Chapter I

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

From this reading During the 1920's, old-timers told Simon, the house had been owned by a bootlegger, who had installed a costly pipe organ and used the water tank to store hooch.

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

From this reading _Simon Grue found a two-inch mermaid in his bathtub.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Later there had been a colony of shaven-headed Buddhist monks, who had strolled about the roof in their orange and yellow robes, meditating and eating raw vegetables.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

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

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

a relatively large open container that you fill with water and use to wash the body

From this reading _Simon Grue found a two-inch mermaid in his bathtub.

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

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

someone who makes or sells illegal liquor

From this reading During the 1920's, old-timers told Simon, the house had been owned by a bootlegger, who had installed a costly pipe organ and used the water tank to store hooch.

one who follows the teachings of Buddha

From this reading Later there had been a colony of shaven-headed Buddhist monks, who had strolled about the roof in their orange and yellow robes, meditating and eating raw vegetables.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading During the 1920's, old-timers told Simon, the house had been owned by a bootlegger, who had installed a costly pipe organ and used the water tank to store hooch.

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

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government

From this reading Later there had been a colony of shaven-headed Buddhist monks, who had strolled about the roof in their orange and yellow robes, meditating and eating raw vegetables.

entailing great loss or sacrifice

From this reading During the 1920's, old-timers told Simon, the house had been owned by a bootlegger, who had installed a costly pipe organ and used the water tank to store hooch.

a state in which you want to learn more about something

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

having the form of a cylinder

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

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

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading During the 1920's, old-timers told Simon, the house had been owned by a bootlegger, who had installed a costly pipe organ and used the water tank to store hooch.

the act of consuming food

From this reading Later there had been a colony of shaven-headed Buddhist monks, who had strolled about the roof in their orange and yellow robes, meditating and eating raw vegetables.

plural of “enclosure” — a structure consisting of an area that has been enclosed for some purpose

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

to an exceptional degree

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

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

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

the concentration of attention or energy on something

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

set up or found

From this reading _Simon Grue found a two-inch mermaid in his bathtub.

a borough of Greater London on the Thames; zero degrees of longitude runs through Greenwich; time is measured relative to Greenwich Mean Time

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

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

From this reading _Simon Grue found a two-inch mermaid in his bathtub.

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

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

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

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

equally distant from the extremes

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

plural of “hip” — either side of the body below the waist and above the thigh

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

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

From this reading _Simon Grue found a two-inch mermaid in his bathtub.

an illicitly distilled (and usually inferior) alcoholic liquor

From this reading During the 1920's, old-timers told Simon, the house had been owned by a bootlegger, who had installed a costly pipe organ and used the water tank to store hooch.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

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

From this reading _Simon Grue found a two-inch mermaid in his bathtub.

inflected form of “instal” — set up for use

From this reading During the 1920's, old-timers told Simon, the house had been owned by a bootlegger, who had installed a costly pipe organ and used the water tank to store hooch.

incapable of being resisted

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading Later there had been a colony of shaven-headed Buddhist monks, who had strolled about the roof in their orange and yellow robes, meditating and eating raw vegetables.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

-ing form of “meditate” — reflect deeply on a subject

From this reading Later there had been a colony of shaven-headed Buddhist monks, who had strolled about the roof in their orange and yellow robes, meditating and eating raw vegetables.

half woman and half fish; lives in the sea

From this reading _Simon Grue found a two-inch mermaid in his bathtub.

plural of “monk” — a male religious living in a cloister and devoting himself to contemplation and prayer and work

From this reading Later there had been a colony of shaven-headed Buddhist monks, who had strolled about the roof in their orange and yellow robes, meditating and eating raw vegetables.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

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

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

plural of “old-timer” — an experienced person who has been through many battles; someone who has given long service

From this reading During the 1920's, old-timers told Simon, the house had been owned by a bootlegger, who had installed a costly pipe organ and used the water tank to store hooch.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

round yellow to orange fruit of any of several citrus trees

From this reading Later there had been a colony of shaven-headed Buddhist monks, who had strolled about the roof in their orange and yellow robes, meditating and eating raw vegetables.

a fully differentiated structural and functional unit in an animal that is specialized for some particular function

From this reading During the 1920's, old-timers told Simon, the house had been owned by a bootlegger, who had installed a costly pipe organ and used the water tank to store hooch.

having an owner; often used in combination

From this reading During the 1920's, old-timers told Simon, the house had been owned by a bootlegger, who had installed a costly pipe organ and used the water tank to store hooch.

past form of “peer” — look searchingly

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

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

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

a tube with a small bowl at one end; used for smoking tobacco

From this reading During the 1920's, old-timers told Simon, the house had been owned by a bootlegger, who had installed a costly pipe organ and used the water tank to store hooch.

