used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading By and by, the distant rumble of thunder came faintly through the air, and then a quivering fork of fire, like a stream of blood, trembled upon the edge of the dark storm-cloud for an instant.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading By and by, the distant rumble of thunder came faintly through the air, and then a quivering fork of fire, like a stream of blood, trembled upon the edge of the dark storm-cloud for an instant.
aloftadverbUS /əˈlɔːft/
at or on or to the masthead or upper rigging of a ship
From this reading The heavy clouds, growing darker and more awful, poured forward until they seemed to concentrate in the western sky, where they towered aloft like some old embattled castle.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading By and by, the distant rumble of thunder came faintly through the air, and then a quivering fork of fire, like a stream of blood, trembled upon the edge of the dark storm-cloud for an instant.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Night, dark and gloomy, slowly settled over the forest.
awfuladjectiveUS /ˈɑːfəl/
exceptionally bad or displeasing
From this reading The heavy clouds, growing darker and more awful, poured forward until they seemed to concentrate in the western sky, where they towered aloft like some old embattled castle.
The red fluid that circulates in the heart and blood vessels.
From this reading By and by, the distant rumble of thunder came faintly through the air, and then a quivering fork of fire, like a stream of blood, trembled upon the edge of the dark storm-cloud for an instant.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading By and by, the distant rumble of thunder came faintly through the air, and then a quivering fork of fire, like a stream of blood, trembled upon the edge of the dark storm-cloud for an instant.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading By and by, the distant rumble of thunder came faintly through the air, and then a quivering fork of fire, like a stream of blood, trembled upon the edge of the dark storm-cloud for an instant.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading The heavy clouds, growing darker and more awful, poured forward until they seemed to concentrate in the western sky, where they towered aloft like some old embattled castle.
clearings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Heavy, tumultuous clouds were wheeling through the sky, rendering the inky darkness doubly intense, and shrouding even the clearings in impenetrable gloom.
plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible
From this reading Heavy, tumultuous clouds were wheeling through the sky, rendering the inky darkness doubly intense, and shrouding even the clearings in impenetrable gloom.
concentrateverbUS /ˈkɑːnsəntreɪt/
make denser, stronger, or purer
From this reading The heavy clouds, growing darker and more awful, poured forward until they seemed to concentrate in the western sky, where they towered aloft like some old embattled castle.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading Night, dark and gloomy, slowly settled over the forest.
darkeradjectiveUS /ˈdɑːrkər/
comparative of “dark” — devoid of or deficient in light or brightness; shadowed or black
From this reading The heavy clouds, growing darker and more awful, poured forward until they seemed to concentrate in the western sky, where they towered aloft like some old embattled castle.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading Heavy, tumultuous clouds were wheeling through the sky, rendering the inky darkness doubly intense, and shrouding even the clearings in impenetrable gloom.
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading Nothing was heard save the dull soughing of the wind through the tree-tops, or the occasional howl of the wolf in the distance, or perhaps the near scream of the panther.
separated in space or coming from or going to a distance
From this reading By and by, the distant rumble of thunder came faintly through the air, and then a quivering fork of fire, like a stream of blood, trembled upon the edge of the dark storm-cloud for an instant.
doublyadverbUS /ˈdʌbli/
to double the degree
From this reading Heavy, tumultuous clouds were wheeling through the sky, rendering the inky darkness doubly intense, and shrouding even the clearings in impenetrable gloom.
lacking in liveliness or animation
From this reading Nothing was heard save the dull soughing of the wind through the tree-tops, or the occasional howl of the wolf in the distance, or perhaps the near scream of the panther.
the boundary of a surface
From this reading By and by, the distant rumble of thunder came faintly through the air, and then a quivering fork of fire, like a stream of blood, trembled upon the edge of the dark storm-cloud for an instant.
embattledadjectiveUS /emˈbætəld/
(of a person) beset by difficulties or conflict
From this reading The heavy clouds, growing darker and more awful, poured forward until they seemed to concentrate in the western sky, where they towered aloft like some old embattled castle.
divisible by two
From this reading Heavy, tumultuous clouds were wheeling through the sky, rendering the inky darkness doubly intense, and shrouding even the clearings in impenetrable gloom.
faintlyadverbUS /ˈfeɪntli/
to a faint degree or weakly perceived
From this reading By and by, the distant rumble of thunder came faintly through the air, and then a quivering fork of fire, like a stream of blood, trembled upon the edge of the dark storm-cloud for an instant.
start firing a weapon
From this reading By and by, the distant rumble of thunder came faintly through the air, and then a quivering fork of fire, like a stream of blood, trembled upon the edge of the dark storm-cloud for an instant.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading By and by, the distant rumble of thunder came faintly through the air, and then a quivering fork of fire, like a stream of blood, trembled upon the edge of the dark storm-cloud for an instant.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading Night, dark and gloomy, slowly settled over the forest.
forknounUS /fɔːrk/
cutlery used for serving and eating food
From this reading By and by, the distant rumble of thunder came faintly through the air, and then a quivering fork of fire, like a stream of blood, trembled upon the edge of the dark storm-cloud for an instant.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading The heavy clouds, growing darker and more awful, poured forward until they seemed to concentrate in the western sky, where they towered aloft like some old embattled castle.
a state of partial or total darkness
From this reading Heavy, tumultuous clouds were wheeling through the sky, rendering the inky darkness doubly intense, and shrouding even the clearings in impenetrable gloom.
depressingly dark
From this reading Night, dark and gloomy, slowly settled over the forest.
