used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading There was, too, a small fire on a stone hearth and above it a stone and cement chimney that portrayed ingenuity in its building.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading There was, too, a small fire on a stone hearth and above it a stone and cement chimney that portrayed ingenuity in its building.
accustomverbUS /əˈkʌstəm/
make psychologically or physically used (to something)
From this reading IN THE CHINESE DEN It was several minutes before Ruth could accustom her sight to the uncertain, flickering flame of the torches with which the cavern was illuminated.
commonly used or practiced; usual
From this reading She felt rugs under her feet as she was drawn along by the King of the Pipes, and when her eyes became accustomed to the half-gloom of the place she saw that there were several low tables and a couch or two, the latter likewise covered with rugs.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading She felt rugs under her feet as she was drawn along by the King of the Pipes, and when her eyes became accustomed to the half-gloom of the place she saw that there were several low tables and a couch or two, the latter likewise covered with rugs.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading There was, too, a small fire on a stone hearth and above it a stone and cement chimney that portrayed ingenuity in its building.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading She felt rugs under her feet as she was drawn along by the King of the Pipes, and when her eyes became accustomed to the half-gloom of the place she saw that there were several low tables and a couch or two, the latter likewise covered with rugs.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading She felt rugs under her feet as she was drawn along by the King of the Pipes, and when her eyes became accustomed to the half-gloom of the place she saw that there were several low tables and a couch or two, the latter likewise covered with rugs.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Not only had some ingenuity been expended in fitting up the cave, but the furnishings must have occasioned the expenditure of considerable money.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading IN THE CHINESE DEN It was several minutes before Ruth could accustom her sight to the uncertain, flickering flame of the torches with which the cavern was illuminated.
a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading There was, too, a small fire on a stone hearth and above it a stone and cement chimney that portrayed ingenuity in its building.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The cavern was a natural one, but man had made of it a not impossible habitation.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading She felt rugs under her feet as she was drawn along by the King of the Pipes, and when her eyes became accustomed to the half-gloom of the place she saw that there were several low tables and a couch or two, the latter likewise covered with rugs.
a geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea
From this reading Not only had some ingenuity been expended in fitting up the cave, but the furnishings must have occasioned the expenditure of considerable money.
cavernnounUS /ˈkæv.ərn/
A large, vast underground cave, often filled with forgotten ancient treasures.
From this reading IN THE CHINESE DEN It was several minutes before Ruth could accustom her sight to the uncertain, flickering flame of the torches with which the cavern was illuminated.
cementnounUS /səˈment/
concrete pavement is sometimes referred to as cement
From this reading There was, too, a small fire on a stone hearth and above it a stone and cement chimney that portrayed ingenuity in its building.
chimneynounUS /ˈtʃɪmni/
a vertical flue that provides a path through which smoke from a fire is carried away through the wall or roof of a building
From this reading There was, too, a small fire on a stone hearth and above it a stone and cement chimney that portrayed ingenuity in its building.
CHINESEnounUS /tʃaɪˈniːz/
any of the Sino-Tibetan languages spoken in China; regarded as dialects of a single language (even though they are mutually unintelligible) because they share an ideographic writing system
From this reading IN THE CHINESE DEN It was several minutes before Ruth could accustom her sight to the uncertain, flickering flame of the torches with which the cavern was illuminated.
large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Not only had some ingenuity been expended in fitting up the cave, but the furnishings must have occasioned the expenditure of considerable money.
couchnounUS /kaʊtʃ/
an upholstered seat for more than one person
From this reading She felt rugs under her feet as she was drawn along by the King of the Pipes, and when her eyes became accustomed to the half-gloom of the place she saw that there were several low tables and a couch or two, the latter likewise covered with rugs.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading IN THE CHINESE DEN It was several minutes before Ruth could accustom her sight to the uncertain, flickering flame of the torches with which the cavern was illuminated.
overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form
From this reading She felt rugs under her feet as she was drawn along by the King of the Pipes, and when her eyes became accustomed to the half-gloom of the place she saw that there were several low tables and a couch or two, the latter likewise covered with rugs.
