used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The sky had been covered for several days with heavy clouds that sent down their rain with a steadiness not usual in storms.
AfricanounUS /ˈæfrəkɑː/
the second largest continent; located to the south of Europe and bordered to the west by the South Atlantic and to the east by the Indian Ocean
From this reading The wind that came from the Levant roared as if it brought with it, to terrify Spain, the menacing howls of the savage children of Africa and the growling of its lions.
Ah
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ah, merciful God," answered her mother, "with swamps for a floor, tents that let the water through for shelter, and the cholera killing them by hundreds, and the Moors lying in ambush for them or treacherously following them, and those eternal nights that swallow up the days!
ambushverbUS /ˈæmbʊʃ/
wait in hiding to attack
From this reading "Ah, merciful God," answered her mother, "with swamps for a floor, tents that let the water through for shelter, and the cholera killing them by hundreds, and the Moors lying in ambush for them or treacherously following them, and those eternal nights that swallow up the days!
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Two months later, that is to say, toward the middle of January, John Joseph, his wife, and his daughter were seated one evening around the brazier.
past form of “answer” — react verbally
From this reading "Ah, merciful God," answered her mother, "with swamps for a floor, tents that let the water through for shelter, and the cholera killing them by hundreds, and the Moors lying in ambush for them or treacherously following them, and those eternal nights that swallow up the days!
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading Two months later, that is to say, toward the middle of January, John Joseph, his wife, and his daughter were seated one evening around the brazier.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The wind that came from the Levant roared as if it brought with it, to terrify Spain, the menacing howls of the savage children of Africa and the growling of its lions.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading "Who knows what they may be going through now!" said Catherine, in a voice choked with emotion.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The sky had been covered for several days with heavy clouds that sent down their rain with a steadiness not usual in storms.
braziernounUS /ˈbreɪziər/
large metal container in which coal or charcoal is burned; warms people who must stay outside for long times
From this reading Two months later, that is to say, toward the middle of January, John Joseph, his wife, and his daughter were seated one evening around the brazier.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading The wind that came from the Levant roared as if it brought with it, to terrify Spain, the menacing howls of the savage children of Africa and the growling of its lions.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading "Ah, merciful God," answered her mother, "with swamps for a floor, tents that let the water through for shelter, and the cholera killing them by hundreds, and the Moors lying in ambush for them or treacherously following them, and those eternal nights that swallow up the days!
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading The wind that came from the Levant roared as if it brought with it, to terrify Spain, the menacing howls of the savage children of Africa and the growling of its lions.
CatherinenounUS /ˈkæθərən/
first wife of Henry VIII; Henry VIII's divorce from her was the initial step of the Reformation in England (1485-1536)
From this reading "Who knows what they may be going through now!" said Catherine, in a voice choked with emotion.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading The wind that came from the Levant roared as if it brought with it, to terrify Spain, the menacing howls of the savage children of Africa and the growling of its lions.
chokedadjectiveUS /tʃoʊkt/
stopped up; clogged up
From this reading "Who knows what they may be going through now!" said Catherine, in a voice choked with emotion.
choleranounUS /ˈkɑːlərə/
an acute intestinal infection caused by ingestion of contaminated water or food
From this reading "Ah, merciful God," answered her mother, "with swamps for a floor, tents that let the water through for shelter, and the cholera killing them by hundreds, and the Moors lying in ambush for them or treacherously following them, and those eternal nights that swallow up the days!
plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible
From this reading The sky had been covered for several days with heavy clouds that sent down their rain with a steadiness not usual in storms.
overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form
From this reading The sky had been covered for several days with heavy clouds that sent down their rain with a steadiness not usual in storms.
a female human offspring
From this reading Two months later, that is to say, toward the middle of January, John Joseph, his wife, and his daughter were seated one evening around the brazier.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading The sky had been covered for several days with heavy clouds that sent down their rain with a steadiness not usual in storms.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading The sky had been covered for several days with heavy clouds that sent down their rain with a steadiness not usual in storms.
any strong feeling
From this reading "Who knows what they may be going through now!" said Catherine, in a voice choked with emotion.
continuing forever or indefinitely
From this reading "Ah, merciful God," answered her mother, "with swamps for a floor, tents that let the water through for shelter, and the cholera killing them by hundreds, and the Moors lying in ambush for them or treacherously following them, and those eternal nights that swallow up the days!
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading Two months later, that is to say, toward the middle of January, John Joseph, his wife, and his daughter were seated one evening around the brazier.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading "Ah, merciful God," answered her mother, "with swamps for a floor, tents that let the water through for shelter, and the cholera killing them by hundreds, and the Moors lying in ambush for them or treacherously following them, and those eternal nights that swallow up the days!
