used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE GLITTERING HEAVENS On a clear moonless night the stars appear uncountable.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading You see them twinkling through the leafless trees, and covering all the sky from the zenith, the highest point above your head, down to the horizon.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading But you would be quite wrong, for the number of stars that can be seen at once without a telescope does not exceed two thousand, and this, after the large figures we have been dealing with, appears a mere trifle.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading You see them twinkling through the leafless trees, and covering all the sky from the zenith, the highest point above your head, down to the horizon.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading You see them twinkling through the leafless trees, and covering all the sky from the zenith, the highest point above your head, down to the horizon.
react verbally
From this reading If you were asked to make a guess as to how many you can see at one time, no doubt you would answer 'Millions!'
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading THE GLITTERING HEAVENS On a clear moonless night the stars appear uncountable.
third-person singular of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading But you would be quite wrong, for the number of stars that can be seen at once without a telescope does not exceed two thousand, and this, after the large figures we have been dealing with, appears a mere trifle.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It seems as if someone had taken a gigantic pepper-pot and scattered them far and wide so that some had fallen in all directions.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading If you were asked to make a guess as to how many you can see at one time, no doubt you would answer 'Millions!'
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading If you were asked to make a guess as to how many you can see at one time, no doubt you would answer 'Millions!'
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading But you would be quite wrong, for the number of stars that can be seen at once without a telescope does not exceed two thousand, and this, after the large figures we have been dealing with, appears a mere trifle.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading But you would be quite wrong, for the number of stars that can be seen at once without a telescope does not exceed two thousand, and this, after the large figures we have been dealing with, appears a mere trifle.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But you would be quite wrong, for the number of stars that can be seen at once without a telescope does not exceed two thousand, and this, after the large figures we have been dealing with, appears a mere trifle.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading If you were asked to make a guess as to how many you can see at one time, no doubt you would answer 'Millions!'
rid of obstructions
From this reading THE GLITTERING HEAVENS On a clear moonless night the stars appear uncountable.
coveringnounUS /ˈkʌvərɪŋ/
a natural object that covers or envelops
From this reading You see them twinkling through the leafless trees, and covering all the sky from the zenith, the highest point above your head, down to the horizon.
dealingnounUS /ˈdiːlɪŋ/
method or manner of conduct in relation to others
From this reading But you would be quite wrong, for the number of stars that can be seen at once without a telescope does not exceed two thousand, and this, after the large figures we have been dealing with, appears a mere trifle.
plural of “direction” — a line leading to a place or point
From this reading It seems as if someone had taken a gigantic pepper-pot and scattered them far and wide so that some had fallen in all directions.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But you would be quite wrong, for the number of stars that can be seen at once without a telescope does not exceed two thousand, and this, after the large figures we have been dealing with, appears a mere trifle.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading If you were asked to make a guess as to how many you can see at one time, no doubt you would answer 'Millions!'
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading You see them twinkling through the leafless trees, and covering all the sky from the zenith, the highest point above your head, down to the horizon.
exceedverbUS /ɪkˈsiːd/
be greater in scope or size than some standard
From this reading But you would be quite wrong, for the number of stars that can be seen at once without a telescope does not exceed two thousand, and this, after the large figures we have been dealing with, appears a mere trifle.
having dropped by the force of gravity
From this reading It seems as if someone had taken a gigantic pepper-pot and scattered them far and wide so that some had fallen in all directions.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading It seems as if someone had taken a gigantic pepper-pot and scattered them far and wide so that some had fallen in all directions.
plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading But you would be quite wrong, for the number of stars that can be seen at once without a telescope does not exceed two thousand, and this, after the large figures we have been dealing with, appears a mere trifle.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But you would be quite wrong, for the number of stars that can be seen at once without a telescope does not exceed two thousand, and this, after the large figures we have been dealing with, appears a mere trifle.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading You see them twinkling through the leafless trees, and covering all the sky from the zenith, the highest point above your head, down to the horizon.
giganticadjectiveUS /dʒaɪˈɡæntɪk/
so exceedingly large or extensive as to suggest a giant or mammoth
From this reading It seems as if someone had taken a gigantic pepper-pot and scattered them far and wide so that some had fallen in all directions.