DENnounUS /den/
the habitation of wild animals
From this reading IN THE CHINESE DEN It was several minutes before Ruth could accustom her sight to the uncertain, flickering flame of the torches with which the cavern was illuminated.
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading She felt rugs under her feet as she was drawn along by the King of the Pipes, and when her eyes became accustomed to the half-gloom of the place she saw that there were several low tables and a couch or two, the latter likewise covered with rugs.
expendedverbUS /ɪkˈspendɪd/
past form of “expend” — use up, consume fully
From this reading Not only had some ingenuity been expended in fitting up the cave, but the furnishings must have occasioned the expenditure of considerable money.
expenditurenounUS /ɪkˈspendətʃər/
money paid out; an amount spent
From this reading Not only had some ingenuity been expended in fitting up the cave, but the furnishings must have occasioned the expenditure of considerable money.
opinion or judgment
From this reading She felt rugs under her feet as she was drawn along by the King of the Pipes, and when her eyes became accustomed to the half-gloom of the place she saw that there were several low tables and a couch or two, the latter likewise covered with rugs.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading She felt rugs under her feet as she was drawn along by the King of the Pipes, and when her eyes became accustomed to the half-gloom of the place she saw that there were several low tables and a couch or two, the latter likewise covered with rugs.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading She felt rugs under her feet as she was drawn along by the King of the Pipes, and when her eyes became accustomed to the half-gloom of the place she saw that there were several low tables and a couch or two, the latter likewise covered with rugs.
start firing a weapon
From this reading There was, too, a small fire on a stone hearth and above it a stone and cement chimney that portrayed ingenuity in its building.
fittingadjectiveUS /ˈfɪtɪŋ/
in harmony with the spirit of particular persons or occasion
From this reading Not only had some ingenuity been expended in fitting up the cave, but the furnishings must have occasioned the expenditure of considerable money.
A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.
From this reading IN THE CHINESE DEN It was several minutes before Ruth could accustom her sight to the uncertain, flickering flame of the torches with which the cavern was illuminated.
flickeringadjectiveUS /ˈflɪkərɪŋ/
shining unsteadily
From this reading IN THE CHINESE DEN It was several minutes before Ruth could accustom her sight to the uncertain, flickering flame of the torches with which the cavern was illuminated.
furnishingsnounUS /ˈfɜːrnɪʃɪŋz/
plural of “furnishing” — (usually plural) accessory wearing apparel
From this reading Not only had some ingenuity been expended in fitting up the cave, but the furnishings must have occasioned the expenditure of considerable money.
habitationnounUS /ˌhæbəˈteɪʃən/
the native habitat or home of an animal or plant
From this reading The cavern was a natural one, but man had made of it a not impossible habitation.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The cavern was a natural one, but man had made of it a not impossible habitation.
half-gloom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She felt rugs under her feet as she was drawn along by the King of the Pipes, and when her eyes became accustomed to the half-gloom of the place she saw that there were several low tables and a couch or two, the latter likewise covered with rugs.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Not only had some ingenuity been expended in fitting up the cave, but the furnishings must have occasioned the expenditure of considerable money.
hearthnounUS /hɑːrθ/
an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built
From this reading There was, too, a small fire on a stone hearth and above it a stone and cement chimney that portrayed ingenuity in its building.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading IN THE CHINESE DEN It was several minutes before Ruth could accustom her sight to the uncertain, flickering flame of the torches with which the cavern was illuminated.
illuminatedadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈluːməneɪtəd/
provided with artificial light
From this reading IN THE CHINESE DEN It was several minutes before Ruth could accustom her sight to the uncertain, flickering flame of the torches with which the cavern was illuminated.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading The cavern was a natural one, but man had made of it a not impossible habitation.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN THE CHINESE DEN It was several minutes before Ruth could accustom her sight to the uncertain, flickering flame of the torches with which the cavern was illuminated.
