine, the ash—circling in the atmosphere amid volumes of other seeds, rising by their own buoyancy, and apparently flying in search of the birds, of which they are to form the nourishment?”

an Old Testament book lamenting the desolation of Judah after the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC; traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

immediately past

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

-ing form of “lose” — fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

something that is lost

From this reading Girardi immediately attempted to supply the loss by a dissertation on the fructification of plants, and the evidence thereby afforded of the intervention of an all-wise Providence.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading “These wings, these springs,” observed the old man, “are hands and feet bestowed upon them by the Almighty, that they may reach their destined place, and germinate in the sunshine.

wood of any of various maple trees; especially the hard close-grained wood of the sugar maple; used especially for furniture and flooring

From this reading What human eye, for instance,” said he, “is able to follow, in their aërial flight, the membranous seeds of the elm, the maple, the pine, the ash—circling in the atmosphere amid volumes of other seeds, rising by their own buoyancy, and apparently flying in search of the birds, of which they are to form the nourishment?”

the period of time in your life after your physical growth has stopped and you are fully developed

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “These wings, these springs,” observed the old man, “are hands and feet bestowed upon them by the Almighty, that they may reach their destined place, and germinate in the sunshine.

relating to or made of or similar to a membrane

From this reading What human eye, for instance,” said he, “is able to follow, in their aërial flight, the membranous seeds of the elm, the maple, the pine, the ash—circling in the atmosphere amid volumes of other seeds, rising by their own buoyancy, and apparently flying in search of the birds, of which they are to form the nourishment?”

a particular point in time

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

a source of materials to nourish the body

From this reading What human eye, for instance,” said he, “is able to follow, in their aërial flight, the membranous seeds of the elm, the maple, the pine, the ash—circling in the atmosphere amid volumes of other seeds, rising by their own buoyancy, and apparently flying in search of the birds, of which they are to form the nourishment?”

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading “These wings, these springs,” observed the old man, “are hands and feet bestowed upon them by the Almighty, that they may reach their destined place, and germinate in the sunshine.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading “These wings, these springs,” observed the old man, “are hands and feet bestowed upon them by the Almighty, that they may reach their destined place, and germinate in the sunshine.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

an open or empty space in or between things

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

be against; express opposition to

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading What human eye, for instance,” said he, “is able to follow, in their aërial flight, the membranous seeds of the elm, the maple, the pine, the ash—circling in the atmosphere amid volumes of other seeds, rising by their own buoyancy, and apparently flying in search of the birds, of which they are to form the nourishment?”

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

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

above and across; more than

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading What human eye, for instance,” said he, “is able to follow, in their aërial flight, the membranous seeds of the elm, the maple, the pine, the ash—circling in the atmosphere amid volumes of other seeds, rising by their own buoyancy, and apparently flying in search of the birds, of which they are to form the nourishment?”

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

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

a coniferous tree

From this reading What human eye, for instance,” said he, “is able to follow, in their aërial flight, the membranous seeds of the elm, the maple, the pine, the ash—circling in the atmosphere amid volumes of other seeds, rising by their own buoyancy, and apparently flying in search of the birds, of which they are to form the nourishment?”

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading “These wings, these springs,” observed the old man, “are hands and feet bestowed upon them by the Almighty, that they may reach their destined place, and germinate in the sunshine.

plural of “plant” — buildings for carrying on industrial labor

From this reading Girardi immediately attempted to supply the loss by a dissertation on the fructification of plants, and the evidence thereby afforded of the intervention of an all-wise Providence.

plural of “pod” — the vessel that contains the seeds of a plant (not the seeds themselves)

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

The protective care of God or nature as a spiritual power. (Sự quan phòng, thiên ý phù hộ.)

From this reading Girardi immediately attempted to supply the loss by a dissertation on the fructification of plants, and the evidence thereby afforded of the intervention of an all-wise Providence.

reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading “These wings, these springs,” observed the old man, “are hands and feet bestowed upon them by the Almighty, that they may reach their destined place, and germinate in the sunshine.

feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading What human eye, for instance,” said he, “is able to follow, in their aërial flight, the membranous seeds of the elm, the maple, the pine, the ash—circling in the atmosphere amid volumes of other seeds, rising by their own buoyancy, and apparently flying in search of the birds, of which they are to form the nourishment?”

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading What human eye, for instance,” said he, “is able to follow, in their aërial flight, the membranous seeds of the elm, the maple, the pine, the ash—circling in the atmosphere amid volumes of other seeds, rising by their own buoyancy, and apparently flying in search of the birds, of which they are to form the nourishment?”

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

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of

From this reading What human eye, for instance,” said he, “is able to follow, in their aërial flight, the membranous seeds of the elm, the maple, the pine, the ash—circling in the atmosphere amid volumes of other seeds, rising by their own buoyancy, and apparently flying in search of the birds, of which they are to form the nourishment?”

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

a small hard fruit

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

plural of “seed” — a small hard fruit

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

the season of growth

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

plural of “spring” — the season of growth

From this reading “These wings, these springs,” observed the old man, “are hands and feet bestowed upon them by the Almighty, that they may reach their destined place, and germinate in the sunshine.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

the rays of the sun

From this reading “These wings, these springs,” observed the old man, “are hands and feet bestowed upon them by the Almighty, that they may reach their destined place, and germinate in the sunshine.

give something useful or necessary to

From this reading Girardi immediately attempted to supply the loss by a dissertation on the fructification of plants, and the evidence thereby afforded of the intervention of an all-wise Providence.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading “These wings, these springs,” observed the old man, “are hands and feet bestowed upon them by the Almighty, that they may reach their destined place, and germinate in the sunshine.

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

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

by that means or because of that

From this reading Girardi immediately attempted to supply the loss by a dissertation on the fructification of plants, and the evidence thereby afforded of the intervention of an all-wise Providence.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading “These wings, these springs,” observed the old man, “are hands and feet bestowed upon them by the Almighty, that they may reach their destined place, and germinate in the sunshine.

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

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

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

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading As autumn approached, Charney could not forbear expressing to his friend, as they sat together on the Bench of Conference, his regret at losing all hopes of Picciola’s second flowering, and his lamentations over her last blossom.

a bunch of hair or feathers or growing grass

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “These wings, these springs,” observed the old man, “are hands and feet bestowed upon them by the Almighty, that they may reach their destined place, and germinate in the sunshine.

plural of “volume” — the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading What human eye, for instance,” said he, “is able to follow, in their aërial flight, the membranous seeds of the elm, the maple, the pine, the ash—circling in the atmosphere amid volumes of other seeds, rising by their own buoyancy, and apparently flying in search of the birds, of which they are to form the nourishment?”

used to ask for information about something

From this reading What human eye, for instance,” said he, “is able to follow, in their aërial flight, the membranous seeds of the elm, the maple, the pine, the ash—circling in the atmosphere amid volumes of other seeds, rising by their own buoyancy, and apparently flying in search of the birds, of which they are to form the nourishment?”

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

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

belonging to which person

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

having wings or as if having wings of a specified kind

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.

a means of flight or ascent

From this reading “These wings, these springs,” observed the old man, “are hands and feet bestowed upon them by the Almighty, that they may reach their destined place, and germinate in the sunshine.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Girardi first alluded to the winged form of the seeds of certain plants, whose foliage, large and complicated, would oppose their dispersion, but for the feathery tuft attached to each, which causes them to float in the atmosphere; and described the elastic pods in which others are enclosed, which, opening by a sudden spring, at the moment of maturity, discharge the seed to a distance.