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading "Ah, merciful God," answered her mother, "with swamps for a floor, tents that let the water through for shelter, and the cholera killing them by hundreds, and the Moors lying in ambush for them or treacherously following them, and those eternal nights that swallow up the days!
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The sky had been covered for several days with heavy clouds that sent down their rain with a steadiness not usual in storms.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The wind that came from the Levant roared as if it brought with it, to terrify Spain, the menacing howls of the savage children of Africa and the growling of its lions.
the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions
From this reading "Ah, merciful God," answered her mother, "with swamps for a floor, tents that let the water through for shelter, and the cholera killing them by hundreds, and the Moors lying in ambush for them or treacherously following them, and those eternal nights that swallow up the days!
the act of departing
From this reading "Who knows what they may be going through now!" said Catherine, in a voice choked with emotion.
growlingnounUS /ˈɡroʊlɪŋ/
a gruff or angry utterance (suggestive of the growling of an animal)
From this reading The wind that came from the Levant roared as if it brought with it, to terrify Spain, the menacing howls of the savage children of Africa and the growling of its lions.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The sky had been covered for several days with heavy clouds that sent down their rain with a steadiness not usual in storms.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading The sky had been covered for several days with heavy clouds that sent down their rain with a steadiness not usual in storms.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading "Ah, merciful God," answered her mother, "with swamps for a floor, tents that let the water through for shelter, and the cholera killing them by hundreds, and the Moors lying in ambush for them or treacherously following them, and those eternal nights that swallow up the days!
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Two months later, that is to say, toward the middle of January, John Joseph, his wife, and his daughter were seated one evening around the brazier.
howlsnounUS /haʊlz/
plural of “howl” — a long loud emotional utterance
From this reading The wind that came from the Levant roared as if it brought with it, to terrify Spain, the menacing howls of the savage children of Africa and the growling of its lions.
plural of “hundred” — ten 10s
From this reading "Ah, merciful God," answered her mother, "with swamps for a floor, tents that let the water through for shelter, and the cholera killing them by hundreds, and the Moors lying in ambush for them or treacherously following them, and those eternal nights that swallow up the days!
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The wind that came from the Levant roared as if it brought with it, to terrify Spain, the menacing howls of the savage children of Africa and the growling of its lions.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The sky had been covered for several days with heavy clouds that sent down their rain with a steadiness not usual in storms.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Two months later, that is to say, toward the middle of January, John Joseph, his wife, and his daughter were seated one evening around the brazier.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The wind that came from the Levant roared as if it brought with it, to terrify Spain, the menacing howls of the savage children of Africa and the growling of its lions.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The wind that came from the Levant roared as if it brought with it, to terrify Spain, the menacing howls of the savage children of Africa and the growling of its lions.
JanuarynounUS /ˈdʒænjuːeri/
the first month of the year; begins 10 days after the winter solstice
From this reading Two months later, that is to say, toward the middle of January, John Joseph, his wife, and his daughter were seated one evening around the brazier.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading Two months later, that is to say, toward the middle of January, John Joseph, his wife, and his daughter were seated one evening around the brazier.
leader of the Nez Perce in their retreat from United States troops (1840-1904)
From this reading Two months later, that is to say, toward the middle of January, John Joseph, his wife, and his daughter were seated one evening around the brazier.
killingnounUS /ˈkɪlɪŋ/
an event that causes someone to die
From this reading "Ah, merciful God," answered her mother, "with swamps for a floor, tents that let the water through for shelter, and the cholera killing them by hundreds, and the Moors lying in ambush for them or treacherously following them, and those eternal nights that swallow up the days!
plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people
From this reading "Who knows what they may be going through now!" said Catherine, in a voice choked with emotion.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading Two months later, that is to say, toward the middle of January, John Joseph, his wife, and his daughter were seated one evening around the brazier.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading "Ah, merciful God," answered her mother, "with swamps for a floor, tents that let the water through for shelter, and the cholera killing them by hundreds, and the Moors lying in ambush for them or treacherously following them, and those eternal nights that swallow up the days!