ingenuitynounUS /ˌɪndʒəˈnuːətiː/
the power of creative imagination
From this reading There was, too, a small fire on a stone hearth and above it a stone and cement chimney that portrayed ingenuity in its building.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading IN THE CHINESE DEN It was several minutes before Ruth could accustom her sight to the uncertain, flickering flame of the torches with which the cavern was illuminated.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading There was, too, a small fire on a stone hearth and above it a stone and cement chimney that portrayed ingenuity in its building.
a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom
From this reading She felt rugs under her feet as she was drawn along by the King of the Pipes, and when her eyes became accustomed to the half-gloom of the place she saw that there were several low tables and a couch or two, the latter likewise covered with rugs.
referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)
From this reading She felt rugs under her feet as she was drawn along by the King of the Pipes, and when her eyes became accustomed to the half-gloom of the place she saw that there were several low tables and a couch or two, the latter likewise covered with rugs.
in like or similar manner
From this reading She felt rugs under her feet as she was drawn along by the King of the Pipes, and when her eyes became accustomed to the half-gloom of the place she saw that there were several low tables and a couch or two, the latter likewise covered with rugs.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading She felt rugs under her feet as she was drawn along by the King of the Pipes, and when her eyes became accustomed to the half-gloom of the place she saw that there were several low tables and a couch or two, the latter likewise covered with rugs.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading The cavern was a natural one, but man had made of it a not impossible habitation.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading The cavern was a natural one, but man had made of it a not impossible habitation.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading IN THE CHINESE DEN It was several minutes before Ruth could accustom her sight to the uncertain, flickering flame of the torches with which the cavern was illuminated.
the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender
From this reading Not only had some ingenuity been expended in fitting up the cave, but the furnishings must have occasioned the expenditure of considerable money.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Not only had some ingenuity been expended in fitting up the cave, but the furnishings must have occasioned the expenditure of considerable money.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading The cavern was a natural one, but man had made of it a not impossible habitation.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The cavern was a natural one, but man had made of it a not impossible habitation.
occasionedverbUS /əˈkeɪʒənd/
past form of “occasion” — give occasion to
From this reading Not only had some ingenuity been expended in fitting up the cave, but the furnishings must have occasioned the expenditure of considerable money.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading IN THE CHINESE DEN It was several minutes before Ruth could accustom her sight to the uncertain, flickering flame of the torches with which the cavern was illuminated.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading There was, too, a small fire on a stone hearth and above it a stone and cement chimney that portrayed ingenuity in its building.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The cavern was a natural one, but man had made of it a not impossible habitation.
and nothing more
From this reading Not only had some ingenuity been expended in fitting up the cave, but the furnishings must have occasioned the expenditure of considerable money.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading She felt rugs under her feet as she was drawn along by the King of the Pipes, and when her eyes became accustomed to the half-gloom of the place she saw that there were several low tables and a couch or two, the latter likewise covered with rugs.
PipesnounUS /paɪps/
plural of “pipe” — a tube with a small bowl at one end; used for smoking tobacco
From this reading She felt rugs under her feet as she was drawn along by the King of the Pipes, and when her eyes became accustomed to the half-gloom of the place she saw that there were several low tables and a couch or two, the latter likewise covered with rugs.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading She felt rugs under her feet as she was drawn along by the King of the Pipes, and when her eyes became accustomed to the half-gloom of the place she saw that there were several low tables and a couch or two, the latter likewise covered with rugs.
portrayedadjectiveUS /pɔːrˈtreɪd/
represented graphically by sketch or design or lines
From this reading There was, too, a small fire on a stone hearth and above it a stone and cement chimney that portrayed ingenuity in its building.
rugsnounUS /rʌɡz/
plural of “rug” — floor covering consisting of a piece of thick heavy fabric (usually with nap or pile)
From this reading She felt rugs under her feet as she was drawn along by the King of the Pipes, and when her eyes became accustomed to the half-gloom of the place she saw that there were several low tables and a couch or two, the latter likewise covered with rugs.
