Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

to or in a foreign country

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

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

From this reading There were seven--an imperial suite.

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

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading In many palaces, however, such suites form a long and straight vista, while the folding-doors slide back nearly to the walls on either hand, so that the view of the whole extent is scarcely impeded.

round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But first let me tell of the rooms in which it was held.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

one or the other of two

From this reading In many palaces, however, such suites form a long and straight vista, while the folding-doors slide back nearly to the walls on either hand, so that the view of the whole extent is scarcely impeded.

pleasantly occupied

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

the point or degree to which something extends

From this reading In many palaces, however, such suites form a long and straight vista, while the folding-doors slide back nearly to the walls on either hand, so that the view of the whole extent is scarcely impeded.

a quantity of liquor equal to one fifth of a United States gallon

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading But first let me tell of the rooms in which it was held.

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

From this reading In many palaces, however, such suites form a long and straight vista, while the folding-doors slide back nearly to the walls on either hand, so that the view of the whole extent is scarcely impeded.

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

From this reading In many palaces, however, such suites form a long and straight vista, while the folding-doors slide back nearly to the walls on either hand, so that the view of the whole extent is scarcely impeded.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

(of the elements) in a wild and stormy manner

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading In many palaces, however, such suites form a long and straight vista, while the folding-doors slide back nearly to the walls on either hand, so that the view of the whole extent is scarcely impeded.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading But first let me tell of the rooms in which it was held.

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

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading In many palaces, however, such suites form a long and straight vista, while the folding-doors slide back nearly to the walls on either hand, so that the view of the whole extent is scarcely impeded.

made difficult or slow

From this reading In many palaces, however, such suites form a long and straight vista, while the folding-doors slide back nearly to the walls on either hand, so that the view of the whole extent is scarcely impeded.

relating to or associated with an empire

From this reading There were seven--an imperial suite.

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

From this reading But first let me tell of the rooms in which it was held.

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

From this reading In many palaces, however, such suites form a long and straight vista, while the folding-doors slide back nearly to the walls on either hand, so that the view of the whole extent is scarcely impeded.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading But first let me tell of the rooms in which it was held.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading In many palaces, however, such suites form a long and straight vista, while the folding-doors slide back nearly to the walls on either hand, so that the view of the whole extent is scarcely impeded.

splendid or imposing in size or appearance

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

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 In many palaces, however, such suites form a long and straight vista, while the folding-doors slide back nearly to the walls on either hand, so that the view of the whole extent is scarcely impeded.

having its true character concealed with the intent of misleading

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

take part in a masquerade

From this reading It was a voluptuous scene, that masquerade.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading But first let me tell of the rooms in which it was held.

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

used to form the superlative

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading In many palaces, however, such suites form a long and straight vista, while the folding-doors slide back nearly to the walls on either hand, so that the view of the whole extent is scarcely impeded.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading In many palaces, however, such suites form a long and straight vista, while the folding-doors slide back nearly to the walls on either hand, so that the view of the whole extent is scarcely impeded.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

plural of “palace” — a large and stately mansion

From this reading In many palaces, however, such suites form a long and straight vista, while the folding-doors slide back nearly to the walls on either hand, so that the view of the whole extent is scarcely impeded.

a serious (sometimes fatal) infection of rodents caused by Yersinia pestis and accidentally transmitted to humans by the bite of a flea that has bitten an infected animal

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

a male member of a royal family other than the sovereign (especially the son of a sovereign)

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

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

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

past form of “rage” — behave violently, as if in state of a great anger

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading But first let me tell of the rooms in which it was held.

only a very short time before

From this reading In many palaces, however, such suites form a long and straight vista, while the folding-doors slide back nearly to the walls on either hand, so that the view of the whole extent is scarcely impeded.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading It was a voluptuous scene, that masquerade.

the quality of being secluded from the presence or view of others

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one

From this reading There were seven--an imperial suite.

coming next after the fifth and just before the seventh in position

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

a small flat rectangular piece of glass on which specimens can be mounted for microscopic study

From this reading In many palaces, however, such suites form a long and straight vista, while the folding-doors slide back nearly to the walls on either hand, so that the view of the whole extent is scarcely impeded.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading In many palaces, however, such suites form a long and straight vista, while the folding-doors slide back nearly to the walls on either hand, so that the view of the whole extent is scarcely impeded.

successive (without a break)

From this reading In many palaces, however, such suites form a long and straight vista, while the folding-doors slide back nearly to the walls on either hand, so that the view of the whole extent is scarcely impeded.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading In many palaces, however, such suites form a long and straight vista, while the folding-doors slide back nearly to the walls on either hand, so that the view of the whole extent is scarcely impeded.

a musical composition of several movements only loosely connected

From this reading There were seven--an imperial suite.

plural of “suite” — a musical composition of several movements only loosely connected

From this reading In many palaces, however, such suites form a long and straight vista, while the folding-doors slide back nearly to the walls on either hand, so that the view of the whole extent is scarcely impeded.

express in words

From this reading But first let me tell of the rooms in which it was held.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

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

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There were seven--an imperial suite.

the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

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

From this reading In many palaces, however, such suites form a long and straight vista, while the folding-doors slide back nearly to the walls on either hand, so that the view of the whole extent is scarcely impeded.

in the direction of

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading In many palaces, however, such suites form a long and straight vista, while the folding-doors slide back nearly to the walls on either hand, so that the view of the whole extent is scarcely impeded.

the visual percept of a region

From this reading In many palaces, however, such suites form a long and straight vista, while the folding-doors slide back nearly to the walls on either hand, so that the view of the whole extent is scarcely impeded.

having strong sexual appeal

From this reading It was a voluptuous scene, that masquerade.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading In many palaces, however, such suites form a long and straight vista, while the folding-doors slide back nearly to the walls on either hand, so that the view of the whole extent is scarcely impeded.

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

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

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

From this reading There were seven--an imperial suite.

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

From this reading But first let me tell of the rooms in which it was held.

during the time that

From this reading It was toward the close of the fifth or sixth month of his seclusion, and while the pestilence raged most furiously abroad, that the Prince Prospero entertained his thousand friends at a masked ball of the most unusual magnificence.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading In many palaces, however, such suites form a long and straight vista, while the folding-doors slide back nearly to the walls on either hand, so that the view of the whole extent is scarcely impeded.