used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading CALUMET PLAYS BETTY'S GAME The silence between Betty and Calumet continued so long that it grew oppressive.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Betty's eyes in the flickering glare of the candle light, were steady and unwavering as she vainly searched for any sign of emotion in the mask-like features of the man seated before her.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Betty's eyes in the flickering glare of the candle light, were steady and unwavering as she vainly searched for any sign of emotion in the mask-like features of the man seated before her.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Betty's eyes in the flickering glare of the candle light, were steady and unwavering as she vainly searched for any sign of emotion in the mask-like features of the man seated before her.
Betty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CALUMET PLAYS BETTY'S GAME The silence between Betty and Calumet continued so long that it grew oppressive.
BETTY'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CALUMET PLAYS BETTY'S GAME The silence between Betty and Calumet continued so long that it grew oppressive.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading CALUMET PLAYS BETTY'S GAME The silence between Betty and Calumet continued so long that it grew oppressive.
plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization
From this reading The night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
terminate
From this reading She saw the mask break presently, and a cold, mirthless smile wreathe his lips.
CALUMETnounUS /ˌkæljəˈmet/
a highly decorated ceremonial pipe of Amerindians; smoked on ceremonial occasions (especially as a token of peace)
From this reading CALUMET PLAYS BETTY'S GAME The silence between Betty and Calumet continued so long that it grew oppressive.
Calumet's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading The night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
stick of wax with a wick in the middle
From this reading Betty's eyes in the flickering glare of the candle light, were steady and unwavering as she vainly searched for any sign of emotion in the mask-like features of the man seated before her.
not open or affording passage or access
From this reading The night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading She saw the mask break presently, and a cold, mirthless smile wreathe his lips.
without stop or interruption
From this reading CALUMET PLAYS BETTY'S GAME The silence between Betty and Calumet continued so long that it grew oppressive.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading The night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading The night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
any strong feeling
From this reading Betty's eyes in the flickering glare of the candle light, were steady and unwavering as she vainly searched for any sign of emotion in the mask-like features of the man seated before her.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Betty's eyes in the flickering glare of the candle light, were steady and unwavering as she vainly searched for any sign of emotion in the mask-like features of the man seated before her.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading The night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading Betty's eyes in the flickering glare of the candle light, were steady and unwavering as she vainly searched for any sign of emotion in the mask-like features of the man seated before her.
flickeringadjectiveUS /ˈflɪkərɪŋ/
shining unsteadily
From this reading Betty's eyes in the flickering glare of the candle light, were steady and unwavering as she vainly searched for any sign of emotion in the mask-like features of the man seated before her.
flittered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Betty's eyes in the flickering glare of the candle light, were steady and unwavering as she vainly searched for any sign of emotion in the mask-like features of the man seated before her.
a contest with rules to determine a winner
From this reading CALUMET PLAYS BETTY'S GAME The silence between Betty and Calumet continued so long that it grew oppressive.
glarenounUS /ɡler/
a light within the field of vision that is brighter than the brightness to which the eyes are adapted
From this reading Betty's eyes in the flickering glare of the candle light, were steady and unwavering as she vainly searched for any sign of emotion in the mask-like features of the man seated before her.
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading CALUMET PLAYS BETTY'S GAME The silence between Betty and Calumet continued so long that it grew oppressive.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "You make me sick," he said slowly.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Betty's eyes in the flickering glare of the candle light, were steady and unwavering as she vainly searched for any sign of emotion in the mask-like features of the man seated before her.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading She saw the mask break presently, and a cold, mirthless smile wreathe his lips.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading CALUMET PLAYS BETTY'S GAME The silence between Betty and Calumet continued so long that it grew oppressive.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading Betty's eyes in the flickering glare of the candle light, were steady and unwavering as she vainly searched for any sign of emotion in the mask-like features of the man seated before her.
plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
From this reading She saw the mask break presently, and a cold, mirthless smile wreathe his lips.