(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level
From this reading The heavy clouds, growing darker and more awful, poured forward until they seemed to concentrate in the western sky, where they towered aloft like some old embattled castle.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading Nothing was heard save the dull soughing of the wind through the tree-tops, or the occasional howl of the wolf in the distance, or perhaps the near scream of the panther.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading Heavy, tumultuous clouds were wheeling through the sky, rendering the inky darkness doubly intense, and shrouding even the clearings in impenetrable gloom.
howlverbUS /haʊl/
emit long loud cries
From this reading Nothing was heard save the dull soughing of the wind through the tree-tops, or the occasional howl of the wolf in the distance, or perhaps the near scream of the panther.
impenetrableadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpenətrəbəl/
not admitting of penetration or passage into or through
From this reading Heavy, tumultuous clouds were wheeling through the sky, rendering the inky darkness doubly intense, and shrouding even the clearings in impenetrable gloom.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Nothing was heard save the dull soughing of the wind through the tree-tops, or the occasional howl of the wolf in the distance, or perhaps the near scream of the panther.
inkyadjectiveUS /ˈɪŋki/
of the color of black ink
From this reading Heavy, tumultuous clouds were wheeling through the sky, rendering the inky darkness doubly intense, and shrouding even the clearings in impenetrable gloom.
a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
From this reading By and by, the distant rumble of thunder came faintly through the air, and then a quivering fork of fire, like a stream of blood, trembled upon the edge of the dark storm-cloud for an instant.
possessing or displaying a distinctive feature to a heightened degree
From this reading Heavy, tumultuous clouds were wheeling through the sky, rendering the inky darkness doubly intense, and shrouding even the clearings in impenetrable gloom.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading By and by, the distant rumble of thunder came faintly through the air, and then a quivering fork of fire, like a stream of blood, trembled upon the edge of the dark storm-cloud for an instant.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The heavy clouds, growing darker and more awful, poured forward until they seemed to concentrate in the western sky, where they towered aloft like some old embattled castle.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading Nothing was heard save the dull soughing of the wind through the tree-tops, or the occasional howl of the wolf in the distance, or perhaps the near scream of the panther.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Night, dark and gloomy, slowly settled over the forest.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Nothing was heard save the dull soughing of the wind through the tree-tops, or the occasional howl of the wolf in the distance, or perhaps the near scream of the panther.
occasionaladjectiveUS /əˈkeɪʒənəl/
occurring from time to time
From this reading Nothing was heard save the dull soughing of the wind through the tree-tops, or the occasional howl of the wolf in the distance, or perhaps the near scream of the panther.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Nothing was heard save the dull soughing of the wind through the tree-tops, or the occasional howl of the wolf in the distance, or perhaps the near scream of the panther.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading The heavy clouds, growing darker and more awful, poured forward until they seemed to concentrate in the western sky, where they towered aloft like some old embattled castle.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Nothing was heard save the dull soughing of the wind through the tree-tops, or the occasional howl of the wolf in the distance, or perhaps the near scream of the panther.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Night, dark and gloomy, slowly settled over the forest.
panthernounUS /ˈpænθər/
a large spotted feline of tropical America similar to the leopard; in some classifications considered a member of the genus Felis
From this reading Nothing was heard save the dull soughing of the wind through the tree-tops, or the occasional howl of the wolf in the distance, or perhaps the near scream of the panther.
by chance
From this reading Nothing was heard save the dull soughing of the wind through the tree-tops, or the occasional howl of the wolf in the distance, or perhaps the near scream of the panther.
past form of “pour” — cause to run
From this reading The heavy clouds, growing darker and more awful, poured forward until they seemed to concentrate in the western sky, where they towered aloft like some old embattled castle.
quiveringnounUS /ˈkwɪvərɪŋ/
a shaky motion
From this reading By and by, the distant rumble of thunder came faintly through the air, and then a quivering fork of fire, like a stream of blood, trembled upon the edge of the dark storm-cloud for an instant.
renderingnounUS /ˈrendərɪŋ/
a performance of a musical composition or a dramatic role etc.
