used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
giving or marked by complete attention to
From this reading Carter sat at the foot, absorbed in a newspaper, while at the head Mrs. Nelson languidly partook of her second biscuit.
(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 It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE NELSON HOME Willowvale, the Nelson homestead, lay in the last curve of the river, just before it left the restrictions of town for the freedom of fields and meadows.
past form of “approach” — move towards
From this reading It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
approvalnounUS /əˈpruːvəl/
the formal act of approving
From this reading It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Carter sat at the foot, absorbed in a newspaper, while at the head Mrs. Nelson languidly partook of her second biscuit.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading THE NELSON HOME Willowvale, the Nelson homestead, lay in the last curve of the river, just before it left the restrictions of town for the freedom of fields and meadows.
biscuitnounUS /ˈbɪskət/
small round bread leavened with baking-powder or soda
From this reading Carter sat at the foot, absorbed in a newspaper, while at the head Mrs. Nelson languidly partook of her second biscuit.
biscuitsnounUS /ˈbɪskəts/
plural of “biscuit” — small round bread leavened with baking-powder or soda
From this reading It was vulgar, in her estimation, for a lady to indulge in more than two biscuits at a meal.
the two together, not just one
From this reading It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
bow-windows
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
CarternounUS /ˈkɑːrtər/
Englishman and Egyptologist who in 1922 discovered and excavated the tomb of Tutankhamen (1873-1939)
From this reading Carter sat at the foot, absorbed in a newspaper, while at the head Mrs. Nelson languidly partook of her second biscuit.
ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point
From this reading It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
curvenounUS /kɜːrv/
the trace of a point whose direction of motion changes
From this reading THE NELSON HOME Willowvale, the Nelson homestead, lay in the last curve of the river, just before it left the restrictions of town for the freedom of fields and meadows.
dining-roomnoun
a room used for dining
From this reading In the dining-room, on the massive mahogany table, lunch was laid for three.
disapprovalnounUS /dɪsəˈpruːvəl/
a feeling of disliking something or what someone is doing
From this reading It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
estimationnounUS /ˌestəˈmeɪʃən/
a document appraising the value of something (as for insurance or taxation)
From this reading It was vulgar, in her estimation, for a lady to indulge in more than two biscuits at a meal.
United States comedian and film actor (1880-1946)
From this reading THE NELSON HOME Willowvale, the Nelson homestead, lay in the last curve of the river, just before it left the restrictions of town for the freedom of fields and meadows.
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading Carter sat at the foot, absorbed in a newspaper, while at the head Mrs. Nelson languidly partook of her second biscuit.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE NELSON HOME Willowvale, the Nelson homestead, lay in the last curve of the river, just before it left the restrictions of town for the freedom of fields and meadows.
the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints
From this reading THE NELSON HOME Willowvale, the Nelson homestead, lay in the last curve of the river, just before it left the restrictions of town for the freedom of fields and meadows.
generationsnounUS /ˌdʒenərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “generation” — all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age
From this reading It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading Carter sat at the foot, absorbed in a newspaper, while at the head Mrs. Nelson languidly partook of her second biscuit.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Carter sat at the foot, absorbed in a newspaper, while at the head Mrs. Nelson languidly partook of her second biscuit.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading THE NELSON HOME Willowvale, the Nelson homestead, lay in the last curve of the river, just before it left the restrictions of town for the freedom of fields and meadows.
homesteadnounUS /ˈhoʊmsted/
the home and adjacent grounds occupied by a family
From this reading THE NELSON HOME Willowvale, the Nelson homestead, lay in the last curve of the river, just before it left the restrictions of town for the freedom of fields and meadows.
honeysucklesnounUS /ˈhʌnisʌkəlz/
plural of “honeysuckle” — shrub or vine of the genus Lonicera
From this reading It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE NELSON HOME Willowvale, the Nelson homestead, lay in the last curve of the river, just before it left the restrictions of town for the freedom of fields and meadows.
indulgeverbUS /ˌɪnˈdʌldʒ/
give free rein to
From this reading It was vulgar, in her estimation, for a lady to indulge in more than two biscuits at a meal.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE NELSON HOME Willowvale, the Nelson homestead, lay in the last curve of the river, just before it left the restrictions of town for the freedom of fields and meadows.
and nothing more
From this reading THE NELSON HOME Willowvale, the Nelson homestead, lay in the last curve of the river, just before it left the restrictions of town for the freedom of fields and meadows.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading It was vulgar, in her estimation, for a lady to indulge in more than two biscuits at a meal.
set down according to a plan
From this reading In the dining-room, on the massive mahogany table, lunch was laid for three.
languidlyadverb
in a languid and lethargic manner
From this reading Carter sat at the foot, absorbed in a newspaper, while at the head Mrs. Nelson languidly partook of her second biscuit.
