used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The Friedrichs-Halle was old and shabby and had originally been a market.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading Mendelssohn had walked there, and Schumann, and Brahms; and the air, as it could not be changed, was the same.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The Friedrichs-Halle was old and shabby and had originally been a market.
arcadenounUS /ɑːrˈkeɪd/
a covered passageway with shops and stalls on either side
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Mendelssohn had walked there, and Schumann, and Brahms; and the air, as it could not be changed, was the same.
associationsnounUS /əˌsoʊsiˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “association” — a formal organization of people or groups of people
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Mendelssohn had walked there, and Schumann, and Brahms; and the air, as it could not be changed, was the same.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The Friedrichs-Halle was old and shabby and had originally been a market.
BrahmsnounUS /brɑːmz/
German composer who developed the romantic style of both lyrical and classical music (1833-1897)
From this reading Mendelssohn had walked there, and Schumann, and Brahms; and the air, as it could not be changed, was the same.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
made or become different in nature or form
From this reading Mendelssohn had walked there, and Schumann, and Brahms; and the air, as it could not be changed, was the same.
connectingverbUS /kəˈnektɪŋ/
-ing form of “connect” — connect, fasten, or put together two or more pieces
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Mendelssohn had walked there, and Schumann, and Brahms; and the air, as it could not be changed, was the same.
dearly loved
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading The very microbes were musical, and the walls were smudged with snatches of motives, jotted down for remembrance.
something that provides access (to get in or get out)
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The very microbes were musical, and the walls were smudged with snatches of motives, jotted down for remembrance.
Friedrichs-Halle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Friedrichs-Halle was old and shabby and had originally been a market.
gallerynounUS /ˈɡæləri/
spectators at a golf or tennis match
From this reading "Is there a seat left in the top gallery--just one?"
green-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The Friedrichs-Halle was old and shabby and had originally been a market.
a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
ill-smellingadjective
having an unpleasant smell
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "Is there a seat left in the top gallery--just one?"
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Is there a seat left in the top gallery--just one?"
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Mendelssohn had walked there, and Schumann, and Brahms; and the air, as it could not be changed, was the same.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
jottedverbUS /ˈdʒɑːtɪd/
inflected form of “jot” — write briefly or hurriedly; write a short note of
From this reading The very microbes were musical, and the walls were smudged with snatches of motives, jotted down for remembrance.
and nothing more
From this reading "Is there a seat left in the top gallery--just one?"
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 "Is there a seat left in the top gallery--just one?"
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
the world of commercial activity where goods and services are bought and sold
From this reading The Friedrichs-Halle was old and shabby and had originally been a market.
MendelssohnnounUS /ˈmendəlsən/
German musician and romantic composer of orchestral and choral works (1809-1847)
From this reading Mendelssohn had walked there, and Schumann, and Brahms; and the air, as it could not be changed, was the same.
microbesnounUS /ˈmaɪkroʊbz/
plural of “microbe” — a minute life form (especially a disease-causing bacterium); the term is not in technical use
From this reading The very microbes were musical, and the walls were smudged with snatches of motives, jotted down for remembrance.
motivesnounUS /ˈmoʊtɪvz/
plural of “motive” — the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior
From this reading The very microbes were musical, and the walls were smudged with snatches of motives, jotted down for remembrance.
musicaladjectiveUS /ˈmjuːzɪkəl/
characterized by or capable of producing music
From this reading The very microbes were musical, and the walls were smudged with snatches of motives, jotted down for remembrance.
musiciansnounUS /mjuːˈzɪʃənz/
plural of “musician” — someone who plays a musical instrument (as a profession)
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Mendelssohn had walked there, and Schumann, and Brahms; and the air, as it could not be changed, was the same.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading The Friedrichs-Halle was old and shabby and had originally been a market.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading "Is there a seat left in the top gallery--just one?"
OperanounUS /ˈɑːprə/
a drama set to music; consists of singing with orchestral accompaniment and an orchestral overture and interludes
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
originallyadverbUS /ərˈɪdʒənəli/
in an original manner
From this reading The Friedrichs-Halle was old and shabby and had originally been a market.
the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
remembrancenounUS /riˈmembrəns/
the ability to recall past occurrences
From this reading The very microbes were musical, and the walls were smudged with snatches of motives, jotted down for remembrance.
Identical; not different.
From this reading Mendelssohn had walked there, and Schumann, and Brahms; and the air, as it could not be changed, was the same.
SchumannnounUS /ˈʃuːmən/
German pianist and composer of piano music; renowned for her interpretation of music, especially the music of her husband Robert Schumann (1819-1896)
From this reading Mendelssohn had walked there, and Schumann, and Brahms; and the air, as it could not be changed, was the same.
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading "Is there a seat left in the top gallery--just one?"
shabbyadjectiveUS /ˈʃæbi/
showing signs of wear and tear
From this reading The Friedrichs-Halle was old and shabby and had originally been a market.
smudgedverbUS /smʌdʒd/
past form of “smudge” — make a smudge on; soil by smudging
From this reading The very microbes were musical, and the walls were smudged with snatches of motives, jotted down for remembrance.
snatchesnounUS /ˈsnætʃɪz/
plural of “snatch” — a small fragment
From this reading The very microbes were musical, and the walls were smudged with snatches of motives, jotted down for remembrance.
stage-door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Friedrichs-Halle was old and shabby and had originally been a market.
in or at that place or location
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
the upper part of anything
From this reading "Is there a seat left in the top gallery--just one?"
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
undergroundadjectiveUS /ˈʌndərɡraʊnd/
under the level of the ground
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
precisely as stated
From this reading The very microbes were musical, and the walls were smudged with snatches of motives, jotted down for remembrance.
past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps
From this reading Mendelssohn had walked there, and Schumann, and Brahms; and the air, as it could not be changed, was the same.
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 The very microbes were musical, and the walls were smudged with snatches of motives, jotted down for remembrance.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Friedrichs-Halle was old and shabby and had originally been a market.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The very microbes were musical, and the walls were smudged with snatches of motives, jotted down for remembrance.
(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading The entrance was under an arcade, and there was an underground passage, connecting the green-room with the stage-door of the Opera House; a passage narrow and ill-smelling, without windows or light; but dear to the hearts of musicians by reason of its associations.