From this reading Heavy, tumultuous clouds were wheeling through the sky, rendering the inky darkness doubly intense, and shrouding even the clearings in impenetrable gloom.
rumbleverbUS /ˈrʌmbəl/
make a low noise
From this reading By and by, the distant rumble of thunder came faintly through the air, and then a quivering fork of fire, like a stream of blood, trembled upon the edge of the dark storm-cloud for an instant.
except for; apart from
From this reading Nothing was heard save the dull soughing of the wind through the tree-tops, or the occasional howl of the wolf in the distance, or perhaps the near scream of the panther.
screamverbUS /skriːm/
utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading Nothing was heard save the dull soughing of the wind through the tree-tops, or the occasional howl of the wolf in the distance, or perhaps the near scream of the panther.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The heavy clouds, growing darker and more awful, poured forward until they seemed to concentrate in the western sky, where they towered aloft like some old embattled castle.
established or decided beyond dispute or doubt
From this reading Night, dark and gloomy, slowly settled over the forest.
shroudingverbUS /ˈʃraʊdɪŋ/
-ing form of “shroud” — cover as if with a shroud
From this reading Heavy, tumultuous clouds were wheeling through the sky, rendering the inky darkness doubly intense, and shrouding even the clearings in impenetrable gloom.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading Heavy, tumultuous clouds were wheeling through the sky, rendering the inky darkness doubly intense, and shrouding even the clearings in impenetrable gloom.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading Night, dark and gloomy, slowly settled over the forest.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading The heavy clouds, growing darker and more awful, poured forward until they seemed to concentrate in the western sky, where they towered aloft like some old embattled castle.
soughingadjective
characterized by soft sounds
From this reading Nothing was heard save the dull soughing of the wind through the tree-tops, or the occasional howl of the wolf in the distance, or perhaps the near scream of the panther.
storm-cloud
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By and by, the distant rumble of thunder came faintly through the air, and then a quivering fork of fire, like a stream of blood, trembled upon the edge of the dark storm-cloud for an instant.
a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
From this reading By and by, the distant rumble of thunder came faintly through the air, and then a quivering fork of fire, like a stream of blood, trembled upon the edge of the dark storm-cloud for an instant.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Night, dark and gloomy, slowly settled over the forest.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading By and by, the distant rumble of thunder came faintly through the air, and then a quivering fork of fire, like a stream of blood, trembled upon the edge of the dark storm-cloud for an instant.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The heavy clouds, growing darker and more awful, poured forward until they seemed to concentrate in the western sky, where they towered aloft like some old embattled castle.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Nothing was heard save the dull soughing of the wind through the tree-tops, or the occasional howl of the wolf in the distance, or perhaps the near scream of the panther.
move fast, noisily, and heavily
From this reading By and by, the distant rumble of thunder came faintly through the air, and then a quivering fork of fire, like a stream of blood, trembled upon the edge of the dark storm-cloud for an instant.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The heavy clouds, growing darker and more awful, poured forward until they seemed to concentrate in the western sky, where they towered aloft like some old embattled castle.
toweredverbUS /ˈtaʊərd/
past form of “tower” — appear very large or occupy a commanding position
From this reading The heavy clouds, growing darker and more awful, poured forward until they seemed to concentrate in the western sky, where they towered aloft like some old embattled castle.
tree-tops
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nothing was heard save the dull soughing of the wind through the tree-tops, or the occasional howl of the wolf in the distance, or perhaps the near scream of the panther.
past form of “tremble” — move or jerk quickly and involuntarily up and down or sideways
From this reading By and by, the distant rumble of thunder came faintly through the air, and then a quivering fork of fire, like a stream of blood, trembled upon the edge of the dark storm-cloud for an instant.
tumultuousadjectiveUS /ˌtuːˈmʌltʃuːəs/
characterized by unrest or disorder or insubordination
From this reading Heavy, tumultuous clouds were wheeling through the sky, rendering the inky darkness doubly intense, and shrouding even the clearings in impenetrable gloom.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading The heavy clouds, growing darker and more awful, poured forward until they seemed to concentrate in the western sky, where they towered aloft like some old embattled castle.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading By and by, the distant rumble of thunder came faintly through the air, and then a quivering fork of fire, like a stream of blood, trembled upon the edge of the dark storm-cloud for an instant.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Nothing was heard save the dull soughing of the wind through the tree-tops, or the occasional howl of the wolf in the distance, or perhaps the near scream of the panther.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Heavy, tumultuous clouds were wheeling through the sky, rendering the inky darkness doubly intense, and shrouding even the clearings in impenetrable gloom.
relating to or characteristic of the western parts of the world or the West as opposed to the eastern or oriental parts
From this reading The heavy clouds, growing darker and more awful, poured forward until they seemed to concentrate in the western sky, where they towered aloft like some old embattled castle.
wheelingnounUS /ˈwiːlɪŋ/
a city in the northern panhandle of West Virginia on the Ohio river
From this reading Heavy, tumultuous clouds were wheeling through the sky, rendering the inky darkness doubly intense, and shrouding even the clearings in impenetrable gloom.
in or at the place that
From this reading The heavy clouds, growing darker and more awful, poured forward until they seemed to concentrate in the western sky, where they towered aloft like some old embattled castle.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading Nothing was heard save the dull soughing of the wind through the tree-tops, or the occasional howl of the wolf in the distance, or perhaps the near scream of the panther.
any of various predatory carnivorous canine mammals of North America and Eurasia that usually hunt in packs
From this reading Nothing was heard save the dull soughing of the wind through the tree-tops, or the occasional howl of the wolf in the distance, or perhaps the near scream of the panther.