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 CALUMET PLAYS BETTY'S GAME The silence between Betty and Calumet continued so long that it grew oppressive.
engage in
From this reading "You make me sick," he said slowly.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Betty's eyes in the flickering glare of the candle light, were steady and unwavering as she vainly searched for any sign of emotion in the mask-like features of the man seated before her.
maskverbUS /mæsk/
hide under a false appearance
From this reading She saw the mask break presently, and a cold, mirthless smile wreathe his lips.
mask-like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Betty's eyes in the flickering glare of the candle light, were steady and unwavering as she vainly searched for any sign of emotion in the mask-like features of the man seated before her.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "You make me sick," he said slowly.
mirthlessadjective
lacking mirth
From this reading She saw the mask break presently, and a cold, mirthless smile wreathe his lips.
moonbeamnounUS /ˈmuːnbiːm/
a ray of moonlight
From this reading The night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading The night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading The night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
noisesnounUS /ˈnɔɪzɪz/
plural of “noise” — sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)
From this reading The night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
oppressiveadjectiveUS /əˈpresɪv/
weighing heavily on the senses or spirit
From this reading CALUMET PLAYS BETTY'S GAME The silence between Betty and Calumet continued so long that it grew oppressive.
penetratedverbUS /ˈpenətreɪtɪd/
past form of “penetrate” — pass into or through, often by overcoming resistance
From this reading The night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
PLAYSnounUS /pleɪz/
plural of “play” — a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
From this reading CALUMET PLAYS BETTY'S GAME The silence between Betty and Calumet continued so long that it grew oppressive.
in the near future
From this reading She saw the mask break presently, and a cold, mirthless smile wreathe his lips.
ranchhouse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
rapier-like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "You make me sick," he said slowly.
cut with a saw
From this reading She saw the mask break presently, and a cold, mirthless smile wreathe his lips.
searchedverbUS /sɜːrtʃt/
past form of “search” — try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of
From this reading Betty's eyes in the flickering glare of the candle light, were steady and unwavering as she vainly searched for any sign of emotion in the mask-like features of the man seated before her.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading Betty's eyes in the flickering glare of the candle light, were steady and unwavering as she vainly searched for any sign of emotion in the mask-like features of the man seated before her.
shaftnounUS /ʃæft/
a line that forms the length of an arrow pointer
From this reading The night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Betty's eyes in the flickering glare of the candle light, were steady and unwavering as she vainly searched for any sign of emotion in the mask-like features of the man seated before her.
affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function
From this reading "You make me sick," he said slowly.
a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading Betty's eyes in the flickering glare of the candle light, were steady and unwavering as she vainly searched for any sign of emotion in the mask-like features of the man seated before her.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading CALUMET PLAYS BETTY'S GAME The silence between Betty and Calumet continued so long that it grew oppressive.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading "You make me sick," he said slowly.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading She saw the mask break presently, and a cold, mirthless smile wreathe his lips.
sneeringadjectiveUS /ˈsnɪrɪŋ/
expressive of contempt
From this reading The night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading CALUMET PLAYS BETTY'S GAME The silence between Betty and Calumet continued so long that it grew oppressive.
make steady
From this reading Betty's eyes in the flickering glare of the candle light, were steady and unwavering as she vainly searched for any sign of emotion in the mask-like features of the man seated before her.
stragglingadjective
spreading out in different directions or distributed irregularly
From this reading The night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading CALUMET PLAYS BETTY'S GAME The silence between Betty and Calumet continued so long that it grew oppressive.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading CALUMET PLAYS BETTY'S GAME The silence between Betty and Calumet continued so long that it grew oppressive.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading The night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading The night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
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 night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
unwaveringadjectiveUS /ənˈweɪvərɪŋ/
marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
From this reading Betty's eyes in the flickering glare of the candle light, were steady and unwavering as she vainly searched for any sign of emotion in the mask-like features of the man seated before her.
vainlyadverbUS /ˈveɪnli/
to no avail
From this reading Betty's eyes in the flickering glare of the candle light, were steady and unwavering as she vainly searched for any sign of emotion in the mask-like features of the man seated before her.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Betty's eyes in the flickering glare of the candle light, were steady and unwavering as she vainly searched for any sign of emotion in the mask-like features of the man seated before her.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading The night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees
From this reading The night noises came to their ears through the closed door; a straggling moonbeam flittered through the branches of a tree in the wood near the ranchhouse, penetrated the window and threw a rapier-like shaft on Calumet's sneering face.
wreatheverb
move with slow, sinuous movements
From this reading She saw the mask break presently, and a cold, mirthless smile wreathe his lips.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "You make me sick," he said slowly.