(used especially of commodities) being unprocessed or manufactured using only simple or minimal processes

From this reading Later there had been a colony of shaven-headed Buddhist monks, who had strolled about the roof in their orange and yellow robes, meditating and eating raw vegetables.

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

the extended spatial location of something

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

past form of “remind” — put in the mind of someone

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

the act of paying for the use of something (as an apartment or house or car)

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

plural of “robe” — any loose flowing garment

From this reading Later there had been a colony of shaven-headed Buddhist monks, who had strolled about the roof in their orange and yellow robes, meditating and eating raw vegetables.

a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

plural of “russian” — a native or inhabitant of Russia

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

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

From this reading During the 1920's, old-timers told Simon, the house had been owned by a bootlegger, who had installed a costly pipe organ and used the water tank to store hooch.

in a serious manner

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

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

From this reading Later there had been a colony of shaven-headed Buddhist monks, who had strolled about the roof in their orange and yellow robes, meditating and eating raw vegetables.

one of the twelve Apostles (first century)

From this reading _Simon Grue found a two-inch mermaid in his bathtub.

possessive form of “simon” — one of the twelve Apostles (first century)

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

very large in expanse or scope

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

a folding portable ladder hinged at the top

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services

From this reading During the 1920's, old-timers told Simon, the house had been owned by a bootlegger, who had installed a costly pipe organ and used the water tank to store hooch.

past form of “stroll” — walk leisurely and with no apparent aim

From this reading Later there had been a colony of shaven-headed Buddhist monks, who had strolled about the roof in their orange and yellow robes, meditating and eating raw vegetables.

workplace for the teaching or practice of an art

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

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

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

the posterior part of the body of a vertebrate especially when elongated and extending beyond the trunk or main part of the body

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

an enclosed armored military vehicle; has a cannon and moves on caterpillar treads

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

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

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

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

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Later there had been a colony of shaven-headed Buddhist monks, who had strolled about the roof in their orange and yellow robes, meditating and eating raw vegetables.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Later there had been a colony of shaven-headed Buddhist monks, who had strolled about the roof in their orange and yellow robes, meditating and eating raw vegetables.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

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

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading During the 1920's, old-timers told Simon, the house had been owned by a bootlegger, who had installed a costly pipe organ and used the water tank to store hooch.

a source of difficulty

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

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

From this reading _Simon Grue found a two-inch mermaid in his bathtub.

up to a particular time

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading During the 1920's, old-timers told Simon, the house had been owned by a bootlegger, who had installed a costly pipe organ and used the water tank to store hooch.

plural of “vegetable” — edible seeds or roots or stems or leaves or bulbs or tubers or nonsweet fruits of any of numerous herbaceous plant

From this reading Later there had been a colony of shaven-headed Buddhist monks, who had strolled about the roof in their orange and yellow robes, meditating and eating raw vegetables.

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

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

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

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 The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

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

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

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

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

which person or people

From this reading During the 1920's, old-timers told Simon, the house had been owned by a bootlegger, who had installed a costly pipe organ and used the water tank to store hooch.

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

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

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

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.

the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich...._ It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.

of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk

From this reading Later there had been a colony of shaven-headed Buddhist monks, who had strolled about the roof in their orange and yellow robes, meditating and eating raw vegetables.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading The old house next door together with its spacious tarpapered roof, which held a sort of pent-shack, a cylindrical old water tank, and several chicken-wire enclosures, had always been a focus of curiosity in this region of Greenwich Village, especially to whoever happened to be renting Simon's studio, the north window-cum-skylight of which looked down upon it--if you were exceptionally tall or if, like Simon, you stood halfway up a stepladder and peered.