immediately past
From this reading THE NELSON HOME Willowvale, the Nelson homestead, lay in the last curve of the river, just before it left the restrictions of town for the freedom of fields and meadows.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading THE NELSON HOME Willowvale, the Nelson homestead, lay in the last curve of the river, just before it left the restrictions of town for the freedom of fields and meadows.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading THE NELSON HOME Willowvale, the Nelson homestead, lay in the last curve of the river, just before it left the restrictions of town for the freedom of fields and meadows.
take the midday meal
From this reading In the dining-room, on the massive mahogany table, lunch was laid for three.
mahoganynounUS /məˈhɑːɡəni/
wood of any of various mahogany trees; much used for cabinetwork and furniture
From this reading In the dining-room, on the massive mahogany table, lunch was laid for three.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
massiveadjectiveUS /ˈmæsɪv/
imposing in size or bulk or solidity
From this reading In the dining-room, on the massive mahogany table, lunch was laid for three.
meadowsnounUS /ˈmedoʊz/
plural of “meadow” — a field where grass or alfalfa are grown to be made into hay
From this reading THE NELSON HOME Willowvale, the Nelson homestead, lay in the last curve of the river, just before it left the restrictions of town for the freedom of fields and meadows.
the food served and eaten at one time
From this reading It was vulgar, in her estimation, for a lady to indulge in more than two biscuits at a meal.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading It was vulgar, in her estimation, for a lady to indulge in more than two biscuits at a meal.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Carter sat at the foot, absorbed in a newspaper, while at the head Mrs. Nelson languidly partook of her second biscuit.
NELSONnounUS /ˈnelsən/
English admiral who defeated the French fleets of Napoleon but was mortally wounded at Trafalgar (1758-1805)
From this reading THE NELSON HOME Willowvale, the Nelson homestead, lay in the last curve of the river, just before it left the restrictions of town for the freedom of fields and meadows.
Nelsons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements
From this reading Carter sat at the foot, absorbed in a newspaper, while at the head Mrs. Nelson languidly partook of her second biscuit.
inflected form of “nod” — express or signify by nodding
From this reading It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
oak-trees
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE NELSON HOME Willowvale, the Nelson homestead, lay in the last curve of the river, just before it left the restrictions of town for the freedom of fields and meadows.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
oleander-bordered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading In the dining-room, on the massive mahogany table, lunch was laid for three.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
partook
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Carter sat at the foot, absorbed in a newspaper, while at the head Mrs. Nelson languidly partook of her second biscuit.
poplar-and
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
quaintadjectiveUS /kweɪnt/
strange in an interesting or pleasing way
From this reading It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
restrictionsnounUS /riˈstrɪkʃənz/
plural of “restriction” — a principle that limits the extent of something
From this reading THE NELSON HOME Willowvale, the Nelson homestead, lay in the last curve of the river, just before it left the restrictions of town for the freedom of fields and meadows.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading THE NELSON HOME Willowvale, the Nelson homestead, lay in the last curve of the river, just before it left the restrictions of town for the freedom of fields and meadows.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading Carter sat at the foot, absorbed in a newspaper, while at the head Mrs. Nelson languidly partook of her second biscuit.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading Carter sat at the foot, absorbed in a newspaper, while at the head Mrs. Nelson languidly partook of her second biscuit.
shelteredadjectiveUS /ˈʃeltərd/
protected from danger or bad weather
From this reading It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading In the dining-room, on the massive mahogany table, lunch was laid for three.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading It was vulgar, in her estimation, for a lady to indulge in more than two biscuits at a meal.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE NELSON HOME Willowvale, the Nelson homestead, lay in the last curve of the river, just before it left the restrictions of town for the freedom of fields and meadows.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading In the dining-room, on the massive mahogany table, lunch was laid for three.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was vulgar, in her estimation, for a lady to indulge in more than two biscuits at a meal.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading THE NELSON HOME Willowvale, the Nelson homestead, lay in the last curve of the river, just before it left the restrictions of town for the freedom of fields and meadows.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading It was vulgar, in her estimation, for a lady to indulge in more than two biscuits at a meal.
verandasnounUS /vərˈændəz/
plural of “veranda” — a porch along the outside of a building (sometimes partly enclosed)
From this reading It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
vulgaradjectiveUS /ˈvʌlɡər/
lacking refinement or cultivation or taste
From this reading It was vulgar, in her estimation, for a lady to indulge in more than two biscuits at a meal.
the act of traveling by foot
From this reading It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Carter sat at the foot, absorbed in a newspaper, while at the head Mrs. Nelson languidly partook of her second biscuit.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading It was a quaint old house, all over honeysuckles and bow-windows and verandas, approached by an oleander-bordered walk, and sheltered by a wide circle of poplar-and oak-trees that had nodded both approval and disapproval over many generations of Nelsons.
Willowvale
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE NELSON HOME Willowvale, the Nelson homestead, lay in the last curve of the river, just before it left the restrictions of town for the freedom of fields and meadows.