United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)
From this reading IN THE CHINESE DEN It was several minutes before Ruth could accustom her sight to the uncertain, flickering flame of the torches with which the cavern was illuminated.
cut with a saw
From this reading She felt rugs under her feet as she was drawn along by the King of the Pipes, and when her eyes became accustomed to the half-gloom of the place she saw that there were several low tables and a couch or two, the latter likewise covered with rugs.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading IN THE CHINESE DEN It was several minutes before Ruth could accustom her sight to the uncertain, flickering flame of the torches with which the cavern was illuminated.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She felt rugs under her feet as she was drawn along by the King of the Pipes, and when her eyes became accustomed to the half-gloom of the place she saw that there were several low tables and a couch or two, the latter likewise covered with rugs.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading IN THE CHINESE DEN It was several minutes before Ruth could accustom her sight to the uncertain, flickering flame of the torches with which the cavern was illuminated.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading There was, too, a small fire on a stone hearth and above it a stone and cement chimney that portrayed ingenuity in its building.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Not only had some ingenuity been expended in fitting up the cave, but the furnishings must have occasioned the expenditure of considerable money.
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading There was, too, a small fire on a stone hearth and above it a stone and cement chimney that portrayed ingenuity in its building.
tablesnounUS /ˈteɪbəlz/
plural of “table” — a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading She felt rugs under her feet as she was drawn along by the King of the Pipes, and when her eyes became accustomed to the half-gloom of the place she saw that there were several low tables and a couch or two, the latter likewise covered with rugs.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading There was, too, a small fire on a stone hearth and above it a stone and cement chimney that portrayed ingenuity in its building.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IN THE CHINESE DEN It was several minutes before Ruth could accustom her sight to the uncertain, flickering flame of the torches with which the cavern was illuminated.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was, too, a small fire on a stone hearth and above it a stone and cement chimney that portrayed ingenuity in its building.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading IN THE CHINESE DEN It was several minutes before Ruth could accustom her sight to the uncertain, flickering flame of the torches with which the cavern was illuminated.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading There was, too, a small fire on a stone hearth and above it a stone and cement chimney that portrayed ingenuity in its building.
torchesnounUS /ˈtɔːrtʃɪz/
plural of “torch” — a light usually carried in the hand; consists of some flammable substance
From this reading IN THE CHINESE DEN It was several minutes before Ruth could accustom her sight to the uncertain, flickering flame of the torches with which the cavern was illuminated.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading She felt rugs under her feet as she was drawn along by the King of the Pipes, and when her eyes became accustomed to the half-gloom of the place she saw that there were several low tables and a couch or two, the latter likewise covered with rugs.
uncertainadjectiveUS /ənˈsɜːrtən/
lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance
From this reading IN THE CHINESE DEN It was several minutes before Ruth could accustom her sight to the uncertain, flickering flame of the torches with which the cavern was illuminated.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading She felt rugs under her feet as she was drawn along by the King of the Pipes, and when her eyes became accustomed to the half-gloom of the place she saw that there were several low tables and a couch or two, the latter likewise covered with rugs.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Not only had some ingenuity been expended in fitting up the cave, but the furnishings must have occasioned the expenditure of considerable money.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading IN THE CHINESE DEN It was several minutes before Ruth could accustom her sight to the uncertain, flickering flame of the torches with which the cavern was illuminated.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading She felt rugs under her feet as she was drawn along by the King of the Pipes, and when her eyes became accustomed to the half-gloom of the place she saw that there were several low tables and a couch or two, the latter likewise covered with rugs.
at the time that
From this reading She felt rugs under her feet as she was drawn along by the King of the Pipes, and when her eyes became accustomed to the half-gloom of the place she saw that there were several low tables and a couch or two, the latter likewise covered with rugs.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading IN THE CHINESE DEN It was several minutes before Ruth could accustom her sight to the uncertain, flickering flame of the torches with which the cavern was illuminated.
in the company of; together with
From this reading IN THE CHINESE DEN It was several minutes before Ruth could accustom her sight to the uncertain, flickering flame of the torches with which the cavern was illuminated.