LevantnounUS /ləˈvænt/
a heavy morocco often used in bookbinding
From this reading The wind that came from the Levant roared as if it brought with it, to terrify Spain, the menacing howls of the savage children of Africa and the growling of its lions.
lionsnounUS /ˈlaɪənz/
plural of “lion” — large gregarious predatory feline of Africa and India having a tawny coat with a shaggy mane in the male
From this reading The wind that came from the Levant roared as if it brought with it, to terrify Spain, the menacing howls of the savage children of Africa and the growling of its lions.
the deliberate act of deviating from the truth
From this reading "Ah, merciful God," answered her mother, "with swamps for a floor, tents that let the water through for shelter, and the cholera killing them by hundreds, and the Moors lying in ambush for them or treacherously following them, and those eternal nights that swallow up the days!
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading "Who knows what they may be going through now!" said Catherine, in a voice choked with emotion.
menacingadjectiveUS /ˈmenəsɪŋ/
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
From this reading The wind that came from the Levant roared as if it brought with it, to terrify Spain, the menacing howls of the savage children of Africa and the growling of its lions.
mercifuladjectiveUS /ˈmɜːrsɪfəl/
showing or giving mercy
From this reading "Ah, merciful God," answered her mother, "with swamps for a floor, tents that let the water through for shelter, and the cholera killing them by hundreds, and the Moors lying in ambush for them or treacherously following them, and those eternal nights that swallow up the days!
an area that is approximately central within some larger region
From this reading Two months later, that is to say, toward the middle of January, John Joseph, his wife, and his daughter were seated one evening around the brazier.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading Two months later, that is to say, toward the middle of January, John Joseph, his wife, and his daughter were seated one evening around the brazier.
MoorsnounUS /mʊrz/
plural of “moor” — one of the Muslim people of north Africa; of mixed Arab and Berber descent; converted to Islam in the 8th century; conqueror of Spain in the 8th century
From this reading "Ah, merciful God," answered her mother, "with swamps for a floor, tents that let the water through for shelter, and the cholera killing them by hundreds, and the Moors lying in ambush for them or treacherously following them, and those eternal nights that swallow up the days!
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading "Ah, merciful God," answered her mother, "with swamps for a floor, tents that let the water through for shelter, and the cholera killing them by hundreds, and the Moors lying in ambush for them or treacherously following them, and those eternal nights that swallow up the days!
Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.
From this reading "Ah, merciful God," answered her mother, "with swamps for a floor, tents that let the water through for shelter, and the cholera killing them by hundreds, and the Moors lying in ambush for them or treacherously following them, and those eternal nights that swallow up the days!
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The sky had been covered for several days with heavy clouds that sent down their rain with a steadiness not usual in storms.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading "Who knows what they may be going through now!" said Catherine, in a voice choked with emotion.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Two months later, that is to say, toward the middle of January, John Joseph, his wife, and his daughter were seated one evening around the brazier.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Two months later, that is to say, toward the middle of January, John Joseph, his wife, and his daughter were seated one evening around the brazier.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading "Ah, merciful God," answered her mother, "with swamps for a floor, tents that let the water through for shelter, and the cholera killing them by hundreds, and the Moors lying in ambush for them or treacherously following them, and those eternal nights that swallow up the days!
water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
From this reading The sky had been covered for several days with heavy clouds that sent down their rain with a steadiness not usual in storms.
roaredverbUS /rɔːrd/
past form of “roar” — make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles
From this reading The wind that came from the Levant roared as if it brought with it, to terrify Spain, the menacing howls of the savage children of Africa and the growling of its lions.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "Who knows what they may be going through now!" said Catherine, in a voice choked with emotion.
(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
From this reading The wind that came from the Levant roared as if it brought with it, to terrify Spain, the menacing howls of the savage children of Africa and the growling of its lions.
express in words
From this reading Two months later, that is to say, toward the middle of January, John Joseph, his wife, and his daughter were seated one evening around the brazier.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading Two months later, that is to say, toward the middle of January, John Joseph, his wife, and his daughter were seated one evening around the brazier.
100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia
From this reading The sky had been covered for several days with heavy clouds that sent down their rain with a steadiness not usual in storms.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading The sky had been covered for several days with heavy clouds that sent down their rain with a steadiness not usual in storms.
a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger
From this reading "Ah, merciful God," answered her mother, "with swamps for a floor, tents that let the water through for shelter, and the cholera killing them by hundreds, and the Moors lying in ambush for them or treacherously following them, and those eternal nights that swallow up the days!
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading The sky had been covered for several days with heavy clouds that sent down their rain with a steadiness not usual in storms.
