used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "SMILES'" APPEAL It was snowing when she stepped outside,--a soft, white curtain of closely woven flakes rapidly dimming the early evening glow and bringing nightshades on apace.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading The wind, too, was rising; its first fitful gusts drove the snow sweeping in whirling flurries across the open spaces, and then whistled off through the leafless trees.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "SMILES'" APPEAL It was snowing when she stepped outside,--a soft, white curtain of closely woven flakes rapidly dimming the early evening glow and bringing nightshades on apace.
apaceadverbUS /əˈpeɪs/
(poetic, literary) quickly
From this reading "SMILES'" APPEAL It was snowing when she stepped outside,--a soft, white curtain of closely woven flakes rapidly dimming the early evening glow and bringing nightshades on apace.
take a court case to a higher court for review
From this reading "SMILES'" APPEAL It was snowing when she stepped outside,--a soft, white curtain of closely woven flakes rapidly dimming the early evening glow and bringing nightshades on apace.
boisterouslyadverb
in a carefree manner
From this reading The wind greeted her boisterously.
the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)
From this reading "SMILES'" APPEAL It was snowing when she stepped outside,--a soft, white curtain of closely woven flakes rapidly dimming the early evening glow and bringing nightshades on apace.
in a close relation or position in time or space
From this reading "SMILES'" APPEAL It was snowing when she stepped outside,--a soft, white curtain of closely woven flakes rapidly dimming the early evening glow and bringing nightshades on apace.
clutchedverbUS /klʌtʃt/
past form of “clutch” — take hold of; grab
From this reading It clutched her shawl in hoydenish jest, tore one end of it free from her grasp, and ran its invisible, icy fingers down her neck.
hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
From this reading "SMILES'" APPEAL It was snowing when she stepped outside,--a soft, white curtain of closely woven flakes rapidly dimming the early evening glow and bringing nightshades on apace.
dimmingverbUS /ˈdɪmɪŋ/
inflected form of “dim” — switch (a car's headlights) from a higher to a lower beam
From this reading "SMILES'" APPEAL It was snowing when she stepped outside,--a soft, white curtain of closely woven flakes rapidly dimming the early evening glow and bringing nightshades on apace.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading It clutched her shawl in hoydenish jest, tore one end of it free from her grasp, and ran its invisible, icy fingers down her neck.
a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together
From this reading The wind, too, was rising; its first fitful gusts drove the snow sweeping in whirling flurries across the open spaces, and then whistled off through the leafless trees.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading "SMILES'" APPEAL It was snowing when she stepped outside,--a soft, white curtain of closely woven flakes rapidly dimming the early evening glow and bringing nightshades on apace.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading It clutched her shawl in hoydenish jest, tore one end of it free from her grasp, and ran its invisible, icy fingers down her neck.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading "SMILES'" APPEAL It was snowing when she stepped outside,--a soft, white curtain of closely woven flakes rapidly dimming the early evening glow and bringing nightshades on apace.
plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
From this reading It clutched her shawl in hoydenish jest, tore one end of it free from her grasp, and ran its invisible, icy fingers down her neck.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading The wind, too, was rising; its first fitful gusts drove the snow sweeping in whirling flurries across the open spaces, and then whistled off through the leafless trees.
fitfuladjectiveUS /ˈfɪtfəl/
occurring in spells and often abruptly
From this reading The wind, too, was rising; its first fitful gusts drove the snow sweeping in whirling flurries across the open spaces, and then whistled off through the leafless trees.
flakesnounUS /fleɪks/
plural of “flake” — a crystal of snow
From this reading "SMILES'" APPEAL It was snowing when she stepped outside,--a soft, white curtain of closely woven flakes rapidly dimming the early evening glow and bringing nightshades on apace.
flurriesnounUS /ˈflɜːriz/
plural of “flurry” — a rapid active commotion
From this reading The wind, too, was rising; its first fitful gusts drove the snow sweeping in whirling flurries across the open spaces, and then whistled off through the leafless trees.
grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading It clutched her shawl in hoydenish jest, tore one end of it free from her grasp, and ran its invisible, icy fingers down her neck.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It clutched her shawl in hoydenish jest, tore one end of it free from her grasp, and ran its invisible, icy fingers down her neck.