GLITTERINGadjectiveUS /ˈɡlɪtərɪŋ/
having brief brilliant points or flashes of light
From this reading THE GLITTERING HEAVENS On a clear moonless night the stars appear uncountable.
expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading If you were asked to make a guess as to how many you can see at one time, no doubt you would answer 'Millions!'
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It seems as if someone had taken a gigantic pepper-pot and scattered them far and wide so that some had fallen in all directions.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading But you would be quite wrong, for the number of stars that can be seen at once without a telescope does not exceed two thousand, and this, after the large figures we have been dealing with, appears a mere trifle.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading You see them twinkling through the leafless trees, and covering all the sky from the zenith, the highest point above your head, down to the horizon.
the apparent surface of the imaginary sphere on which celestial bodies appear to be projected
From this reading THE GLITTERING HEAVENS On a clear moonless night the stars appear uncountable.
superlative of “high” — greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading You see them twinkling through the leafless trees, and covering all the sky from the zenith, the highest point above your head, down to the horizon.
the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet
From this reading You see them twinkling through the leafless trees, and covering all the sky from the zenith, the highest point above your head, down to the horizon.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If you were asked to make a guess as to how many you can see at one time, no doubt you would answer 'Millions!'
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading It seems as if someone had taken a gigantic pepper-pot and scattered them far and wide so that some had fallen in all directions.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It seems as if someone had taken a gigantic pepper-pot and scattered them far and wide so that some had fallen in all directions.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It seems as if someone had taken a gigantic pepper-pot and scattered them far and wide so that some had fallen in all directions.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading But you would be quite wrong, for the number of stars that can be seen at once without a telescope does not exceed two thousand, and this, after the large figures we have been dealing with, appears a mere trifle.
leaflessadjectiveUS /ˈliːfləs/
having no leaves
From this reading You see them twinkling through the leafless trees, and covering all the sky from the zenith, the highest point above your head, down to the horizon.
engage in
From this reading If you were asked to make a guess as to how many you can see at one time, no doubt you would answer 'Millions!'
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading If you were asked to make a guess as to how many you can see at one time, no doubt you would answer 'Millions!'
being nothing more than specified
From this reading But you would be quite wrong, for the number of stars that can be seen at once without a telescope does not exceed two thousand, and this, after the large figures we have been dealing with, appears a mere trifle.
plural of “million” — the number that is represented as a one followed by 6 zeros
From this reading If you were asked to make a guess as to how many you can see at one time, no doubt you would answer 'Millions!'
moonlessadjective
without a moon or a visible moon
From this reading THE GLITTERING HEAVENS On a clear moonless night the stars appear uncountable.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading THE GLITTERING HEAVENS On a clear moonless night the stars appear uncountable.
not any; not one
From this reading If you were asked to make a guess as to how many you can see at one time, no doubt you would answer 'Millions!'
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading But you would be quite wrong, for the number of stars that can be seen at once without a telescope does not exceed two thousand, and this, after the large figures we have been dealing with, appears a mere trifle.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading But you would be quite wrong, for the number of stars that can be seen at once without a telescope does not exceed two thousand, and this, after the large figures we have been dealing with, appears a mere trifle.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading But you would be quite wrong, for the number of stars that can be seen at once without a telescope does not exceed two thousand, and this, after the large figures we have been dealing with, appears a mere trifle.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE GLITTERING HEAVENS On a clear moonless night the stars appear uncountable.
on one occasion
From this reading But you would be quite wrong, for the number of stars that can be seen at once without a telescope does not exceed two thousand, and this, after the large figures we have been dealing with, appears a mere trifle.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading If you were asked to make a guess as to how many you can see at one time, no doubt you would answer 'Millions!'
pepper-pot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seems as if someone had taken a gigantic pepper-pot and scattered them far and wide so that some had fallen in all directions.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading You see them twinkling through the leafless trees, and covering all the sky from the zenith, the highest point above your head, down to the horizon.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading But you would be quite wrong, for the number of stars that can be seen at once without a telescope does not exceed two thousand, and this, after the large figures we have been dealing with, appears a mere trifle.
occurring or distributed over widely spaced and irregular intervals in time or space
From this reading It seems as if someone had taken a gigantic pepper-pot and scattered them far and wide so that some had fallen in all directions.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading You see them twinkling through the leafless trees, and covering all the sky from the zenith, the highest point above your head, down to the horizon.