SpainnounUS /speɪn/
a parliamentary monarchy in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula; a former colonial power
From this reading The wind that came from the Levant roared as if it brought with it, to terrify Spain, the menacing howls of the savage children of Africa and the growling of its lions.
steadinessnounUS /ˈstedinɪs/
freedom from wavering or indecision; constancy of resolve or conduct
From this reading The sky had been covered for several days with heavy clouds that sent down their rain with a steadiness not usual in storms.
stormsnounUS /stɔːrmz/
plural of “storm” — a violent weather condition with winds 64-72 knots (11 on the Beaufort scale) and precipitation and thunder and lightning
From this reading The sky had been covered for several days with heavy clouds that sent down their rain with a steadiness not usual in storms.
swallowverbUS /ˈswɑːloʊ/
pass through the esophagus as part of eating or drinking
From this reading "Ah, merciful God," answered her mother, "with swamps for a floor, tents that let the water through for shelter, and the cholera killing them by hundreds, and the Moors lying in ambush for them or treacherously following them, and those eternal nights that swallow up the days!
swampsnounUS /swɑːmps/
plural of “swamp” — low land that is seasonally flooded; has more woody plants than a marsh and better drainage than a bog
From this reading "Ah, merciful God," answered her mother, "with swamps for a floor, tents that let the water through for shelter, and the cholera killing them by hundreds, and the Moors lying in ambush for them or treacherously following them, and those eternal nights that swallow up the days!
tentsnounUS /tents/
plural of “tent” — a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)
From this reading "Ah, merciful God," answered her mother, "with swamps for a floor, tents that let the water through for shelter, and the cholera killing them by hundreds, and the Moors lying in ambush for them or treacherously following them, and those eternal nights that swallow up the days!
terrifyverbUS /ˈterəfaɪ/
fill with terror; frighten greatly
From this reading The wind that came from the Levant roared as if it brought with it, to terrify Spain, the menacing howls of the savage children of Africa and the growling of its lions.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Two months later, that is to say, toward the middle of January, John Joseph, his wife, and his daughter were seated one evening around the brazier.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Two months later, that is to say, toward the middle of January, John Joseph, his wife, and his daughter were seated one evening around the brazier.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The sky had been covered for several days with heavy clouds that sent down their rain with a steadiness not usual in storms.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading "Ah, merciful God," answered her mother, "with swamps for a floor, tents that let the water through for shelter, and the cholera killing them by hundreds, and the Moors lying in ambush for them or treacherously following them, and those eternal nights that swallow up the days!
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "Who knows what they may be going through now!" said Catherine, in a voice choked with emotion.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading "Ah, merciful God," answered her mother, "with swamps for a floor, tents that let the water through for shelter, and the cholera killing them by hundreds, and the Moors lying in ambush for them or treacherously following them, and those eternal nights that swallow up the days!
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading "Who knows what they may be going through now!" said Catherine, in a voice choked with emotion.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Two months later, that is to say, toward the middle of January, John Joseph, his wife, and his daughter were seated one evening around the brazier.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading Two months later, that is to say, toward the middle of January, John Joseph, his wife, and his daughter were seated one evening around the brazier.
treacherouslyadverb
in a disloyal and faithless manner
From this reading "Ah, merciful God," answered her mother, "with swamps for a floor, tents that let the water through for shelter, and the cholera killing them by hundreds, and the Moors lying in ambush for them or treacherously following them, and those eternal nights that swallow up the days!
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Two months later, that is to say, toward the middle of January, John Joseph, his wife, and his daughter were seated one evening around the brazier.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading "Ah, merciful God," answered her mother, "with swamps for a floor, tents that let the water through for shelter, and the cholera killing them by hundreds, and the Moors lying in ambush for them or treacherously following them, and those eternal nights that swallow up the days!
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading The sky had been covered for several days with heavy clouds that sent down their rain with a steadiness not usual in storms.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading "Who knows what they may be going through now!" said Catherine, in a voice choked with emotion.
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading "Ah, merciful God," answered her mother, "with swamps for a floor, tents that let the water through for shelter, and the cholera killing them by hundreds, and the Moors lying in ambush for them or treacherously following them, and those eternal nights that swallow up the days!
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Two months later, that is to say, toward the middle of January, John Joseph, his wife, and his daughter were seated one evening around the brazier.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading "Who knows what they may be going through now!" said Catherine, in a voice choked with emotion.
which person or people
From this reading "Who knows what they may be going through now!" said Catherine, in a voice choked with emotion.
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading Two months later, that is to say, toward the middle of January, John Joseph, his wife, and his daughter were seated one evening around the brazier.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading The wind that came from the Levant roared as if it brought with it, to terrify Spain, the menacing howls of the savage children of Africa and the growling of its lions.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The sky had been covered for several days with heavy clouds that sent down their rain with a steadiness not usual in storms.