an alert and refreshed state
From this reading "SMILES'" APPEAL It was snowing when she stepped outside,--a soft, white curtain of closely woven flakes rapidly dimming the early evening glow and bringing nightshades on apace.
hold firmly
From this reading It clutched her shawl in hoydenish jest, tore one end of it free from her grasp, and ran its invisible, icy fingers down her neck.
greetedverbUS /ˈɡriːtəd/
past form of “greet” — express greetings upon meeting someone
From this reading The wind greeted her boisterously.
gustsnounUS /ɡʌsts/
plural of “gust” — a strong current of air
From this reading The wind, too, was rising; its first fitful gusts drove the snow sweeping in whirling flurries across the open spaces, and then whistled off through the leafless trees.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The wind greeted her boisterously.
hoydenishadjective
used of girls; wild and boisterous
From this reading It clutched her shawl in hoydenish jest, tore one end of it free from her grasp, and ran its invisible, icy fingers down her neck.
icyadjectiveUS /ˈaɪsi/
devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or disdain
From this reading It clutched her shawl in hoydenish jest, tore one end of it free from her grasp, and ran its invisible, icy fingers down her neck.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The wind, too, was rising; its first fitful gusts drove the snow sweeping in whirling flurries across the open spaces, and then whistled off through the leafless trees.
invisibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvɪzəbəl/
impossible or nearly impossible to see; imperceptible by the eye
From this reading It clutched her shawl in hoydenish jest, tore one end of it free from her grasp, and ran its invisible, icy fingers down her neck.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "SMILES'" APPEAL It was snowing when she stepped outside,--a soft, white curtain of closely woven flakes rapidly dimming the early evening glow and bringing nightshades on apace.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The wind, too, was rising; its first fitful gusts drove the snow sweeping in whirling flurries across the open spaces, and then whistled off through the leafless trees.
a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter
From this reading It clutched her shawl in hoydenish jest, tore one end of it free from her grasp, and ran its invisible, icy fingers down her neck.
leaflessadjectiveUS /ˈliːfləs/
having no leaves
From this reading The wind, too, was rising; its first fitful gusts drove the snow sweeping in whirling flurries across the open spaces, and then whistled off through the leafless trees.
the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body
From this reading It clutched her shawl in hoydenish jest, tore one end of it free from her grasp, and ran its invisible, icy fingers down her neck.
nightshades
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "SMILES'" APPEAL It was snowing when she stepped outside,--a soft, white curtain of closely woven flakes rapidly dimming the early evening glow and bringing nightshades on apace.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "SMILES'" APPEAL It was snowing when she stepped outside,--a soft, white curtain of closely woven flakes rapidly dimming the early evening glow and bringing nightshades on apace.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading The wind, too, was rising; its first fitful gusts drove the snow sweeping in whirling flurries across the open spaces, and then whistled off through the leafless trees.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading "SMILES'" APPEAL It was snowing when she stepped outside,--a soft, white curtain of closely woven flakes rapidly dimming the early evening glow and bringing nightshades on apace.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading It clutched her shawl in hoydenish jest, tore one end of it free from her grasp, and ran its invisible, icy fingers down her neck.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading The wind, too, was rising; its first fitful gusts drove the snow sweeping in whirling flurries across the open spaces, and then whistled off through the leafless trees.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading "SMILES'" APPEAL It was snowing when she stepped outside,--a soft, white curtain of closely woven flakes rapidly dimming the early evening glow and bringing nightshades on apace.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading It clutched her shawl in hoydenish jest, tore one end of it free from her grasp, and ran its invisible, icy fingers down her neck.
with speed
From this reading "SMILES'" APPEAL It was snowing when she stepped outside,--a soft, white curtain of closely woven flakes rapidly dimming the early evening glow and bringing nightshades on apace.
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading The wind, too, was rising; its first fitful gusts drove the snow sweeping in whirling flurries across the open spaces, and then whistled off through the leafless trees.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading Rose shivered.
shawlnounUS /ʃɔːl/
cloak consisting of an oblong piece of cloth used to cover the head and shoulders
From this reading It clutched her shawl in hoydenish jest, tore one end of it free from her grasp, and ran its invisible, icy fingers down her neck.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "SMILES'" APPEAL It was snowing when she stepped outside,--a soft, white curtain of closely woven flakes rapidly dimming the early evening glow and bringing nightshades on apace.
shiveredverbUS /ˈʃɪvərd/
past form of “shiver” — tremble convulsively, as from fear or excitement
From this reading Rose shivered.