third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It seems as if someone had taken a gigantic pepper-pot and scattered them far and wide so that some had fallen in all directions.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading But you would be quite wrong, for the number of stars that can be seen at once without a telescope does not exceed two thousand, and this, after the large figures we have been dealing with, appears a mere trifle.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading You see them twinkling through the leafless trees, and covering all the sky from the zenith, the highest point above your head, down to the horizon.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It seems as if someone had taken a gigantic pepper-pot and scattered them far and wide so that some had fallen in all directions.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading It seems as if someone had taken a gigantic pepper-pot and scattered them far and wide so that some had fallen in all directions.
a person, without saying who
From this reading It seems as if someone had taken a gigantic pepper-pot and scattered them far and wide so that some had fallen in all directions.
plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
From this reading THE GLITTERING HEAVENS On a clear moonless night the stars appear uncountable.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading It seems as if someone had taken a gigantic pepper-pot and scattered them far and wide so that some had fallen in all directions.
telescopeverbUS /ˈteləskoʊp/
crush together or collapse
From this reading But you would be quite wrong, for the number of stars that can be seen at once without a telescope does not exceed two thousand, and this, after the large figures we have been dealing with, appears a mere trifle.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It seems as if someone had taken a gigantic pepper-pot and scattered them far and wide so that some had fallen in all directions.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE GLITTERING HEAVENS On a clear moonless night the stars appear uncountable.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading You see them twinkling through the leafless trees, and covering all the sky from the zenith, the highest point above your head, down to the horizon.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading But you would be quite wrong, for the number of stars that can be seen at once without a telescope does not exceed two thousand, and this, after the large figures we have been dealing with, appears a mere trifle.
the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
From this reading But you would be quite wrong, for the number of stars that can be seen at once without a telescope does not exceed two thousand, and this, after the large figures we have been dealing with, appears a mere trifle.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading You see them twinkling through the leafless trees, and covering all the sky from the zenith, the highest point above your head, down to the horizon.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading If you were asked to make a guess as to how many you can see at one time, no doubt you would answer 'Millions!'
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading You see them twinkling through the leafless trees, and covering all the sky from the zenith, the highest point above your head, down to the horizon.
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 You see them twinkling through the leafless trees, and covering all the sky from the zenith, the highest point above your head, down to the horizon.
a cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly; may be decorated with nuts, cream, or chocolate
From this reading But you would be quite wrong, for the number of stars that can be seen at once without a telescope does not exceed two thousand, and this, after the large figures we have been dealing with, appears a mere trifle.
twinklingnounUS /ˈtwɪŋkəlɪŋ/
a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
From this reading You see them twinkling through the leafless trees, and covering all the sky from the zenith, the highest point above your head, down to the horizon.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading But you would be quite wrong, for the number of stars that can be seen at once without a telescope does not exceed two thousand, and this, after the large figures we have been dealing with, appears a mere trifle.
uncountable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE GLITTERING HEAVENS On a clear moonless night the stars appear uncountable.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading But you would be quite wrong, for the number of stars that can be seen at once without a telescope does not exceed two thousand, and this, after the large figures we have been dealing with, appears a mere trifle.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading If you were asked to make a guess as to how many you can see at one time, no doubt you would answer 'Millions!'
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading It seems as if someone had taken a gigantic pepper-pot and scattered them far and wide so that some had fallen in all directions.
in the company of; together with
From this reading But you would be quite wrong, for the number of stars that can be seen at once without a telescope does not exceed two thousand, and this, after the large figures we have been dealing with, appears a mere trifle.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading But you would be quite wrong, for the number of stars that can be seen at once without a telescope does not exceed two thousand, and this, after the large figures we have been dealing with, appears a mere trifle.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading If you were asked to make a guess as to how many you can see at one time, no doubt you would answer 'Millions!'
not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth
From this reading But you would be quite wrong, for the number of stars that can be seen at once without a telescope does not exceed two thousand, and this, after the large figures we have been dealing with, appears a mere trifle.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading You see them twinkling through the leafless trees, and covering all the sky from the zenith, the highest point above your head, down to the horizon.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading You see them twinkling through the leafless trees, and covering all the sky from the zenith, the highest point above your head, down to the horizon.
zenithnounUS /ˈziːnəθ/
the point above the observer that is directly opposite the nadir on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected
From this reading You see them twinkling through the leafless trees, and covering all the sky from the zenith, the highest point above your head, down to the horizon.