SMILESnounUS /smaɪlz/
plural of “smile” — a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading "SMILES'" APPEAL It was snowing when she stepped outside,--a soft, white curtain of closely woven flakes rapidly dimming the early evening glow and bringing nightshades on apace.
precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
From this reading The wind, too, was rising; its first fitful gusts drove the snow sweeping in whirling flurries across the open spaces, and then whistled off through the leafless trees.
snowingverbUS /ˈsnoʊɪŋ/
-ing form of “snow” — fall as snow
From this reading "SMILES'" APPEAL It was snowing when she stepped outside,--a soft, white curtain of closely woven flakes rapidly dimming the early evening glow and bringing nightshades on apace.
yielding readily to pressure or weight
From this reading "SMILES'" APPEAL It was snowing when she stepped outside,--a soft, white curtain of closely woven flakes rapidly dimming the early evening glow and bringing nightshades on apace.
spacesnounUS /ˈspeɪsəz/
plural of “space” — the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading The wind, too, was rising; its first fitful gusts drove the snow sweeping in whirling flurries across the open spaces, and then whistled off through the leafless trees.
inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step
From this reading "SMILES'" APPEAL It was snowing when she stepped outside,--a soft, white curtain of closely woven flakes rapidly dimming the early evening glow and bringing nightshades on apace.
sweepingadjectiveUS /ˈswiːpɪŋ/
taking in or moving over (or as if over) a wide area; often used in combination
From this reading The wind, too, was rising; its first fitful gusts drove the snow sweeping in whirling flurries across the open spaces, and then whistled off through the leafless trees.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "SMILES'" APPEAL It was snowing when she stepped outside,--a soft, white curtain of closely woven flakes rapidly dimming the early evening glow and bringing nightshades on apace.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading The wind, too, was rising; its first fitful gusts drove the snow sweeping in whirling flurries across the open spaces, and then whistled off through the leafless trees.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading The wind, too, was rising; its first fitful gusts drove the snow sweeping in whirling flurries across the open spaces, and then whistled off through the leafless trees.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading The wind, too, was rising; its first fitful gusts drove the snow sweeping in whirling flurries across the open spaces, and then whistled off through the leafless trees.
commonly the lowest molding at the base of a column
From this reading It clutched her shawl in hoydenish jest, tore one end of it free from her grasp, and ran its invisible, icy fingers down her neck.
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading The wind, too, was rising; its first fitful gusts drove the snow sweeping in whirling flurries across the open spaces, and then whistled off through the leafless trees.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "SMILES'" APPEAL It was snowing when she stepped outside,--a soft, white curtain of closely woven flakes rapidly dimming the early evening glow and bringing nightshades on apace.
at the time that
From this reading "SMILES'" APPEAL It was snowing when she stepped outside,--a soft, white curtain of closely woven flakes rapidly dimming the early evening glow and bringing nightshades on apace.
whirlingnounUS /ˈwɜːrlɪŋ/
the act of rotating in a circle or spiral
From this reading The wind, too, was rising; its first fitful gusts drove the snow sweeping in whirling flurries across the open spaces, and then whistled off through the leafless trees.
whistledverbUS /ˈwɪsəld/
past form of “whistle” — make whistling sounds
From this reading The wind, too, was rising; its first fitful gusts drove the snow sweeping in whirling flurries across the open spaces, and then whistled off through the leafless trees.
a Caucasian
From this reading "SMILES'" APPEAL It was snowing when she stepped outside,--a soft, white curtain of closely woven flakes rapidly dimming the early evening glow and bringing nightshades on apace.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading The wind, too, was rising; its first fitful gusts drove the snow sweeping in whirling flurries across the open spaces, and then whistled off through the leafless trees.
wovenadjectiveUS /ˈwoʊvən/
made or constructed by interlacing threads or strips of material or other elements into a whole
From this reading "SMILES'" APPEAL It was snowing when she stepped outside,--a soft, white curtain of closely woven flakes rapidly dimming the early evening glow and bringing nightshades on apace.
